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Outdoor furniture needs to be sturdy enough to withstand the test of time and extreme weather conditions. The good news is, well-built furniture doesn’t have to be expensive. There are cheap, eco-friendly materials that are suitable for outdoor furniture. You need to consider good outdoor furniture that can last for years (or at least while you still want them). It would also be a bonus if you can even pass them to your next generation. In this review, let’s find out about the most durable and eco-friendly materials for outdoor furniture.
High-quality hardwoods are really good for outdoor furniture because these have been strengthened by nature; hardwood can last for a long time. Most outdoor heirloom pieces of furniture are Amish-made. Furniture made by the Amish people only uses the best hardwoods and are crafted professionally.
Amish furniture does not require nails or screws since they are crafted well in order to fit perfectly. Hardwood is a durable, eco-friendly material for your outdoor furniture. However, you have to avoid flame-retardants since these substances are not eco-friendly and also potentially harmful. Amish-made furniture is also ideal for your lawn garden patio.
Amish-made furniture is the best choice in terms of aesthetics and durability. If you wish to decorate your garden or lawn, you might want to use durable and stylish Amish arbors. A well-designed arbor increases a property’s value and attractiveness. Not to mention, it provides shade, shelter, and privacy. You can also let plants climb to it for a more dramatic effect.
Bamboo may look and feel like wood but it is actually a variety of grass. This resource is easily renewable because it grows faster than trees. It is light and durable. It is impact-resistant which makes it ideal for the outdoors. It is often cheap and easy to find. The versatility of bamboo furniture is superb; you can easily choose various designs and expect the same strength.
Just like bamboo, rattan furniture is durable and easily renewable. Rattan furniture also has a modern style and is very easy to maintain. Rattan is made using the wicker technique (weaving fibers to create furniture). Since rattan is a plant-based material, it is resilient enough to withstand extreme outdoor conditions. It is eco-friendly because it is from a fast-growing source.
Lantana is an invasive plant from India – it is present in 50 countries. It is not a beneficial crop to farmlands; it is a nuisance to lawns and grazing lands. Fortunately, there is a way to utilize this plant; it can be used as material for furniture. Lantana is a cheaper alternative to rattan but it has a similar quality. Lantana furniture is also crafted using the wicker technique. This type of furniture is specifically beneficial for the environment because it gets rid of invasive plants while serving the same purpose as other raw materials. If the demand for this material will increase, just imagine the greater benefit it will provide to farmers.
Recycling is an important process for our natural environment. Most importantly, it prevents the loss of resources while reducing air, water, and land pollution. Things that can still be recycled aren’t supposed to end up in landfills. Recycling and upcycling is a cradle to cradle process that creates something good out of presumed scraps. Stylish eco-friendly furniture can be created from recycled materials.
Wood is a versatile material that can be repurposed and recycled. If you have damaged furniture at home, you don’t have to get rid of it right away. You can have it repurposed as outdoor furniture or you can DIY and upcycle the wood for a different purpose. Got a broken table? You can re-create it as a small outdoor bench.
Plastic is a synthetic, non-biodegradable material – this will probably give you the impression that it is not an eco-friendly choice. In fact, plastic can be recycled and turned into durable outdoor furniture. Some plastic fibres can also go through the wicker technique and weave just like bamboo and lantana.
Metal is a very sturdy material that can be recycled numerous times. It can be used to build good outdoor furniture because of its resilience to outdoor conditions. However, some metal outdoor furniture holds on to heat, which might be a deal-breaker for some people. Recycled metal can last for many years.
You also have several choices of metals and metal alloys as material for your outdoor furniture. Recycled metals can also be costly, despite being eco-friendly.
Stone furniture has been used for the longest time – imagine the people during the Stone Age. Back then, people had furniture and weapons made of stone. Stone can be stylish if it is naturally set or well-cut. This material is durable, natural, and stylish which makes it a good choice for the outdoors. Stone is naturally occurring in nature, thus it can withstand the outdoor elements easily. This type of furniture looks good on lawns and gardens, but it is probably not ideal for your patio. Stone can come in many forms and sizes. If you want your outdoor furniture to be classier rather than natural-looking, you can opt for well-cut stone furniture pieces.
Stainless steel is a classy material for your outdoor furniture. But since this is metal, it can retain heat for a long time. Stainless steel can be used for outdoor furniture because it can easily be manipulated. This type of furniture adds a classy touch to your patio or garden. Steel is also eco-friendly because it is recyclable and durable.
Outdoor furniture should be durable enough to withstand the outdoors, yet stylish enough to match your preference. There are various eco-friendly materials to choose from when buying your furniture, such as stainless steel, stone, plastic, wood, recycled materials, and many more. These eco-friendly materials will certainly give your garden, lawn, or patio a modern look without compromising durability.
