Furniture Care Sofa Info

How to Choose the Best Materials for Outdoor Sofas

  • April 20, 2022
  • 8 min read
How to Choose the Best Materials for Outdoor Sofas

If you have been searching for the best materials for an outdoor sofa to safegaurd your furniture from the elements and to be comfy, there are numerous woods and fabrics to choose from. Nuances include, waterproof material, easily cleanable material, even insect repellent material among others to explore.

Outdoor sofas aren’t just for parties, but are also great for relaxing with a good book and a glass of wine when the weather is clement. These sofas are especially popular in warm climates where they can be placed under an awning to extend the length of your porch or patio.

Make no mistake, not only do these sofas look great, but they are a functional addition to any home. This article uncovers the most useful, durable and all round appropriate materials for outdoor sofas. We too, will discuss threats to keeping your outdoor sofa in good condition. Recline and read until the end to learn something new.

Best Outdoor Materials for Outdoor Sofas

Coir

Coir (a coconut fibre) is an excellent material for both indoor and outdoor furniture use. Coir is ideal for outdoor use as it can withstand extreme heat, extreme cold, salt air and humidity. This wonderful material is also UV resistant and bacteria and fungus resistant. Besides these impressive features, coir is also a beautiful and natural material.

Cotton

If you prefer the look of a cotton couch, this is a great material for outdoor sofas. This is because cotton is easy to care for and will not fade or shrink.

Ideal for outdoor sofas, cotton is an example of an outdoor fabric with robust appeal. You won’t have to worry about this material suffering from wear and tear from frequent use. Not only is it lightweight, but it is a breathable fabric that is resistant to glaring sunlight, slashing rain, and turbulent winds

Flax

Flax is an excellent choice for outdoor sofas. This is because it is both eco-friendly and very comfortable.

It is also resistant to strong sunlight, strong rain, strong wind, and strong sunlight. This is ideal if you don’t want to have to look after a couch that is prone to damage.

This is a great material for outdoor sofas as it is both comfortable and easy to clean. You can suck up accumilated outdoor dirt on a flax couch with a single standard vacuum.

Polyester

Polyester doesn’t come with a reputation for upmarket upholstry. However polyester is an excellent choice. The reason for this is that it is both lightweight and strong. The more often you use your outdoor sofa, the moreyou’ll be impressed with its durablity against the great outdoors and comfort.

This is because polyester is a strong material. Polyester is one of the best materials for outdoor sofas as it is affordable and easy to maintain. It’s is also resistant to both UV rays and rain.

Polyester can also have a natural look that is both elegant and modern. It is a good choice if you want to look stylish while still spending time outdoors.

Teak

From its most popular legacy in Southeast Asia, teak has quickly become one of the most used furniture woods for its enduring and versatile qualities. The origin of the name teak is unknown, but it’s believed that it originated from the Sanskrit word ‘takkuka’ which means ‘fine colour’. Today, this beautiful and durable wood is used in everything from furniture to marine construction. Teak is a very beautiful, organic wood. It’s rich in colour, with an almost emerald green colour, and a lustrous, silvery grey.

Teak Furniture - How to Choose the Best Materials for Outdoor Sofas
Teak Furniture – How to Choose the Best Materials for Outdoor Sofas

Teak is a very durable wood, which makes it a perfect choice for outdoor furniture. It’s also resistant to mold and mildew, so you don’t have to worry about ruining it with the elements. It resists rot, insects, and it doesn’t fade or shrink like other woods. It can withstand both hot and cold temperatures, and doesn’t warp or crack. Teak outdoor furniture is well known to last over fifty years despite taking a beating from the elements. Amazingly, mild soap and water is enough to keep this beautiful wood in shape.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is a common name for a number of plants and trees native to Australia, New Zealand, Tasmania, South Africa, and other parts of the southern hemisphere. This aromatic evergreen has a long history of use as natural insect repellent.

Eucalyptus is widely used in architecture, either used as natural wood walls, or balconies. However, it also makes great outdoor sofa material. This evergreen is ideal for use on sofas that are threatened by wild animals or other plants that might try to use your furniture as a scratching post. It prevents insects from landing on the furniture in the first place. Plus this attractive wood is waterproof.

Shorea

Shorea is a type of wood commonly used in furniture. This is a popular material because it is lightweight and easy to transport. One of the best things about using Shorea for outdoor sofas is that it is the most durable and strongest wood. This means that it will last for a very long time without getting damaged. In addition, this wood is fire resistant, so it can withstand the sun and rain without catching fire or breaking easily.

Weather Threats for Outdoor Sofas: How to Protect Your Sofa from the Elements

Rain Threat

If it is raining so hard that it is coming in through the windows, there is a possibility that water could accumulate on your sofa. Rain can cause mildew and bacterial growth, especially on the fabric surfaces of sofas. This can cause discoloration and damage to the furniture. The best way to prevent this from happening is to leave a cover on the sofa when it is not in use. This will help prevent the fabric from becoming discolored and will also help protect the upholstery from water damage.

Snow, Sleet, Hail and Wind Threats

These are the most problematic weather threats faced by sofas and other outdoor furniture. During these conditions, the furniture will become wet due to condensation. This can cause damage to the wood and fabric surfaces of your furniture. Furthermore, even if you have a cover, the rain will cause discoloration on the fabric and damage to the finish of your upholstery.

Sand Threat

If you’re lucky enough to own beach side property, the threat of sand blowing onto your furniture is real. This will cause wear and tear to the fabric, as well as damage to wood. The best way to prevent this from happening is to cover your sofa when the wind is blowing. This will help prevent the grit and sand from entering the sofa and causing damage.

The best way to protect your outdoor sofa from the elements is to keep a cover on it when it is not in use, as this will help prevent the fabric from becoming damaged and will also help protect the upholstery from water damage. When it comes to snow, sleet, hail or wind, remember that these can cause damage to your furniture. Rain can cause mildew and bacterial growth, especially on the fabric surfaces of sofas. You should also keep in mind that water will condense on your furniture, which can also cause damage and discoloration.

Wicker Sofas With Iron Accents – A Great Choice

Wicker is a commonly used outdoor furniture material as its long lasting and weather proof. The good news is furniture makers are improving the comfort of this great outdoor material. For example look at the Christopher Knight outdoors sofa.

Wicker Sofa With Iron Accents
Wicker Sofa With Iron Accents

Handcrafted, the woven wicker sits tightly on an acacia frame with iron accents for stronger balance. It’s comfortable and sturdy. The quality is outstanding while the design is simple and elegant. And overall it’s easy to assemble.

All-Weather Rattan Patio Conversation Set with Washable Soft Cushions

Rattan woven on a rigid coated steel frame to resist all weather conditions is a popular and highly effective type of furniture. Simply add cushions for more comfort. Waterproof polyester cushion covers are easy to clean which makes them look great and new for years.

How to Choose the Best Materials for Outdoor Sofas
How to Choose the Best Materials for Outdoor Sofas

In Conclusion

There are many choices when it comes to choosing effective matarials for outdoor furniture. Nuances include wood that’s long lasting, robust and largely waterproof. Eucalyptus is waterproof and a natural insect repellent. Rattan furniture is lightweight so you can easily store it away in bad weather. The same can be said for wicker furniture which is highly economical too.

A metal frame or teak frame will make a sturdy ourdoor sofa sturdier. The great benefit of teak is it will last for half a century even when its been in bad weather and simply needs warm water and soap to maintain its lustre.

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