Guide to Outdoor Furniture Buying

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With so many choices, shopping for outdoor furniture can be overwhelming. You might love the look of wicker, but will it hold up on your sun-drenched patio? Wood may seem like the most durable, but does it require too much maintenance?

To help you answer questions like these and more, we've compiled a list of the most common outdoor furniture materials and the characteristics that distinguish them. With these facts as your guide, you can make a choice based on what you like and what's right for the way you live outdoors.
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Outdoor Furniture Guide: Wood

Wood Characteristics: Substantial look and feel Can be left outdoors year-round Easy to clean with soap and water Looks natural in an outdoor environment May require routine maintenance Heavy weight keeps it stable Does not absorb heat, so it's always cool to the touch Wood Dining Set Varieties:E... Read More

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Outdoor Furniture Guide: Wicker

Wicker Characteristics: Distinctive look Strong Lightweight Comfortable Variety of styles and colors Available in a wide range of prices All-weather varieties can be left outdoors Wicker Seating Varieties:Rattan is a vine that is native to Southeast Asia. It is sturdy and solid, and has been used... Read More

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Outdoor Furniture Guide: Aluminum

Aluminum Characteristics: Long-lasting Will not rust Easy to maintain Easy to move Surface may get hot in direct sunlight More formal look Range in prices Aluminum Dining Set Varieties:Tubular hollow aluminum is used frequently for outdoor furniture. The tubes are cut and bent to create frame ele... Read More

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