Extruded aluminum (‘wood-look’)
Extruded aluminum is quietly the fastest-growing furniture category since resin wicker penetrated the outdoor furniture market 10 years ago. In the extrusion process, a material is pushed or drawn through a die to form a shaped hollow length of metal, which then gets cut and welded together to produce furniture. The engineering allows for a durable, long-lasting and clean-surfaced product. The design caters to furniture collections with modern looks and clean lines.
In the outdoor furniture market, designers have used this process (and some simple styling) to produce furniture that resembles wood. The paint finishes on these pieces are typically hand-done to give the metal’s smooth finish some texture and distinction. The finished product has the simplicity of wood furniture with the sophistication of cast aluminum pieces. This unique look caters to those who are seeking an alternative to ornate casting.
Since it is fabricated from aluminum, wood-look pieces are virtually maintenance-free and rust-resistant. Also, given the adjustments manufacturers can make to the aluminum content of the extrusion, this furniture is also available in a range of prices. While comparison shopping, remember the thinner the extrusion, the less strength and durability the pieces will have. Look for extrusions with minimal bend and finishes that have proper UV protection. As well, keep in mind that extruded furniture needs drain holes (hidden out of sight, of course) that allow drainage from condensation and winter outdoor storage. Without these holes, the extrusion may expand and crack like a frozen water pipe. Quality manufacturers take the necessary approach to ensure proper drainage.
As the ‘wood-look’ category grows, so does the diversity of its furniture designs. Creative designers are constantly thinking of new ways to showcase the spoils of this manufacturing process. Most specialty outdoor furniture retailers will display a wide selection of this furniture. Take a close look at it if you’re in the market for something new, simple and different. You’ll be pleasantly surprised!
Picking your pieces
Once you’ve narrowed down the material type you prefer, it’s time to start picking the perfect pieces. When it comes to modern collections, the choices are more varied than they have ever been. Long gone are the days when manufacturers focused only on tables and chairs. The growth of the outdoor furniture market has created a selection of pieces for everything from dining to conversation to relaxation.
Conversation seating
Conversation seating, also referred to as deep seating, has been the most popular category of outdoor furniture in the last five years. This category can successfully bring the comfort and look of a living room to your backyard. The idea is to choose a combination of club chairs, sofas and loveseats to produce a perfect conversation arrangement that allows an easy exchange of words and laughter. Add a coffee table (perhaps with a built-in fire pit) to complete the space. There’s nothing quite like sitting around an open flame on a cool summer night with a drink in hand.
Motion seating
The simple swivel dining chair has never really excited most people; however, the influx of motion conversation seating is set to make a huge splash in the Canadian marketplace. Long a popular choice among U.S. consumers, motion seating is just starting to make inroads in Canada, with only a limited number of retailers showcasing the designs.
Touted by some as the ultimate in conversation seating, motion pieces typically rock or swivel for added comfort. Imagine four motion club chairs around a fire pit, or two motion club chairs strategically placed to let you take in your favourite backyard views. If you opt for motion seating, be sure to look for pieces with quality components, to ensure the motion mechanism will continue to work, even after years of use. A good warranty from a reputable retailer is a good indicator of long-lasting quality.
