The Best Outdoor Furniture Materials Based on Where You Live

10Apr

A Look at the Best Outdoor Material for Your Patio Furniture and Climate

The point of being outside in your backyard during the spring and summer is to enjoy the weather and relax. So the last thing you want to do is worry about your patio furniture becoming damaged by the elements.

This is why it’s so important to invest in the best outdoor material for your spring and summer climate. The right outdoor furniture will be able to withstand the extreme heat, downpours, wind, prolonged sunlight, and whatever else your region’s weather throws your way.

For help choosing the right outdoor furniture for your location, use this guide on the best outdoor material for each climate.

Types of Materials in This Guide

Modern patio furniture is made from materials meant to withstand the elements. And while there are many types of materials to choose from, some are better suited for your lifestyle and location than others.

Aluminum

Aluminum is a popular outdoor furniture material due to its durability and light weight. It is easy to move, store, and rearrange. Aluminum patio furniture also has a powder-coated finish to keep it protected from the elements.

Aluminum furniture won’t crack in the sun, and it can also withstand moisture and salty outdoor air and resist rust better than other metals.

Cast Aluminum

Cast aluminum is heavier than tubular aluminum furniture, so it can withstand windy conditions while still being manageable to rearrange and store. Its coating also provides added protection against the elements.

Recycled Plastic

Recycled plastic is an extremely strong and durable outdoor furniture material that is also eco-friendly. This outdoor material is resistant to fading, cracking, moisture, humidity, mold, mildew, rotting, salt water, wind, extreme temperatures, and stains.

Recycled plastic furniture can also be manufactured to resemble wood furniture without the care and maintenance required for wood.

Resin Wicker

Resin wicker is a durable, weather-resistant fiber wrapped over a metal (usually aluminum) frame. The term wicker refers to its woven style. Resin wicker furniture is usually made from thin woven strands of PVC, nylon, polyethylene, or High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE).

Along with being resistant to rain and humidity, high-quality resin wicker is also UV-resistant so it won’t fade or crack in the sunlight.

Steel

Steel patio furniture is strong, stable, and can withstand extreme temperatures. It’s also heavier than aluminum and lighter than wrought iron, so it can withstand windy conditions while being easy to rearrange, and it won’t dent easily.

Steel furniture also has powder-coated finishes to keep it resistant to moisture and rust. Galvanized and stainless steels are the best for use outdoors since these are more resistant to rust than regular steel.

Wood

Wood patio furniture offers a warm, natural look to any backyard. Softer woods like pine, cedar, and fir have some natural weather resistance. And hardwoods like teak are very durable and long-lasting if cared for properly.

If sealed properly, wood patio furniture can withstand rain, wind, sunlight, humidity, and extreme temperatures.

Wrought Iron

Wrought iron furniture is strong, sturdy, and attractive. Contemporary wrought iron furniture is treated with a weather-resistant powder-coating finish to protect it from moisture and rust.

Along with being resistant to cracking or fading in sunlight, its heavier weight makes it wind-resistant so it won’t blow over or fly away in windy conditions.

Areas With Extreme Temperatures

If your region experiences extreme seasonal shifts in temperatures—i.e., extreme cold in winter and extreme heat in summer—then you’ll need furniture that won’t warp or crack during temperature fluctuations, such as:

Rainy Locations

If you live in an area that experiences frequent rainstorms in the spring and summer, then you should consider using these materials that are resistant to water damage like warping, mold, mildew, rot, rust, and corrosion:

Windy Locations

Extreme wind, especially in open areas, can lead to patio furniture tipping over or blowing away. So to avoid damage to your outdoor furniture or losing it altogether in windy regions, opt for sturdy, heavier materials, such as:

Sunny/Dry Locations

Plenty of sun and dry climates can fade, crack, and even heat furniture so much that it becomes too hot to touch.

If your patio furniture is exposed to prolonged periods of sunlight, then opt for UV-resistant materials. And if you also live in a dry climate, look for furniture that won’t dry out, bend, or crack.

The ideal materials for sunny and dry climates include:

Humid Locations

Mold and mildew thrive in humid conditions. And high humidity can also lead to other types of moisture damage, such as rot, rust, and corrosion (especially near salt water). So look for patio furniture materials that are resistant to moisture, such as:

With the best outdoor material for your climate, you can relax all summer long on your patio without worrying about the elements damaging your new favourite furniture.

Patio furniture is a worthy investment that will bring you many years of enjoyment. So choose your furniture material wisely to make the most of your outdoor furniture for many summers to come.