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There's a good deal more to buying the right outdoor patio furniture sets than just appearances. While aesthetics are important, any outdoor furniture also needs to be suitably durable in order to hold up to the elements and weather. This means either making sure that you buy outdoor patio furniture sets which are treated to be weather resistant or have something to cover them. Failing that, it needs to be light weight so that it can be easily moved and stored when not in use or when the season has grown too cold to spend much time outside. There are several different ways to make just about any type of outdoor furniture more weather resistant though, assuming it wasn't when it was originally purchased. For the best durability matched with some of the most aesthetically pleasing appearances, pressure treated wood makes for some stunning outdoor patio furniture sets. Because it is pressure treated it will hold up to the worst that nature can throw at it without warping or deteriorating over time. The same type of wood is now used for decks and outdoor play structures for children. While it does not require water proofing, applying a colored stain can help incorporate this furniture into your backyard more completely, matching to existing décor choices that have already been made. Treated wood of this sort does not need to be covered, though it can be if you so desire. Be aware though, as it ages it will begin to show signs of weathering, losing color as it is exposed to sun and wind. Older wood furniture may need to be stained in order to hide this weathering. When most people think of outdoor patio furniture sets they think of metal chairs and tables. While these may seem to be some of the best choices, as weather does not necessarily impact the appearance of metal, all but stainless steel will show signs of rust with time. Most of these sets do come with some form of cover of course, but even this isn't a total guarantee against weathering. There are also acrylic spray paints which are specifically designed to protect outdoor furniture from rust and wear, though this may not seem like the do-it-yourselfer's dream. While most metal outdoor furniture is often light weight enough to transport in and out of a garage or other storage area, this is not convenient for sudden summer storms. Plastic patio furniture is often inexpensive, light weight and highly resistant to weathering. It may color over time, but replacing one or two pieces is very gentle on your wallet and so not totally out of the question. Rain and sun will generally take several seasons to begin showing signs of deterioration on plastic pieces and so taking them inside when isn't always necessary. Unfortunately, high winds will quickly relocate your patio furniture into your neighbor's yard or down the road some distance, so it may be necessary to find a way to secure it during windy conditions. When choosing patio furniture, make sure it fits with the existing outdoor décor you have already selected as well as meeting your needs for durability and ease of transport. If you can afford to spend the extra money on wood furniture, this can often fill all of the needs of the average homeowner. It may cost a bit more, but the longevity and look of it will often be well worth the price. Metal and plastic may be cheaper and lighter weight, but they are also less likely to provide the aesthetic appeal that most of us are looking for from outdoor furniture.
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