When choosing furniture for urban outdoor spaces like patios, balconies, or rooftop gardens, weight is a crucial practical consideration. A common question is: how much lighter is aluminum furniture compared to traditional iron? The answer is significant. Aluminum urban outdoor furniture is typically 60-70% lighter than its iron counterparts.
For example, a standard aluminum dining chair might weigh around 8-12 pounds (3.6-5.4 kg), whereas a similar wrought iron chair can easily weigh 25-40 pounds (11-18 kg). This substantial weight difference stems from the materials' inherent properties. Aluminum has a density of approximately 2.7 g/cm³, while iron's density is about 7.87 g/cm³. This means iron is nearly three times denser than aluminum.
This lightness offers several key advantages for urban settings. Portability is greatly enhanced, allowing you to easily rearrange seating or clear space. Maintenance becomes simpler, as pieces can be lifted for cleaning underneath. For balconies and rooftops, where weight load limits are a concern, aluminum furniture imposes far less structural stress. Furthermore, modern powder-coated aluminum resists rust without the heavy, ongoing maintenance often required for iron to prevent corrosion.
While wrought iron is prized for its classic, sturdy feel and permanence, its weight is a drawback for flexibility. Aluminum provides a winning combination of strength, durability, and remarkable lightness, making it the preferred choice for dynamic, contemporary urban outdoor living.