Patio Furniture FAQ's

How durable is your outdoor furniture?
Our quality patio furniture is designed and built to withstand the elements. From the design of the frame, to the paint finish, to the fabric and core of outdoor cushions, our furniture is designed with outdoor use in mind. With minimal care, quality outdoor patio furniture can last decades.

Can outdoor furniture cushions be left outside in the rain?
Our elite outdoor cushions are made from high quality, durable materials that feature flow-through cores. Our outdoor cushions and throw pillows are designed to be outdoors year round and are fade resistant. When our cushions get wet, the outer fabric repels some of the water. The rest filters through the cushion via the core. The design of the core means rain water does not get absorbed like a sponge, but instead allows water to drain through the pillow. After a hard rainfall, it will take a little time for our cushions to drain out completely, but this is normal. With minimal care and cleaning, the average life of our outdoor cushions ranges from 4 to 8 years.

Is the fabric on sling furniture replaceable?
Our manufacturers design sling furniture so that the sling is replaceable. This is in direct contrast to the vast majority of sling furniture found at the mass retailers, who do not provide replacements or discontinue them before you find yourself needing to order them.  Our manufactures also provide new colors and textures from time to time, giving you the option to completely change the look of your outdoor furniture without the cost of full replacement.

Will wicker furniture last outdoors?
Yes, depending on the type of wicker furniture – of which there are several. Vinyl or Resin wicker is extremely durable. Be aware that many lower quality wickers get mixed with clay – which does lower the price, but it also causes it to become brittle, leading to cracks, and shortening the life-span of the furniture. If you prefer natural reed wicker, be sure that the finish is acrylic-based, outdoor resins similar to exterior house paints. This type of wicker is much better suited for a protected area such as underneath an overhang or pergola. It is important to note that wicker must be manufactured with outdoor specifications in mind. You cannot “convert” indoor wicker to become outdoor. Loom wicker (also referred to as “Front Porch” wicker) is also a great option for protected areas. This type of artificial wicker is made of metal strands wrapped with a natural pulp product that is protected by resin. It is made into large sheets and then cut down and fitted onto an aluminum frame.

How does wood furniture hold up to the elements?
This entirely depends on the type of wood. Treated cedar, pine and redwood  are soft woods and have a relatively short life when compared to some hard woods. The joints become loose, and extensive sealing, painting or staining is essential maintenance. Quality furniture made with hard woods like teak, jarrah, and ipe will last many decades, even when fully exposed to the elements. However, even  hardwoods are natural products and will react to the environment. During its natural life, hard wood outdoor furniture will turn gray.  Most of our customers do not mind the natural weathering of outdoor furniture, but you can maintain the original look of outdoor teak by cleaning, brightening, and then sealing the piece. Ipe and jarrah both require cleaning and application of ipe or jarrah oil to maintain their original look.  We generally recommended twice yearly treatment with products that are specifically designed for each type of wood. 

Do you sell protective covers for extended storage, or storage through the winter?
We have covers available for most of our outdoor furniture. Keeping dust, leaves, and other organic matter off the fabric and frames of outdoor furniture will keep them looking their best for longer. All our covers are “breathable.” In other words, they allow moisture to evaporate through the cover rather than allowing moisture to accumulate – which can lead to problems with mold and mildew.

 

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