The development of a comfortable, functional and beautiful exterior goes through the installation of a beautiful garden furniture, whether it is a relaxation lounge or a dining set. Many models exist with various and varied characteristics (color, style, material, etc.). Often, you will find what you are looking for among metal garden furniture. They are appreciated for their strength, durability and modern appearance. However, there are different types of alloys when it comes to garden furniture. The question therefore arises whether to prefer a steel garden furniture or an aluminum model. Several criteria must be considered. Follow the guide to choose what are the qualities and defects of each.
What are the differences between steel and aluminum?
Both are metals, widely used for making outdoor furniture. However, they differ on several points.
Weight
Steel and aluminum differ in weight. Aluminum is a material recognized for its lightness, it weighs 3 times less than steel. The advantage of this is that the aluminum garden furniture can easily be moved. This is particularly practical when we are used to regularly moving the table or chairs around. Or that we store the living room in a garden shed during the winter. Conversely, steel furniture will be heavier to move. This allows it to have nevertheless a very good stability. No fear of seeing it fly away if you live in a windy region.
Corrosion resistance
On this side, aluminum has a significant advantage because it is perfectly resistant to corrosion. In contact with air, a layer of oxide naturally forms on the surface of the aluminum to protect it from corrosion and therefore the risk of rust. This is not the case for steels which have not received a particular finish (epoxy, galvanized, etc.). The degree of resistance is therefore lower. Let’s not forget that the garden furniture spends most of the time outdoors and is subject to the vagaries of the weather (showers, wind, rain, morning dew).
Rigidity and impact resistance
Another point to assess is the resistance to shocks and knocks that could impact the structure of the furniture. From this side, the two are very robust and do not suffer from any defect on this side. Steel will still be a little stronger in the face of these everyday risks.
Aesthetic
On a visual level, both will bring a different design. Aluminum plays on a more modern and contemporary side while steel tends to highlight a more industrial atmosphere in the garden. Of course, this will also depend on the finishes applied to the furniture. In any case, metal is perceived as a somewhat cold material by nature. We therefore complete the sofa or armchairs with warmer elements such as thick cushions or materials with a more natural style (wood, woven resin).
Interview
Cleaning aluminum is easier. Dusting from time to time then a simple washing with soapy water is enough to keep it intact. Regarding steel, the maintenance will be equivalent even if it can relax the type of finish and steel. For both materials, the use of a cloth or sponge is recommended, rather than a brush which could leave scratch marks. Solvents and abrasive products are to be banned.
All steels are not created equal
Note that for outdoor furniture, there are several types of steel and applied finishes, with the aim of avoiding the risk of rust. If you opt for a steel garden furniture, it is therefore advisable to opt for one of these finishes. Get examples right here. The epoxy finish is the best known. It is a powder coated paint that is applied to the metal to effectively protect it from corrosion. There is also galvanized steel. This anti-corrosion treatment consists of coating the material with zinc to act as a protective barrier.
We also note the success of stainless steel, a high quality material, very popular in exteriors. Resistant to shocks, temperature variations and humidity, it is an excellent choice for an outdoor living room.
Conclusion
Aluminum has a small head start in particular thanks to its ability to resist corrosion (rust). However, there are very resistant steels such as epoxy steel, galvanized steel or stainless steel (inox). Apart from stainless steel, reserved for high-end garden furniture, the price of steel is often a little lower than aluminum. However, both remain accessible at a reasonable price. The choice must therefore also be made according to the functionalities, comfort and design of the garden furniture.