When most people think of aluminum patio furniture, the first word that comes to mind is "cheap." Although aluminum is used in inexpensive and low-quality furnishings, it is also used in beautiful and elegant sets that can go for thousands of dollars. In fact, aluminum furniture is usually more expensive than equivalent wrought iron pieces.
The Benefits of Aluminum Patio Furniture One of the primary reasons people use aluminum is its resistance to corrosion. The metal forms a thin layer of oxidation that protects it from the elements and gives it its unique sheen. Since it does not rust, it is ideal for use in wet or salty environments.
The other advantage of aluminum is that it offers one of the best strength to weight ratios of any metal. It is strong enough to be used in the construction of supersonic jets, but light enough that you don't have to be a bodybuilder to rearrange your patio.
Aluminum patio furniture comes in two types: frame and cast
Aluminum Frame Furniture By combining a sturdy aluminum frame with a less expensive mesh back and seat, these pieces are inexpensive and comfortable. The frame is often hollow, making the furniture lighter and less expensive, but there are also sets that use solid aluminum frames.
This class of furniture varies widely in price and quality depending on the material used. Even the less expensive pieces are durable and will last years with proper care. In the end, it is the fabric that will wear out rather than the sturdy frame.
These pieces require almost zero maintenance. Wash with a mild soap and a soft sponge occasionally and that's it. Although these pieces are weather resistant, it is still best to take them in during winter months when they are not being used. The lighter pieces will blow around in the wind so should be taken in if the weather starts to gust.
Cast Aluminum Furniture This furniture is made by pouring molten aluminum into a mold and allowing it to harden, creating solid metal pieces that are assembled by machine or by hand into a finished product.
The cast aluminum furniture at the low end of the quality scale is functional and reasonably attractive. It won't have the fine detail that more expensive pieces have, but a well-built piece with a quality finish will be a beautiful addition to your patio.
The more expensive furnishings are hand crafted by skilled artisans rather than slapped together by machine. They have more detail, elegant lines, and breathtaking deep finishes that rival any high quality material.
Some may have cushions to make them more comfortable. These are separate components that can be easily replaced once they fade or wear. The furniture itself will last for decades with very little maintenance.
At least, it matters when deciding which type of aluminum-based material to use for your custom outdoor aluminum sign.
For instance, if you're ordering a real estate sign, you'll need an all-weather outdoor material ? aluminum- but you won't need something ?? thick. But if you're crowning your business with a large, mounted sign, a .04? aluminum sheet simply won't do the trick. Fortunately, we have just what you need in outdoor aluminum signs, no matter the size!
Good Outdoor Signs Often Come In Small Packages?
Because aluminum is a high-endurance metal, a simple sheet is all that is needed for hanging, or free-standing, signs smaller than 18'x 24?. Even for outdoor signs up to 3'x 4?, aluminum sheeting is a good choice if mounted flat against a surface.
Smaller outdoor aluminum signs are usually used for real estate signs, directional signs, construction signs, and sale signs, to name a few. They're inexpensive, durable, and professional in appearance, so if you're looking for an efficient way to send your message, a smaller custom sign may be what you want.
Thickness grades ranging from .04? to .08? are available for these smaller aluminum outdoor signs, and we will be happy to help you decide which is best for your custom sign!
But Sometimes Bigger Is Better
You might be wondering how a naturally thin metal such as aluminum can look good on a large sign on top or in front of your building. The truth is, alone, it would not. But thanks to a variety of aluminum-based sign materials, you can have a weather-resistant custom outdoor sign of any size! The following materials make for high-quality custom outdoor signs:
Aluma-wood is just as it sounds, a solid piece of wood ?? thick, sandwiched by two pieces of aluminum. Aluma-wood is virtually indestructible for your custom outdoor sign and best for large signs that will be exposed to long-term weather conditions.
Aluminite is an aluminum composite material and similar in strength to aluma-wood, also ?? thick, but available in ??as well.
Aluma-plastic is similar to Aluma-wood in construction, only it uses plastic rather than wood. It is still quite strong, though not as heavy as aluma-wood or aluminite. However, it is ten times as strong as aluminum sheeting and able to stand up to the big boys, should your custom outdoor sign need a little muscle. So, Goldilocks, Is Your Custom Sign Too Big, Too Small, or Just Right?
A hanging outdoor sign might be too small for your type of business. On the other hand, a large, mounted sign on your building may simply look too overwhelming. Is there a just-right option?
If Goldilocks could find her perfect bowl of porridge, then our experts can help you find your perfect custom outdoor sign.
Sometimes an outdoor aluminum sign actually looks best mounted between two posts. And the best news about this type of outdoor sign is that all of the aluminum materials are available for this professional-looking style.
Deciding which material will be best on your post-mounted outdoor sign depends on a few things:
?How large are your posts? Because the weight varies considerably among the different materials, your posts have to be the appropriate strength to withhold the sign. ?What are the size and style of the building you are advertising with your custom outdoor sign? Chances are, you will not want a large, aluma-wood sign in front of a small cottage-style building, or a thin, aluminum sign displayed in front of your office complex. ?What is going onto your custom sign? If you have a large amount of lettering and graphics for your custom outdoor sign, then you will obviously need a sign with the surface area to make those graphics look clean and professional. Also, if you have details in your graphics that you really want to show off, then a larger sign would also work best. Small signs are best for small, simple messages, such as a name, number and logo.
So Try On An Aluminum Outdoor Sign For Size
Still not sure what to get? After two decades in the sign business, we will lead you down the right path in choosing the correct size and aluminum material for your custom outdoor sign. Guaranteed for ten years in any of the aluminum-based materials, our signs are built to last.
Just let us know what you want, and we will make it happen for you. When it comes to custom outdoor signs, size does matter, but so does our customer satisfaction!
Both Christine Harrell & Tim Harrelson are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Christine Harrell has sinced written about articles on various topics from Mortgage, Careers and Job Hunting and Personal Desktop. Author is a freelance copywriter. For more information on Patio Furniture, visit .. Christine Harrell's top article generates over 550000 views. to your Favourites.
Tim Harrelson has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Management, Room Furniture and Jeans. Signs US - Corporate looks for small businessesTim Harrelson, the owner, has been in the sign industry more than 20 years.Visit us at read more at. Tim Harrelson's top article generates over 18100 views. to your Favourites.