How To Choose Patio Sofas & Sectionals

Here are the pros and cons of different materials for your patio furniture. Read on and select the one which will resonate with you best.

• Natural wood is a sturdy and comfortable material, but it requires regular maintenance and preservative treatments for weather and UV protection. You can also choose weather-resistant woods such as cedar, cypress, teak or redwood, which will need less maintenance.

• Aluminum, plastic and PVC are rustproof, lightweight and probably the most inexpensive. They can be easily cleaned with just soap and water. However, due to their lightweight properties, they may need to be secured when high winds and storms occur.

• Steel and wrought iron are the most durable, but you will need to find the most comfortable cushions for them. To prevent them from rusting, you will need to occasionally paint them with a weatherproof finish.

• Other natural materials such as rattan and wicker offer a more casual feel to your patio, but they will require you to add a weatherproof coat every few years. Or you can choose synthetic wicker or rattan, which has a resin finish to last you a lifetime.

Below we have covered the best materials for the cushion covers and the core of the seat. Read on to make an informed choice when it comes to cushion materials.

Covers

Outdoor cushions vary drastically in material and it is important to choose the right one to prevent mold and mildew due to a lack of water-resistant properties.

• Vinyl, also known as PVC, is a plastic material and is the least expensive. However, keep in mind that this fabric does not withstand heat very well. They can become extremely hot under the sun, which will cause a burn when you sit down. Also, remember that PVC cannot be recycled.

• Texteline is a mesh woven material made of polyester yarn coated with PVC. It will still get hot under the sun, but the yarn offers more strength and durability. Even though texteline is waterproof, the color fades in the sun.

• Cotton canvas is a fabric that dates back to the 13th century and is still considered economical. This type of material is not water-resistant, which can cause mold and mildew. Cotton canvas can be dyed and needs to be treated with a waterproof finish once a year.

• Sunbrella fabric is a patented material, which has solution-dyed acrylics. It is the most expensive choice on the market, but it is fade-resistant, waterproof, mold & mildew resistant and chlorine safe.

Seat Core Materials

• Dacron is a thermoplastic synthetic polymer resin and is a durable foam padding insert to provide optimum support. Because Dacron cushions are firm, they do no flatten out like other materials. They emit a tight and well-kept cushion, which can be compared to a pillow-topped mattress.

• Dacron wrapped is different from Dacron since they are just wrapped in it. They feature a ½''-layer of actual Dacron, so they will flatten out like foam cushions. They look just as nice, but they are not as comfortable.

• Foam cushions come in a range of densities, which can make it hard to know how supportive they can be. If you choose foam cushions, it is best to do your research on foam density to understand why weight and density are two different things when it comes to foam ratings.

• Polyester fill is the least expensive choice and is the soft, fluffy material, which will not offer much support. They can offer visual stimulation but not functional comfort.