Summertime is a wonderful time to be outdoors, especially if you have a home in the beautiful lake area. If you are looking for the right type of outdoor furnishings at the Lake of the Ozarks to decorate your outdoor space, you will find that there are many different types to choose from.

The material used to make the furniture will make a big difference depending on how you want to use it and how much maintenance you want to give it. John Elliott Interiors has listed a few of the different materials below, along with some information on each, that may help you to make a decision on which type is best for your needs.

Wicker/Rattan
Wicker, rather than a material, is actually the name for the style of weave used to make the furniture. Rattan is the material most often used in wicker weaves. It is a naturally growing vine-like species that is native to tropical regions. A strong fibrous plant similar to bamboo. The furniture made from this is very lightweight, making it a good choice if you like to change the layout of your outdoor area often. It is fairly easy to maintain and usually does not require a lot of care. It actually works well both indoors and outdoors.

Aluminum
The good things about aluminum for patio furniture are that it is lightweight, durable, and doesn't rust or fade. This makes it a low maintenance choice and easy to move around. This material can get very hot when it sits in direct sunlight, so you will want to be careful of that.  

Stainless Steel
Steel is very sturdy and will last a long time when properly taken care of. While heavier than aluminum, steel is not the heaviest type of metal patio furniture out there. It also gets extremely hot when placed in the sun. To protect steel furniture from rust you should apply a protective finish.  


Wrought Iron
This is also very sturdy, extremely durable, and able to withstand the elements when it is left outside. Wrought iron can be very heavy, so if you want furniture that can be moved around easily, this is not the best choice. It will need to have a rust protector applied if it is not powder coated. Paint can be used to touch up cracks that may appear from wear. This type of material takes a bit of special care to keep it looking its best, but it offers a classic and elegant look to your outdoor area.

Wood
Wooden outdoor furniture will be sturdy and long-lasting, but it may need extra attention to keep to keep it in its best shape. A bonus is that wood doesn't absorb heat like metal furniture so it won't be too hot to touch if kept out in the sun. It will possibly need a preservative to protect the wood from both weathering and insects. You will want to check it occasionally to make sure no spots could cause splinters. 

Concrete
This material is able to withstand even the harshest of elements but is incredibly heavy, so you're best to decide on where you want it before it is delivered. Concrete is a good type of material to use for tables.


Outdoor furniture is made from many different materials, and the choices you will find at our Lake of the Ozarks luxury furniture store cover a wide variety of styles. That makes it easier for us to have access to furniture pieces that you will love, no matter what your personal style may be. Come in and take a look around John Elliott Interiors, and if you don't see exactly what you're looking for, tell us about it. There's an excellent chance that we can find it for you!