Aluminum

Aluminum is an ideal material for outdoor furniture. It is strong, non-rusting, and retains its good looks through blistering summer suns, drenching thunderstorms, and vigorously romping children. Quality aluminum furniture is durable and can last for a decade or more. It is lightweight, making it easy to move, and requires minimal maintenance.

Characteristics: Doesn't rust, relatively lightweight (cast and wrought aluminum are solid and weigh more), durable, minimum maintenance.

Location: Suitable for use anywhere outside. Wrought and cast aluminum are also used indoors in dining, living, breakfast and sunroom areas. Light tubular aluminum may not be suitable in areas with very high winds.

Recognizing Quality: Screws, bolts and nuts should be stainless steel, anodized or properly plated; welds should be smooth. Inferior quality aluminum weighs less.

Maintenance: Low maintenance. Apply a coat of liquid wax at the start of each season. Wipe down the furniture frame occasionally with water mixed with liquid detergent. Use Soft Scrub to remove stubborn stains and light scratches, or talk to our salespeople about other products available. Touch up nicks and scratches promptly (we can obtain the paint). Spray WD-40 oil on chair swivels or glides twice a season.

There are three basic categories of aluminum furniture - tubular, cast, and wrought.

Tubular Aluminum

Most aluminum furniture is made from hollow tubing, often with internal reinforcing ribs for added strength. The tubing is cut and bent to form the elements of the furniture frame, which are then welded or bolted together by skilled craftsmen. Once assembly is completed, the piece is coated with a baked-on powder finish.

Over the last few years, finish options in metal furniture have become quite exciting. There are finishes which mimic verdigris, pewter and stone. There are smooth, gleaming finishes, textured matte finishes, single tone finishes, and some with a melange of colors. Not just good-lookers, these finishes are tough. They become a plastic skin that virtually bonds to the aluminum. They will not chip, peel or crack, and are six times thicker than paint, making them highly resistant to weather.

Cast Aluminum

Cast aluminum furniture is produced by pouring molten aluminum into molds and then allowing it to cool. The prototype for each casting mold is hand carved, permitting elaborate detailing. Like tubular aluminum, it is also durable and easy to maintain while offering more classic 18th century styles.

Wrought Aluminum

Wrought aluminum marries the centuries-old craft of hand forging to the high tech performance of aluminum. Though wrought aluminum cannot duplicate the more intricate wrought-iron stylings, some believe that it represents the ideal wedding of art and technology. With wrought aluminum, you can enjoy the traditional elegance of a wrought-iron look in a material that is lightweight, low maintenance and rustproof.