When choosing furniture for your patio, garden, or balcony, durability is a key factor. Two of the most popular materials are aluminum and steel. But how do they compare in terms of long-term resilience and strength?
Aluminum outdoor furniture is known for its natural resistance to rust and corrosion. This is a significant advantage in wet or humid climates. It is also lightweight, making it easy to rearrange. Modern aluminum furniture is often powder-coated, adding an extra layer of protection against chipping and fading. While it is strong, it can be prone to bending in very high winds if it is a lightweight design. Overall, it offers excellent durability with minimal maintenance.
Steel outdoor furniture, particularly tubular or wrought iron, is incredibly strong and heavy. It can withstand strong winds and heavy use without wobbling or bending. However, its main weakness is its susceptibility to rust. Unless it is made from stainless steel or has a high-quality, intact powder-coated finish, exposure to rain can lead to corrosion over time. This means it often requires more maintenance, such as touch-up painting, to preserve its durability.
In conclusion, for pure, worry-free durability in various weather conditions, aluminum often has the edge due to its innate rust resistance. Steel offers superior structural strength but requires a protective coating to achieve similar longevity. Your choice depends on your specific needs: low-maintenance resilience (aluminum) or heavy-duty sturdiness (protected steel).