Outdoor furniture is a significant investment, and choosing the right material is crucial to its longevity and aesthetic appeal. With design trends constantly evolving and the environment becoming more important, it’s time to rethink our choices.
This list is based on real-world trends, data, and expert insights. We have not invented any stats but have relied on credible sources to bring you this information. Expect to discover some of the most durable materials for outdoor furniture and why they are worth considering.
Teak
Teak is a tropical hardwood known for its remarkable durability and resistance to rot and termites. This makes it a popular choice for outdoor furniture. Despite its relatively high cost, many homeowners choose teak for its longevity and timeless appeal.
The growing trend towards sustainable living has put teak in the spotlight. Its natural oils and rubber make it extremely weather-resistant, reducing the need for chemical treatments. This makes it an eco-friendly choice for the environmentally conscious homeowner. The Spruce provides further insights into choosing durable outdoor woods like teak.
Aluminum
Aluminum is lightweight, rust-resistant, and requires minimal maintenance, making it a practical choice for outdoor furniture. It’s often overlooked due to its industrial appearance, but with the right design, it can lend a modern touch to your outdoor space.
With the rise of minimalist design trends, aluminum furniture is gaining popularity. Its sleek lines and neutral colors blend seamlessly with any design aesthetic. Architectural Digest highlights aluminum’s versatility in contemporary design.
Wrought Iron
Wrought iron is a classic material for outdoor furniture. It’s strong, durable, and can be molded into intricate designs, adding a touch of elegance to any outdoor space. However, it can be heavy and prone to rust if not properly maintained.
Wrought iron is making a comeback, with homeowners seeking to blend modern and traditional elements in their outdoor spaces. Additionally, its durability makes it a value-for-money choice in the long run. The Spruce gives practical guidance on cleaning and caring for metal (including wrought iron) furniture.
Plastic
Plastic outdoor furniture is often overlooked due to its lack of aesthetic appeal. However, it’s lightweight, affordable, and easy to maintain, making it a practical choice for homeowners on a budget.
Today, with advancements in technology, plastic furniture is being designed to mimic more expensive materials like wood and wicker. This, coupled with its affordability, makes it a popular choice in today’s market. Real Simple showcases durable options (including HDPE and recycled-plastic designs).
Resin Wicker
Resin wicker, also known as all-weather wicker, is a durable material that can withstand the elements. It has the look and feel of natural wicker but is more resistant to sun and rain. This makes it a popular choice for outdoor furniture.
The demand for low-maintenance, long-lasting outdoor furniture has made resin wicker a popular choice among homeowners. It offers the beauty of natural wicker without the need for constant upkeep. Bob Vila explains how synthetic (resin) wicker compares to natural rattan for outdoor use.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is a durable hardwood that’s often used as a cheaper alternative to teak. It’s naturally resistant to rot and insects, making it a great choice for outdoor furniture. However, it requires regular maintenance to keep it looking its best.
As sustainability becomes a key trend in outdoor design, eucalyptus is gaining popularity. It’s a fast-growing, renewable resource, making it an eco-friendly choice. House Beautiful explores when eucalyptus is a smart pick for outdoor furniture.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a modern, durable material for outdoor furniture. It’s resistant to rust and corrosion, and its sleek appearance adds a contemporary touch to any outdoor space. However, it can become hot under the sun, so it might not be the best choice for sun-drenched areas.
With the growing trend of outdoor kitchens and dining areas, stainless steel furniture is becoming increasingly popular. Its resistance to heat and stains makes it a practical choice for these spaces. Bob Vila offers tips on maintaining stainless steel.
Concrete
Concrete isn’t a traditional choice for outdoor furniture, but its durability and unique aesthetic make it a compelling option. It can be molded into various shapes and designs, adding a contemporary edge to any outdoor space.
As industrial design trends continue to rise, concrete furniture is becoming increasingly popular. It’s a durable, low-maintenance material that can withstand the elements, making it a great investment. Architectural Digest offers design inspiration and ideas around concrete outdoors.
Cast Aluminum
Cast aluminum is a type of aluminum that’s been poured into a mold to create intricate designs. It’s durable, lightweight, and rust-resistant, making it an excellent choice for outdoor furniture. However, its higher cost may deter some homeowners.
With the trend of creating outdoor spaces that mirror the comfort and style of indoor living, cast aluminum furniture is gaining popularity. Its ability to mimic more expensive materials like wrought iron or wood makes it a versatile choice. PatioLiving outlines pros and cons of materials including cast aluminum.
Polywood
Polywood is a type of recycled plastic that’s designed to mimic the look and feel of real wood. It’s durable, easy to clean, and resistant to rot and insects, making it an excellent choice for outdoor furniture.
As more homeowners look for sustainable outdoor furniture options, Polywood is becoming increasingly popular. It’s made from recycled materials and requires minimal maintenance, making it an eco-friendly choice. Real Simple explains why HDPE/recycled-plastic furniture (including POLYWOOD®) is a smart, low-maintenance pick.
