A quality material for patio furniture should be durable enough to withstand outdoor conditions while remaining easy to maintain. Common options for outdoor furniture are wood (e.g. teak) and metals like wrought iron and aluminum.
If you’re shopping for metal products, try to source tubular or cast aluminum that resists rust, as well as stainless steel for an excellent finish.
Teak
If you’re in search of long-lasting outdoor furniture, teak should be top of your list. This beautiful hardwood naturally resists rot, mold and mildew while not absorbing water like other woods do. In addition, its natural oils and rubbers protect it against pest damage as well as moisture retention and sun exposure damage, all while adding style to any setting. Additionally, its rich brown hue makes an impressionful statement in any setting.
Teak can be an expensive material, but more affordable options may exist if you are willing to compromise on quality. When shopping for teak, be mindful to steer clear of C and D grade varieties which could have significant variations in color, grain density and stability issues. It would also be wise to check manufacturer websites and hardware to ascertain what level of care is expected from customers before purchasing teak furniture.
Wrought iron and aluminum are also excellent, resilient materials for patio furniture, being resistant to rust, corrosion and the elements better than most metals. Aluminum especially stands up well in humid and salty coastal environments. Wrought iron and aluminum furniture is heavy enough to withstand extreme weather conditions while remaining easy to rearrange or move as necessary.
Plastic has made an enormous splash in modern patio furniture design, but not all types are created equal. High-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene and impact-resistant polycarbonate all offer different advantages that may suit your patio space better.
These flexible materials allow them to be formed into distinctive styles and forms that you never would have dreamed of! Furthermore, they can be combined with various other materials to produce one-of-a-kind patio pieces.
Synthetic Resin
Finding the ideal material for patio furniture requires doing an honest assessment of both your lifestyle and design preferences. While teak may be popularly chosen as all-weather patio furniture, there are other materials which offer both excellent durability and visual appeal.
Plastics and resins have emerged as versatile patio furniture materials, offering wood-like appearances in some instances. Polyethylene (more commonly referred to as “poly”), for instance, is highly water resistant while also boasting durability. Certain synthetic resins feature UV coatings to provide extra UV protection against fade in direct sunlight.
Rattan furniture provides an enchanting natural aesthetic, made from palm stems. With its open weave construction and breathability, rattan provides visual interest as well as vintage vacation vibe. Plus, its highly comfortable materials makes this ideal furniture option.
Metal patio furniture is another popular option. Steel is ideal for contemporary styles while wrought iron provides rustic charm to complement eclectic decor styles. Both steel and aluminum resist rust; powder coated finishes can provide further moisture protection. Aluminum is by far the most popular modern patio material (even resin wicker is typically constructed over an aluminum frame), as it withstands weather well while being lightweight enough to rearrange and move.
If you prefer contemporary designs, concrete patio furniture makes an eye-catching statement on any deck. Not only is it beautiful to look at but its durable nature stands up well against summer elements.
Wrought Iron
Wrought iron patio furniture is one of the most durable options available. Although heavy, its strength outweighs its weight; corrosion doesn’t seem to damage it as quickly. Wrought iron is especially well suited to coastal locations because its resistance against salt air corrosion makes it suitable for coastal conditions and salt spray conditions that quickly corrode other metals. Available in various designs that fit any patio design scheme seamlessly, Wrought iron fits seamlessly.
Steel furniture is another fantastic choice for heavy-duty use, due to its strength, durability and easy cleaning capabilities. Resistant to corrosion and often made using recycled materials, steel furniture is also quite economical and makes an excellent addition for those on a tight budget. However, one downside of using steel as furniture material may be that it’s difficult to move around due to being heavy; additionally it may experience temperature changes that make it hot or cold to touch depending on temperature changes in its surroundings.
Aluminum is a lightweight and weather-resistant metal option that is versatile in use, from outdoor furnishings to interior decor pieces. Rustproof, it comes in an assortment of colors to match any decor scheme, making aluminum an easy material choice to maintain for long term use. Though more costly than other metal options, aluminum furniture makes for stylish additions while remaining cost effective over time – perfect if you want something different than wood, wicker or rattan options but don’t want the hassles that go along with maintaining them! Its only drawback lies within being fragile and scratching easily as opposed to others metal options; yet that doesn’t mean aluminum won’t last.
Aluminum
When selecting outdoor furniture materials, the choice goes beyond your personal tastes. To be truly effective patio furniture materials must withstand weather and frequent usage while remaining free from dirt, dust and other environmental pollutants that cause degradation to their shape, color and comfort over time.
Metal furniture must be designed to withstand moisture damage caused by rain and humidity, be rust-resistant, and can stand up to sunlight’s heat without warping or cracking. Furthermore, if you live in an area with strong winds, heavy furniture will help withstand gusts that occur from time to time.
Aluminum furniture manufacturers frequently opt for it due to its many attractive qualities: rust resistance, ease of care and affordability are just some of the many reasons aluminum remains popular among them. You’ll also find styles for any design aesthetic: contemporary patio sets frequently incorporate aluminum frames; even resin wicker is commonly wrapped over aluminum frames! When purchasing an aluminum outdoor dining table with powder coated finishes that resist scratches and dents.
Concrete patio furniture offers modern outdoor enthusiasts an excellent modern aesthetic. Its sleek surfaces and weather-proof construction make it the ideal material for creating a modern backyard retreat, while staining allows you to add pops of color into any color scheme in the outdoor space. Just pair your modern concrete furniture with comfy cushions and lemonade for unforgettable summer afternoons!
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel outdoor furniture is durable and resistant to elements like corrosion and rust. Additionally, its insulating qualities help it remain cool during hot weather – an added benefit when living near salty coastal air can often affect other metal furnishings. Ultimately, its long lifespan makes stainless steel outdoor furniture the ideal choice.
Metal patio furniture is versatile enough to suit any design aesthetic and can even be combined with other materials for an eclectic design concept. Aluminum is lightweight yet sturdy, while saltwater environments won’t cause it to rust; furthermore, aluminum can also be coated in colorful hues to add an additional splash of color while providing protection from the elements.
Plastics and resins offer an economical choice for outdoor furniture. However, over time they may deteriorate over time, necessitating frequent replacement. When selecting this material look for options that are UV protected to extend longevity – Polypropylene is an ideal choice as it’s eco-friendly, fade-resistant, moisture proof and moisture repellent – making it the ideal material choice.
Wrought iron and aluminum are highly weather-resistant materials, capable of withstanding harsh sun, wind, and salty waters. However, they can be heavy and expensive; powder-coating options may help offset costs while still maintaining their appearance.
Wood is another classic outdoor furniture option, perfect for creating a timeless and natural appearance in any outdoor setting. Pine, cedar and fir woods don’t crack easily or rot quickly while shorea and teak hardwoods require less upkeep but create timeless looks in any outdoor area.