Either aluminium or steel are used in the production of metal furniture, the former being the most common as it does not rust. However, aluminium does oxidise, turning a chalky white. Steel is by nature strong and tough, it consists of iron alloy with various small percentages of carbon and other metals.
When thinking of buying metal furniture a few points should be considered, such as its sturdiness. Check to see if there is any "give" when put under pressure, that chair legs are sturdy. Many chairs are designed with an "S" frame, the bends on the legs should be reinforced and the chair should not give in any way when sat upon.
Upholstered chairs should be designed in such a way that the fabric can be removed, should the seat require re-upholstery.
It should be noted that better quality furniture is made from cast of heavy aluminium tubing, such tubing should have vents holes at the lowest part of the tube, to unsure evaporation of moisture.
Generally speaking upholstered items such as settees and easy chairs are not made entirely from metal frames, although such things as sofa beds will used metal to some extent. Metal joints are extremely important an issue in manufacture, the best method being welding. Rivets are use, but lack the rigidity of welding, are usually found on less expensive pieces. Bolted and screwed joints being used on items that part assembled for shipping purposed.
Various methods are used for finishing metal furniture, including brass and chrome plating, plastic coated finishes and paints.
Brass plating is an electroplated finished, applied in a bath, it is extremely durable but thin and can in time wear through. Solid brass furniture is not often available today, hence it is either plating on aluminium or steel.
Again, an electroplated finish, chrome is a very hard metallic element with a high resistance to corrosion. Should it be damaged to the point of steel, it will rust when exposed to the elements.
Coatings of plastic are mainly used to prevent the metal rusting or changing colour caused by exposure to air. Synthetic finishes are just as durable as paint, but do not have the qualities of the electroplated finishes.
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