Inspired by our latest “8 Furniture Material” article, we would like to dig more about each material. Metal furniture is a type of furniture that uses metal parts in its construction. There are various types of metal that can be used, such as iron, carbon steel, aluminum, and stainless steel. Iron and steel products are extensively used in many applications, ranging from office furnishings to outdoor settings.
Industrial Interior Design | Source: google.com
Table of Content Furniture Material: Metal
| Pros of Metal Furniture | Cons of Metal Furniture |
| 1. Easy to Clean 2. Durability 3. Affordable 4. Lifespan | 1. Welding Can Be A Weak Point |
Types of Metal and Finishes:
Looking back, Metal furniture is always seen together with industrial interior design. Characteristics of Industrial Interior Design. At its core, the industrial style relies on incorporating building materials into the room. While metal furniture sets will add a new age and look to your dining room. It’s stronger and can last years without any nicks or scratches because it’s more resilient to environmental damage. There are many types of modern metal furniture sets, though metal is more frequently used for dining table bases than tabletops. Stainless steel makes stunning dining table tops, however, they are hard to find.
Due to its resilience factor, metal furniture is not susceptible to humidity or different temperatures, which means your furniture will not face wear and tear sooner, than wooden furniture. Moreover, metal furniture is less expensive than solid wood furniture. You can mix and match your dining room furniture. If you need 4 seater dining table furniture, you can add metal basis seats with a beautiful wooden table. And if you need more space for your guests and are looking for a 6 seater dining table furniture or bigger, you can add a little bench to add more modernity.
It’s your space and ultimately, it all comes down to your preference, taste, and style which will determine the look of your dining room. If you’re looking for new furniture, especially furniture from Bali, you may be wondering whether to go with metal or wood. Both are popular and, if they are well-made, are sturdy enough to stand the test of time. It’s tough to choose between them. So why not have them both? Like our bookcase below.
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Pros and Cons of Metal Furniture
Metal furniture has become much more popular in recent years, not least because of the durability it offers. It’s also easier to clean so it can be more hygienic, something that should be considered for the elderly or health-challenged among us. Let’s run down the pros of metal furniture:
1. Easy to Clean
There is no evidence that metal furniture deters pests or bedbugs better than wooden furniture. However, it is easier to clean, and it doesn’t absorb pest fighting chemicals as wood furniture does. With proper cleaning, metal furniture can help fight pests in your home better than wooden furniture.
It can also handle virtually any cleaning product you choose to use on it. Metal will not warp or suffer damage from cleaning agents. You can even use water on metal furniture and have no problems, as long as the water doesn’t remain sitting on the furniture for too long.
2. Durability
Metal furniture is the workhorse of the furniture industry. It can take tough punishment and still remain to stand. This makes it perfect for kids or a group home environment, like dorm rooms or hospitals. Metal furniture is generally well-sealed, so it can withstand:
- Drink rings
- Punctures
- General heavy use
- Metal furniture can also be refurbished. There are do-it-yourself patch kits that can make metal furniture look brand new in a very short time.
The strength of metal furniture is superior to that of wood. Most steel frames can support over a thousand pounds. You do want to make sure you check the gauge of the steel before you purchase metal furniture. Some cheaper brands use a lower grade gauge that won’t hold up as well as the heavier gauges. We recommend at least a 16 gauge foundation for a very sturdy frame.
3. Affordable
Metal furniture, especially good, quality metal furniture, can be more expensive at the outset. However, metal furniture can last 10 to 15 years longer than wooden furniture, so the overall cost savings is significant.
Many metal furniture manufacturers offer a warranty that will cover any problems from normal wear and tear for 10 years or more. Prices will vary depending on the quality of the furniture, but you should be able to find affordable pieces of furniture in both metal and wood.
4. Lifespan of Metal Furniture
Since metal is such a durable material, the fabric and stuffing on your furniture will wear out before your metal furniture will. It is generally well-sealed and offers resistance to humidity and corrosion.
For instance, even outdoor furniture, if it’s aluminum, will last up to 30 years. On average, good-quality metal furniture should last you at least 30 years. If you take care of it properly, it could last you a lifetime. We emphasize good quality. Most metal furniture will be coated with a final metal coat, perhaps of steel or aluminum. If the manufacturer has done a good job, you should have durable, stylish furniture that will last for years. If they’ve done a shoddy job, you could soon see wear and tear on your furniture. The same is true for wood furniture as well. Always go for the quality.
Metal mixed with wood furniture | Source: google.com
In addition, if you need to replace some parts on metal furniture, it’s most likely going to be nuts or bolts, either of which you can easily find cheaply at any hardware store. It’s also far less likely to be destroyed by pets and accidents than wood furniture.
5. Visual Impact
You want the wow factor when people walk into your home or on your patio. Metal furniture has a contemporary, modern look to it. It comes across as very clean, with sleek lines. Many people are moving to the modern look in their homes. It’s become trendy to design in that minimalist vibe and people flock to it.
In addition, with steel frames, you can get a lot of customization options. Steel frames come in a variety of different colors and you can also paint your own color, using a paint that adheres to metal.
Metal furniture is often seen as uncomfortable, but if you add the right cushions and paddings, it’s as or more comfortable as any other furniture in your house. Scratches can be polished out or painted over so you really don’t have to worry about wear and tear over time.
Now that we’ve gone over the pros, let’s list the cons, as we see them:
1. Welding can be a weak point
Many manufacturers take pride in their work and will weld the joints of metal furniture so that the piece can take substantial weight and abuse. However, some don’t. This is why we always stress quality. Always ask about the quality of the piece you are buying and get a warranty. Buying a cheap piece of furniture is not a good thing if it will break up under you in 2 years.
Look at the furniture and make sure all the rough edges have been sanded away. If you see any rough edges or anything that can snag clothing, this is a good indication that the manufacturer did not do a good enough job in building the furniture.
2. Prone to Rust If Paint Sealing Is Damaged
Metal rusts. If left out in the elements or if it is constantly exposed to spills or humidity, it can cause the paint to crack and the underlying metal to rust. If left untreated, it will eventually rust through the entire metal and ruin the furniture.
Fortunately, metal just needs a good polish every once in a while, or a new paint job to keep it protected and looking brand new.
3. Normally Very Heavy
Good quality metal furniture will normally not be light. You’re looking for sturdy quality that will last a long time and, in metal furniture, that means weight.
While the weight may indicate quality, it can also mean that the piece is too heavy for you to move by yourself. If you are someone that likes to frequently change the layout of furniture, you may want to think twice about getting a metal piece, no matter how attractive it is.
The weight of metal furniture can also harm linoleum or wooden floors, especially in the process of moving them. You’re going to want to be very careful not to scrape this furniture along with your floors. There are felt moving pads you can buy to put under the legs of the furniture to help alleviate this problem.
Types of Metal and Finishes
There are common metals and finishes that are used in furniture. For the metals themselves, the below are the most common:
1. Aluminum
Aluminum is a lightweight metal and is used very often in outdoor furniture. While it is similar in appearance, it is more affordable than steel but not as strong as steel. It doesn’t rust in bad weather. It will, however, oxidize, creating a chalky white residue.
Aluminum was first extracted over 190 years ago and was quickly adapted into a wide range of uses. It’s very easy to manipulate and melts at a low temperature, allowing designers and craftsmen to form their own one-of-a-kind items. It is also very easy to recycle.
2. Copper
Copper is most often found on lighting and sinks, rather than the furniture you sit or lay on. However, touches of copper can be found on all types of furniture. It is antimicrobial and resistant to corrosion. Like aluminum, it also oxidizes and can acquire a greenish-blue hue over time. You can prevent this oxidation by:
- Coat the copper with a layer of beeswax
- Buff with a clean cloth
- Apply a coat of oil, preferably linseed
- Cover it in lacquer
- Copper is another soft metal and very easy to work with. Copper is melted and allowed to cool, at which point coppersmiths will alternately heat and hammer it into the preferred shape, even cutting it into the desired shape. Besides using it for lighting and sinks, copper or copper plating can also be used for:
- Coffee tables
- Sideboards
- Vanities
- Dining tables
3. Brass
Brass is a mixture of copper and zinc alloys and can be made in different colors, such as:
- Red
- Gold
- Yellow
- Brown
- Bronze
Brass is usually corrosion resistant and antimicrobial and is typically used on faucets or doorknobs. Solid brass is expensive, and cracking can occur if harsh chemicals are used for cleaning it. Plated brass is more budget-friendly.
4. Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is perhaps the most popular metal used to make furniture, due to the metal’s strength and anti-corrosive properties. It is an alloy of carbon, iron, chromium, and other metals and is incredibly strong. It doesn’t rust or oxidize but it can be very heavy.
With just a light polish, stainless steel can last you for years and it will look fresh for the entire time. It provides not only strength but also decoration. Due to the neutral color, it’s in high demand for designers.
Although people most often think of appliances as being stainless steel, you can also see stainless steel in the following furniture:
- Tables
- Coffee tables
- Chairs
- Barstools
- There are many more applications for stainless steel and it is one of the sought-after metals for furniture.
5. Wrought Iron
Wrought iron is iron that is not poured or cast but hammered or bent into shape. It is durable and corrosion-resistant but has a rough finish, so it is most commonly used for outdoor furniture.
Iron furniture is heavy and durable but will rust when left out in the elements. To prevent this, it needs to have a semi-annual coating of liquid car wax applied liberally. If you do see rust, you will need a wire brush and some touch-up paint.
Metal Furniture Finishes
Finishes are a coating of metal on the surface of other metals. There are many reasons to put on metal finishing, including:
- Limits impact of corrosion
- Strengthens the underlying metal
- Increases wear resistance
- Removes or polishes defects in the underlying metal
- Improves appearance
To the average consumer, the aesthetic of the finished metal is the most important part. Luckily, there are several finishes to choose from and they all have their own appeal:
- Antique finish – Often looks darkened or tarnished, creating an “old” look
- Brushed – A matte finish, looking brushed on
- Hammered – Has many small indents
- Satin – Smoother than brushed, this is between a matte and polished
- Polished – Has almost a mirror-like surface
The finish depends on the decor of your home and the look you’re going for.
Metal is more durable than other materials; it can last a lifetime if you look after it correctly. Other materials such as wood, plastic, fabric, and leather furniture are much more fragile compared to metal. Metal furniture is far more resilient to everyday wear and tear which is one of the main reasons that it is the number one choice for many customers. Metal is much harder, stronger, and heavier than other types of furniture like wood and plastics, which means that this type of furniture survives for many years.
You may not have thought of it but if you were to compare it to wood, plastic, fabric, and leather furniture, metal is actually safer as it is flame-resistant which makes it less dangerous. So it’s wise to have metal furniture in schools, institutions, busy kitchens, and cafeterias.
Metal is much more weather resistant and can be kept outside at any time, for this reason, more and more people are starting to use metal furniture outside for their back gardens as you can leave metal chairs and tables outside.
Outdoor Metal Furniture | Source: google.com
Conclusion
Another advantage is that this type of furniture is pet resistant because they cannot scratch or damage the furniture, making it practically indestructible by common household pets and pests.
Besides all of that, metal furniture can come in different styles and designs ranging from the simplest designs to the more elegant designs, please click here for more details and see for yourself what we can offer.
In Kaliuda Gallery, our passion is to create unique furniture that can be called one-of-a-kind pieces. We are proud to offer a wide variety of furniture such as tables, chairs, cabinets, and other home needs. Custom your furniture now with Kaliuda Gallery.