THE QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN BUYING OUTDOOR FURNITURE

by | Feb 18, 2021

The outdoor furniture you select for your
home in Vallarta should be different than what you would choose for your home
in Canada or the United States. The
reason is because of the different environments. Unlike most locations north of the border,
the climate in the Bay of Banderas is tropical.

Puerto Vallarta records over 2550 sunshine
hours per year. Not only do we have more
direct sunlight, but the sun’s rays are also significantly more intense. Ultraviolet (UV) rays are one of the factors
that cause damage and deterioration of outdoor furniture. Heat also causes materials to expand. When the day cools, these same materials
contract and the constant flux results in furniture cracking and
splitting.

As if the sun is not enough of a challenge
to outdoor furniture, we also must contend with rain and humidity. During the summer months, Puerto Vallarta
receives an average precipitation of 1390 millimeters (54.7 inches). The average humidity rate mid-year hovers
around 70%. Moisture physically degrades
the strength of the outdoor furniture, rotting the frame. Rust or corrosion occurs in any material that
is iron or steel. Not only will the
furniture discolor, but corrosion will also weaken the metal. Throw in salt from the ocean air, and the
process of degradation is accelerated.
Mold and mildew caused by excessive moisture are health hazards that can
cause respiratory problems. With this
amount of rain and humidity, it is critical to purchase outdoor furniture for
your home in Mexico resistant to water damage.We also experience some intense winds in
our region. In the north part of the
bay, the wind gusts in the afternoons can be extreme. Outdoor furniture made from lightweight materials
such as aluminum or plastic is prone to blow away.

With these environmental challenges,
determining the right solution for your outdoor furniture becomes more than
just selecting something that looks nice.
Depending on which items you want to include on your terraza, your
investment could be a sizeable part of your furniture budget. Without understanding the pros and cons of
the different materials used to make outdoor furniture, you could find yourself
having to replace it before your second season.
Durability is key.

The first thing to know is that there is no
absolute weatherproof option for outdoor furniture. Anything exposed to extreme weather will
deteriorate. There are, however,
significant differences depending on with which material the furniture is made.

Plastic, wood, metal, and wicker are the
primary materials of outdoor furniture on the market today. Each offers a different durability, comfort, style,
and price range.

To help decide which is the best solution
for your needs, here are some things to consider:

  • Do you prefer low, easy
    maintenance furniture, or are you OK with doing some cleaning and care? All items will last longer if you take care
    of them. Some materials need more
    maintenance than others. If you do not
    have lots of time or do not want to be bothered, select furniture made with low
    maintenance materials.
  • What is your budget range? Are you looking to stay within an economical,
    moderate or luxury price point? When
    purchasing outdoor furniture, most people prefer to buy based on value rather
    than price. The lower the price,
    generally the more often you will need to replace it. If you have the room in your budget and can
    buy outdoor furniture in the moderate to luxury range, you should not have to
    replace it every two to three years.
  • To what degree does selecting
    eco-friendly products matter in your decision making? Many people who prefer products made from
    environmentally friendly processes and renewable raw materials will choose
    biodegradable, recyclable furniture made by eco-friendly certified
    manufacturers.Outdoor furniture for your home north of
    the border will not stand up in Vallarta due to the climate. Understanding the material the furniture is
    made from before you purchase will help you make the best buying decision.

Need furniture? Our new store, located at 363A Constitucion
just off Basilio Badillo (where the buses are), is open Monday through Friday
from 10 am to 2 pm, or by appointment.
You can also contact us through our online store at
www.solutionsmexico.com, by WhatsApp at 322 136 5156 or by email
sa.novak@solutionsmexico.com. 

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