Cast Iron Garden Furniture

Creating a Garden Getaway

A Guide to Materials Used in Garden Furniture

Garden furniture is available in a variety of materials, including Softwood, Hardwood, Cast Iron, Cast aluminium, and Wicker.

The choice of material will depend upon durability, finish, strength and personal preference.

Softwood furniture is generally made from Pine. It is cheap, cheerful and functional. It lacks strength and durability and will deteriorate after 3 or 4 years if not treated. It is high in maintenance and ideally, needs dry storage during the winter months.

There are a number of different hardwoods used in the manufacture of outdoor furniture. The most common include Yellow Balau, Eucalyptus, Meranti and Teak.

Teak. The most durable and long lasting of all hardwoods, due to its high content of natural oils and rubber. Each piece of teak is kiln dried to less than 12% moisture content before being shaped and used to produce each piece of furniture. This prevents any changes in climatic conditions affecting the furniture when moved to different geographical areas. Every item is manufactured using traditional dowelled mortise and tenon joinery complimented with solid brass fittings and fixings. Naturally rich in oleoresin, teak is highly resistant to warping and rotting and will last for many years without any special treatment. However, after time, teak can show hairline cracks, especially in end grains. These are quite natural and do not detract from the wood's strength or durability.

Our furniture is sold untreated in its natural state. The untreated timber is a very pleasant yellowy-brown olive colour when still fresh. The furniture is fine sanded so that it will have only the natural colour of the wood coupled with the raw natural texture of the teak grain.

If your furniture is to be used indoors, and away from a lot of natural sunlight, over a period of time, perhaps six months to a year, the wood will gradually become a darker shade of brown.

If the furniture is left outdoors, the effects of the suns rays will 'bleach out' the timbers natural colour, gradually turning it a soft silvery grey colour. This silvery grey ‘patina’, which develops over time, gives Teak Furniture a distinctive appearance. The silver grey colour resulting from this natural ageing process is considered to be very attractive, and allows the furniture to blend in well with many outdoor environments. Teak furniture left in this state is easily maintained, and needs no treatment whatsoever to give many years of service. And this is about as easy a maintenance schedule as its possible to get!

Yellow Balau The appeal of Yellow Balau is its high density, fine graining and weight. The timber has a life span of 20-30 years. In comparison to other species, Yellow Balau has only a small tendency of warping or twisting and is therefore adaptable to weather change conditions.

Eucalyptus The Eucalyptus Grandis timber exceeds the requirements of durability and weather resistance that is required from modern furniture. In fact Eucalyptus is as strong and as durable as teak, and on average it is from 10 to 20 percent denser. With its density, straight grain, smooth finish, and honey colour with subtle rose highlights, Eucalyptus is an excellent material to produce garden furniture. The Furniture is finished with a high quality penetrating oil, to give the wood hydro-repellent property along with fungus and insect resistance. The wood should not need to be treated again after purchase and will fade naturally over time and can be left outside over winter

Meranti is kiln dried prior to use as an outdoor furniture material. As a natural resource it will, without ongoing maintenance, deteriorate on exposure to the elements. The grain on all hardwoods can open, or lift, causing slight roughness. Our recommendation is that although the timber is already treated, it should be given a further application of teak oil or hardwood protector on assembly, and then periodically. Even with careful maintenance, small cracks or splits can appear, and the grain can lift at any time. Although this should not affect the strength of the wood, we suggest that the timber is allowed to dry thoroughly and is then lightly sanded with glass paper before receiving an application of teak oil. Hardwoods can discolour in certain atmospheric conditions, and if you find this unacceptable, we suggest it is cleaned with warm soapy water, dried off and lightly sanded, before being given an application of a proprietary ‘hardwood protectors.’ (The type recommended for window frames and front doors.) These stains will colour and protect the timber, but still allow the grain to show through.

Meranti is one of the cheaper hardwoods currently available and is a very popular choice for budget hardwood furniture.

Cast Iron. The appeal of cast iron furniture is that it is ornate and heavy. It will not be blown around even in the strongest of winds. It is suited to furniture pieces, which are intended to remain in one place. Most cast iron furniture is powder coated to protect from rusting and to make it aesthetically pleasing. However, if the powder coating gets scratched or chipped, maintenance is required without delay to avoid rusting. Few modern furniture designers’ work in cast iron but there is a lively trade in antiques and in reproductions of antique cast iron furniture designs.

Cast Aluminium. This is an increasingly popular choice of material for outdoor furniture. It has many advantages over its rivals. It is lightweight yet sturdy enough to prevent it from being blown around. It is maintenance free. It will not rust even if the powder coating is damaged. It is easy to work with meaning that attractive styles and designs are available and affordable. Aluminium furniture can be welded or assembled but if assembly furniture is used, fixings should ideally be stainless steel.

Wicker. Also known as rattan. This material is most commonly used for conservatory furniture but is also a popular choice for covered terraces and balconies. Wicker furniture should not be left outside in the rain although an imitation wicker is now available. Made from hand woven polyethylene, it looks just like the real thing and is weather resistant. This synthetic rattan/wicker is fade, UV and weather resistant which allows the furniture to be left outdoors in any weather. It is also resistant to insect, termite’s fungus and mould. However it is recommended that the furniture be stored away in the winter months or used with a furniture cover

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Liberty Garden Products 670 Decorative Anti-Rust Cast Aluminum Wall-Mounted Garden Hose Butler/Hanger with 125-Foot Capacity, Antique Patina Finish List Price: $29.99 Sale Price: $19.97 You save: $10.02 (33%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Features Holds 125 ft. of 5/8-inch garden hose. All cast aluminum. Won't rust. Durable powder coat finish. Mounting hardware not included. Color: Antique Patina finish.

Cast Iron Sitting Mermaid Figure Nautical Decor Statue Sale Price: $22.95   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product Description Beautiful Sitting Mermaid StatueFinished in a our popular rust/brown color.Great ledge-sitting design.Very nice detail from head to tail.She'll look great anywhere!Display her inside your home or outside.Measures 9"H x 19"L x 3"W Features Great ledge-sitting design Finished in a our popular rust/brown color Made of cast iron Measures 9"H x 19"L x 3"W

Leaning Cast Iron Mermaid Garden Figure Sale Price: $24.99   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product Description Laying Back MermaidVerdigris finishShe'll Look Great Anywhere!She measures 6-1/2"H x 12"L x 7-1/2"W Features Made of cast iron Finished in an attractive verdigris finish Great piece for inside or outside your home Measures 6-1/2"H x 12"L x 7-1/2"W

2 Cast Iron Garden Turtle Statue Statuary Key Hider Sale Price: $19.95   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product Description This turtle has a secret: Not just an appealing garden statue, his s cleverly conceals a secret stash spot big enough for a spare key! Tuck him near a door for a handy hideaway! Cast iron. 5 1/8" x 3 3/8" x 2 3/8" high. Set of 2.

Strathwood Falkner Lounge Deep Seat Arm Chair, Set of 2 List Price: $480.00 Sale Price: $349.99 You save: $130.01 (27%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Features Set of 2 lounge chairs for outdoor use have all-weather cushions with fabric ties to secure to frame Made of durable yet lightweight cast aluminum; black powder-coat finish No assembly required; weight capacity of 250 pounds Seat cushion measures 25.6 inches wide by 29.5 inches deep by 4 inches thick; back cushion measures 19.7 inches high by 25.6 inches wide by 4 inches thick Each chair measures 28 inches wide by 34.8 inches deep by 32.5 inches high; weighs 22.1 pounds

Strathwood St. Thomas Cast-Aluminum Round Table with Fire Pit List Price: $450.00 Sale Price: $319.99 You save: $130.01 (29%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Features All-weather round table with central fire pit Made of durable, lightweight, rust-resistant cast aluminum in dark, flecked finish; easy assembly Lid removes to expose recessed, bright copper 22-by-7-inch fire bowl Black metal grate rests near bottom; mesh dome prevents sparks from flying Table measures 42 inches in diameter by 22-1/2 inches high; weighs 44 pounds

Strathwood St. Thomas Cast Aluminum Chaise Lounge Chair List Price: $440.00 Sale Price: $319.99 You save: $120.01 (27%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Features All-weather chaise lounge with synthetic tweed cushion; adjustable, 6-position back Made of durable yet lightweight cast aluminum; 300-pound capacity Wide ribbed design on frame; dark finish with bronze highlights and silver flecks Cushion measures 83-1/2 inches long by 23-1/2 inches wide by 3 inches thick Chaise measures 28-1/2 inches wide by 84-1/2 inches long by 44 inches high; weighs 29-1/2 pounds

DC America SLP2660BRSP, Rose Resin Back Park Bench, Cast Iron legs, Rust-free Resin Back, and Hardwood Slats, Rust Resistant Bronze Finish Sale Price: $81.99   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1 to 2 days See Reviews For This Product Description DC America #SLP2660BRSP, Rose Resin Back Park Bench, Cast Iron legs, Rust-free Resin Back, and Hardwood Slats, Rust Resistant Bronze Finish. Everybody loves to sit outdoors on the lawn, deck, or patio for relaxing and entertaining. D.C. America Garden Furniture has long been the favorite of homeowners, gardeners, and professional landscape designers. Choose from our expanded line of garden benches, patio furniture, dining tables, armchairs, tables, and much more. Features Resin back Bronze color Hardwood slats Ship 1 by ground-Fed-ex Attractive outdoor seating

2x4basics AnySize Chair or Bench Ends, Sand Sale Price: $38.99   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Using 2x4basics AnySize Chair or Bench Ends, Sand, and your 2x4's, you can custom build a very sturdy bench, chair or loveseat up to 6 feet (1.8 m). Simple assembly with only a powered screwdriver and a saw. Only straight 90 degree cuts are required - no miters or angles. All hardware is included. Ergonomic design makes the assembled seat surprisingly comfortable. Each 2x4basics AnySize Chair or Bench Ends includes an integrated cup holder. Made of durable and maintenance free structural resin, the all-weather frame is built to last. The assembled unit stands 32 inches (813 mm) to the top of the back with a 17 inch (432 mm) seat height. You choose the length. Sand in color. Combine the AnySize Chair or Bench Ends with the Outdoor Dining Table, AnySize Table, Picnic Table Set or Flip Top BenchTable to create functional and attractive outdoor furniture groupings. Features Build your own bench, loveseat or chair any size up to 6 feet using our AnySize Chair or Bench Ends kit and your 2x4's Assembly is simple. Made of durable, maintenance free structural resin Includes 2 bench end supports, hardware and assembly instructions (lumber not included) Lifetime warranty

Rust Cast Iron Starfish Doorstop Sale Price: $34.95   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product Description This beautiful rust colored cast iron starfish doorstop will securely hold your door open and will add beauty to your existing home or garden decor. It has lots of detail molded around the base of the starfish and has a foot on the back to slip under a door to hold it more securely. It can also be used as a table decoration or a garden decoration or even as a book end. Whether you use this indoors or outdoors, it will be a great addition to any coastal, nautical or beach decor. This is a great gift for a man or woman. It is a large doorstop, 9 inches high x 7 inches wide x 3 inches deep. Features Made of cast iron Heavy enough to keep a door open Can be used as a bookend or statue as well Will bring the love of nature to your patio or home Great gift for the nautical decor lover