When choosing materials for patio furniture for the outdoor space, one needs to be extra cautious. After all, everybody wants luxurious furniture that they can place outdoors, which is easy to care for and affordable. Outdoor furniture is exposed to the elements like sun, rain and snow. So it is important to choose the right material for your patio furniture. You want to make sure that your outdoor furniture is easy to clean, but you also want it to be weatherproof.
It’s important to know about the different and the best materials for outdoor furniture, the pros, and the cons before making the final decision. Given below are the different types of materials that are found to be most suitable for patio and outdoor furniture.
Table of Contents
1. Wood
For wooden outdoor furniture, Sloane and Sons have hit the nail on the head in their detailed article where they ask, is teak the best water resistant wood? Teak is renowned for its exceptional durability and natural resistance to rot, decay, and insect damage, making it an ideal choice for crafting outdoor furniture that can withstand the rigors of various weather conditions, ensuring longevity and timeless elegance in outdoor settings. Nothing can beat the look of a teak patio sofa or contemporary wood benches and tables on the patio.
Take a look at my DIY garden furniture made from iroko, a great wood species suitable for outdoor use. Hear a few other great wood types suitable for outdoor furniture:
- Cedar: Known for its natural resistance to rot, decay, and insect damage, cedar is a popular choice for outdoor furniture due to its durability and attractive appearance.
- Redwood: With its beautiful color and resistance to decay and insects, redwood is another excellent option for outdoor furniture, prized for its durability and longevity.
- Acacia: Acacia wood is valued for its strength and durability, making it a reliable choice for outdoor furniture. It also features natural oils that enhance its resistance to moisture and decay.
- White Oak: White oak is a dense and durable wood that offers good resistance to decay and moisture, making it suitable for outdoor furniture when properly treated or finished.
- Ipe: Also known as Brazilian walnut, ipe is an extremely dense and durable hardwood that is naturally resistant to rot, decay, and insect damage, making it well-suited for outdoor furniture in harsh environments.
These wood types, when properly treated and maintained, can provide long-lasting and beautiful outdoor furniture options.
- Cons – Can be expensive and can succumb to weather exposures.
2. Composite
Also known as composite wood, the material is a blend of real wood and synthetic resin materials. Additives such as colorants and UV stabilisers can enhance the look and property of composite and make them long-lasting as they are moisture-resistant and require minimum maintenance.
- Cons – Is not natural and can be pricy
3. Wicker and Rattan
Fast rising in popularity, wicker and rattan are natural materials that look very classy outdoors. One can paint or varnish the furniture to make it more durable and long-lasting in outdoor conditions. It is lightweight and easy to care for, and available in traditional and contemporary styles.
- Cons – Can’t handle persistent exposure to sun and rain
4. Aluminum
Cast aluminum is a wonderful material for outdoor furniture as it is lightweight and durable. It is stronger and offers great support and is very simple and easy to care for. As it is naturally rustproof, that makes it very durable and perfect for seaside locations.
- Cons – Not suitable for those who live in areas with high wind gusts
5. Wrought Iron
Another great material to consider is the Wrought Iron because of its strength and durability. Wrought Iron furniture can last for years if properly cared for. As the material is extremely malleable, one can look for exquisite and ornate hand-crafted designs in outdoor wrought iron furniture.
- Cons – Heavier and thus difficult to move around and can rust easily
6. Plastic
Plastic is another great option, and recycled plastics are certainly a great choice for outdoor furniture. Furniture made from recycled plastics is not only Eco-friendly but extraordinarily durable and strong. Moreover, it is resistant to moisture and insects and will not crack, even after long exposure to weather. It is stain-resistant and requires little maintenance.
- Cons – Can be a bit too light for extremely windy conditions
7. Man-made materials
You may come across several artificial and modern materials which are man made and suitable for outdoor furniture, such as polyethylene, resin, and fiberglass. These synthetic options can resist any weather conditions and are available in endless colors. In addition, they are low-cost and very durable.
- Cons – Are not as long-lasting and may look flimsy and low quality.
Wrap up
Maintenance is really important when it comes to any outdoor furniture or buildings. Protecting your furniture from the elements will help it last for many years. Invest in furniture covers or store furniture indoors for the best results.
Another great idea is to build a covered area in your garden. A veranda or canopy can create the perfect outdoor space that can be enjoyed all year round and provides that all-important protection against all kinds of weather.
Thanks for reading. We hope you now have a better idea of what type of furniture will best suit your requirements. Why not try one of these great related posts: