Are you looking for the best material for outdoor furniture? If yes then you are at the right place. Choosing the best furniture materials for your outdoor space matters a lot. The material affects the look, care, and life span. So, you want to pick the right material for your furniture.
There are many options like teak and synthetic wicker. Each material has pros and cons. You need something durable, visually appealing, and within your budget.
In this article, we will help you decide. We will explain different materials and guide you to the best choice for your patio, balcony, or yard. Let’s find the best material for your outdoor furniture.
Table of Contents
Highlights
- When you are picking furniture for the outside, look for stuff that can stand up to the weather.
- Aluminum, teak wood, and all-weather wicker are great choices. They can take a beating and still look good.
- Think about the kind of weather where you live.
- If it gets really hot in summer, or cold in winter, or if you are by the ocean, choose materials that won’t get messed up by those conditions.
- Nobody wants outdoor furniture that’s a pain to clean.
- Aluminum and fabrics like Sunbrella just need some soap and water to stay fresh.
Best Material For Outdoor Furniture
Metals
Metal is a sturdy and strong stuff. Steel, wrought iron, and aluminum are popular kinds. Each type has pros and cons.
Wrought Iron
Wrought iron has been a popular choice for furniture since the 1800s. Its stylish look and toughness make it ideal for outdoor use, like garden seats and poolside chairs.
However, wrought iron has some drawbacks.
It is designed to be heavy, ensuring stability in different weather. But this weight often makes it difficult for a single person to move. Another problem is that the paint can chip off if not maintained well. This exposes the bare metal, leading to rust over time.
Galvanized Steel
What if you want chairs for outside? A good choice is galvanized steel. Galvanizing is putting zinc on steel. It stops rust. So it works well outdoors. This steel is lighter but still strong.
But steel has a problem with hot and cold. In summer, steel chairs get very hot. The seat and arms can feel burning hot. In winter, steel gets cold. You can’t touch the chairs without gloves.
Aluminum
Aluminum provides a lightweight, rust-free, and heat-resistant choice that looks great and lasts long.
Aluminum is made to endure. It never rusts, rots, or comes loose. The frames get a high-quality powder-coating finish. This ensures ultimate strength for over ten years.
All-Weather Wicker
Outdoor furniture can be made from different materials. One popular choice is wicker made from synthetic resin. It is also called all-weather wicker.
Aluminum is another common option for outdoor use. Wicker manages to appear charming and modern. Its construction allows it to stay protected in any climate.
The tightly woven material results in a sturdy product. This tight weaving also leads to an attractive look. So wicker is a great choice for outdoor furniture.
Indoor Vs. Outdoor Wicker
When choosing furniture, you will find two kinds of wicker. All-weather wicker belongs outside. Natural wicker should stay inside.
All-weather wicker is made to endure all conditions. It handles extreme cold and sweltering heat. It resists moisture from humidity or heavy rain.
Natural wicker breaks down outside over time. The materials get damaged by the elements. They tear apart and deteriorate. Even if it seems perfect for your garden, only bring natural wicker inside your house.
Wood
There are many types of wood to pick from. We will not talk about woods that do not work well outdoors. The best wood for outdoor furniture can withstand most weather. This is because it has special natural qualities.
You can choose softwoods or hardwoods that resist weather. But softwoods like cypress and cedar usually do not last as long as hardwoods. Hardwoods endure longer in outdoor conditions.
IPE
Ipe is a popular wood from South America. It is often used for outdoor decks and patios. Ipe is also called Brazilian walnut. This wood is extremely dense. The density makes it great for keeping out water.
Ipe’s density prevents dents and warping. It also has fire resistance like concrete. This makes ipe a top choice for outdoor areas.
Teakwood
It may seem like ipe is the perfect choice for outdoor furniture. However, teak is also renowned as an excellent material. Teak can do everything that ipe can.
For example, teak’s natural oils make it weather-resistant. They also repel insects like mosquitoes. So, you can enjoy being outside without bugs bothering you.
Additionally, teak has the highest resistance to decay of any natural wood. That’s why it’s the top choice for building yachts, home exteriors, and outdoor furniture.
Aluminum, teakwood, and all-weather wicker are the best material for outdoor furniture. Now, let’s look at how to find the best options in these materials. We will check for durability and optimal comfort.
What Should You Consider When Selecting The Best Material for Outdoor Furniture?
Picking outdoor furniture is not simple. You need to look at many things. For example, how much care and upkeep you want to do, the weather where you live, and where you will put the furniture. And the most important thing is how you want it to look. Some options need more work than others.
| Resin Wicker | Teak | Aluminum | Wrought Iron | Steel | IPE | |
| Easy to Rearrange | 5 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| All Weather | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| Wind Resistant | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 |
| Fade Resistant | 4 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Water Resistant | 5 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Rust Proof | 5 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 4 |
| Aesthetically Pleasing | 4 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 5 |
| Comfortable | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| Durable | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 5 |
| Low Maintenance | 4 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 |
| Price | 3 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Score | 46 | 36 | 43 | 36 | 28 | 36 |
Salt
Outdoor furniture near the sea must stay safe. Salty air from the ocean can ruin furniture. It is important if you live by the water.
The salty air blows off the beach. It can harm furniture not made for the wet air. For furniture by the sea, pick strong materials. You should choose outdoor furniture with durable parts.
Care
Keeping your outdoor furniture looking great is easy. You don’t need special cleaners. Materials like teak wood, recycled plastic, and aluminum can handle bad weather, spills, and stains well. Just wipe these surfaces with soap and water.
Your patio furniture will look fresh for years without much work. These sturdy materials let you relax outdoors without worry. A simple cleaning routine keeps them in top shape.
Wind
Do you have strong winds where you live? Light outdoor furniture is pretty, but it can’t stand up to gusty weather. You don’t want chairs blowing around your yard or a table flying off your balcony, that would hurt! To avoid this, choose heavier materials that won’t go airborne but still look nice.
Fading
Outdoor furniture fades for a few reasons. UV rays, humidity, and heat cause fading. Fading impacts wood and fabric. You buy a patio set with colorful cushions. You want the vibrant color to last.
Most fabric is dyed on the outside. The inner material stays the original color. This leads to fading from sun exposure. The fabric loses its bright hue. To avoid fading in outdoor upholstery, choose high-quality, long-lasting fabrics like Sunbrella fabric.
Sunbrella outdoor fabric uses a tough solution-dyed acrylic. The color goes through the entire thread, not just the surface. This makes it fade-resistant, mildew-resistant and stain-resistant.
Climate
Do you live where there is lots of sun? Your outdoor chairs and tables need special materials. They must not fade or crack in strong sunlight. Also, these materials should be safe from UV light.
In some places, the weather changes a lot. It gets very hot in summer but very cold in winter. For these areas, your outdoor furniture must withstand both heat and cold without damage.
Seasons
Outdoor furniture require special furniture. These spaces face harsh weather. Furniture not built for the elements gets damaged. The sun can fade colors. Rain and snow can cause warping. You may need to bring fragile pieces indoors. Or replace them every year.
You should always invest in weatherproof outdoor furniture. It is made to withstand heat, cold, moisture, and sunlight. This furniture stays outside all year round. You won’t have to replace pieces often. Choose durable, long-lasting materials like wicker or metal. Your patio will look attractive through all seasons.
Cracking
Outdoor furniture must stay strong against cracks. Weather changes can cause cracks. Materials shrink and grow as weather shifts. Ice forming and melting, dry air, and temperature swings can crack outdoor furniture. Furniture may break or split from weather ups and downs.
Location
When choosing outdoor furniture, think about your space and the weather. If it’s in a sunroom, you will need UV-protected materials that don’t fade. For an open garden, waterproof furniture resists nature’s elements.
A covered patio or balcony requires durable items to handle temperature changes. Even sheltered spots risk mold and mildew from humidity or rain. So pick quality materials suited to your conditions.
Let’s say you have a shaded deck with no rain exposure. You don’t need full weatherproofing, but you do want crack-resistant furniture. A sunny patio needs fade-resistant fabrics.
An open yard calls for furniture that defies wind, moisture, and changes in heat or cold. No matter where you put outdoor furniture, consider what conditions it must survive. Make smart choices for long-lasting, well-protected pieces.
Humidity
Furniture in humid places need materials that resist water. Some woods can break, bend, or split when damp. Moisture makes metal furniture rusty and loses shine.
Being wet for long grows mold and mildew. This makes furniture look dirty and unhealthy for people and pets. In humid areas, use teak wood and Sunbrella fabric. They resist mold and mildew.
How To Find Durable Outdoor Furniture?
Furniture strength matters a lot. We talked about furniture durability many times. But what does durable really mean for outdoor furniture? Is all outdoor furniture tough enough to handle the weather?
The quick answer is no. But here are things to remember when looking for outdoor furniture.
Quality Build
Outdoor furniture needs to be strong. It should withstand harsh weather conditions. Yet, many companies neglect important steps in making durable furniture. This leads to poor quality products that break easily.
The furniture falls apart. You have to replace missing or broken pieces. Such furniture has problems due to bad construction methods.
Many outdoor furniture makers avoid quality construction. They cut corners to save money. But this is bad for customers. The furniture does not last long.
Soon, parts go missing or break. This forces you to pay extra for replacements. Quality outdoor furniture requires careful planning at every stage.
Weather Resistance
When it comes to outdoor furniture, the materials used are important to withstand different weather conditions. However, the company you purchase from should provide more than just durable materials.
A custom cover is essential for protecting your outdoor furniture when the weather becomes harsh. Even the toughest materials can benefit from an added layer of protection.
Overall, a custom cover completes the package for safeguarding your outdoor furniture investment.
How To Find Comfortable Outdoor Furniture?
You have chosen outdoor furniture that can withstand any weather. Now, let’s think about the comfort. It’s crucial because you will use the furniture for many years.
Here are tips for selecting outdoor furniture with maximum comfort.
- Look for plush padding that feels soft when you sit down.
- Wide seats give more space to relax.
- Arms at the right height offer back support.
- Try different materials like woven plastic or plump cushions until you find the coziest option.
Comfortable Cushions
A cushion should be both supportive and soft. This provides the best comfort. But outdoor furniture may not come with a comfy cushion. Even if it is well-made, a cushion is not always included.
Infinitely Modular
Being comfortable goes beyond the feel of furniture. It’s also about flexibility with your space. Our lifestyles change.
Furniture should adapt with you. A fresh look shouldn’t require replacing everything or adding mismatched pieces.
Modular furniture allows rearranging without starting over. This design lets you move, add, or disassemble pieces to create new layouts.
What Is The Best Fabric For Outdoor Furniture?
When picking fabrics for outdoor furniture, durability, and ease of care matter most. But looks still count. The ideal fabric needs little upkeep.
Sunbrella fabric is a top pick as it resists stains, mold, mildew, fading, and UV rays. This trusted outdoor cushion fabric ranks among the easiest to maintain. It also lasts a very long time compared to other fabrics.
How Does Sunbrella Compare to Other Fabrics?
Having a great place for parties outside needs fabrics that feel good. They must be soft and last long. That is why Sunbrella fabric is the best fabric for outdoor furniture.
Sunbrella vs Olefin
Olefin fabric is a common type of material. It can resist water but not strong sunlight. The fabric doesn’t naturally protect against UV rays. If it gets very hot, Olefin fabric may melt. On the other hand, Sunbrella fabric is made to withstand all kinds of weather conditions.
Sunbrella vs Outdura
Outdura fabric is like Sunbrella fabric. But Sunbrella lasts longer when exposed to sunlight. Its colors don’t fade as quickly as Outdura fabric.
Sunbrella vs. Cushionguard
Sunbrella comes with a 5-year warranty. Cushionguard has a 3-year warranty. Sunbrella does not fade easily and blocks UV rays. Cushionguard may fade over time. You can use strong chemicals like bleach on Sunbrella fabric. But Cushionguard needs gentle cleaning products.
Sunbrella is made to resist fading and harmful sunlight. Cushionguards can lose color after some time in the sun. Stronger chemicals are okay for Sunbrella. Mild soap and water work best for Cushionguard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best material for outdoor furniture in all weather?
Teak wood is extremely resistant to decay. That’s why people pick teak for making yachts, home exteriors, and outdoor furniture. Aluminum and all-weather wicker are also great for outdoor furniture. They don’t get damaged easily and last a long time outside.
What is the most weather-resistant outdoor furniture?
Teak wood is a top pick for outside seats. It fights water, bugs, and rot by itself. It ages nicely and can deal with bad weather without much care. Aluminum is light. It lasts long and does not rust. This makes it great for outdoor chairs and tables.
Is wood or rattan better for outdoor furniture?
Rattan garden furniture does not get damaged by sunlight. The color stays the same when left outside. It does not need much care either. This is because rattan material is very strong. It can handle rough use without getting damaged easily.
What is the most durable outdoor material?
Outdoor furniture needs materials that can face nature’s challenges. Teak wood works great outside because it’s very strong. It won’t rot or decay easily. Aluminum metal is another good choice for outdoor use. Aluminum does not rust, so it lasts a long time.
Which outdoor furniture is the easiest to maintain?
Teak is a wise choice for outside furniture. It is strong wood. It has a special oil that keeps water out. This means it will not get ruined if left outside. You can keep teak furniture in your yard all year round. It will stay nice.
Conclusion
Creating an outdoor space takes planning. You need to think about your style, budget, and priorities. Each material, like teak or poly lumber, has pros and cons. This article helps you choose the best material for outdoor furniture.
But comfort and quality matter too. You want furniture that feels good and lasts, so you can enjoy your outdoor haven for years. We have simplified the process of selecting materials.
Our guide explains the benefits and drawbacks of each choice. You will find durable yet cozy furniture to suit your taste. With the right setup, your backyard can become a relaxing retreat.
