Home Furniture Design For Today's Lifestyle

What type of outdoor/patio furniture requires the least maintenance?

We have a new patio and would like to purchase comfortable furniture that can stay out in both sun and rain. Is there a type of patio furniture that will not rust or rot or discolor when left outdoors uncovered?

Public Comments

1. I don't know how much you are wanting ot spend but our pool furniture in the plastic stuff you can get at almost any discount store. It is reasonable and easy to clean. Just spary it down wiht the garden hose. We had wood furniture in our old house but it stained easy and was hard to keep looking good. And also the plastic comes in so many colors and style that it is easy to get what you want. Also we change ours every couple of years because it is so affordable and keeps the neighbors wondering what color we will have next year!!
2. ... made of steel
3. Most outdoor furniture made out of wrought iron or powder coated aluminum will require maintenance and will rust expecially at weld sites. I have both and repaint or touch up about every three years. That being said, I purchased the new synthetic wicker furniture 4 years ago and simply hose it off. It looks great, needs no other maintenance and even the cushions I purchased for it are holding up well. I do take the cushions in during the winter and purchased covers for the furniture. I spray the cushions with a mildew resistant scotchguard product I've only found at Target in the patio department seasonally. I probably don't need to treat the cushions because they are made of Sunbrella fabric and are guaranteed not to mildew, fade or deteriorate for 5 years. But, we entertain a lot, will sit on them after a spa with wet suits and we get blazing temps over 100 degrees in the later summer, so I go the extra mile so I don't have to replace them. But, the new synthetic wicker gives the best wear, won't fade and has the least maintenance of anything available for outside use, even if you don't cover it on the off season. And, it is less expensive than either wrought iron or aluminum, has more style than cheezie plastic. I found mine at the Home Depot and Lowes.