When selecting furniture for public spaces, understanding warranty terms is crucial for long-term value. Here is a comparative overview of warranties for common urban outdoor furniture materials.
Powder-Coated Aluminum and Steel: Typically offer the longest warranties, often ranging from 10 to 15 years on the frame. The finish warranty is usually shorter, around 1-5 years, against peeling or corrosion under normal use. Exclusions often cover rust from coastal salt air or physical damage.
Marine-Grade Polymer (Plastic): Warranties for high-density polyethylene (HDPE) furniture can be extensive, frequently 10-20 years against structural failure and color fade. These warranties often guarantee against rust, rot, and corrosion, making them appealing for low-maintenance projects.
Tropical Hardwoods (Teak, Ipe): Warranties vary widely. Some premium suppliers offer lifetime structural warranties on the wood itself. However, warranties rarely cover natural weathering, graying, or splitting, which are expected characteristics of real wood outdoors.
Synthetic Wicker (PE Rattan): Frame warranties on aluminum underneath are often 2-5 years. The woven synthetic wicker itself may have a separate warranty, typically 1-3 years, against unraveling or significant UV degradation.
Cast Aluminum: Often carries a lifetime structural warranty due to its durability. The finish warranty for painted pieces is similar to powder-coated metals, usually around 5 years.
Key factors to scrutinize in any warranty include: coverage for UV fading, structural integrity, finish durability, and specific exclusions for commercial or public use. Always request the full warranty document from the manufacturer, as "lifetime" can have specific definitions. The longest warranty often signals confidence in material durability, directly impacting your project's total cost of ownership.