When selecting furniture for urban outdoor spaces, weight becomes a crucial factor for practicality and convenience. Aluminum outdoor furniture typically weighs 40-60% less than comparable wrought iron pieces, making it significantly lighter and easier to manage.
A standard aluminum chair generally weighs between 8-15 pounds (3.6-6.8 kg), while a similar wrought iron chair can weigh 25-40 pounds (11-18 kg). For dining tables, aluminum versions usually range from 30-50 pounds (14-23 kg), whereas wrought iron tables often exceed 80-120 pounds (36-54 kg).
This substantial weight difference stems from aluminum's natural properties: it has a density of approximately 2.7 g/cm³ compared to iron's 7.87 g/cm³. Despite being lighter, modern aluminum furniture maintains excellent durability through advanced engineering and protective powder coatings.
The weight advantage makes aluminum ideal for urban settings where furniture might need frequent moving for cleaning, events, or space reconfiguration. Its lighter nature also reduces shipping costs and makes DIY assembly more manageable for homeowners.
While wrought iron offers a classic, substantial feel, aluminum provides comparable strength without the heavyweight drawbacks, making it the preferred choice for contemporary urban outdoor living spaces that value both style and functionality.