If you are looking for a building material that can weather the elements, metal is a tried and true choice. All metals however, have certain characteristics that make them better suited for various applications, and these distinctions make all the difference in the metal you choose for your outdoor space or project. Read on to find the best metals for the great outdoors.
Types of Outdoor Metals
Aluminum
Aluminum is very light, malleable, wont rust, and is the most abundant source of the world’s natural metals, making it one of the most popular materials for outdoor furnishings. Best of all, aluminum is much more affordable than many other metals. While it doesn’t have quite the structural strength of metals such as steel, aluminum will work well for building projects such as outdoor canopies that don’t have to support a large amount of weight. Aluminum will weather the outdoors exceptionally well and requires little effort to maintain.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is another common metal choice for outdoor furnishings. While stainless steel is durable, it requires constant maintenance to ensure a longer lifespan. Stainless steel is resistant to corrosion due to the percentage of chromium present in the metal. This does not, however, mean that stainless steel can simply be left to the elements. If stainless steel that lives outdoors is not properly cleaned and cared for, it will not maintain its beautiful sheen nor live to its fullest lifespan potential.
Brass and Copper
Brass and copper are reliable metals to use for the great outdoors. Copper is resistant to corrosion, malleable, and strong. Brass is the result of the combination of copper and zinc, and its color will vary based on the amount of zinc in the alloy. Brass is a popular choice for decorative pieces due to the wide variety of colors that can be produced. Brass or copper patinas will depend on the climate they exist in and what finish they have been treated with. Overall, brass and copper make fantastic, durable metal choices for the outdoors.
Metal Canopy Provider
For typical projects such as a metal canopy, aluminum is the metal of choice. It survives well in the outdoors and is much more affordable and easy to work with than steel, brass, or copper. For outdoor decorations you may choose brass or copper, and for structural supports you may want to work with stainless steel. In short, all metals serve important and useful functions in the great outdoors; the key is choosing the right one for the right project.
