Metal patio furniture sets are arguably the most maintenance free and durable of the types of patio sets commonly sold. Whereas with wooden or rattan sets you need to perform regular care and maintenance, with metal if you buy smart, other than the occasional clean you can almost forget about it and enjoy many years of trouble free use.

There are some simple guidelines to follow when buying metal patio furniture which will ensure that you buy the right set for the job:

1. Choose your material carefully. Metal patio sets come in lots of different types of metal, most commonly Aluminum, Steel or Cast Iron. The smart choice here is aluminum as it doesn’t require as much maintenance as the other metals, in addition, being a lot lighter it is a lot easier to move, store and use. Of the different materials cast iron is the heaviest and will oxidise and rust almost immediately when wet if not treated. It is also brittle so can shear if struck. Steel sits somewhere between the two, being strong, and if stainless is resistant to rust and lighter than Iron.

2. Make sure the furniture you buy will stand the test of time, both in style and quality. A lot of people fall in love with ultra modern and contemporary designs which are current this year but will look very dated very quickly in coming years. As purchasing patio furniture is a considerable investment be sure what you like and buy now is likely to be the same as you like in a couple of years time – difficult I know but take your time and choose carefully. Also, if it is very cheap then don’t expect the life span to be measured in years, there is no substitute for buying quality. This doesn’t mean that there are not bargains to be had but ensure what you do buy is solidly constructed and well made.

3. Store the furniture properly – if storage space is limited for winter, try and get a patio set where the chairs can either be dismantled or stacked so they can be kept under cover. The same applies for the table, if it can be dismantled and dry stored over winter then come spring it is a simple task to reassemble the table in preparation for use. Failing this, invest is a good weatherproof cover for winter use. As previously stated, metal patio furniture is durable and long lasting, looking after it correctly makes this more so.

Read on for more FREE TIPS and information on all aspects of Patio and Garden Furniture – visit http://www.patiofurniturecheap.com to find out what are the current best buys on Patio Sets and what to avoid.

Simon Cliffe is a keen amateur gardener and outdoor living fan, entertaining outdoors at every opportunity. He is also the owner of Patio Furniture Cheap a website dedicated to helping people get the most pleasure from their gardens. Visit http://www.patiofurniturecheap.com for lots of free tips and advice on how to get the most from your garden or yard.

Patio Furniture FAQ:

Question: What kind of patio furniture is the best for the value?
Don’t know if I should spend a lot and hope it lasts for many years or spend less and replace it every 2-3 years.

Answer: The plastic adirondack style lawn chairs seem to hold up well. We’ve just used soapy water to clean them every year. Add outdoor cushions & you have very comfortable seating!

Question: Suggestions on tying down aluminum patio furniture?
Just purchased an aluminum patio dining set and wonder if anyone has suggestions on how to tie it down, or anchor it. Our area gets pretty windy and the aluminum is pretty lightweight. I want something that won’t scratch it, and will keep it from blowing over or away. We were thinking something like pvc pipe, painted of course, because it would keep the chairs tight against each other….. any suggestions?

Answer: It gets windy where I am too. I have a swing to keep in my yard instead of in the next block. Garden stakes, they work wonders. Check at your local hardware store.

Question: When do patio furniture sets start going on sale?

Answer: Normally you get your best deals at the “end of the season” July and Aug.

Question: Where can I get quality patio furniture for a good price?

Answer: Define “quality” and “good price”. The big box home improvement stores have sales all the time on sets for a couple-few hundred dollars. But, it’s not going to be as good of quality as a set that costs several hundred dollars from a patio furniture company.

Question: Why are ravens attacking my patio furniture?
The ravens have been attacking or biting the tops of my patio chairs. The chairs are on my deck under an umbrella. We have noticed that there were more ravens hanging around. Also, I haven’t seen squirrels in a while if that is a sign. I maybe wrong, about it being the ravens but that is what I believe has been attacking the chairs.

Answer: If there are a lot of them, it is more likely crows than ravens. Crows go in a flock (called a murder) and ravens go in pairs. Crows make a harsh CAW sound; ravens make a gentler croak. Ravens are bigger too.
They could indeed be eating young squirrels or otherwise driving squirrels away, as they are somewhat predatory (crows and ravens both).
I don’t particularly know why they would attack your chairs unless 1) they are trying to get some threads off to line their nests, or 2) they find them intriguing and like to play with them.

Question: What are some good sites to buy patio furniture from?
I’m looking for clearance or lower priced sites. Not into E-Bay, and I’ve looked at Walmart, Kmart, Lowe’s and Home Depot. I’m looking for both an outdoor dining set and a conversation area set.

Answer: How about Sears or JC Penney.

Question: Squirrels are eating my patio furniture, what can I do besides shoot them?
I have a squirrel problem and would like to deal with it in a humane way if possible.

Answer: Get green apple spray. You can get it at petsmart or petco or places like that. It’s safe for furniture and animals hate it. Or get a dog or something that likes squirrels (not as friends).

Question: I need my patio furniture repaired, can you tell me who does this kind of repair in my area? Waynesboro area?

Answer: Try a powder coating company, many will re weld, bead blast, re coat.

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