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In comparison to stainless steel, aluminium is lighter and more cost-effective. Exposed to the elements, aluminium needs to be powder coated to prevent rustic oxide forming on its surface. Powder coating is a process where a polymer-based powder is sprayed onto a metal surface, which is then heated in an oven to melt and mould the polymer onto the metal surface. Powder coating also allows for pigment and finishing effects to be added.

Good quality powder coating should last for approximately 10 years. It should not easily peel off from the metal and should not easily scratch. For outdoor furniture purposes, the ideal powder coating material is a polyester-based powder.

The durability of your outdoor furniture also depends on using the right aluminium bar for the construction of your furniture. For load-bearing structures, it is often necessary to reinforce the aluminium bar. Also known as hardened aluminium, this process involves inserting a steel rod into the hollow aluminium bar to strengthen the component. This not only allows the piece to carry more weight, but it also limits the welded component from flexing, which undermines its durability.