Ask a Designer!
What kind of outdoor furniture would best suit my Kawartha lifestyle?
Living where we do, presents many challenges when it comes to outdoor furniture! Our harsh Ontario winters can be hard on our home or cottage exterior furniture. There are many options and our designers will cover some of the considerations for balancing functionality and design when it comes to setting up your outdoor spaces in the Kawarthas.
Does your furniture need to stay out all year long?
If you don’t have access to storage, it’s handier to be able to leave your furniture out all year. This also means you can enjoy your outdoor space during the winter months. There are many decorative ways you may want to stage your outdoor furniture for various holidays and create curb appeal. Read on for durable options that can stand up to nature and are a worthwhile investment.
Teak
Since teak is naturally weather-resistant and durable it can stay out year long. The finish may patina to a silver-gray but is only surface deep, making teak a reasonable choice. Teaks natural oils make it durable to moisture but you will want to ensure you go with a grade-A teak with all-weather hardware. Adding teak oil in the spring can help rejuvenate the natural colour and wood grain. With grade-A teak, the furniture will be crafted with a fully mature wood from the core of the tree so it will continue to age gracefully. This option will cost more, but can offer superior resistance and a more consistent colour. During the spring and summer months, teak will blend in and look luxurious for your patio, deck or dock.
Cast aluminum at our Sturgeon Lake project features a round table design for maximum lake views. With a wide-open lake vantage point, the heavy design of cast aluminum ensures everything stays put on the patio.
Cast Aluminum
For durability, rust resistance and low maintenance, cast aluminum is one option that can satisfy a variety of different design styles. Available in a wide range of powder coat finishes, you can find something to complement your outdoor style. This option can be an ideal long-term investment as its naturally resistant to rust and corrosion. Tubular aluminum is light weight and less expensive and can be shaped easily while maintaining strength. It also looks strong and the smooth surface makes for a luxurious high-end appearance.
Wrought Iron
Easily as durable as cast aluminum, wrought iron has a strong material composition and there are many stylish designs spanning contemporary or traditional to select from. Many golf courses have had the same wrought iron furniture from the very beginning and have simply applied new paint finishes over the years to update the colour for a low maintenance approach. The real advantage with both cast aluminum and wrought iron, is the heaviness so that it will never blow away from a dock or deck. Wrought iron can be an elegant choice and can also work in transitional rooms like sunrooms to enhance cottage style.
Wicker
The technique used for outdoor wicker furniture, entails weaving the man-made fibres of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) wicker onto a powder coated aluminum frame. A thick and wide wicker will be stronger and not only looks high-end but feels strong and substantial to sit on. Less expensive brands use PVC wicker, which is brittle and will not hold up to water and sun exposure over time. The right choice will be fade and crack resistant, mildew resistant and easy to clean. Another real benefit is that wicker works on just about any type of furniture, so you can get both a stylish and comfortable solution. Imagine an old, charming cottage porch with white wicker furniture in keeping with the historical aesthetic!
Left photo: Gorgeous outdoor woven wicker stands up to lakeside elements and provides both functionality and comfort at the same time.
Right photo: Both cast aluminum and wicker combine for stylish entertaining zones on Sturgeon Lake.
Cushions and Umbrellas
The most important thing with outdoor fabrics, is you want your colours looking new for as long as possible. Sunbrella fabrics are made from 100% solution-dyed acrylic fibers, which means they stand up to UV rays, moisture and overall exterior wear and tear. Sunbrella fabrics are easy to clean with just simple dish soap and light brushing. These fabrics repel water and dry quickly. Generally, Sunbrella will come with a warranty and it’s worth paying more to keep your furniture set and umbrellas looking new for as long as possible.
Left photo: Sunbrella fabrics in neutral tones make for a comfortable lounging area by an outdoor fireplace beside the lake.
Right photo: Sunbrella fabrics come in any colour or design, so you can have fun mixing and matching to find your ideal outdoor style! This sage stripe provides contrast but still acts as a soft, neutral colour against the patio and fireplace stone.
Left + right photos: Our lead designer, Jenis, explores options with all of the Sunbrella fabric colours at our supplier Cabana Coast.
If you have a design question you would like to submit for the next Town Crier issue, you can send it to the Home by Tim + Chris design team at: info@homebytc.ca
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Tim + Chris
