This week at Hayneedle, we’ve been talking a lot about “maintenance-free” outdoor furniture. But what does that mean, exactly? The end of telling your chair that it looks nice every time it asks?

If you’re anything like us, you went to drag out the summer furniture at the first hint of warmth. If you’re really like us, the effort was totally premature and your hopes of fun in the sun have already been dashed at least twice. But if you unearthed the ole’ table and chairs to discover a world of rust, dust, and disappointment… there’s a better way. Maintenance-free patio furniture is what’s cookin’ this year, and it look better and lasts longer than you could possibly expect.

Just think about it – nice-looking cushioned chairs that you can blast with the hose or leave in the sun? A dining set you can drench that doesn’t look like the kids table? That’s a seriously relaxing summer in the backyard. To get there, you’ll have to forget about fancy woods and delicate wickers that need treatment, care, and general worry and embrace some new materials.

This stuff is made from aluminum, resin-wicker, and recycled plastic. Each of these materials is unique, but at least one of them is perfect for your yard and your style. Here’s a little background on each -

Aluminum

A super-lightweight metal that never rusts and can be powder-coated to take on the look of just about anything. You’ll find it paired with textilene slings and top-of-the-line outdoor cushions for the look that fits your life. A great choice for furniture that gets moved around or put away often.

Resin-Wicker

You know traditional wicker is comfortable and versatile, but you also know it cracks easier than an egg. Resin wicker never breaks, cracks, or deforms and can be crafted into any number of traditional or modern shapes. It’s good and heavy, making it a perfect solution for high-traffic or high-wind areas.

Recycled Plastic/Poly-Wood

It looks and feels like real wood, but it’s completely waterproof, fadeproof, and never expands or contracts. You’ll find Adirondack chairs, benches, and picnic tables made from recycled plastic. Seriously, we wish houses could be made out of this stuff.

So, as you start dreaming of the dog days and the outdoor fun they bring, consider your outdoor furniture situation. You don’t have to clean  out the hardware store’s supply of Rust-B-Gone every spring, and you don’t have to spend another post-barbecue evening scrubbing down the table. With maintenance-free outdoor furniture, all you have to do is get the hose!

Be sure to check out our sale on all maintenance-free outdoor furniture featuring up to 30% off and free shipping!

Similar to the movie Dead Poet’s Society, which upheld the same theme, our Seize the Day Sale has been a hit. We started at 20% off for one day, then each day the percent goes down a point, so it behooves you to be – and shop – in the NOW. Our top sites are participating, and it’s been a lot of fun.

You can save on your order from hammocks.com, patiofurnitureusa.com, porchswings.com, benches.com, Adirondackchairs.com, esoccergoals.com, croquet.com, patioheaterstore.com, and more. There aren’t many days left for the Seize the Day Sale, so get all Eckhart Tolle and use the power of now, yo. After all, yesterday’s history, tomorrow’s a mystery, you’ve only got today. So carpe diem, and you’ll carpe dime! Ok, ok, enough. You get it. Go on with your present self.