Choosing outdoor furniture can be an exciting project, but also a daunting one. With so many options for materials, it’s hard to know which will stand up best to the elements while keeping you comfortable and matching your style. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the pros and cons of various common outdoor furniture materials to help you determine what is truly the best for your needs.
Wood
Wood is a classic choice for outdoor furniture and brings natural beauty to any patio or deck. However, not all woods are created equal when it comes to weather resistance. Here are some of the most common types of wood used in outdoor furniture and how they hold up:
Teak
Teak is often considered the gold standard of outdoor furniture woods. Its natural oils make it highly resistant to both wet and dry rot. A teak patio set can easily last 50 years or more with proper care and maintenance.
Pros:
- Extremely durable against weather, insects, etc.
- Beautiful rich color that ages gracefully to silvery grey
- Naturally water-resistant
- Doesn’t require much upkeep
Cons:
- More expensive than other wood varieties
- Imported teak may be less durable than plantation-grown
- Still requires periodic cleaning and sealing
Cedar
Cedar is another great option if you love the look of wood. It has a lovely reddish hue and a more affordable price tag than teak. Cedar contains natural oils that help protect it from moisture, bugs, and decay.
Pros:
- More budget-friendly than teak
- Naturally rot-resistant
- Appealing visual texture and color
- Softwood is easy to cut and assemble
Cons:
- Still requires some annual maintenance
- Less durable than teak over the years
- Can weather to grey without care
Pressure-Treated Pine
Pressure-treated pine has been infused with chemicals to help resist rot and insects. This makes it a versatile, affordable wood for outdoor use. The treatment does fade over time though.
Pros:
- Most affordable wood option
- Treatment protects against moisture and pests
- Easy to find pine in many furniture styles
Cons:
- Treatment fades over years
- Not as naturally durable as cedar or teak
- Requires annual re-sealing and staining
Wicker
Wicker refers to woven furniture often made from synthetic fibers for outdoor use. It has a crisp, clean look and is available in many stylish forms.
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to move
- Wide range of styles and colors
- Low maintenance
- Resists moisture well
Cons:
- Durability varies by quality
- Not as strong as wood furniture
- Can fade over time
Polymer and resin wickers resist fading and mildew better than natural wicker. Look for all-weather wicker that is UV-protected and durable for best results. Under a covered patio or with proper storage, wicker can last for years.
Aluminum
Aluminum outdoor furniture combines sleek contemporary styling with low maintenance. Special grades of lightweight aluminum alloy are shaped into everything from patio chairs to poolside loungers.
Pros:
- Extremely durable against elements
- Won’t rust or corrode
- Easy to clean
- Stylish and modern look
Cons:
- Can be expensive
- Lacks natural warmth of wood
- May dent with rough handling
- Can conduct heat in direct sun
Powder coating aluminum with UV-resistant paints adds further protection. Aluminum is also recyclable when remaking patio furniture every decade or two.
Wrought Iron
Wrought iron conjures images of charming cafes with intricate metal furniture. This material lends well to traditional and French country design styles.
Pros
- Very durable against wind, rain, and sun
- Stylish ornate designs
- Can be left untouched by elements
- Does not rust when properly made
Cons:
- Heavy weight can make moving difficult
- Can rust if low quality iron
- May feel cold to the touch
- Requires maintenance if painted
Real wrought iron is solid and won’t rust, but cast iron can if not regularly painted. Use protective pads to prevent scratches and damage to decking.
Steel
Steel has become a popular modern outdoor furniture choice mixing sleek lines and affordable pricing. Powder coated steel resists chipping and stands up well to the elements.
Pros:
- Inexpensive material cost
- Durable and weather-resistant
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Customizable with cushions
Cons:
- Can rust without proper coating
- Not as attractive as wood or wicker
- Can feel cold to the touch
- May dent with rough handling
Rust-resistant stainless steel is also gaining popularity for a shiny contemporary look. Steel requires less maintenance than wood overall, but may need refinishing over time.
Plastics
Plastics like polyethylene, polypropylene, acrylic, and PVC allow for inexpensive, weather-resistant outdoor furniture. These easy-care synthetics can mimic other materials while withstanding rain, snow, and sun.
Pros:
- Affordable pricing
- Extremely weather-resistant
- Easy to clean
- Durable and light
Cons:
- Can fade over time
- Not as comfortable as other materials
- Cheap look unless well-made
- Not environmentally friendly
Look for UV-resistant plastics with built-in stabilizers. Cleaning with soap and water keeps plastic patio sets looking fresh. Premium synthetic wicker and wood-alternative plastics bring improved realism and comfort.
Concrete
Concrete furniture brings modern, minimalist style outdoors. Mixtures can be molded into clean-lined benches, planters, and other durable elements.
Pros:
- Extremely durable and weatherproof
- Can be cast into any shape
- Heavier weight stays in place
- Can have wood or stone finishes
Cons:
- Very heavy when large or solid
- Can develop cracks over time
- No cushioned seating option
- Cold to the touch
Concrete finishes like exposed aggregate, etched designs, orintegral pigments add visual interest. Concrete holds up well outdoors year-round but may chip if struck hard.
Which is Best?
So which is the best outdoor furniture material overall? The answer depends on your climate, budget, style preferences, and desired longevity. Here are our top recommendations per category:
- Best Wood: Teak, for unparalleled weather-resistance and enduring beauty over decades. Or cedar if you have a more limited budget.
- Best Wicker: All-weather resin wicker with UV protection, for lasting style with less maintenance than natural wicker.
- Best Metal: Powder coated aluminum, for sleek modern styling that holds up well outside.
- Best Plastic: HDPE or UV-protected polyethylene, for affordable durability and low maintenance.
- Best Concrete: Glass fiber-reinforced concrete, for serious durability with less weight than solid concrete.
Of course, you can also mix-and-match materials within an outdoor living space. Pair an aluminum bistro set with weatherproof sectional sofas and concrete-topped tables. Or tuck resin wicker rockers underneath a beautiful wood pergola. Assess each item’s exposure to find the right balance of design and durability.
Invest wisely in high-quality, all-weather construction and materials. With proper care and maintenance, your outdoor living space will provide lasting enjoyment for years to come. Our tips will help you choose outdoor furniture to match your style, space, and budget long-term.
Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoor Furniture Materials
Many homeowners have additional questions when deciding which materials are optimal for patio and deck furniture. Here are answers to some of the most common queries:
How long does outdoor furniture usually last?
With proper maintenance and care, quality outdoor furniture can last 5-10 years on average. Higher-end pieces made of teak or stainless steel may remain intact for 10-20 years or longer. Less expensive plastic and resin sets average just 2-5 years before showing wear.
Which material is best for coastal areas?
Teak and stainless steel stand up best to oceanfront conditions. Woods like cedar and pressure-treated pine can also handle coastal weather when properly sealed and maintained. All furniture may need more frequent cleaning in coastal environments to prevent salt and sand buildup.
What material works best in hot climates?
Aluminum does not absorb heat and is comfortable in hot, sunny locations. Wicker and wood will stay cooler than metal or concrete. Some plastics can become excessively hot on sunny days. Seek shade and use light colors to prevent overheating.
Can you leave some outdoor furniture uncovered?
Teak, cedar, redwood, and plastic are low-maintenance options that can be left uncovered outdoors year-round in many climates. Other woods and materials will require some waterproof covering or indoor storage during rainy seasons and winter weather.
Which outdoor furniture requires the least maintenance?
Synthetic materials like plastic, resin, aluminum and stainless steel require the least regular maintenance. An occasional wash is all that’s needed beyond wiping spills and debris. Unfinished teak also needs little upkeep besides cleaning. Painted or sealed woods and metals require the most re-staining and sealing over time.
What are the most eco-friendly outdoor furniture options?
Sustainably harvested FSC-certified wood, especially teak and eucalyptus, are good eco-friendly choices. Recycled HDPE plastic, recycled aluminum, and recycled-content wicker are other earth-friendly options that save resources. Locally crafted concrete or reclaimed furniture also reduce environmental impacts.
Can you put a fire pit on wood decking?
It depends on the type of fire pit. Self-contained gas fire pits, chimineas, and fire bowls are generally safe on all decking. Wood-burning units should have an insulated base and be placed on concrete pavers or sand for fire safety. Always keep fires contained and fully extinguish them when done. Practice caution around flammable wicker furniture.
How can I restore my used outdoor furniture?
Refinishing faded wood with teak oil or penetrating stains helps restore vintage outdoor furniture and extend its life. Re-powder coating metal furniture is also an option. For wicker, use all-weather vinyl paints. In some cases, full replacement of cushions, slipcovers, or missing components may be needed.
Which padding or cushions hold up best outside?
Closed-cell foam provides the most waterproof cushioning for outdoor furniture. Polyester batting with water-resistant coatings is also good. Avoid down and other natural fill that can mildew. Outdoor fabric should be acrylic, olefin, or polyester instead of cotton. Removable and washable cushion covers also prolong cushion life.
Conclusion
Choosing durable, weather-resistant outdoor furniture materials ensures that your patio or deck investment will last for many seasons. Assess your priorities – like budget, style, comfort, and ease of maintenance – before deciding among the excellent material options for outdoor living spaces. With the right level of care, you can enjoy stylish, well-made outdoor furniture pieces that hold up beautifully year after year. Our guide equips you with knowledge to select pieces that stand the test of time.