How to Pick the Best Outdoor Furniture Material

When the cold winds of winter have subsided and it’s finally time to enjoy your backyard again, you may be looking into purchasing outdoor furniture to help you create the oasis you've always wanted. But, not all outdoor furniture is created equal, and depending on your home and the environment you live in, different materials may not work well in your backyard.

When it comes to outdoor furniture, you'll find that the majority of your options are made from one of the following seven materials. To help you figure out which one is the best choice for you, we've highlighted a short list of the pros and cons for each material type.

While each material has its own strengths, it's important to note that they each have their own set of weaknesses, too. To help you figure out which material will work best for your home and desired use, it's strongly recommended that you weigh all the options and compare the pros and cons of each type of material.

If you are considering buying new patio furniture for your backyard, here are six considerations that will help you narrow down the options and, ultimately, choose the best material for your lifestyle.

1. Comfortable Outdoor Furniture

If you want an outdoor space where you can relax and greet the morning with a cup of coffee or perhaps unwind after a long day, you’re going to want any outdoor furniture that is actually comfortable to sit or lounge on. When it comes to comfort, certain materials are just simply more comfortable than others.

Metal furniture, such as wrought iron, aluminum and cast aluminum, is not going to be all that comfortable on its own, and because it can heat up quickly in the sunshine, it may be too hot of an option for warmer, sunnier climates. You can solve this problem by adding a set of pillows or seat cushions.

Wood, on the other hand, can serve as a fairly comfortable seat with or without cushions, and wicker is also a fairly comfortable seating option for indoor, as well as outdoor spaces. Many plastic, polymer, or resin outdoor furniture items are also good options when comfort is a deciding factor.

2. Consider Typical Weather Conditions

Depending on your local climate, certain materials may be more susceptible to wear and tear than others.

If you live in a rainy climate, wrought iron or steel outdoor furniture may not be the best option as these may be more vulnerable to rust if not protected properly. Wood furniture can also be a difficult option if you live in humid and wet environments, as untreated wood furniture is vulnerable to mold, mildew, and rot.

For those in windy areas, you’ll need patio furniture that is heavy enough to withstand high winds that may blow through from time to time. This makes aluminum and plastic furniture a tough choice.

If you are lucky enough to enjoy the sunshine often, you’ll want to choose furniture that can endure long days in the bright sun, as well as resist cracking, fading, or warping due to heat.

3. Remember Durability & Upkeep

If you are willing to spend your hard-earned money on a nice patio furniture set, you are going to want those pieces of furniture to last.

Wood:

Some types of wood, such as teak, jarrah, and shorea, can last for up to 50 years, but they do require some intensive upkeep. Other woods, such as cedar and pressure-treated pine, are also very durable to outdoor elements, but they need to be treated, painted, or sealed to maintain its durability. It's also recommended that you move wood furniture inside once the winter season rolls in, as this will help withstand harsh conditions.

Plastic & Metal:

Other materials, such as wrought iron, steel, or aluminum, can also last for a pretty long time, and they require little upkeep. Plastic resin is another material that requires very little upkeep, but its durability is sorely lacking, as plastic chairs tend to crack, fade, and weaken in some spots rather quickly.

4. Stay on Budget

While teak is often touted as the best wood material for outdoor furniture, it is also among the most expensive. Steel is a great option for heavy-duty patio furniture, but it also comes with a heavy-duty price tag. Plastic resin is a fairly inexpensive material, but plastic resin furniture is also known to be flimsy and not very durable.

However, plastic, polymer, and resin furniture can be a good option for those who want outdoor furniture at a lower price point and are willing to replace it in a few years’ time.

5. Aesthetics & Overall Visual Appeal

Not only do you want your patio furniture to be comfortable, durable, and affordable, you also want a set that you enjoy looking at. The beauty of furniture such as wrought iron or teak is unmatched, and these materials can quickly elevate the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space. Steel and aluminum can bring a more modern and minimal style to your patio, whereas wicker or rattan furniture has more of a laid-back country feel.

6. Convenience & Adaptability

If you tend to frequently rearrange your furniture on your deck or patio, or simply want the option in case of gatherings or other social events, you will also want to consider purchasing something that is easy to move and adjust.

This may be an issue with heavy furniture, such as stainless steel or wrought iron. On the other hand, wicker, aluminum, and plastic furniture are all fairly lightweight, easy for one person to move unassisted, and convenient to rearrange as often as needed.

Final Thoughts

Make sure to weigh your options and learn all you can about the different outdoor furniture materials when you are shopping around for outdoor furniture. You should also carefully consider what outdoor furniture would work best for you, your climate, your outdoor space, and the way you will most likely use your furniture before you invest your money. Then, when you do pick out the perfect set, you will know that you have chosen outdoor furniture that will work with your lifestyle and that you can enjoy for years to come.