My wife and I are in the process of building a second home in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico where the sun favors the residents with warmth most of the year. We chose a lot with a view of the rising sun coming up over the mountains and the whole valley from the north at Ventanas, where golfers chase the perfect score, to the south and the monument to religious faith, the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, immortalized by selfies from the ever-present tourist here to see the beauty of San Miguel.
Of course, we will have terraces to enjoy the views: the morning sunrise, the myriad of stars, the constellation of Orion at night and the moon rise. Often hot air balloons will cruise above our heads in the mornings. The weather here ranges from strong sunlight at 6500 feet and temperatures in the low nineties to torrential rainfall during the rainy season. We live outdoors most of the year so our outdoor wicker furniture needs to be comfortable, fit in with the design of our new house, and must have protection from the outdoor elements. We know that if outdoor furniture without this protection can easily lose its luster and even become damaged. That can result in the furniture quickly becoming useless and turning into little more than an expensive eyesore.
What kind of outdoor furniture has built-in protection?
Resin wicker furniture is a wise choice for creating an outdoor space. Resin wicker is made from synthetic materials and looks similar to natural wicker. It is the perfect choice for the weather in San Miguel and can be left outside throughout the year. Some cover their furniture during the rainy season. However, it is not necessary. When resin wicker is made, the resin is typically woven over aluminum frames, which means the furniture will not rust, warp or change shapes. And best of all, the outdoor wicker furniture looks great. The colors have depth, and the wicker feels rich to the touch.
Powder Coated Frames – Another wise choice that has built-in weather protection is furniture with powder coated frames like a metal dining table with a glass top. Powder coating is an advanced method of applying a decorative and protective finish to a wide range of materials and products. Color and texture selections are limitless, ranging from smooth surfaces with high-gloss to wrinkled and matte finishes.
Powder Coated surfaces are more resistant to chipping, scratching, heat, stains, UV damage and wearing than other finishes. The colors also stay bright and vibrant longer. The powder coat finish, once complete, is much thicker and more even than conventional liquid coatings without running or sagging. In the winter you might want to cover the powder coated furniture with a protective cover to keep it clean and protected from snow in some areas.
Cleaning? – The best part for me is both Resin Wicker and Powder Coated furniture are easy to clean. A garden hose on resin wicker or mild soap and water on powder coated furniture will do the job.