Cast Iron or Cast Aluminum Patio Furniture?

I'm looking to buy new patio furniture which needs to be left out all year, so durability and low maintenance are important. I'm currently considering either Cast Iron or Cast Aluminum, does anyone have any recommendations?
Thanks.

 

Shaun if you intend leaving your garden furniture out all year,Why not invest in a patio cover[A good quality one]........I can not empathise that enough........... that way you can cover your kit when the seasons change.

That way you can have the table and chairs you actually love instead of going down the iron/steel route

just an idea

 

cast iron will leave rust stains were the legs sit if you leave it out permanently, If you go down the cast iron route the stick small squres of ply under the legs during the winter.

 

I have had a cast iron set of garden tables and chairs for years. If left out all year as mine are each spring they need a good washing down with bleach to remove the green - unless of course you have kept them covered during the winter months. The main thing to watch out for is high winds. I have to rope mine all round together to stop them blowing over and breaking as I experienced with a set many years ago in a different life time.

 

Whilst I do like the look of cast iron furniture, I love the practicality of aliminium. I have some in black which I've had for five years and it still looks as good as new, despite being left outside uncovered all year round. It's also very easy to move around.

 

I expect shaun has made his mind up by now, he asked this question over 3 years ago. He stopped posting in 2010

 

I was thinking exactly the same thing Watergarden ! He posted in 2008 and has not made a decision yet . You never know though he may reply to this and say he is considering teak furniture as well now :D

 

No wonder I couldn't remember replying to the main posting. Lol ........I have been to sleep since then. Still got my cast iron set though looking as good as new!

 

Cheers Guys, got 2 spammers there

 

what ?

 

By bumping the thread, Moyra alerted us to 2 spammers that had sneaked in while the office was shut. Now deleted so you can't see their filthy spam.

 

Glad I have my uses.

 

I have a beautiful set of cast iron table and 4 chairs (chairs have little roses on the curved rim on the backs) very comfortable. Had this set since 1979. I only recall twice in all this time, I've had to liquid sand a few "spots" and re-paint to spruce it up.
Also inherited a couch set with coffee table and chase lounge of cast iron from in-laws which they had for years. Again just a little sprucing up was all that was needed.
All look wonderful. My choice is a "good" quality of cast iron with a good coating of outdoor protection paint, made for it.

 

Mine are Aluminium, my Mum bought them in the '60's I think, '70's at the latest ...

... they are just like Redstar's ... occasional lick of paint.

 

Like these (I've got 6 + matching table)? But I've found they will blow over in a strong wind despite having a seed tray balanced on the seat and some fragile plants in pots behind - Ouch!