Are you looking for the best material for patio furniture? If yes then you are at the right place. Patio furniture lets you bring inside style outside. You can keep things matching or mix things up for a fun look.
But no matter your style, how well furniture holds up to weather matters. Things like rain, hot sun, and strong winds play a role. More cash usually means better quality stuff that lasts longer.
But the cost isn’t everything. Check how each piece is built. Learn the good and bad points of different materials. And find out what upkeep they need.
In this article, we will closely examine the best material for patio furniture, its pros, cons, and more.
Table of Contents
Highlights
- Wood furnishings can last a long time if you care for them properly. They don’t conduct heat, so they stay comfortable in warm weather. However, wood is often expensive to buy, and you’ll need to maintain it annually to prevent rot or cracking. Look for weather-resistant woods like teak, cedar, or redwood. Each year, oil or stain the wood and store it indoors for the winter.
- Wicker and rattan patio furniture is affordable and lightweight. It comes in both modern and traditional designs. But the natural materials are prone to damage from the elements, and light pieces could blow over in strong winds. When shopping, inspect for sturdy weaving and comfortable seating. Maintain by vacuuming regularly, wiping with soapy water, and resealing annually if needed. Cover or bring indoors for winter.
- Aluminum furniture won’t break the bank and can handle the outdoors well. You’ll find many style choices, from classic to contemporary. While hollow aluminum isn’t ideal in windy spots, solid pieces are lightweight yet durable. Look for rust-proof hardware and powder-coated finishes for longevity. Simply clean with mild soap and water, then cover or store during winter.
- Stainless steel, regular steel, and metal furniture can withstand lots of abuse. The materials are easy to clean and come in countless designs. However, steel conducts heat, so it may feel hot in the sun. You may want cushions for comfort. Galvanized steel requires reapplying a protective coat periodically. When buying, ensure tight construction and rust-resistant coatings. Clean with soap and water, and recoat steel yearly to prevent rusting.
- Wrought and cast iron furniture is very strong. It looks classic and lasts a long time. But it is heavy and needs rust protection. You may also want cushions for comfort. Look for welded pieces and powder coating that blocks UV rays. To maintain, wash with soap and water, apply wax, and bring inside for winter.
- Modern man-made furniture has benefits. It does not cost much and is extremely durable. You can find many style choices too. However, some plastics may not last as long. Cheaper options can feel flimsy. Pick sturdy pieces. Look for UV protection. To maintain, follow cleaning instructions. Store it during harsh winters to prevent fading.
What Is The Best Material for Patio Furniture?
Wood
Wood furniture is an excellent choice for the outdoors. It can withstand different weather conditions, lasts long, and suits various styles. You’ll find traditional wood benches, tables, and modern wood pieces.
Benefits: Wood is sturdy, durable, and readily available. It doesn’t absorb heat like some other outdoor materials. Wood complements any design style. Many options resist mold, decay, rot, and repel water and insects. Teak wood is ideal for seaside locations.
Drawbacks: High-quality wood furniture can be pricey. It requires yearly maintenance, especially if you want to prevent weathering. It may rot or decay prematurely if placed on soft ground or grass without protection. Wood can splinter and crack in harsh weather.
What to consider: Look for wood that naturally resists mold, decay, rot, and repels water and insects. Teak, cedar, old-growth cypress, and redwood are common choices, but acacia, eucalyptus, and tropical Shorea woods are also options. Check for solid construction, dowels, mortise, and tenon joints, or rust-proof stainless steel or brass hardware. Test the furniture’s stability.
Maintenance: Oil or stain the wood and seal it yearly to prevent weathering. If painting, use paint with UV filters to protect from the sun. When possible, cover or store the furniture indoors during winter.
Wicker and Rattan
Wicker and rattan furniture sets can give your patio a charming country or coastal vibe. But these natural materials aren’t suited for constant sun and rain exposure. Similar options like bamboo and grass also can’t withstand harsh outdoor conditions.
If you want to move wicker pieces to a more open area during summer, protect them first. Use a wood sealer, marine varnish (test a small spot first), or tung oil to preserve the material. Painting is another option, then sealing with marine varnish.
The good news is synthetic “all-weather wicker” mimics the real thing while easily braving the elements.
Pros: Affordable, lightweight, easy upkeep. Styles range from traditional to modern designs. Natural wicker can be painted. Resin look-alikes resist seaside damage.
Cons: Exposure damages natural materials eventually. Strong winds may blow over lighter pieces.
What to look for: Sturdy construction, tightly woven with no fraying or gaps, especially used pieces. Check comfort and need for cushions.
Maintenance: Vacuum crumbs and dirt regularly. Wipe surfaces with soapy water and rinse. Monitor material condition. Reseal annually if sealed. Cover or store indoors during winter.
Aluminum
Aluminum furniture is easy to take care of. It’s tough and handles nature’s elements well, needing almost no work. It is also not as costly as other choices. Hollow or tubular aluminum furniture is lighter and cheaper than cast aluminum. It usually has more style options too. But cast aluminum is stronger and more costly. Its style is commonly more traditional.
Pros: Inexpensive, lightweight, doesn’t rust naturally, and highly durable, especially when coated. There are many styles and finishes available. Cast aluminum is very long-lasting. Good for seaside areas if wind isn’t an issue.
Cons: Hollow aluminum isn’t good for windy places. It can absorb heat from the sun. You may need to add cushions for comfort.
What to look for: Strong construction with few welds or joints in longer pieces; rust-proof hardware like stainless steel. Powder-coated finishes are the most durable.
Maintenance: Clean regularly with a mild soap and water solution. Cover during winter for added protection, or take indoors.
Stainless Steel, Steel and Metal
Metal furniture is made of steel. It comes in two kinds: stainless and galvanized. This material sits between aluminum and iron. It weighs more than aluminum but less than iron. The weight makes it sturdy. Metal furniture is hard to move around. It comes in retro and modern styles. Many colors are available.
Pros: Durable and easy to clean. Many design options exist.
Cons: Steel gets hot in the sun. You may need cushions for comfort. Galvanized steel needs a protective coat every couple of years.
What to look for: Tightly put together. The rust-resistant coating on non-stainless pieces.
Maintenance: Use soap and water to clean. Coat steel yearly to prevent rust.
Wrought Iron and Cast Iron
Iron is a great choice for sturdy furniture that can withstand strong winds. Both wrought iron and cast iron are extremely solid. They also add a historic charm and beauty to your space.
Wrought iron, in particular, has ornate, decorative designs. It works best when sheltered from the elements. But you can find rustproof pieces or apply a protective finish.
Pros: Sturdy construction and classic style. Very long-lasting. Powder-coated items are rustproof, but you’ll need to touch up any scratches.
Cons: Heavy. Requires periodic rust prevention and possible touch-up painting to avoid rust. May need cushions for extra comfort.
What to look for: Choose welded pieces that are solid with smooth finishes. Powder-coated items with UV resistance are the most durable. Test any springs or moving parts to ensure they function properly. Check the weight to make sure you can move the pieces.
Maintenance: Wash with mild soap and water, and rinse to clean. Let it dry completely. You can also apply wax to smooth surfaces and baby oil or mineral oil to other surfaces for added protection. Oil moving parts and springs once a year. Apply rust protection and any needed touch-up paint periodically. Bring indoors or under shelter in winter.
Modern Man-Made Materials
Furniture made of plastic is called synthetic. It can handle most weather but may struggle in strong winds. Synthetic options have many colors and looks. Some look man-made.
Others look just like natural materials like Adirondack chairs or modern loungers. Many are recycled, so they’re eco-friendly. Near the ocean, get furniture made of HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene).
Pros: Low cost, extreme durability, and endless style options. Replicas of natural materials can look almost real but last longer. High-end options can be customized.
Cons: Some plastics and PVC don’t last as long. Cheaper products can be flimsy and colors may fade.
What to look for: When buying, look for sturdy pieces that don’t wobble. UV-protected options last longer. Check if the furniture is comfortable.
Maintenance: To maintain, follow cleaning instructions. Often, mild soap and water work. Rinse after cleaning. During harsh winters, store the furniture to prevent fading.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most durable material for outdoor patio furniture?
Teak and Shorea wood are very strong and long-lasting. They make great materials for outdoor furniture. But you have to take good care of them. These woods from warm places don’t rot easily. They also don’t bend, shrink, or swell much.
What is the best material for outdoor furniture in the sun?
Making stuff for sitting outside is good with HDPE Wicker. It won’t break easily. It’s not too heavy. It can handle the rain and sun. You can clean it without much work. That’s why many folks like it for chairs used when eating outdoors. Plus, other furnishings too.
What type of patio furniture is the most weather-resistant?
Cast aluminum furniture is perfect for outdoor use. It is metal furniture made of high-quality aluminum. This patio furniture from Lazy Susan is very strong. It can withstand harsh weather conditions. Cast aluminum furniture is sturdy and long-lasting. Its beautiful looks enhance your patio’s appearance. At the same time, it resists damage from rain, sun, and wind.
What is the best long-term outdoor furniture?
Teak wood lasts long. It keeps bugs away. It does not rot in the rain or sunshine. That makes it good for outdoor chairs and tables.
What outdoor material lasts the longest?
Outdoor patio flooring can be made from many strong materials. Natural stone, tiles, pavers, and bricks last a very long time. These items won’t break easily. They can handle rough weather and lots of use. So, they work great for building patios meant to stand for years.
Conclusion
Choosing the best material for patio furniture is important. You need to think about things like strength, upkeep, and looks. There are many options and each material has good and bad points.
Metal like aluminum and steel is very strong. It resists rust and damage. It is also lightweight, so it’s easy to move around. But metal furniture may need care to prevent rust over time. And it can get very hot when in direct sunlight.
Wood like teak and cedar has a nice natural look. It goes well with outdoor spaces. Wood is strong and resists decay. But it needs regular care like sealing or oiling. This stops it from cracking or warping.
Man-made materials like resin wicker and plastic are popular choices. They are affordable and low maintenance. They can withstand outdoor conditions well. They are lightweight, simple to clean, and come in many styles and colors. But they may not last as long as metal or wood. Their appearance can fade from the sun and weather over time.
The best material for patio furniture depends on your needs, preferences, and budget. If you want durability and low upkeep, metal or man-made materials are good options. If you like a natural look and don’t mind extra care, wood has a timeless charm. No matter the material, quality pieces, and proper care will make your patio furniture last for years. It will enhance your outdoor living space.
