Best Montreal Patio Furniture: Plastic, Wicker, Metal or Wood?

Ivan/February 18, 2009

Spring has arrived in Montreal—for real this time, we hope! And that means it’s time to get the patio decked out.

Last year’s metal chairs rusted? Wicker torn apart? Plastic discolored?

Ever wondered what patio furniture is best for this climate? What’s best for your particular patio?

Consult this handy list of the pros and cons of all the usual suspects to help you make the right choice:

Decked out in plastic! We found these on Green Frog Recycled Plastic Outdoor Furniture http://greenfrogrecycledplasticoutdoorfurniture.wordpress.com

PLASTIC

Pros

  • Usually the least expensive option.
  • Light and portable.
  • Can be folded and stacked for storage during winter months.
  • Greater variety of colours and designs.
  • Easy to clean.
  • Weatherproofing is usually built in.

Cons

  • Cheaper material will wear out faster.
  • Generally speaking, plastic has less aesthetic or design value (but this depends on what you’re willing to spend!)
  • Lightness of material means that plastic furniture is more subsceptible to wind. You may need to take this into account, especially if your patio is on a high balcony, to avoid causing chaos if your furniture gets swept away.

Tahoe Wicker

WICKER

Pros

  • Wicker gives a cozy, “cottage-y” feeling to your patio.
  • Wicker is both light and built to last.
  • Synthetic wicker can be left outdoors to withstand the elements.

Cons

  • Traditional wicker can be costly, fragile and sensitive to water. Be aware of what kind of wicker you’re buying.
  • With its light weight, wicker is also subject to the whims of the wind.
  • Wicker furniture is typically bulky and can be challenging to carry and store.

WOOD

Pros

  • Wood furniture gives a warm, casual yet traditional atmosphere to your patio.
  • Wood doesn’t heat up or cool down with the temperature to the same extent as metal or plastic.
  • With quality materials (think cedar) and proper care, wood furniture can last up to 50 years.

Cons

  • You’ll have to be conscious of what kind of wood you’re buying. Hardwood lasts longer than softwood; pressure-treated pine is weather-proofed, while untreated pine is subject to rot and should be stored indoors during wet weather.
  • Wood furniture requires proper, regular care in order to live out its full lifespan. An annual application of oil or sealant is a bit of a task, depending on how much furniture you have, but worth it in the long run.

METAL

Pros

  • This is where the serious decorators get excited. Wrought iron imparts a classical feel, while aluminum furniture fits in with a sleek, modern aesthetic.
  • Sturdy metal chairs will stay impervious to wind.
  • With proper care, a metal chair can last for decades, even when kept outside all year.

Cons

  • Metal chairs are subject to temperature, heating up and cooling down with the elements. It may be best to use cushions with them, though the cushions will then need to be stored and cared for accordingly.
  • Proper care is required to keep metal furniture in good shape.
  • Metal is on the higher end of the price range for patio furniture.

Like any other commodity, patio furniture is subject to the rule of “you get what you pay for.” Higher-end brands may have better weather-proofing and be built with stronger materials for a longer lifespan. And no matter what material you choose, it’ll be up to you to put in the proper care to give your furniture a long life.

You’ll have to weigh the options of how much you want to spend, how much maintenance you want to put in, and how important design and decorating are to you. In the end, what matters most is that you’re feeling comfortable when you sit on your patio enjoying a drink, a bbq and friends in the sun!

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