Spring is coming soon. Here, in Michigan, it’s still cold and snowy. We start spending time and cooking outdoors only in May. By the end of spring, temperature and humidity are comfortable.
Do you live in a southern state? You might need outdoor chairs and tables right now.
So, let’s compare steel vs aluminum patio furniture. Metal frames are durable. They withstand harsh weather conditions. Consider pros and cons of every type of material. I hope, it helps you to select the best patio dining set.
What is the Best Material for Outdoor Furniture?
Are you going to buy outdoor furniture? Which factors do you consider? When it goes about chairs to sit in, comfort matters. Modern design is important. Thick soft pillows and luxurious upholstery are great indoors. They match your living room design. Overstuffed chairs create a relaxed atmosphere in your bedroom.
Outdoors, functionality and usability matters. Best propane fire pit tables are to withstand high heat temperatures. Heavy-duty covers protect their surfaces from elements. Don’t forget about aesthetics. Sleek minimalist design and straight lines enhance your patio landscape.
- durable;
- strong;
- sturdy;
- easy-to-clean;
- weather-resistant.
Best fire pit chairs are heavy-duty. Their weight capacities should be not less than 250-400 lbs. The chairs are to fit people of any size comfortably. Quite naturally, metal is not an ideal material. Some drawbacks of its use exist. Sleek metal surface is not as pleasant to touch as wooden seats and frames. In summer, its heats up. During chilly spring nights, it feels colder than air. Additionally, metal develops rust. Let’s check how to prevent it.
What Outdoor Furniture Lasts Longest?
Metal patio furniture is a long-term solution. Both steel and aluminum lasts for decades. It doesn’t wear out. Low-maintenance outdoor furniture suits multiple commercial applications. Metal benches find place in parks. You see them in public places around schools, hospitals and playgrounds. Their vandal-resistance is perfect.
Other properties of metals are also amazing
Material/Property | Mild Steel | Aluminum |
---|---|---|
Thermal Conductivity, BTU (hr.-ft. - °F) | 26.0 -37.5 | 118 |
Melting point, °F | 2570 | 1220 |
Density, lbs./in3 | 0.284 | 0.1 |
Tensile strength, MPA | 841 | 300 |
Weight, lbs./ft3 | 500 | 170 |
Best outdoor folding chairs come with metal frames. They are solid but portable and compact. Commonly, manufacturers use mild, 1090 steel to produce them. It contains 0.3-0.4% of carbon. Low concentrations of chromium, molybdenum, and copper might be available. Mild steel is stronger than structural alloys or stainless steel. Its properties vary, depending on heat treatment. Manufacturers harden it and it becomes robust. However, both carbon and mild steel alloys are prone to rust.
How Long Does Aluminum Patio Furniture Last?
Multiple top-quality fire pit tables are aluminum. They are stylish, coming with sleek, smooth tabletops. Aluminum suits this application, as it conducts heat perfectly well. Its melting point is lower than any steel alloy or grade has. Nevertheless, flame can’t damage it. Fire temperature might be as high as 3,560 – 3,600 °F. It depends on the fuel type. Heat-resistant guards protect the table from heat.
Aluminum is preferable when it goes about weather-resistant patio furniture. In comparison with mild steel, it is much more:
- Corrosion-resistant.
- Lightweight.
- Affordable.
- Workable.
- Malleable and elastic.
Aluminum is much softer. It becomes evident at high temperatures. When they exceed 400 degrees F, it’s easy to cut and form. But its surface is prone to dents and scratches. Do you select best outdoor furniture for rainy weather? Consider chairs that come with aluminum frames. Their surfaces may even come with no paint or coating. It lasts for decades. Warranty commonly covers only 1 or 2 years. Chairs come with cushions and pillows. Fire pit tables typically get longer service. It might cover up to 5 or 10 years.
Essential Features of All Weather Outdoor Furniture
Do you suffer from heavy rains and thunderstorms? Here, in Michigan, it happens in April and May. Spring showers and water damage basement walls. They start leaking. Call professionals to fix them. What happens with your outdoor furniture these days? Nothing, as you can fold your chairs and shelter them.
Aluminum frames are preferable. They weigh about 3 times less than steel constructions. Even propane fire pit tables are portable. They are lightweight and easy to carry. Will you use aluminum chairs or benches to sunbathe? They conduct heat easily. So, it would be not comfortable.
Steel frames may be parts of best patio furniture for full sun. Textile or polyester seats don’t burn your sensitive skin. Wide armrests are also useful. Steel is the most reliable and heavy-duty material. It’s beneficial, being:
- durable;
- strong;
- tough;
- resilient;
- scratch-resistant.
Can steel frames support best outdoor furniture for salt air? Manufacturers protect it by special coatings. For example, thin layer of zinc helps against rust. Galvanized steel stands water exposure. It works in multiples cases, but for salt air. Do you live in a coastal area? Prefer powder-coated options. It resists fading, corrosion and scratches. Don’t use it indoors, as it might be toxic. The coating might contain volatile organic compounds. Outdoor use is completely safe.
General Impression: Steel vs Aluminum Patio Furniture
What is the most comfortable patio furniture? Wooden chairs are worth your attention. They are pretty lightweight and pleasant to touch. But these chairs need special treatment. Furniture with metal frames might be comfortable too. It depends on the seat material and design. Meanwhile, these pieces of furniture are practical, durable and low-maintenance. Their weight capacity is high. The chairs last for many decades. So, make your informed choice. Equip your yard or patio in spring. Enjoy your romantic gatherings!
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There is the traditional rocking chair, also known as the glider rocker. These kinds of rockers are often affordable, but not as comfortable as those that are more elaborate. They are made with fabric or padded seats and backrests that you can easily lather up with lotion and still enjoy a very nice rocker.