Browse Patio Furniture Sets at Greathouse Furniture & Patio

When you invest in patio furniture for your home, it’s essential to do research and compare materials to get the best value. Not only should your new outdoor furniture look attractive and be comfortable to sit on, but it should also be built to withstand the elements. As one of the leading outdoor furniture providers in San Diego, Greathouse Furniture & Patio offers tips for selecting the best materials for outdoor furniture in sunny Southern California. Heed our advice, and you’ll enjoy your new patio furniture set for many years to come. Come see our massive selection in our 30,000-square-foot facility or browse our collections online. With over 150 product lines, we have something for everyone!

What Factors Are Important When Choosing Patio Furniture?

If you’re a first-time homeowner, you may be wondering what criteria are the most important when buying outdoor patio furniture. While aesthetics, comfort, and affordability are certainly chief among your concerns, you should also consider durability and functionality. Patio furniture sets often take a beating with rainstorms, high winds, humidity, and sunshine that can fade their upholstery and finishes. You’ll want to select materials that retain their structural integrity through various weather conditions. While nothing is 100% weatherproof, some materials are better-suited for patio furniture frames, upholstery, and tabletops than others to avoid warping, cracking, mildew, rot, rust, and corrosion.

Comparing the Most Popular Materials for Outdoor Furniture

When it comes to outdoor lounge chairs and dining tables, you have several materials vying for your attention. Here’s a handy rundown on the most popular materials used in outdoor patio furniture sets, so you can weigh the pros and cons of each carefully before making your decision:

• Resin Wicker Patio Furniture – Resin wicker furniture is primarily what we sell at Greathouse Furniture & Patio. Resin wicker furniture is UV-protected and comes in a variety of colors and shapes to complement your other décor in an eye-pleasing aesthetic. It’s very easy to maintain and ideal for being around the ocean, as the salty air doesn’t have the same effect on it as it does on aluminum, steel, or wrought iron outdoor patio furniture. However, it does have the tendency to crack or split if used in an extreme weather environment, such as the desert.
• Teak Outdoor Furniture– If you have your heart set on wood furniture for your patio, we highly recommend choosing teak outdoor furniture. Teak is a hardwood that’s very durable, lasting up to 50 years with the proper care. Teak offers a beautiful grained finish and produces its own oil for a distinct look not found in other wood furniture. Teak furniture is lightweight and easy to rearrange, although many are not a fan of how much upkeep is involved with teak furniture.
• Cast Aluminum Patio Furniture– Many homeowners prefer cast aluminum patio furniture because it’s lightweight and durable, thanks to its powder coating. Cast aluminum offers plenty of support for patio chairs and outdoor dining sets, although its quality will vary by furniture manufacturer. With the proper maintenance, cast aluminum furniture can last up to 20 years.
• Wrought Iron Patio Furniture– Meaning worked by hand, wrought iron patio furniture is often in demand due to its unique craftsmanship. Wrought iron is a heavier material than aluminum, meaning it will be more difficult to rearrange on your patio. However, wrought iron is a sturdy material made to withstand the test of time. While wrought iron can be finished with a powder coating to prevent corrosion, it will rust over time. However, you should enjoy it for decades.
• Steel Outdoor Furniture– Steel is one of the heaviest and most expensive outdoor furniture materials money can buy. Resistant to rust when properly coated, steel outdoor furniture can be challenging to move due to its weight. We do not recommend selecting steel for patio chairs or side tables that you may wish to move often. In most cases, cast aluminum or wrought iron patio furniture offers adequate support and strength without breaking the bank or your back.
• Marine Grade Polymer Furniture– Marine Grade Polymer (MGP) collections are made of high-density polyethylene, which is a durable material that will not swell, rot, splinter, warp, fade, or chemically break down when exposed to humidity, water, or sunlight. This material is 100% recyclable, making it an environmentally-friendly outdoor patio furniture material choice.

Which Outdoor Furniture Materials Are Difficult to Maintain?

Of the popular outdoor furniture materials we’ve discussed, teak is one of the most difficult to maintain. Over time, teak will develop a silvery patina that many do not like, but you can apply a teak sealant to prevent this from happening. Its natural oils prevent teak furniture from dry-rotting. However, we suggest covering teak outdoor furniture with a furniture cover during the winter months to avoid mildew caused by additional moisture. Cast aluminum furniture won’t rust, meaning you can leave it outdoors indefinitely with few maintenance concerns. Cleaning cast aluminum furniture is easy with a sponge and warm, soapy water.

Wrought iron furniture can be protected from rust and corrosion by adding a powder coating. However, you may have to update this powder coating from time to time. Wrought iron furniture is easy to clean with a soft cloth and a dish soap and water mixture. Touch-up kits may be used to make minor repairs. Although outdoor wicker furniture is fairly easy to maintain, it can become unraveled over time. Loose wicker weave is not only an eyesore, but it can also render the furniture uncomfortable.

Visit Our San Diego Showroom for the Best Patio Furniture Sets

There’s no “one size fits all” when it comes to selecting the best outdoor patio furniture for your San Diego home. Our furniture experts at Greathouse Furniture & Patio would be happy to make recommendations when you visit our showroom. Come see us for the best patio furniture sets in the region at the most competitive prices. We also offer financing options and specials to save you money!