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Patio Furniture

How to Choose Weatherproof Patio Furniture That Looks Good and Lasts Long

“Quality is not an act; it is a habit.” – Aristotle

This wisdom rings true in many aspects of life, including patio furniture. Any restaurant owner cannot stop thinking about ways to make their restaurant the best, no matter if it’s menu, design, furniture, or music.

When the weather calls for it, restaurateurs love the alfresco seating option. With Canada’s unpredictable weather conditions, Mother Nature calls for looking up weatherproof patio furniture.

Now, this has been a thing with all weatherproof furniture – they aren’t as pretty. And if by any luck you find something remotely pretty and weatherproof, durability hangs in shambles.

Today is your lucky day because we at Vogue Decor know a thing or two or more about weatherproof patio furniture.

Understanding Weatherproof – What Does it Mean

No, it’s not a tactic or marketing gimmick. Restaurant owners who had to throw away patio furniture too soon due to damages caused by Canadian weather know the value.

  • Water-Resistant vs. Waterproof: weather-resistant materials are for areas that experience occasional drizzles. Whereas, weatherproof material withstands snow storms and heavy downpours.
  • Rust Proof Materials: Powder-coated steel and aluminum are your new best buddies. Nobody likes a tetanus playground and stains on clothes.
  • UV-Resistant: Tattered plastic chairs, worn-out rattan, and faded cushions – sounds familiar? These are classic signs of UV damage. There are tons of options in UV-resistant finishes to maintain the patio furniture for long.

Pick Your Champions

Insider tip: it’s all in the materials.

Teak Wood – Titan of Time

We all know teak wood and its resilience. The reason why it is still used in building boats and ships. The best part about teak wood is how it ages gracefully in a light silvery shade with time. However, it is not widely used for its price.

Aluminum – The Subtle Warrior

This one is definitely a favorite of restaurant owners. Easy on the eyes, easier to move, and sleek design – aluminum is a winner.        

Stainless Steel – The Last Performer

Now this material is great when looking for modern design ideas, resistant to rust – remember to keep it away from salt-heavy environments.

Plastic – Winner of Patio

The furniture made out of plastic is different from regular plastic. These are made with high-grade materials to ensure furniture is sturdy for outdoor environments and resilient to weather while it looks chic.   

Why Not Add a Touch of Comfort?

Patio means cozy times. Any patron who prefers to sit on the patio has relaxation on their mind. Adding some comfy cushions would do the trick.

Of course, we cannot just add any cushions, we don’t want gremlins lookalike sitting on the chair in the rain. There are alternates of soggy nightmares.

  • Quick-Dry Foam: The cushions with quick-dry foam cores are lifesavers in unexpected downpours.    
  • Oil Cloth: A classic waterproof fabric, made with 100% vinyl, with a shiny finish. You have tons of color and design options.
  • PUL: Polyurethane Laminate is known for its use as mattress pads. The fabric is treated with waterproof coating, hence making an excellent cushion cover choice for a patio.

The Style that Outshines the Storm Clouds

If you are being mindful of weatherproof materials, it doesn’t mean you have to let the aesthetics and style slide. You can maintain both with the right balance.

For starters, monochrome or neutral-colored furniture can be accessorized with vibrant color planters, cushions, and throws.

If you are one who doesn’t shy away from trying something out-of-the-box, combine two different materials.

Aluminum with rattan, wicker with concrete. Of course, synthetic wicker and rattan are better options for patio furniture than the original materials.

Love Your Furniture Back

Now that you have acquired all the pieces and your restaurant patio looks nothing short of a magazine cover, it’s time for some TLC.  As Benjamin Franklin said:

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

He didn’t impart this pearl of wisdom for patio furniture, but we took our lesson nonetheless. Here are some tips that you should never disregard.

  • Invest in only high-quality covers. Even with high-grade patio furniture, keeping them covered with covers would give you a couple of extra months or years with the same patio furniture.
  • Sure, we secured the weatherproof materials, but wiping the access water down hurts no one.
  • Clean patio furniture with mild soap. Don’t use industrial-grade cleaners, as they can be harsh for the materials.
  • When the patio is out of commission, put away the furniture in storage. With Canadian weather, we know many restaurants in Montreal, Canada, shut down their patio area for months. This mini vacay would do good for the patio furniture’s wellbeing. 

Final Words

The patio area is more like an extension of your restaurant and patron magnet. Clients love to sip their coffee and laze in the sun with their books or electronics.

If you have picked the right patio furniture, color, style, and material,  chances are your patio area will fill up first. This space becomes a haven of relaxation, laughter, and late bonfire dinner parties.    

So don’t think twice before investing more than usual in patio furniture. The durability and aesthetics will pay you back three-fold. When in doubt, browse the patio section of Vogue Decor. We stock great weatherproof variety for your restaurant.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to know if patio furniture is really weatherproof?

Every weatherproof furniture comes with a buyer certificate, or else they are labeled. Also, the furniture makers give some sort of warranty on weatherproof furniture. 

What is the best material for furniture in rainy climates?

Ideally, Teak, Aluminum, synthetic furniture are best for rainy climates.

Is it safe to leave weatherproof furniture out all year?

You can leave it out all year, but harsh weather conditions constantly can do a number. If you have extra space, always stow away the weatherproof patio furniture during harsh weather conditions. With this precaution, furniture will last you for a long time.  

Can I paint, proof, or coat weatherproof furniture?

Some materials, such as metal and wood, can be repainted, or coated. Look for UV-resistant and weather-resistant.