FAQs

Yes, if they are made of the correct material with flow through cores. Quality outdoor cushions and pads should be made of material that is designed for outdoor use inside and out. Even if the material is designed to be outdoors, there are different quality levels. The outdoor cushions and throw pillows at The Greenhouse Mall are designed to be completely outdoors all year long and are fade resistant. When this type of cushion gets wet the first thing to happen is the outer shell of fabric repels some of the water. Then, what water does go inside the cushion flows through the core. The core is designed so rain is not absorbed like a sponge but rather allows water to drain through the pillow. After a soaking rain, it will take some time for a cushion to drain completely. With minimal care and cleaning, the average life of our outdoor cushions ranges from 4 to 8 years.

Is there such a thing as "green" outdoor furniture?

Yes there is on several levels.  First, there is furniture that is made out of recycled material.  An example of this is Seaside Casual Furniture, which makes Adirondack style furniture from used milk jugs.  Second, furniture of a certain quality will have a long life.  This means that when you buy from The Greenhouse Mall, you will not make the same purchase within a couple of years throwing your old set away because the furniture we carry is made to high standards in both workmanship and material.  And lastly, almost all of the material in most of the furniture we carry is recyclable.  If you purchase cast aluminum or wrought iron furniture, it can be melted and recast into something else at the end of its life.   The Greenhouse Mall offers a haul off service for your old furniture.  We will donate or recycle that product depending on its condition.

How durable is quality outdoor furniture?

Quality patio furniture is designed to withstand the elements. All aspects of construction are made with the outdoors in mind. From the frame to the paint finish to the fabric and core of outdoor cushions, this furniture is designed for outdoor use. With minimal care, quality outdoor furniture can last decades.

Is the fabric on sling furniture replaceable?

Our manufacturers design sling furniture so that the sling is replaceable. The vast majority of sling furniture found at the mass merchant level cannot have new slings installed. Be sure to check this fact before you buy, or you will be disappointed when you have to throw the furniture away when it cannot be repaired. All the sling furniture we carry is replaceable, which is a great way to maintain an updated look to your back yard. Manufactures provide new colors and textures in their outdoor sling material from time to time. By selecting a different color, your patio furniture will stay up to date. Just come in and select a new fabric and place your order. Many people elect to install new slings themselves but we also offer this service.

Will wicker furniture last outdoors?

Yes, depending on the type of wicker. Several different types of outdoor wicker are available. Vinyl or Resin wicker is very durable and long lasting. If you decide to go with vinyl or resin, it is important that the resin or vinyl does not have clay in it. Many lower quality wickers will be mixed with clay. This lowers the price, but it shortens the life of the piece allowing it to become brittle and cracked in a few years. If you prefer natural reed wicker, make sure that the finish is made from acrylic-based, outdoor resins similar to what is used in exterior house paints. This type of wicker is best suited for a protected area such as underneath an overhang or a pergola. It is very important to note that wicker must be manufactured with outdoor specifications in mind. You cannot “convert” indoor wicker to become outdoor. Some exposure is fine but not full exposure. Also excellent for a protected area is loom wicker. This type of artificial wicker is made of metal strands wrapped with a natural pulp product that is protected by resin. It is made into large sheets and then cut down and fitted onto an aluminum frame. This is a very traditional type of wicker and is sometimes called “Front Porch” wicker.

How will wood furniture withstand the elements?

This depends on the type of wood. With treated pine and cedar and redwood, there is a relatively short life when compared to some hard woods like teak and jarrah and ipe. Pine, cedar and redwood are soft woods, and will not hold up well. The joints will become loose, and extensive sealing, painting or staining is essential. Well made teak, jarrah, and ipe furniture will last many decades fully exposed to the elements. Like all wood, these hardwoods are natural products and will react to the environment. During its natural life, these types of wood outdoor furniture will turn gray. You can maintain the original look of outdoor teak by cleaning, brightening and then sealing the piece. Ipe and jarrah both require cleaning and application of ipe or jarrah oil to maintain their original look. It is best to use products that are designed specifically for each type of wood. These steps should be done with some frequency depending on the exposure it gets, at least twice a year. Most of our customers are happy to let the furniture weather and turn silver.

Are there protective covers for winter storage and for when the set is not being used for a long time?

Yes there are. The main purpose of a protective cover for patio furniture is to keep the pieces from collecting dust, leaves, and whatever dirt nature may drop on the set. Keeping organic matter off the fabric and frames will keep them looking more beautiful and last longer. These covers should be “breathable.” In other words, they allow moisture to evaporate through the cover rather than accumulate moisture where mold and mildew problems can arise. Covers are available to fit most pieces of casual furniture. A few companies make custom covers just for their furniture.