Nothing will complete your outdoor entertainment space like comfortable seating that creates a sense of harmony with the rest of your outdoor furniture and decor.
Yet comfortable outdoor seating is a bit harder to care for, and you’ll want to make sure you’re getting value by ensuring the seating you choose is equipped with the following attributes.
This short guide will help you shop through outdoor sectionals by the features.
Weather-Resistant Upholstery
Arguably more than anything else, you’ll want outdoor seating made with durable, yet still comfortable, weather-resistant upholstery.
There are many materials from which outdoor upholstery like cushion covers are made, but some of the best of them are polyolefin and polyester, two highly durable synthetic materials that can be woven into comfortable textiles, yet which are quick-drying, water and sunlight-resistant, and relatively low on maintenance.
Since they also resist moisture retention, they are less likely to be attacked by mold or microbes than many other textiles.
In addition to being moisture and sunlight resistant, the synthetic materials mentioned have a high abrasion resistance, are very flexible and strong, and exhibit high elastic recovery, which means even if they are stretched, they resist permanent deformation.
Removable Foam or Cushions
The cushions on outdoor sectionals must be made with covers that are easy to remove so that the filling or foam can be taken out to drain and dry.
The foam and padding used in outdoor seating, like the fabric upholstery, must be made from a weather-resistant synthetic that is quick-drying and which resists moisture retention and the growth of microbes.
These features will make the outdoor sectional suitable not just in areas that are sun-soaked, but in areas that may be rained on – or just next to the pool.
Quick-Draining, Quick-Drying Features
Many outdoor sofas and sectionals are made with cushions that are vented so that they shed water and dry quickly, as well as with quick-drying fabrics that don’t hold onto moisture.
Metal, Wood or Porcelain Stoneware Frames
The quality of the frame on which everything rests is just as important as the upholstery and fill of outdoor seating.
Many outdoor sofas and sectionals are made with porcelain stoneware, which is made from a combination of ceramic clays and other materials, and which is weather-resistant, UV-impervious, and highly resistant to moisture.
Powder-coated stainless steel and anodized aluminum are two metal alloys that are strong and durable, and which are fairly resistant to the elements as well.
Hardwood may be a suitable choice, assuming the hardwood in question is resistant to light, moisture, insects, and microbial attack. Two good choices in wood are cedar and teak, both of which are well-known for their excellent stability and rot-resistance. It also doesn’t hurt that they are aesthetically appealing, too.
Basic Outdoor Sectional Maintenance: Protect Your Investment
Once you put good money into an outdoor sectional, you should want to know how to properly care for it. Here are some high-level notes:
- Periodically clean the surface of the cushions and frame with water or a neutral detergent.
- Clean more frequently if the climate is a marine climate or is chronically humid.
- If possible, protect outdoor furniture from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight as the UV in it can cause wood and fabrics to fade.
- During periods of non-use, store furniture out of the elements and covered, if possible.
- If cushions get soaked, remove the fill from the cushion covers and allow them to dry before rearranging the cushions.
Fortunately, most outdoor furniture is highly durable and doesn’t require too much care and attention. These basic pointers should help preserve your investment in your outdoor entertaining space.
Explore Peerless-Quality Outdoor Sectionals at Cantoni
For those of you interested in elevating the experience produced by your outdoor entertaining, explore the collection of outdoor sectionals, sofas, stools, tables, barware and more at Cantoni. They represent a wide cross-section of variety from the market, replete with memorable and unique designs.
