Installing a pergola on your property gives you endless possibilities for entertaining and spending time outdoors. Numerous sizes, styles, and materials are available, so you have any number of options to choose from. You can easily find one that blends in with your home and fits into your budget while also giving you the features you’re looking for. Of course, you’ll need to furnish that pergola with furniture and decor to make it as functional and fulfilling as possible.
Exploring Popular Types of Pergola Furniture
When working with a company like The Luxury Pergola to enhance your outdoor living space, it’s important to choose furniture that melds with your style and meets your expectations. Those furnishings should also complement the size and materials of the pergola itself. Several types of outdoor furniture can be used on a pergola, each of which has its own benefits and disadvantages. Take a look at five of the most popular options as well as their strong suits and drawbacks.
1) Metal Furniture
Metal outdoor furniture is extremely popular among homeowners. Of course, this category is a broad one in itself. Aluminum, steel, and iron are all common choices in this range. Aluminum outdoor furniture is affordable, lightweight, and durable. It won’t rust or succumb to the elements. On the other hand, some aluminum pieces are so light they can get blown around in high winds. They may also retain heat.
Steel furniture is a bit heavier than aluminum, so it’s more likely to stay in place during storms and on extremely windy days. It’s resistant to corrosion and staining but not impervious to them. It can be more expensive than aluminum furniture, and galvanized steel, in particular, needs a bit of maintenance to sustain its appearance.
Cast and wrought iron are also long-lasting choices for outdoor furniture. Though many aluminum and steel pieces of furniture have a sleeker, more modern design, iron furniture is known for having a classic, decorative appearance. Iron is heavier than steel and aluminum, and it requires a certain amount of upkeep to prevent rust and fading.
2) Wood
Wood is another popular choice for outdoor furniture. It offers a classic charm, and it’s available in an array of types and finishes. Teak, cedar, and oak are only a few of the types of wood used for outdoor furniture. They span various price ranges, so they can fit into different budgets. That said, wood outdoor furniture requires ongoing maintenance to prevent decay and keep it looking beautiful. That drives up the cost of ownership.
3) Wicker
Wicker is a highly sought-after choice for outdoor furniture as well. Its very appearance exudes outdoor comfort. It’s inexpensive and available in both classic and modern styles. On the downside, it doesn’t hold up well to the elements. It needs to be protected against moisture, sun, and other hazards. Synthetic wicker is also available. It looks like its natural counterpart, but it’s more durable.
4) Plastic
Plastic outdoor furniture is among the most affordable options on the market. It’s available in endless colors and styles, and some pieces are fairly durable. Plastic can also stain, fade, and crack easily, though. In most cases, people use it until it begins to look worn. Then, they replace it.
5) Composite Wood
Composite wood is also an option. It looks like wood furniture, but it’s made entirely of a specific type of plastic. It’s more durable than cheaper plastic furniture, and it’s easy to maintain. It needs to be cleaned from time to time, but it doesn’t become brittle or fade after being exposed to the elements. It’s also available in numerous colors and varieties. It’s more expensive than some of the other options, but its longevity makes it a good investment.
Choosing the Perfect Furniture for Your Pergola
Those are some of the most popular types of pergola furniture on the market. All of them can help you enjoy your pergola to its full potential. Still, some may not last as long as you’d like, and some require a bit of maintenance. Consider the benefits and drawbacks of each of these options to help you find the one that best melds with your outdoor lifestyle.