Over time, wrought iron furniture rusts and corrodes.
Just as you take time to outfit an indoor room with furniture that suits your taste and budget, give the same consideration to outdoor furniture as well. As with indoor furniture, there are a myriad of options for outdoor furnishings, and wrought iron and aluminum are two possibilities. At a quick glance, aluminum furniture can be mistaken for wrought iron, but there are considerable differences between the two types of furniture. Does this Spark an idea?
Weight
Aluminum furniture is lightweight, whereas wrought iron furniture has considerable weight. Keep the weight factor in mind if you foresee frequently re-arranging pieces.
Maintenance
Aluminum furniture pieces require minimal maintenance, needing only an occasional rinsing with water to remove dirt or debris. Wrought iron needs light maintenance, and periodic wiping with diluted dish soap. To help protect wrought iron from rain, apply a spray wax once or twice a year. Over time, wrought iron furniture also may chip or scratch. To repair the areas, lightly sand them with medium grit sandpaper and apply matching paint to the area. It is best to cover or relocate wrought iron furniture during inclement weather, or extremely cold or hot temperatures. This will help to reduce potential damage and possible maintenance.
Durability
Aluminum and wrought iron are durable materials for different reasons. Aluminum is resistant to corrosion and rust, holds up well to outdoor elements and lasts a lifetime. Aluminum furniture is finished with a powder coat finish, which lends to its long-lasting quality. Although wrought iron is susceptible to rust and corrosion, its heavy weight makes durable.
Considerations
If an artistic flair and fresh design are important characteristics for your outdoor furniture, then aluminum is the better choice. Aluminum pieces are made from liquid material poured into sand casts, which are molded into new designs. The freedom to create new molds allows for intricate detailing, which often is not found in wrought iron.
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