Know what happens to plastic chairs and iron tables when you leave them outdoors? They crack and rust.
But outdoor furniture is not necessarily doomed to an early grave. Not if you invest in weatherproof outdoor furniture that looks good and stays solid over time.
In this guide, we explore weatherproof outdoor furniture, patio furniture that won’t rust, and top tips on how to keep your furniture looking its best year after year.
There are 2 things that help outdoor furniture stand up to the elements:
When outdoor furniture stands up to the sun’s rays and the rain, we say it’s "weatherproof."
We’ve just seen that weatherproof outdoor furniture resists moisture damage and UV rays so that it does not easily rust, stain, fade, or crack when exposed to the elements.
Water resistance is a different property. If a piece of outdoor furniture is "waterproof," it does not absorb moisture, and if it’s "water-repellent" it lets moisture run off quickly.
A material that’s waterproof or water-repellent is said to be "water-resistant." Furniture that is water-resistant
resists water damage but not sun damage. Weatherproof outdoor furniture resists both.
Our outdoor furniture is made of materials that protect it from the elements.
As we’ve already said, Batyline® is a polyester canvas with an open weave and a solution-dyed PVC coating that we use on many of our products, including this recliner. It is quick to dry and highly resistant to mold and staining. The Batyline® fabric we use on our reclining chairs stands up to UV rays so that it keeps its original color and performance.
BeComfort® is a 3-layer fabric used in this lounger that combines comfort and breathability with excellent weatherproof properties.
By combining UV protection and water resistance, Lafuma gives you the ultimate in weatherproof outdoor furniture.
Wooden furniture will not rust. But unless it’s varnished, it will rot. Our frames are made of HLSA steel that has superior rust resistance to ordinary grade steel and a powder coating to protect it from UV rays.
If you’re looking for weatherproof outdoor furniture that won’t rust, make sure it’s waterproof and water-repellent to lessen the risk of rust as much as possible.
Polyester, PVC, HLSA steel, and elastomers are all resistant to rust. You can find these materials in our zero-gravity chairs, folding chairs, and loungers.
And pay attention to the fabric as well as the frame. Yes, it’s the frame that rusts. But a fabric that holds water and dries slowly exposes the frame to moisture for longer, increasing the chances that eventually rust will develop.
Any top-quality furniture made of waterproof, UV-resistant materials will stand up to the weather. Again, this is your polyester, PVC, powder-coated HLSA steel, and signature materials like Batyline®, LightComfort®, and BeComfort®.
Natural materials like wood, cotton, and linen have their place in outdoor furniture. But they require regular care and attention or they will fade and rot in no time.
If you cannot bring your outdoor furniture inside for the winter, protect it with a breathable polypropylene cover. Tarps and other non-breathable covers are a bad idea, as they may keep the rain off but they trap moisture underneath.
Pick the right material for your climate. If you live in a rainy region, make sure your frame is made of coated steel, aluminum, or treated wood. If you live in a sunny region, invest in UV-resistant materials that won’t fade or crack with time.
And of course, care for your furniture. Take it in in the winter or throw a protective cover over it, and don’t
leave it in a damp or wet environment for extended periods.
There are a few things you can do to extend the lifespan of your outdoor furniture:
For more information about keeping your Lafuma furniture in the best condition, check out this page about winterizing your patio furniture.
