Rick's Sheds does so much more than just sheds. Did you know, for example, that we also sell a full line of outdoor furniture? Our best-selling products are made from cast aluminum: molten aluminum poured into a mold and allowed to cool. The fact that it's molded rather than made in parts means that it's insanely durable. The fact that it is aluminum rather than steel means it's not too heavy to move if you need to. We love cast aluminum for outdoor furniture, and we'll tell you exactly what it has over its competitors.
Cast Aluminum vs. Rattan/Wicker
Wicker -- and its modern counterpart, rattan -- furniture is inexpensive, light, and can run the gamut from beautiful to chintzy. But there's one thing that is always true of rattan and wicker; it needs repairing. The fibers of the plant material inevitably fray and have to be replaced at considerable time and/or expense. They may also need repainting, and can absorb moisture and begin to go bad. Cast aluminum is as close to invincible as outdoor furniture comes, and the longer lifespan more than makes up for the cost difference.
Cast Aluminum vs. Wood
Wood is a very common substance for patio furniture, and for good reason. Back in the day, it was about all we had. You can be assured there wasn't any cast aluminum during the homesteading era! But today, wood furniture has some distinct downsides. For one thing, the woods that best survive the weather -- teak, eucalyptus, and that kind of thing -- are pretty expensive. There's also the fact that wood needs regular repainting and is prone to breakage, neither of which is true of aluminum.
Cast Aluminum vs. Wrought Iron
Wrought iron is some of the most uniquely beautiful stuff on earth -- no lie. But cast aluminum's molding process can create designs more intricate than any iron working, and do it without any joints that create stress points in the design. More importantly, cast aluminum needs almost no maintenance -- just hose it down. Wrought iron will rust if left alone; it has to be washed and have primer or spray wax applied twice a year if you want it to last. Iron is also heavier and more expensive.
Cast Aluminum vs. Steel
Steel is probably the closest to aluminum in terms of the flexibility of design; both are melted and poured into molds (some steel is wrought like iron instead, but that's somewhat rare.) Steel is also closer to aluminum in terms of weight and cost as well. The big difference is in maintenance; even with regular topcoats and spray-wax, steel furniture will rust, and those areas that rust will need to be sanded or ground down so the rust doesn't spread. Compare to cast aluminum (which essentially lasts forever) and the choice is fairly simple.
Come on down to Rick's Sheds and check out our full line of cast aluminum outdoor furniture. We've got tables that come equipped with Lazy Susans, chairs that are perfectly comfortable with or without cushions, bar-height and standard-height stools and tables, and almost anything else you might want in your backyard!