The aesthetics of a country club’s patio furniture are important, but there are other crucial factors to consider before making the final decision on seating.
Every country club has different needs when it comes to patio seating. Just like the seating in a country club’s dining room, patio seating comes in a variety of styles, designs, and materials, each with its own qualities and benefits. Different functions of a patio will require different types of seating. Whether for dining, the bar, or lounging on couches, a club should have good quality seating. Seating should be made with fade and moisture resistant materials, while still matching a club’s brand and environment and creating a relaxing outdoor experience for members.
Different climates and regions may require different materials to ensure seating remains beautiful and functional throughout the season, which is why materials are an important part of choosing patio seating. Each material has different pros and cons, depending on weather conditions and desired look, but some of the best materials for outdoor seating are rattan, wrought iron, teak, aluminum, and stainless steel.
Rattan
Rattan patio furniture is an aesthetic material that is thought to be timeless. Rattan is extremely weather-resistant, lightweight, resistant to UV light and won’t fade, and is easy to clean. While it can be expensive, rattan seating is low maintenance due to its hard-wearing and durable structure. It can easily be customized with cushions.
Wrought Iron
While wrought iron seating does not get affected by bad weather conditions, it will require regular maintenance. Since rust can form, a sealant or wax needs to be applied on a yearly basis. If storms or high winds are common, wrought iron is ideal since it is much heavier and will not be thrown easily. Although, the weight also makes it difficult to easily move from one place to another for rearranging. Wrought iron also becomes very hot on sunny days compared to other patio seating materials. Usually embellished with graceful touches and customized with cushions, wrought iron is another timeless option.
Teak
Teak is one of the strongest and most durable hardwoods, especially when exposed to weather conditions such as rain and sun. Even if left uncovered, teak seating requires little maintenance and can be brought back to its original color with polish as natural weathering causes it to change color over time. Not only does teak hold up well against the weather, but it also has a high resistance to rotting, termite devastation, and acid damage. While teak is expensive, it can provide a natural and rustic feel and can easily last for well over a decade with proper care.
Aluminum
Aluminum seating is remarkably versatile, low maintenance, and relatively inexpensive. Aluminum is also very durable and will not rust like iron or steel as most include a protective powder coating against outdoor elements. Its rust-resistant qualities make it great for coastal or humid areas. Being lightweight, aluminum seating can easily be moved around when needed, which is not ideal for areas with strong winds.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is extremely durable and wind-resistant. However, it should be covered when not in use, and if not properly cared for, it can rust and corrode. Seating should also have cushions as stainless steel gets very hot in the sun.
Chairs are subjected to lots of daily wear and tear. A chair’s sturdiness and durability should be a key factor when deciding on the perfect material, especially if seating is being purchased with the intent of lasting a long time. A country club’s patio has many different functions and is an extension of its indoor facility, but with the array of styles and materials available it is easy to find seating with qualities that also stay on brand with a club’s image and other indoor furnishings.