Outdoor Furniture Structural Materials
Outdoor Furniture Physical Characteristics, Advantages and Disadvantages
2.40 High Pressure Laminate (HPL),Trespa
HPL, Trespa is a new modern attractive form of HPL with more decorative finish options. High Performance Laminate is made up of layers of kraft paper panels that contain resin in their structure. https://www.vip-environment.com/outdoor-furniture-terrace-design These are pressed at a high temperature to form boards, ‘laminates’ that become lasting and are highly resistant to light, stains, high temperature, impacts, scratches and abrasion. https://www.vip-environment.com/outdoor-dining-tables-terrace-design
Advantages – Sleek modern look, available in a range of finishes which resists bacteria and superficial marks from spills or impacts. These surfaces also do not require any special maintenance other than normal cleaning.
Disadvantages – It is higher in price than alternative materials.
2.41 Aluminium
Aluminium is suitable for manufacturing outdoor furniture due to its low density and its resistance to rust and corrosion. These characteristics keep outdoor furniture from VIP Environment light in weight and resistant to the elements, https://www.vip-environment.com/outdoor-dining-chairs-terrace-design. In Europe Aluminium used in outdoor furniture, https://www.expormim.com/ undergoes Corrosion and Salt Spray tests at AIDIMA (Technological Institute of Furniture, Packaging and Related) having to achieve an excellence rating.
Advantages – Light in weight, flexible, versatile, and durable, non-corrosive, can be lacquered in many different finishes. Does not corrode on exposure to salt, oxides, and bleaches. https://www.gescova.be/en/product-category/umbrellas/
Disadvantages – Aluminium in outdoor furniture can be a more expensive option. As a material it can also be used in various grades of metal. In the cheaper compositions there is often poor-quality welding in the structural joints which are visibly unattractive.
2.42 Steel
Furniture made of steel and finished with a double layer of zinc and polyester powder has excellent mechanical properties and thanks to the zinc treatment makes it very suitable for outdoor furniture. The treated steel used in some products from VIP Environment, https://www.expormim.com/ has undergone both corrosion and salt spray tests at AIDIMA, in Spain.
Advantages – Available in a variety of finishes, can be powder coated, minimal damage from UV radiation, is sturdy durable and can withstand weight.
Disadvantages – May get too hot when the weather is warm with high UV content due to heat absorption. Steel outdoor furniture needs leaving in shade in summer.
2.43 Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a chromium-rich steel alloy that is extremely strong, corrosion-resistant and 100% recyclable. This sturdy metal alloy is extremely strong, which makes it a great material option for large weight-bearing outdoor dining tables, sofas, and modular elements. https://www.expormim.com/products/lapala-barstool/
Advantages – Durable, strong, resistant to dents, endures high temperatures, resistant to salt, is not easily damaged by UV radiation, will not tip over in high winds, resistant to rust and corrosion, achieves a contemporary look and design, can be powder coated to achieve different finishes, is often produced from recycled metals making it environmentally responsible.
Disadvantages – Higher in cost and heavier in weight than some other materials.
2.44 Kerlite Porcelain
Kerlite, Porcelain is an entirely natural product. Due to being natural there is piece to piece variation the same as wood or natural stone. This product is anti-microbial, eco-friendly and does not contain any toxic substances. Porcelain is a great surface for an outdoor dining or coffee table and for use as outdoor floor tiles.
Advantages – Easy to clean, fireproof, resistant to high temperatures, and deep abrasion, resistant to chemicals, environmentally friendly. https://www.expormim.com/products/atrivm-outdoor-dining-table-240/
Disadvantages – Slight colour variation from piece to piece.
2.45 Dekton
A modern state of the art architectural material. A combination of high-end raw materials used in the production of glass, ceramic and quartz surfaces. It is produced by a process known as Sinterized Particle Technology. This process speeds up evolutionary changes in natural stone. This material does not fade or degrade over time. https://www.vip-environment.com/outdoor-dining-tables-terrace-design
Advantages – Highly resistant to UV, perfect for indoor and outdoor use, scratch resistant, and stain proof, mechanically resistant, easy to clean.
Disadvantages – Higher in cost and more limited in range of finishes.
2.46 Polyester Rope
Flexible and soft to touch, yet if used properly should look sophisticated and top quality, well designed and made. Available in different thickness’s from literally 7mm upwards. Aesthetically pleasing designs can be achieved which can be used in combination with other structural materials. Should be cleaned using a soft cloth and water, without too much detergent. https://www.vip-environment.com/outdoor-dining-chairs-terrace-design
Advantages – Flexible and soft to the touch. Versatile in terms of design and finish and style.
Disadvantages – Good quality polyester rope designs are higher in cost. Cheaper designs cannot only appear lower in quality but wear much more quickly.
2.47 Batyline (Eden) Outdoor Upholstery Fabric
Batyline (Eden), combines a textile appearance with the extreme weather resistant properties ensuring lasting colour with no sag effect. This fabric has a homely look. This furniture should be wiped with a damp cloth and a small amount of detergent can be used. https://www.vip-environment.com/outdoor-sunbeds-daybeds-terrace-design
Advantages – Can create great bespoke designs, is hard wearing, wipeable, and resistant to different weather conditions.
Disadvantages – A higher cost fabric. Mostly used for upholstery not covering cushions due to the nature of the fabrics.
2.48 Batyline (Canatex) Outdoor Upholstery Fabric
Batyline (Canatex) A high tenacity polymer yarn, with optimised weave. This fabric is designed for indoor and outdoor furniture. This fabric is versatile and flexible in designs. Used for upholstery and cushions. Hemp fibres are stitched and woven with synthetic Batyline (Canatex) giving a natural feel to the design. https://www.vip-environment.com/outdoor-furniture-terrace-design
Advantages – Tear resistant, does not sag, uniform weave, dries quickly, stays cool in summer, available in a range of colours for a range of applications, is easy to clean.
Disadvantages – A more limited range of finishes, a slightly higher cost, some examples of this product have a more rigid structure.
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