resin/plastic or wood patio furniture...which do you prefer, and why?

Question

I'm shopping for patio furniture...something to relax on that will hold up for at least a few seasons. Hopefully I can get as much mileage out of it as possible. Any really good recommendations or bad experiences? Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

I prefer plastic and that's what I got. I didn't want wood because I don't think it lasts long enough and when it's dried out I don't want any splinters you know where. The metal glass top tables are nice but metal rusts and glass breaks. I think the price for patio furniture is absolutely insane! And the quality of it is really not so great. Plastic is easy to move, comfortable, more inexpensive, and if something were to happen to it it's not such a big deal because it was less in the first place. It is easy to replace a chair or even the table itself without financial commitment. It's also easier to buy extra chairs that match because they are not part of a pre packaged set. I think you would get longer use from the plastic but if you didn't, you could buy it new many times over to equal the cost of some of that other stuff. I bought plastic because I was just too cheap to pay the ridiculous prices for outdoor furniture and I'm not at all sorry with my decision. It holds up great!!!I hope this was helpful!!!

Answer 2

I live outdoors, so here is what you need to think about. Wood WILL fall apart eventually. Unless you plan to go out and treat it yearly, which is a pain. Especially because you must treat every nook and cranny, because water will find a way in.

Resin..those cheap chairs...they stain and are a pain to clean, but they are cheap. They are usually kind of uncomfortable and they LOOK cheap.

I use those metal sets you can find at home depot or walmart. They are good.

The best choice is wrought iron. Lasts forever if you get a decent set. Worth the investment.

Whatever you choose, consider cushions and chair seats. If you get a chair that requires a cushion for use (has straps for a seat, needs a cushion at all times) the cushions don't last more than one season, two at the most, if you really use them. We are outside all year.

Good luck! Enjoy whatever you choose!

Answer 3

Hi
Wood is best. Looks more expensive, is warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Dont get a wooden bench with metal parts though (say metal arms or legs) as these always wobble. Go for all wood.

Answer 4

Plastic ones hold up rather well to weather.
The only draw back that I have had from them is the unexpected storms that produce high winds sometimes throw the chairs around.
It really is just a matter of taste when it comes to that stuff though.