Cast Aluminum Outdoor Furniture
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Lightweight and rust-resistant cast aluminum outdoor furniture is an attractive alternative to heavier cast iron exterior pieces. It's hard to believe that the same metal which beverage companies use to bottle our favorite soft drinks can be forged to manufacture sturdy exterior furnishings. Aluminum's malleable quality enables manufacturers to craft pieces that look like cast iron, yet have the portability of lighter weight plastics. Unlike wrought metal, which is beaten into shape, cast aluminum is poured, or cast, into molds to mimic iron and to create intricate and fanciful designs or tubing of different widths. Cast aluminum outdoor furniture comes in a wide range of finishes from bronze, black, and bone, to its natural silver tone. And this maintenance-free metal is perfect for outdoor patio furniture that must adapt to extreme summer temperatures.
Today's aluminum outdoor patio furniture is surprisingly strong, yet cool to the touch. To resist rusting, metal frames are sanded, then heated to over 650 degrees. While the metal is still white hot, frames are placed into a chamber where each piece is coated with a fine powder consisting of aluminum and resin particles and paint. Another heating process bonds the powder coating to the metal and cures the finish. The end result is a durable, rust and water resistant frame with the flexibility and strength to hold weights of up to several hundred pounds. While metallic elements undergo a bonding process to add strength, God strengthens us through the bond of love. "Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness" (Colossians 3:12-14).
What makes aluminum outdoor patio furniture appealing is not only its distinctive and versatile style, but its relatively light weight. Most homeowners dread moving heavy patio furniture to clean recreational areas or accommodate large parties. But lightweight aluminum can be easily lifted and moved from porch to patio to poolside without calling out the National Guard! Stacking chairs constructed from this feather weight metal are easily transported from storage to do double duty on a patio for a large gathering. Smaller pieces can be folded and hung along a garage or storage room wall, out of the way and off of the floor. Chairs, chaises and tables offer casual seating that can be placed all around the yard with little effort. Even larger pieces, such as complete outdoor dining ensembles with glass tabletops, chairs, and removable umbrellas can quickly be disassembled and moved with ease.
When designing an outdoor room for family or guests, homeowners should consider using cast aluminum outdoor furniture for its good looks and enduring style. Contemporary and modern furnishings are nothing short of extraordinary, while traditional pieces offer timeless outdoor fashion. Cast aluminum pieces are the perfect blend of two qualities: strength and beauty. Domestic and foreign designers take advantage of the metal's resilient strength to create masterpieces incorporating sleek frames with wicker, rattan, and teak wood seats, backs and tabletops. Homeowners can choose metal frames in five to six different finishes, paired with all-weather fabrics in summer oranges, tangerines, aquamarine solids, or olive stripes. The beauty of today's outdoor patio furniture is that the look of store bought pieces can be personalized by using different cushions and accessories. Because most ensembles have standard sized cushions, shoppers can mix and match colors and patterns to achieve distinctly different looks. Vivid black and white patterns can easily go from formal to casual by adding punches of brilliant hues or primary colors. Monochromatic color schemes create a soothing accompaniment to cast aluminum outdoor furniture in almost any finish.
Good quality aluminum outdoor patio furniture, such as chairs, chaise lounges, gliders, and ottomans can be purchased at retail stores, home improvement centers, online catalogs, or warehouse outlets. No matter what the style, consumers should purchase the best quality for the dollar. Buy sturdily constructed pieces that are welded and finished to last. High quality pieces should come with optional 5- to 7-year warranties on frames. Ordering from one manufacturer or brand will ensure that individual pieces can be added or replaced in the future, without having to use mismatched sets, or buy entirely new ensembles. Purchasing pieces with classic lines will enable homeowners to use furnishings from year to year without having them look dated or out of style. In spite of the rust- and scratch-free finishes of cast aluminum outdoor furniture, homeowners should purchase and use covers to protect pieces from water, heat, and mildew. Patio ensembles can run as little as $500 for good quality sets to nearly $2,000 and up for each designer piece. Online companies accept major credit cards, but shipping and handling will up the price; and shoppers will usually have to wait six weeks for delivery.
One man's cast aluminum trash is another man's treasure! Budget-conscious shoppers may want to surf online discount stores for the best buys on used furnishings at considerable savings. Flea markets, yard sales, and thrift shops may carry used pieces that can be spruced up with new cushions and a coat of paint. Vintage pieces are chock full of character and make a "uniquely you" statement. Older pieces can be painted in bright primary colors, subdued blacks and bronzes, or hot pinks and oranges. Flea market finds of aluminum outdoor patio furniture can be collected for an eclectic mix of different styles. Purchase several pieces and spray paint them all in the same color. Add matching or coordinating cushions and stand back and wait for the rave reviews! Dressing up an exterior space is all about self-expression, comfort, and enduring quality. Great outdoor style doesn't necessarily depend on dollars and cents, just a little design savvy!
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