Furniture for lawn or patio are to be weather resistant. Traditionally rocks and marbles were used to make them. Later concrete, wood and metal were utilized to make outdoor furniture. Wrought iron, cast iron, steel, aluminium are some of the metals used to day.

 

Modern garden furniture consist of innumerable pieces of traditional benches, tables and chairs apart from many new innovations made of vinyl, wicker, resins and polymers. Furniture suitable for the garden and patio like a set of table & chair, special chaise lounges, single or double leg lounges, garden hammocks, outdoor swings, parasols, are available to day in various designs and colours. Sofa sets, centre tables, side tables etc, in traditional designs are offered to cater the individual tastes and ideas. Modern lawn furniture include bar stools, service trolleys, and lawn chairs in addition to sun lounges and benches for the pool side.

 

In creating contemporary, as well as classic designs of furniture craftsmen utilize an array of materials from tropical teak to wicker. Durability in the extreme weather conditions was their prerogative in the process. Apart from teak, cedar and pine are among the variety of woods used. Traditionally used materials like marble and concrete are still made use of to create selective effects in a modern lawn. Wrought iron tables with intricate designs and glass tops are favourtie pieces of furniture even to day. Glass tops are provided for side tables also. To complement the other settings, marble statues, bird baths and rockery are put up in the lawns with appropriate lighting fixtures.

 

Maintenance of lawn furniture is a complex exercise. Weather conditions affect each material in different ways. The metals like steel, wrought iron or cast iron corrode in the long run. Aluminium, though unaffected by atmospheric changes will develop stains and fungus if not cleaned periodically. Woods are liable to get damaged by humidity, sunlight and dust. Fabrics used to furnish the lawns cannot withstand the onslaught of climate whether it is heat, cold or dust. Cane and fibre based furniture will loose its glow and get dismantled in the course of time. Wiping with soft and damp clothes will clean the marble or rock items. Occasional washing will help to remove stubborn stains. Wooden furniture can be maintained free from dust or dirt by wiping with soft clothes. Periodical coating with paint or polish is required for durability. Cane and fibre require only polish to retain their glow. Metal pieces of furniture need occasional scrubbing to remove rust. They are to be given coats of paint whenever necessary. Fabrics used for lawn furniture are generally treated with water repellants to save them from humidity. However it is better to store them in covered areas after use.

 

Unlike other household furniture, lawn furniture are to be carefully subjected to preventive maintenance. It is to be remembered that furniture whether it is for indoor or outdoor are expensive, but outdoor furniture are liable to be affected much faster by the onslaught of nature. Prevention is therefore better than cure.