A Comprehensive Guide to Outdoor Furniture Materials
When designing your outdoor living space, you want to choose the right furniture that brings comfort and relaxation, compliments your indoor design, and, above all else, withstands external elements to last for a long time. Â
Furniture.com has created this comprehensive guide that reviews the pros and cons of different outdoor furniture materials and upholstery to help you find the best fit for your needs. Follow along to learn more.Â
A classic go-to furniture material, the natural grains and sturdiness of wood adds to its elegant aesthetic and durability. While most types can regulate heat and withstand external elements like rain and snow, not all can repel bugs or stand up against strong winds and daily use. Wood furniture comes in different types of material, such as hardwoods, softwoods, and composite wood, each with its benefits and drawbacks.Â
Hardwoods like teak, eucalyptus, and ironwood have rich, warm colors and beautiful grain patterns that will add charm to any outdoor space. Hardwood furniture is among the most popular choices because it is durable, sturdy, and naturally resistant to rot and insects. Â
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Of course, beauty comes at a cost. Hardwood furniture tends to lean on the more expensive side. And though they are resistant to decay, it doesn’t mean they are 100 percent impervious to water. Hardwood furniture, like teak, will age faster without proper maintenance, turning its golden-brown coloration to a patina gray and may even lead to cracks, mildew, and rot.Â
Softwoods like pine, spruce, cedar, or fir are best suited under covered or sheltered areas, where they can provide a cozy and rustic feel. Softwood furniture types are lighter and less cumbersome than hardwood furniture. They are also relatively easy to stain or paint to create the style and look you’re going for. Â
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However, their soft, lightweight nature makes them more prone to dents and scratches than hardwoods. And though they have insect-repelling abilities, they weather quicker and wear down faster, so there is a need for higher maintenance.Â
Also known as poly lumber, composite furniture is made of synthetic material combined with wood fibers and plastic. Because recycled materials comprise composite furniture, it reduces deforestation and is considered eco-friendly. These types of furniture are designed to mimic the appearance and texture of natural wood without the need to paint and stain, requiring minimal maintenance. Â
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Quality poly lumber furniture, like high-density polyethylene (HDPE), can withstand all outdoor exposure with its nonporous material. You can be sure there will be no color fading, chipping, stripping, or staining. A few drawbacks of poly lumber furniture are that it is heavier and more expensive than natural wood furniture, and the dense material will not conform to your body over time. Also, like plastic furniture, darker composite furniture will become hot when left in the sun.Â
Metal is a strong and sturdy material that provides a sleek and modern look for outdoor furniture. Today, most steel and wrought iron furniture has a powder coating finish, making it highly resistant to rust, scratches, and general wear and tear. They are a reliable choice when you want furniture that lasts a long time and is versatile for style changes.Â
Aluminum furniture is excellent because it is lightweight, durable, and requires low maintenance. It is also affordable and comes in a variety of colors and finishes. But because it is less dense, aluminum can dent, scratch, and fade over time, and it can become hot or cold to the touch, depending on the temperature.Â
Steel furniture is heavier, supports more weight, and can withstand high winds. We recommend choosing between stainless or galvanized steel for the outdoors since they do not rust as easily as plain steel — however, they are susceptible to corrosion when in contact with chlorine.Â
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Steel-type furniture is a good option for the outdoors, offering stability and durability, but it can also be bulky, making it challenging to move and rearrange. So, when you plan to invest in steel furniture, we recommend choosing pieces that will be stationary and pairing them with lighter-colored upholstery to cover steel surfaces that can get hot on sunny days.Â
Wrought (meaning “worked by hand”) iron brings uniqueness and character to outdoor furniture. Historically, wrought iron furniture is recognized as the most classic and ornate type of metal. It can withstand wind and rain but requires regular sanding and painting to prevent rust and chipping.Â
Most plastic and synthetic outdoor furniture, made from polypropylene and polycarbonate, is convenient, inexpensive, and available in a wide selection of colors, textures, and designs. Polypropylene furniture is eco-friendly and can be stacked and stored easily. Outdoor furniture made from polycarbonate material mimics the look of glass or crystal, making it shatter-resistant and UV-protected to withstand impact and heat. Â
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Plastic outdoor furniture is easy to clean and maintain and outperforms most materials in extreme weather conditions, as it does not rust or stain and is resistant to moisture, mildew, and insects. Some drawbacks people might face with plastic and synthetic are defective materials, which can make them flimsy and unsafe, and the color will fade after prolonged sun exposure. Because plastic is a lightweight material, it may also topple over or fly away in windy situations, which can lead to cracks and breakage.Â
Wicker is a classic weave style for outdoor furniture collections that can imitate traditional, modern, and contemporary styles. Its lightweight frame is made from woven fibers like rattan, cane, or bamboo. Â
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We recommend wiping away dust, spot-cleaning any stains, and covering wicker rattan furniture when not being used. Though weather-resistant, it is prone to discoloration and cracking from excess sun or water. Synthetic wicker materials like HDPE or PVC plastic serve as more durable iterations. Remember, like everything else, that synthetic resin wicker can crack and break with heavy use and exposure to external elements.Â
Concrete outdoor furniture is a combination of cement and other hardy materials. Concrete is well-known for its durability, especially on sidewalks and company buildings. Recently, concrete-type furniture has become a trend in modern circles. With a minimalistic style, it adds a sophisticated vibe to the exterior decor and serves as a sturdy base or surface for outdoor dining tables. Â
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The properties of this kind of furniture can withstand major stress from impact, heat, and nature. It's long-lasting but difficult to move around, making it ideal for pieces that are stationary and don’t need to be constantly rearranged. The material is also naturally porous and prone to staining.Â
Like indoor upholstery, outdoor fabric should bring comfort and a sense of welcome when to your exterior space. In addition to aesthetic considerations, your external upholstery should resist nature’s elements and wildlife damage. The outdoor fabric you choose will accentuate your furniture's style, adding color and comfort.Â
Beloved as clothes and bedsheets, cotton is naturally soft and breathable. It can absorb moisture and keep you cool during family barbeques or an al fresco dining experience. Cotton and cotton-blend outdoor fabrics provide a casual, relaxed atmosphere and can be washed and replaced easily. We recommend looking for cotton finishes that help fight UV rays and water damage. Unprotected cotton fabrics will fade, shrink, and wrinkle, making them susceptible to mold and mildew.Â
Polyester is a budget-friendly, durable fabric that resists wrinkling, tearing, and staining. It is less expensive than acrylic fabric and easy to clean, quick-drying, and holds its shape in a smooth and sleek look. Polyester comes in more vibrant colors and patterns than other fabrics. Â
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We recommend keeping the polyester fabric away from UV rays. The same vibrant colors you love are no match when exposed to direct sunlight and will fade. Polyester can also be hot and sticky to the touch as well as flammable.Â
Acrylic offers the best of both worlds in terms of aesthetics (mimicking the look and feel of natural fibers) and durability. It is a synthetic and high-quality fabric that creates a warm and inviting look, perfect for sunny spaces, humid climates, and poolside lounging. Most acrylic upholstery is resistant to moisture, color fades, mold, and mildew, but it can also be expensive and prone to staining, pilling, and snagging. Â
There’s a lot of factors to guide your outdoor furniture search, from your location to budget to personal preference. No matter what you’re looking for, furniture.com can help you find the right piece for your outdoor oasis. Start searching by material, style, color, and more shopping filters.Â
