Why Aluminium Extrusion Products Are Ideal for DIY Furniture
One of the biggest benefits of using aluminium extrusion products for furniture is their unique combination of strength and lightness. Aluminium extrusions offer durability without the heaviness of traditional materials like steel or hardwood, allowing for easy transport and assembly. These products are also resistant to rust, a huge advantage when designing furniture for outdoor or humid indoor environments.
With the versatility of aluminium extruded products, you can create various furniture types, from minimalist shelving to intricate frames, that fit seamlessly into any modern aesthetic.
Aluminium Bars
Aluminium bars are a staple in DIY furniture projects, thanks to their strength and ease of use. These bars can be utilised as structural components for tables, bed frames, and shelving units. They’re available in a range of thicknesses and widths, so you can select the appropriate size based on the intended load. For example, a thicker aluminium bar can support the weight of a table surface, while thinner bars work well in lightweight or decorative furniture.
The versatility of aluminium bars makes them easy to cut and shape, accommodating various design styles from industrial to minimalist. Aluminium bars also blend effortlessly with other materials, such as wood or glass, adding a modern and polished look to any DIY project.
Aluminium Flat Bars
Aluminium flat bars are equally popular for furniture projects, offering a broad, flat surface area ideal for creating strong, supportive frames. Flat bars are commonly used in furniture bases or tabletops, where stability and weight distribution are key. They’re also perfect for making frames for chairs or as support braces in larger pieces, like storage racks.
One advantage of aluminium flat bars is their uniformity, which makes them easy to align and assemble. Flat bars lend a modern, sleek appearance, making them a favourite for contemporary furniture that requires clean lines and a smooth finish.
Aluminium Angles
For projects requiring reinforced corners, aluminium angles are an excellent choice. Available in various sizes, angles add strength to the corners of tables, desks, and cabinets, helping them withstand everyday use. Aluminium angles are particularly useful in modular furniture that needs to be assembled and disassembled easily, providing extra stability without adding excessive weight.
Angles are often used in shelving units or open-frame designs, where visible edges are part of the aesthetic. Their clean finish complements the overall look of aluminium furniture and provides essential support without compromising on style.
Essential Tools for Working with Aluminium Extrusion Products
Creating furniture with aluminium extrusion products is straightforward, especially with the right tools. Here are a few essentials to get started:
- Saw or Angle Grinder: Aluminium extrusions can be cut to custom lengths using a saw or angle grinder. Ensure your blade is designed for metal to avoid damaging the aluminium.
- Drill and Metal Bits: A drill with metal-specific bits allows for precise holes, which are essential when joining pieces with screws or bolts.
- File or Sandpaper: After cutting, you’ll want to file or sand any rough edges to ensure a clean, safe finish.
- Aluminium-Friendly Adhesive: For seamless joins, use an adhesive specifically designed for metal. Epoxies work well for non-load-bearing connections.
- Protective Coating: If your furniture will be outdoors, consider adding a protective finish to prevent oxidation and maintain the aluminium’s natural shine.
Minimalist Shelving Units
Shelving units made with aluminium bars and flat bars are ideal for modern spaces, offering a sleek, minimalist look. Aluminium flat bars provide strong support for each shelf, while aluminium angles can be used to stabilise the frame. For additional stability in heavier units, you can use a thicker aluminium bar on the base to keep everything secure.
The natural finish of aluminium adds a metallic shine that complements various materials, so feel free to combine it with wooden or glass shelves for a mixed-material design that’s visually interesting yet functional.
Custom Table and Chair Frames
Aluminium bar extrusions make fantastic frames for tables and chairs, bringing durability and a refined, modern appearance. Aluminium bar frames are especially useful in dining tables, coffee tables, or even outdoor tables where strength and stability are important. Aluminium’s corrosion resistance is particularly beneficial for outdoor furniture, as it withstands exposure to the elements better than many other materials.
A simple frame design can be created by using aluminium bars as the base and support beams. Pair these frames with wood or glass tops for a balanced, chic look that works well in any setting.
Outdoor Benches and Garden Furniture
With the natural corrosion resistance of aluminium, outdoor furniture projects are a perfect match for extrusion products. Flat bars and aluminium angles can be used to craft a sturdy outdoor bench that can handle the elements without requiring heavy maintenance. Consider adding a weather-resistant finish to prolong the aluminium’s lifespan outdoors.
A basic bench structure can be achieved by creating a rectangular frame with flat bars, while angled pieces add extra stability at the corners. The end result is a durable, stylish piece that’s ideal for garden seating or patio arrangements.
Tips for Assembling Aluminium Extrusion Furniture
Assembling aluminium furniture is easy if you keep a few practical steps in mind:
- Measure Twice, Cut Once: Precision is key with extruded aluminium products. Always double-check measurements before making cuts to ensure a clean and professional finish.
- Consider Fastener Placement: Screws and bolts can provide a sturdy join, but for a seamless appearance, you may prefer hidden fasteners or adhesives. Aluminium-friendly adhesives work well for non-weight-bearing joins, creating a minimalist look without visible hardware.
- Polish for a Professional Look: After assembling, a quick polish can help bring out the natural shine of aluminium. This final step enhances the overall appearance and adds a layer of protection.
Maintenance Tips for Aluminium Furniture
Aluminium extrusion furniture is generally low-maintenance, but regular care will ensure it stays looking great:
- Clean Regularly: A mild soap solution and a soft cloth are all you need to keep the aluminium’s surface clean. Avoid abrasive cleaners to prevent scratches.
- Check for Loose Fasteners: If you’ve used screws or bolts, periodically check that everything is secure to maintain structural integrity.
- Apply a Protective Finish: For outdoor pieces, an occasional reapplication of a protective coating can help preserve the aluminium’s natural sheen and prevent oxidation.
Choosing the Right Aluminium Extrusion Products for Your Project
Whether you’re building a shelving unit or an outdoor bench, choosing the right aluminium extrusion products is essential for a successful project. For Australian DIY enthusiasts, Custom Aluminium WA provides a range of aluminium extruded products tailored for various furniture-making needs. From durable aluminium flat bars to versatile aluminium angles, they offer the products needed to create both practical and stylish pieces.
Start Building with Aluminium Extrusions
Aluminium extrusion products offer a practical, modern alternative to traditional materials in furniture-making. By incorporating products like aluminium bar and flat bar extrusions, DIY furniture builders can create lightweight, strong, and visually appealing pieces that enhance any space. From shelving units to garden benches, aluminium extrusion furniture combines strength with style, making it a top choice for today’s DIY projects.
