The air is warm, trees are abloom, and your days are spent musing over your outdoor space. Sound like you? With cookouts and pool parties in the very near future, it’s time to consider your porch or patio possibilities. One of the difficulties with designing your outdoor space is furniture durability. You want to invest in pieces that you know will last you for seasons to come. Today on the blog, we’re pinpointing the five materials that’ll be your saving grace this summer. We love these materials because they’re durable, weather-resistant, and easy to maintain—even if your outdoor area is uncovered. And the best part? You can find outdoor furniture with this material integrity at KKH, where the quality and durability is met with high design.
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Teak
No need to be afraid of a little rain. Teak is a tropical hardwood with high oil content and a tight grain, making it impenetrable to water even if the wood is unfinished. In fact, teak is consistently used as the material of choice for boatbuilding because it’s so water resistant! So whether your porch is covered or not, teak is ideal for outdoor furniture you can keep out all year long. Teak is also resistant to termites and other insects, so you never have to worry about pests or rotted wood.
Cleaning and Care
Once a season, use a soft-bristle brush to remove any dirt that has cropped up. And for the first few rainfalls after the initial purchase of teak furniture, store the cushions separately to prevent stains from the wood’s natural oils. Like all other wood, untreated and unfinished teak will develop a silvery patina with time. If you prefer to maintain the original golden color, you’ll want to periodically apply a sealant or a specially formulated teak protector.
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Wicker
Here’s the truth: all-natural rattan wicker isn’t weather-resistant. That said, you’ll find that the selection of synthetic resin wicker used in today’s product design industry has come a long way. Shop our outdoor pieces at KKH, and you can find wicker furniture that look just as good as the real thing, and they’re water and UV resistant so you can have them out on an exposed patio without having to worry. And for a classic outdoor patio look, wicker is a must.
Cleaning and Care
Resin wicker requires very little maintenance. Seasonally wash with a mild liquid soap and water to prevent any dirt buildup.
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Powder-Coated Aluminum
If you need some creative flexibility for your outdoor design, aluminum furniture can be a great choice—they can be powder-coated almost any color under the sun! In addition to a more adventurous palette, aluminum furniture is durable, low maintenance, and rust-resistant. The powder coating from the paint keeps the aluminum from oxidizing and the technique keeps the paint from chipping, peeling, cracking, or fading as well.
Cleaning and Care
Wash aluminum furniture with a mild liquid soap (car wash soap will do the trick!). If your furniture has a smooth finish, a coat of a mild auto wax every six months or so will also help to preserve your furniture’s original luster. For textured surfaces, a light coat of mineral oil will do the trick.
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Wrought Iron
We love this handsome material for elegant and European-inspired gardens and patios. Wrought iron looks beautiful, and it’s just as resilient as powder-coated aluminum. It can also be crafted into several intricate, graceful silhouettes, bringing a high level of sophistication to your outdoor space.
Cleaning and Care
Clean wrought iron pieces regularly with a mild liquid soap, and wipe with a nonabrasive cloth. A mild car wax can also help to restore shine and repel water.
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Outdoor Fabrics
Want that all-white look for your outdoor space? It’s not as impossible as you might think. Performance fabric sometimes gets a bad rep, but at KKH, we’re constantly searching for the newest initiatives in product development as we curate the items on our site. The performance upholstery and pillows we use are resistant to water, mold, and UV rays, but they retain the luxe look and feel of any traditional indoor material. Since they’re so easy to clean and maintain, we specify it not only for our outdoor projects but for any household with kids or pets!
Cleaning and Care
To keep outdoor performance fabrics looking fresh, brush off loose dirt before it sets in and wipe up spills as soon as they happen. You can spot-clean outdoor fabric with a mix of mild soap and water: use a soft-bristle brush to work in the solution, rinse thoroughly, and air-dry. Follow this cleaning process for the entire piece a few times a season or as needed.
Kathy Kuo Home Design Services
Call (888) 908-3486 or email designs@kathykuohome.com today to get started!
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