Materials Matter: How To Choose Outdoor Furniture
Outdoor furniture is a must-have for any home with a backyard or patio. It's a great way to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine, whether you're relaxing with a book or entertaining guests. But with so many different materials to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start.
In this article, we'll discuss the pros and cons of different outdoor furniture materials and help you choose the best outdoor furniture for your needs.
Sienna Miller's charming English garden as captured by Architectural Digest
Synthetic Materials
Synthetic materials are becoming increasingly popular for outdoor and garden furniture. They're durable, weatherproof, and low-maintenance.
Resin
Resin is a popular material for affordable outdoor furniture due to its versatility, durability, and low maintenance requirements. It offers a wide range of styles and colors, making it easy to find the right outdoor furniture for your space.
One of the biggest advantages of resin furniture is its durability. It's resistant to fading, cracking, and chipping, ensuring that your outdoor furniture pieces will look great for years to come.
If you're looking for a durable and affordable option, poly deck chairs made of resin are a great choice. They're lightweight, easy to clean, and come in a variety of colors.
Resin wicker and synthetic wicker are two other popular resin options. These materials offer a woven look that adds a touch of elegance to your outdoor area.
Rope
Rope has become increasingly popular in recent years as an option for luxury outdoor furniture, thanks to its stylish appearance and durability. Made from a synthetic material, rope furniture is weather-resistant, low-maintenance, and perfect for outdoor living spaces, gardens and pools.
Rope furniture sets are the perfect patio furniture for creating inviting outdoor spaces. These sets often include a sofa, chairs, and a coffee table, providing everything you need to relax and entertain guests.
Vinyl
Vinyl is a durable and weatherproof material that is often used for outdoor furniture. It is available in a wide variety of colors and styles, making it easy to find the right patio furniture to match your personal style.
Vinyl outdoor furnishings are easy to clean and maintain. Simply wipe them down with a mild detergent and water. Vinyl is also resistant to fading, cracking, and chipping, so it will look great for years to come.
Design by Shelley HJ Gardens and landscaping by Belderbos Landscapes
Wood
Wood is a classic choice for outdoor furnishings. It's natural and adds a warm, inviting feel to your outdoor oasis. However, wood outdoor furniture requires more maintenance than other materials. It needs to be treated regularly to protect it from the elements.
Teak
Teak is a popular choice for quality outdoor furniture due to its durability, beauty, and natural resistance to decay and insects. It's a hardwood that comes from Southeast Asia, primarily Indonesia and Malaysia.
Teak is versatile and can be used to create a variety of outdoor furniture pieces. Some popular options include:
Sofa: A teak outdoor sofa is a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the fresh air.
Dining table: A teak outdoor dining table is ideal for entertaining guests or enjoying meals al fresco.
Seating: Teak can be used to create a variety of outdoor seating options, such as patio chairs, lounge chairs, benches, swings, and hammocks.
While teak is naturally resistant to the elements, it still requires some maintenance to keep it looking its best. Regular cleaning with mild soap and water is recommended.
Cedar
Cedar is a popular choice for wood outdoor furniture. It's known for its natural resistance to decay and insects, making it a durable option.
If you're looking for outdoor patio furniture options made from wood, cedar is a great choice. It's easy to care for and requires minimal maintenance. To keep your luxury cedar furniture looking its best, clean it regularly with a mild detergent and water.
Metal
Metal outdoor furniture is durable and low-maintenance. It's available in a variety of styles and finishes. However, metal furniture can be cold to the touch, especially in cooler weather.
Aluminum
Aluminum is one of the most popular choices for weatherproof outdoor furniture due to its durability and versatility. It offers excellent weather resistance, making it suitable for various climates.
Aluminum frames are lightweight, yet strong, ensuring your furniture can withstand harsh weather conditions without compromising its structural integrity.
When you choose aluminum patio furniture, you're investing in good quality pieces that will last for years to come. The material's resistance to rust and corrosion means you can enjoy your outdoor space without worrying about maintenance.
Wrought iron
Wrought iron patio furniture is a timeless choice that adds a touch of elegance to any outdoor space. Handcrafted from malleable iron, wrought iron pieces are both sturdy and stylish. The intricate designs and patterns create a unique and visually appealing look.
While wrought iron furniture is known for its durability, it's important to note that it can be prone to rust if not properly maintained. Regular cleaning and protective coatings are essential for preserving its beauty and longevity.
Stainless steel
Stainless steel is a popular choice for outdoor furniture due to its durability and sleek appearance. It's resistant to rust, corrosion, and stains, making it a low-maintenance option. Stainless steel furniture is also easy to clean with a mild detergent and water.
While it can be more expensive than other materials, its long-lasting quality and timeless style often justify the investment.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right patio furniture can turn your outdoor space into a cozy and refreshing oasis. By considering factors like materials, style, and your personal needs, you can find the perfect pieces to enhance your outdoor living experience. So, start planning your dream outdoor oasis today!
Jenny Kakoudakis likes to blog about interiors. She launched award-winning Seasons in Colour in 2014 and the luxury interior design blog All The Pretty Homes in 2024.
When she is not chasing criminals out of the financial system (her day job), she gets creative by redecorating her own home.
