subject: Things You Should Know About Cast Aluminum Outdoor Furniture [print this page] Things You Should Know About Cast Aluminum Outdoor Furniture
These days, there are many styles of cast aluminum all-weather furniture available one can design a deck or patio to suit even the most vivid imagination. Exterior design is becoming as popular as interior design. So, we can make our own outdoor rooms after all. Cast Aluminum outdoor furniture is sturdy and holds up well in the toughest of climates. It is great for use in a humid environment or pool area because it is durable and low maintenance.
In higher humidity areas you may want to go with sling seating rather than deep seating cushions. So, it is that you won't have issues with dry time or mildew. Cast aluminum outdoor furniture is great for all kinds of outdoor spaces. If you have a small patio area or live in a climate with cold winters so that you will only use your all-weather furniture for a few months of the year, you may want to consider purchasing chairs that are stackable and can be stored at a moment notice. One can find beautiful bistro or streamlined dining sets for smaller spaces that will look great and last for years.
Here are three major considerations when planning your space:
The Size of Your Area
You should always take into consideration the size of your area when planning your outdoor space. Just make sure to measure or graph out your sitting area before you buy furniture. When measuring the space needed for a round or square dining set, remember that a seated adult usually requires a depth of about twenty inches with an additional 12-16 inches more to pull back the chair.
Rectangular tables require an additional 4 inches, or 24 inches per adult and 32-36 inches to pull back the chair. You will want to leave at least 44 inches between the barrier and the table if you have walls or barriers.
The Intended Use of the Area
Imagine what you want to do in your space. If you think about it enough you may come up with something very different from your original idea. That little deck that holds the grill and potted plants could actually turn into an outside bedroom for sleeping under the stars. You may just want to keep it simple with a dining set and 4 chairs, or you may want to make it a comfy outdoor living room.
Try to think about how you plan to entertain, and decorate accordingly. If you just want to have a place to sip coffee and read a good book you may want to go with a couple of chaise lounges and a small table in between. If you wish to entertain your friends or your family you should consider the size of the "usual" crowd, how many chairs you will need, and whether you prefer a modular unit with a dining set or coffee tables.
You may want to consider adding bistro seating or a bar area, if you think of this area as a place to have parties. If you have ample room you might consider an outside kitchen/grilling area. So that you have everything on hand and don't have to run back and forth when entertaining.
The Climate in Which You Live
While cast aluminum outdoor furniture will work well in any climate you will need to consider whether you wish to have sling or deep cushion seating. Sling seating will always be my reference for poolside. It is comfortable and is not going to soak in moisture like deep seating cushions will. There is nothing worse than plopping down on a wet chair! Sling seating dries quickly and lasts for many years.
If you love your cast aluminum outdoor furniture set and get tired of the sling fabric, they are relatively easy to replace, so you can change the whole look of your furniture. Deep seating options are maybe the most comfortable choice, but also take a bit more maintenance, and are not really the best choice for a humid environment as cushions that never dry can mildew even if the fabric is water and mildew resistant.
You must maintain your furniture similar to the way you would your car body, start off with a good cleaning, and wax your cast aluminum frames to protect them from harsh pollutants that, when baked in the sun on a daily basis, will damage the furniture.
The worst offenders are salt spray, car exhaust, suntan oils, human perspiration, unfiltered water or ground water, pods, bark and pollen from trees and shrubs. Always remember to never use a pressure washer on your furniture unless you are a pro and use one on a daily basis. You should clean cushions or sling seating with a sponge and mild detergent.
