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Metal patio furniture and you probably
think of the light, fly-away aluminum loungers of your youth or that
half-ton cast iron table and chair set on your neighbor's lawn.
But metal outdoor furniture has come a long way. Here's a quick primer on
the available types and their care.
The most common metal outdoor furniture is made from iron or aluminum,
although the use of steel, especially stainless steel, is growing.
Iron is a chemical element that is naturally malleable and rusts easily.
Vintage pieces, usually in black or dark green, can be found at premium
prices and must be carefully maintained to prevent further rusting. Modern
reproduction pieces will usually have a rust-resistant finish or coating
that protects against chipping, scratching and corrosion. There are a
variety of finishes available such as primer and paint, powder coatings and
galvanizing. They are available in a range of colors and styles.
Since iron is heavy and solid, it is well-suited for windy spots where light
furniture might be blown away. Don't expect it to be highly portable,
though. Well-cared for, iron furnishings can last for 100 years.
Much of the iron furniture available today is wrought iron, rather than
cast iron. When you're buying wrought iron, look for pieces made with solid
metal rather than hollow tubing, and that are welded, rather than bolted,
together. Generally, the better furniture is North American made.
Iron furniture requires more maintenance than other types of metal
furniture. Clean it regularly with warm soapy water and then dry it
thoroughly. Wax the smooth surfaces and apply mineral or baby oil to
textured surfaces. Oil springs and moving parts once per year. Immediately
touch up any scratches or rust by lightly sanding the spot with a fine steel
wool. Then apply several thin coats of metal paint, letting each coat dry
well before applying the next. If you're using a spray paint, apply with
short light stokes.
Aluminum is a silvery, lightweight and easily worked metallic element
that never rusts. Much of the early aluminum furniture from the 1960s was
made from hollow-core extrusion tubing. Such furniture was extremely
lightweight but not exceedingly wind-stable. Such pieces are still available
today and are best used around a pool area. Cast aluminum is better used in
outdoor dining or sitting areas.
Best quality aluminum pieces have a powder-coated finish, which determines
the final color of the piece and the durability of the metal. Powder coating
is a process in which colorful polyester powders are applied and then baked
onto the frame.
If you're buying aluminum furniture with vinyl webbing or straps, look for
vinyl that has been processed with mildew inhibitors and ultraviolet
stabilizers. Any wooden pieces mounted on aluminum frames should be treated
with a finish to guarantee durability.
Suntan oils, human perspiration, car exhaust and salt spray can all eat
away at the powder coating on aluminum furniture. To ensure long life, clean
your aluminum furniture twice a month with a solution of mild dish detergent
and warm water. Rinse well. You can then apply paste car wax to any smooth
finish frames.
Steel, a hard tough metal, is an alloy of iron and various small percentages
of metallic elements. The alloys produce hardness and resistance to rusting.
Galvanized steel has been plated with zinc; stainless steel has been alloyed
with chromium and is virtually immune to rust and corrosion.
Metal outdoor furniture in its many shapes and designs can be a wonderful
addition to your outdoor living space. Choose wisely and enjoy! |
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