Complement Aluminum Pool Furniture with an Aluminum Pergola

An aluminum pergola is one of the best items that you can get to bring an aesthetic feeling to  your outdoor space, particularly in your pool area. Picking the right pergola should be the priority before anything else, so you do not make any mistake in the process of installation, as well as ensure that it is suitable for the size of your outdoor space.

Aluminum pergolas are offered by manufacturers in various sizes, styles, shapes and designs. It might be hard to pick the style when you do not know the simple  style to build at home. For easily installation, opt for a pergola with a square or rectangular shape. This is also the best option if you have a relatively conventional outdoor area. On the other hand, for quirky spaces and landscaping, you could go with circular and even triangular shapes.

The material used in making pergolas varies, from wood to vinyl to plastic. But if you want something that is durable and weather resistant, aluminum pergolas are the best option. They are not only available in metal finishes, as you can get them covered with different types of colors that will suit your aluminum pool furniture and garden decors.

Once you are done with the pergola installation (you can get a professional or do it on your own, perhaps with the help of your friends), it is not time for you to adorn it. To give it a somewhat romantic feel, grow roses or grape vines along the pergola. It should also bring you shade. It can also be a great gardening spot. Otherwise, you can skip the vines and use fabric cover made from vinyl as the shade.

Under the pergola, you can get furniture pieces like an outdoor bed or hammock with colorful cushions. Below are some great pieces to consider.

Sunny Rise Lounger by Lebello

A part of the Sunny Collection, the Sunny Rise Lounger by Lebello is an outdoor lounge chair available with a foot stool or side table. Providing a higher seating position, this is suitable for contract projects. Resistant to pool water, sea salt and changes in climate, this lounger is non-toxic and is made from 100% recyclable materials. They also come in several colors.

Chat Rocker Chairs Set of 2 by Outdoor Greatroom Company

The Chat Rocker Chairs Set of 2 by Outdoor Greatroom Company are comfortable and stylish chairs that you would make great additions to  your outdoor space. Available in set of two, these rocking chairs come with low rise and extra wide seating for utmost sitting ease. Their  aluminum frame comes in a Dora finish a Toffee color cushion.

San Michele Loveseat by Vifah Modern Patio

Made of extruded aluminum with sleek lines and refined curves, the San Michele Loveseat by Vifah Modern Patio is a striking contemporary piece with European flair. Its finely crafted and powder-coated frames are exceptionally durable while its deep plush cushions invite hours of outdoor entertainment in total comfort.

How to Properly Clean Aluminum Wicker Patio Furniture

The simple process of cleaning aluminum wicker patio furniture can make your home shine. Aluminum is one of the most abundant metals on earth and is used to make a wide range of household items like tables, pots and pans. If you own any piece of aluminum, be it furniture or something else, you need to have an idea an of  how to properly clean it so you can enjoy and use your aluminum pieces for a longer period of time. Below are some great aluminum furniture pieces.

• Manhattan Outdoor Coffee Table by Nuevo Living. The table features a woven synthetic polyurethane rattan finish that provides the perfect balance for earthy sophistication, water resistance and durability. It has a  glass table top, a double-welded powder-coated aluminum frame and powder-coated finish.

• Paragon Chaise Lounge by Meadow Décor. Featuring a fully welded cast aluminum construction, this chaise lounge come with wheels for transporting ease. Its revolutionary design and dependable quality ensures a 15-year warranty on its frames and 3 years on its powder coating. It is available in a Black or Mocha Stone finish.

• Weave Design Cast Aluminum Bakers Rack with Doors in Antique Fern Finish by Alfresco Home. This bakers rack is made from rust-proof polished cast aluminum along with a durable powder coat finish that features Antique Fern Pantina highlights with exquisite pattern and detailing. It has a 5-year warranty on its frames and 2 years on its finish.

Composition of Aluminum

Aluminum is a very light and soft metal that is able to resist corrosion. To make it stronger, it is usually anodized or mixed with other materials like copper or magnesium. Anodizing is a chemical process where the top layer of the metal is treated to make it thicker, which also makes it stronger. Even though it is naturally anti-corrosive, aluminum responds to oxygen exposure by developing a coating on its surface. Cleaning aluminum will remove this coasting and restore the metal’s shine.

How to Clean Aluminum

The first step in cleaning aluminum is to rid the item of any dust and debris by wiping or washing it down. A fine grade steel wool or pad can be used to scrub away food or other dirt stuck to the object’s surface. Next, determine if the aluminum is unfinished. An aluminum object covered in paint, lacquer or another coating should be cleaned according to the requirements of the coating instead of the material.

Thoroughly clean the item using an acid-based solution. Acids remove the oxidized coating that naturally develops on aluminum surfaces. You can use acids like hydrofluoric acid or bleach but they have many side effects and do not do a better job than the ones in your home. The natural acids found in apples, lemons and tomatoes can be just as effective as harsh chemicals minus the toxicity.

How to Protect Aluminum

Because aluminum naturally reacts with oxygen exposure, consider giving your aluminum furniture a protective coating to impede the development of an oxide coating. To do so, apply a thin coating of lemon or olive oil to the item’s surface with a soft rag. The oil will act as a barrier.

Aluminum Patio Table: All About the Aluminum Material

Just like any other aluminum furnishing item, an aluminum patio table is a great choice for outdoor furniture. There are so many reasons why cast aluminum would be a great choice for homeowners. For one, they are lightweight and are extremely resilient. Also, they can be as charming and as beautiful as other outdoor furniture made from other materials, and are easy to care for and maintain. Cast aluminum patio furniture is a practical and lightweight choice when it comes to patio furniture. With a little care, it can last you and your family for many years to come.

The Process of Cast Aluminum

For so many years, cast aluminum has been a popular materials to construct patio furniture. The process of creating cast aluminum furniture is quite interesting. During the casting process, liquid metal is poured into molds and cooled. These solid components are much heavier and more durable than hollow, tubular furniture parts. From here, the components are smoothed and polished, then welded and bolted together to make a furniture piece. They are then given a beautiful finish which comes in a wide range of colors. Their finish assists in giving the furniture pieces a fabulous look while making them rust-resistant.

Styles of Cast Aluminum Tables

Cast aluminum tables can be just as detailed and beautifully designed as wrought iron furniture. They are mostly offered in matching sets with seating up to four or eight people, although you can very well purchase a sole piece. Opt for  something a bit more contemporary or something that is more classic with leaf patterns and floral designs. Whatever you choose, you are bound to adore their comfort, style and functionality. Below are some popular pieces.

• Cilento 24 Inch Round Bistro Table and Base by Alfresco Home. This table features handmade glazed ceramic mosaic top design that has been inlaid in a powder-coated iron tray. Inspired by the beautiful tones of the earth and the vibrant colors of nature, it has adjustable base feet and comes with galvanized hardware all throughout.

• Venice Round Dining Table by Vifah Modern Patio. Capturing a piece of that wonderful California sunshine and casual lifestyle, this round dining table features a Desert Bronze finish. This outdoor living essential will provide bring comforting  aesthetics and functionality to your outdoor living environment.

• Kingston 48″ Table with Propane Burner by Meadow Decor. This table doubles as a propane-powered fire pit. It gives a great source for heat on chilly evenings while serving as a beautiful centerpiece for the patio. It is made with a combination of cast aluminum and stainless steel, along with a Walnut or Black finish.

Care and Maintenance of Cast Aluminum

To clean cast aluminum patio furniture, all that you need is soapy water along with clean water for rinsing. One impressive thing about this material is that it is naturally rust-resistant, thanks to its coated finishes. This means that you do not have to store it away during the winter season. However, it would still be a good idea to store it as cast aluminum furniture is lightweight and might be blown off by strong winds.

Aluminum Patio Dining Set: What Paint Should I Use?

An aluminum patio dining set is one of the many staple outdoor furniture items  found in homes. Aluminum is very popular for its strength and durability properties that allow it to tolerate the typical outdoor weathers and elements. This can be a great place for the whole family to enjoy breakfast in their garden, or host a small gathering with friends come nighttime. Below are some great examples of aluminum dining sets.

Royal Garden Aluminum Bistro Square Table Set by Jordan Manufacturing Company. A 3-piece bistro set, this aluminum furniture features a foldable table and chairs that allow easy storage. This set is made of an aluminum frame with PS Slats construction.

Euro 5-Pc. Dining Set in White Aluminum Frame / White by PolyWood. The crisp lines of this dining set gives a look that is usually reserved for upscale cafes and restaurants. It is not only relaxing, but effectively displays quintessential minimalist design.

Charter Cast Aluminum Dining Set by Alfresco Home. With 6 stackable chairs and a 60-inch round dining table, this set is made with durable cast aluminum frames that will never rust. It stationary chairs are fully assembled and stacks for easy storage.

Painting is a great way to improve the look of metal furniture. You can paint a metal object after a thorough cleaning. Sand off all rust, or the rust will continue to deteriorate the metal after it is painted. In most cases, priming the metal first is a good idea. However, you may want to have a piece of furniture or metal powder coated for durability.

Primer. Although not always required, using a rust retardant primer is a good way to create a good base for your paint. Primer and metal paints are best sprayed on in a series of thin coats. Let it  coat dry completely before applying the next. Automotive primers or consumer grade rust resistant primers should work well. After priming the metal, you now have a good paintable surface and you can start applying your paint.

Paints. There are a number of brands used for painting metal, the most popular of which are Krylon and Rustoleum. If you want, you can use enamel paint over a rust-retardant primer. Metal paints with rust retardants come in various colors, and you can mix the enamel paints to match a custom color to better fit your preferred color scheme.

Powder Coating. Powder coated painting consists of putting powdered paint material over the prepared metal. This is a new method that can only be done by a specialist. The specialist will then heat the metal so the paint will then fuse to it. Powder-coated surfaces are very durable and will last much longer than painted surfaces. However, this method is more expensive than the traditional painting.

Paints that are not designed for metal can have some inherent problems. Soft paints can easily scratch, allowing water to reach the metal and cause rust. Porous paints can also allow water to seep through. Once rust starts to form under the paint, in most cases, the metal should be stripped, sanded and then treated with rust retardant.

How to Repair the Webbing of Aluminum Patio Chairs

Aluminum patio chairs with webbing can become faded and stretched after years and exposure to the weather, and can render them unsafe for use. Webbing is attached to the aluminum frames with screws or pop rivets, making replacement simple  to give old chairs extended years of use. You can buy new webbing at home and garden centers as well as  hardware stores. They usually come with new screws.

1. Measure the existing webbing sections on the lawn chair. The replacement webbing is sold in rolls that usually contain 39 feet of webbing. For large chairs, you might have to buy more than one roll. If new screws are not included in the package, buy galvanized sheet-metal screws and washers.

2. Remove and discard the screws from the webbing. There are chairs that have the webbing attached to pop rivets. In this case, drill them with the smallest possible drill and remove the pop rivets. Screws will be used in placed of the pop rivets to attach the new webbing.

3. Cut the new webbing to length using the old webbing for length, or just measure across the lawn chair frame to determine cut length. Add two inches to the length to fold the ends under when attaching.

4. Starting at the back of the chair seat, lay the webbing across the seat and attach it to the bottom of the frame and use a washer on every screw. Before driving the screws into the frame, make sure that the ends are folded under. Continue across the width of the chair seat until all webbing is in place. Firmly pull the webbing;  but not too tight that it warps the aluminum frame.

5. Start at the front and attach the first piece of webbing that will run back to back and weave in and out over the pieces of webbing already attached across the width. Attach the end of the webbing at the back of the chair. Continue until all the seat webbing is in place.

6. Follow the same steps for the back of the chair, it is still uses webbing.

If you have the budget (and a lack of DIY skills), though, then maybe it would be best to just get yourself new ones. Below are some great picks.

Green Aluminum Outdoor Chair by Vifah Modern Patio. Made from fully welded aluminum frame with green and natural color rattan on seat and back with plastic floor glides. It has a popular style with a price that will fit your budget.

Sun Set Counter Stool (Set of 4) by Lebello. This bar stool is a new addition to the series. Finished in a stainless steel frame, this counter height stool is made with all-weather wicker and can stack up to 4 high. It is also available in powder coat.

Leather Swivel Barstool – 2/Ctn by Outdoor Greatroom Company. Available in a set of two, this leather swivel barstool is made from resin wicker with an aluminum frame. It has an ergonomic style backrest in leather color and Dora Brown.

Aluminum Patio Furniture Offers a Wide Range of Options

When we hear the words “aluminum patio furniture”, most people picture standard and relatively basic pieces that probably look something like your garden variety resort furniture. Many people also associate aluminum furniture with low quality, similar to plastic, because of the abundance available in the market today.

Aluminum has Real Benefits

Contrary to the negative light shed on aluminum,  many patio owners selectively choose it  in both residential and commercial settings for the very real benefits that it offers.

• Does not retain heat like steel or iron

• Easy to refurbish

• Invulnerable to rust

• Lightweight, easy to move or stack

• Limitless colors and styles

• Very low maintenance

Interestingly, one of the biggest benefits of aluminum might also be one of its few drawbacks: its weight. Lightweight furniture has obvious advantages;  but this also makes the furniture more susceptible to being blown around in even moderate winds. Closely related is durability as extremely lightweight aluminum furniture is prone to bending under moderate use or when subjected to unusually heavy weight.

But, then again, both issues are largely a matter of quality. An aluminum chair is always going to be lighter than a wrought iron chair, but a well-built aluminum product will not collapse under heavy weight or be blown away in the slightest of breezes. Below are some great examples of high quality aluminum furniture pieces.

• Daffodil Cast Aluminum Garden Bench – Aged Iron by Alfresco Home. An essential garden accessory, this bench is made from rust proof cast aluminum. It is powder coated in an Aged Iron finish.

• Skin Connect by Lebello. This is made up with CL lamination panels that allow an interesting extension and expanding of the Skin 1 and Skin 2 models. Triangular as well as circular formation can be achieved.

• Via Stackable Deck Chair by Kettal. Made to be 100% outdoor resistant, this chair features comfortable porotex slings and aluminum frames. Featuring an aesthetic design, it is strong, lightweight, and clean easily.

A Word on Maintenance

Aluminum might not rust, but oxidation through other natural processes is possible, although rare. In fact, aluminum corrosion is so slow that it is not a concern at least for several decades, but it can be unsightly. For this reason, quality aluminum patio furniture is always coated with a protective durable finish.

Modern aluminum furniture is powder-coated. In this process, the frame is sandblasted to create texture, evenly coated in powder, and baked so the powder melts. This creates a strong and uniform coating that offers protection from oxidation. This powder coating process is the main reason aluminum requires very little maintenance.

If you ever become bored with the color of your furniture, you can easily sandblast the finish off and apply a new coating for a fresh new look. This should save you so much other than buying a whole new piece.