Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Today's Special: Outdoor Furniture

So it's that time, you know, time to pony up and buy some new outdoor furniture. The set I have is over 11 years old and beginning to look a wee bit tired. I have been doing my due diligence and researching sets on the Internet and going here, there and everywhere to see the furniture. There is lots out there, but I'm at a crossroad. The question that keeps nagging at me, while I sleep at night, in my spare waking moments is this;

Do I go with wood or iron?

What is the best value for my money? I tend to lean towards the wood. Teak, to be exact, and I think the beauty of the wood is unmatched. The thing that holds me back is how the wood ages in the elements. My 11 year old set is also teak, but every year I have treated it and the color of the wood has remained pretty much intact. But do I want to go through with the maintenance of a beautiful teak set every year again? It's kind of a pain in the a**. I wonder if an iron set is easier and lasts much longer.

I have found an incredible value. I found exactly what I want, a beautiful teak set with cushions included for an amazing price, but I'm wondering how it will wear. Even if I treat it I worry about whether or not I'm going to need a new one in a few years because the teak will grey and look spent after a few seasons.

Give me your wisdom, oh wise bloggers. What do you know? Hit me with it.
I can handle it.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Go stainless steel.

Thomas (Tom) Rimington said...

I am partial to teak as well. Growing up we lived on a 65' Sailboat with gorgeous teak decks... With the sun and rain the decks would also turn grey, however, there is a great product out there (Teak Brite) that we used to freshen them up before re-oiling them. You can probably get it at any marine supply store (maybe even Homo-Depot or Lowes too). Nothing more beautiful than freshly sealed teak...

SkylersDad said...

If you want something that lasts, I would go with concrete!

Heff said...

I beg to differ with Trav, but in time, stainless steel WILL STILL RUST.

Go with CAST ALUMINUM.

It's durable, lightweight, inexpensive, and WON'T RUST OR OTHERWISE DECAY.

You may want to spray paint it about every 5-10 years just to keep it looking new, but that's about it.

I have an old fashioned street light replica in my back yard made from cast aluminum, and it still looks good after 10 YEARS.

SO SAYETH THE HEFFER !

Anonymous said...

I disagree with Heff. Having to work in an industry that uses both applications, cast aluminum is just as likely to rust and anything exposed to the elements will rust in time. Hell, Mt. Everest will eventually erode. Best to not have to "neck" it up and paint it unless you use pastelsss...Heff, go f&$* yourself,hahaha.

Candy's daily Dandy said...

OK, so now I'm thinking concrete may be the way to go.

Thanks for doing your homework boys!

Anonymous said...

Candy, the best thing is just an old fashioned tree stump, a wooden telephone line spool and a cooler full of cheap beer.....oh and a grape blunt.

Heff said...

Yeah, I actually have porcelain commodes in MY backyard for furniture....

Anonymous said...

Heff - Then there is no reason for sharting now is there, lol!!!!

Heff said...

Trav - Them's DECORATIVE shitters. They don't work !

Candy's daily Dandy said...

Decorative Shitters??? Really? I would love to come and sit on those and listen to you Butlik-ers jam out...

sybil law said...

I'd go with the teak, personally.
I'm not saying shit about decorative shitters...

Heff said...

I jam out WHENEVER I'm on the porcelain !

Scope said...

I have a couple of resin chair that haven't been washed in two years, so I'm no help.