We are focusing on “no fuss” furniture that features quick-dry options for the seating. No one wants to cart armfuls of cushions in and out of shelter to make sure the guests at your cocktail party can sit on dry furniture!
Here’s what we’ve found as options:
Wicker furniture is a classic that never goes out of style, especially at a get-away vacation home. The new version of this furniture uses HDPE material that is woven to look like rattan wicker. When paired with reticulated foam cushions, these chairs and loveseats provide surprisingly cushy seating. How does this stay dry? Rain basically passes right through these materials, which provides seating that rarely needs drying.
It may be helpful to know a few definitions to help understand this type of furniture.
- HDPE stands for high-density polyethylene, which is a very resilient, weather-resistant material.
- Reticulated foam is a very porous, low-density solid foam. It is an open foam i.e., there are few, if any, intact bubbles or cells.’Reticulated’ means something that resembles a net.
- Wicker vs. Rattan: Quite often these terms are used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. Rattan is a material that is derived from some species of palms. Wicker is a style of weave.
While the woven furniture above is done a classic style, there are lines that feature a more contemporary look. The seating of this Dedon line of furniture is made with proprietary synthetic fiber woven in various patterns. This seating doesn’t require cushions to have a comfortable sit, but if one chooses to use the cushions, they are made of reticulated foam, so they will dry quickly.
Sling furniture features a mesh fabric suspended from the framework of the furniture to provide very comfortable seating. The mesh is great-looking plastic, generally PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which is highly durable and lets the rain pass right through. After a rainstorm, this furniture is instantly useable with only a quick toweling off.
There are lines of more traditional outdoor furniture that feature the classic seat and back cushions. This look can provide a “living room” feel to an outdoor space. If this is a desired outcome, look for a thinner cushion, rather than the thick cushions seen so often these days. Make sure this thinner cushion is made with reticulated foam and covered with more water-resistant fabrics to ensure a shorter drying time.
If we can help you create an outdoor space that will let you while away your summer in style, please give us a call.
