Spring is here and it is time to decorate your patio , pool area or backyard. There are all kinds of materials used for outdoor furniture, but if you want lightweight, easy to clean, and less expensive pieces, your should beautify your backyard with sophisticated aluminum outdoor furniture. To keep it nice, most outdoor furniture should be kept in covered or sheltered areas, and really should be moved indoors when not in use. This is not so when using cast aluminum furniture. Aluminum is weather resistant, will not rust, is light weight enough to easily stack, move around, and store if you choose to. You can create a wonderful relaxing setting in your yard, by choosing contemporary and sophisticated dining sets, bars and bar stools, sofa sets and swings.

Add luxury to your pool with beautiful lounge chairs, snack tables, and umbrella tables or stands. Your summers will be all about relaxing, reading and entertaining, when you don’t have to worry about rusting, fading, and molding! That is because aluminum, when exposed to air, develops a microscopic layer of oxide on its exterior, which protects it from the elements and prevents corrosion. Aluminum now comes in many beautiful styles, making it a great time to spruce up your yard. You can choose from the sleek contemporary look to sets that are designed to resemble the beauty of wrought iron…without the cost, the weight of the furniture, and the heavy maintenance required to keep wrought iron beautiful. Some manufacturers have combined aluminum framing with wicker or mesh sling fabrics, to make a lovely, economical and durable design. Outdoor furniture comes in wrought aluminum, tubular aluminum and cast aluminum. The tubular aluminum is cheapest, because it is the easiest to shape and form, and weighs the least. Wrought aluminum is used to copy the Victorian style found in most outdoor wrought iron pieces. The molds are carved by hand, to include intricate detailing.

Each part of the furniture is molded separately, and then ground down and polished. Cast iron outdoor furniture is made by pouring molten aluminum into a mold, after first carving a wooden model and pressing it into casting sand to make an impression. The pieces are then welded together to seal out water and the elements. Because cast aluminum is solid, it is heavier, more durable, and more expensive. The finish on the cast aluminum adds to its durability. There are several different finishes that can be applied to give the aluminum its desired appearance. Painting, anodizing, and powder coating are a few examples of the types of finishes that can be used on your furniture. Anodizing is a popular choice as it won’t peel or scratch like other finishing options. Cast aluminum can be coated with smooth or textured finishes in single colors or a mixture of several. There are many options available to you.

Plastic is the only material other than aluminum patio furniture that has a lightweight frame that makes it easily moved around your garden or patio, accommodating seating arrangements. Plastic, however, is easily broken, cracked, and damaged. It is often blown over or even blown away, is porous, which enables staining, and rarely lasts more than a season or two…if you are careful about cleaning and storage. Aluminum is very durable and can last many years so you get the most out of your money.

So let’s review the many advantages to aluminum furniture:
• It does not need to be covered, protected, or stored for the winter.
• It comes in many styles, designs, and different weights (all light).
• You have a choice of several different coatings and any number of colors.
• Aluminum outdoor furniture is very economical, costing less than any others except for plastic.
• Its durability and strength make it perfect for outdoor use by an active family.
• You can choose between poolside chairs, footstools and chaise lounges, garden benches, sophisticated or contemporary dining sets, swings, snack tables, umbrella tables and stands, etc.
• It is rustproof and fade resistant.
• Outdoor cushions are easily available in all standard sizes.
• Simple cleaning with a mild detergent and warm water; particularly when it has an anodized aluminum finish.

If you decide to beautify your backyard with sophisticated aluminum outdoor furniture, you can’t go wrong. It ensures that you will enjoy beautiful outdoor furniture for years to come, and is an exceptional choice for your backyard. You can give your patio the Latin feel of Mexico, Spain, or Italy, by choosing wrought aluminum pieces. Or go modern, with industrialized contemporary furniture. Whichever you select, you will have a wonderful summer!