Outdoor Furniture, also known as garden furniture or patio furniture, is basically a kind of furniture specially designed for outdoor usage. It is usually made up of weather-resistant outdoor material like aluminum, which is also rust-proof. The earliest surviving examples of garden furniture have been found in the gardens of Pompeii during ancient days. They include tables, chairs, benches, garden swings and garden lounges.

Most outdoor furniture is made up of materials like aluminum, polycarbonate and plastics. The most common ones are made up of cast aluminum, polycarbonate and plastics. Cast aluminum is the most modern type, which is water and weather-resistant and can be painted. It has the capability to withstand extreme temperatures and is available in different color finishes. Polycarbonate is an inflexible type which can withstand both high and low temperatures. Plastic, on the other hand, is lightweight and comes in almost all colors.

Another option for outdoor furniture is metal. Some popular metal varieties are wrought iron, aluminum, brass and steel. Aluminum, though, is the most durable and lightweight material available for making garden lounges, garden benches and garden chairs.

Molded plastic is another choice for outdoor materials as it is moldable and weatherproof. This is why plastic chairs, tables and benches are very popular among people. Polyurethane is a common compound used for strengthening and waterproofing outdoor materials. The best material to use for making garden lounges, chairs and tables is polyurethane foam because of its strong rubber and plastic interlocking properties.

Weatherproofing is another factor that needs to be taken into consideration when it comes to choosing patio furniture. Most garden lounges are made from plastic or other lightweight materials and are therefore not able to withstand very severe weather conditions. Polyethylene, for instance, cracks easily and does not last long. It would be a better choice if you want your outdoor furniture to last for many years.

In addition to considering the durability and comfort, it is equally important to choose materials that are eco-friendly. Outdoor patio furniture made from recycled materials will be the best choice for your garden because recycled materials do not add to the already alarming problem on pollution. It is not only the furniture you buy but also your choice of cushions that will affect the durability of your garden furniture. You should go for hard wearing cushions such as those that are designed to withstand impact and moisture.