The Ultimate Patio Furniture Material Buying Guide

Tips to Help You Find the Right Patio Furniture to Meet Your Needs

Buying patio furniture can be difficult if you don’t know what to look for.

With summer here in full swing, you’ll probably want to get out on your patio as often as possible. If your patio furniture has seen better days, it might be time to consider buying a new patio set.

There are many great types of outdoor patio furniture available that will make a welcome replacement to your old set. But how do you choose?

To help you decide on the best patio furniture for you and your needs, consider this guide from the Ottawa patio furniture experts.

What Is Most Patio Furniture Made Of?

Since patio furniture must withstand the outdoor elements, most patio furniture is made of water-resistant material. Popular materials used to make patio furniture include:

What Is the Best Material for Outdoor Furniture?

The best material will depend on what you’re looking for. You may want to know what outdoor furniture lasts longest or what is more durable. Here’s what you should consider when upgrading your outdoor patio furniture:

The bottom line is: The best material for your outdoor patio furniture will depend on your personal preferences, patio space, and patio décor.

To help you make an informed decision when it comes to your backyard, this guide will go over some of the most durable (and stylish) types of patio furniture materials.

What Is the Strongest Patio Furniture Material?

If durability, strength, and weight are what you’re after, these two popular metal patio furniture materials are perfect for you:

Cast Aluminum

Cast aluminum furniture is a solid, heavier alternative to hollow aluminum, yet it is still lightweight for ease of movement. The added weight makes this furniture ideal for windy conditions since you won’t have to worry about your furniture flying away and getting damaged.

Cast aluminum is a very durable material. It is also resistant to rust making this furniture easy to care for. You can simply wash this furniture with soapy water and rinse.

Wrought Iron

Wrought iron furniture is strong, stable, and weather-resistant. Its only downside is its weight, which could make it difficult for some people to move their chairs around. But this weight also ensures that your furniture won’t fly away and get damaged on a windy day.

This elegant and easy-to-clean furniture is made of cast iron and sometimes steel. And it has a powder coating finish to protect against rust corrosion.

You can wash this material with water and dish soap, rinse thoroughly, and add a rust protectant. Also, consider painting chips or cracks to keep your furniture looking great for longer.

What Is the Best Material for Outdoor Cushions?

Sunbrella fabric is ideal for outdoor cushions, upholstered furniture, and cantilever umbrellas because it is fade-resistant, mold- and mildew-resistant, and stain-resistant. Sunbrella fabric also comes in a variety of stylish colours and patterns to suit any outdoor patio décor.

This fabric has UV-stable pigments, making it resistant to the damaging effects of sunlight.

How Durable Is Wicker Patio Furniture?

Wicker patio furniture comes in synthetic and natural materials. Also known as resin wicker, synthetic wicker furniture looks like natural wicker, but with added durability.

You can find outdoor tables, chairs, and loungers made with this material to complete your natural outdoor patio décor.

Synthetic wicker patio furniture uses resin derived from plant matter. This resin is hard, dense, and durable enough to withstand all outdoor elements. It won’t break, chip, or scratch, and it’s effortless to clean. All you need is a hose or a wet cloth to wipe off dirt from this furniture quickly.

This material is also infused with UV inhibitors to protect the material from fading and damage from sun exposure. It’s also stain resistant so it will maintain its appearance for longer.

Is All Wicker Waterproof?

While synthetic resin wicker is waterproof, natural wicker made from rattan requires a waterproof coating to avoid deteriorating in the elements. Natural wicker should be covered or stored in the off-season to maintain its quality.

Is Teak Furniture Durable?

Made from wood, teak is actually a very durable material for patio furniture.

This dense, close-grained hardwood contains natural oils that repel water meaning you won’t have to worry about teak warping, cracking, or weakening from water damage.

These oils also repel insects like termites and marine borers, eliminating the risk of insect damage to your patio furniture.

You don’t need to paint or varnish this material to maintain an attractive and natural appearance. However, you can apply a natural oil to your teak furniture using a paintbrush to help retain its honey-brown colour. Alternatively, you can let it age naturally to a patina grey.

Although there are many types to choose from, you can narrow down your preferences by look, durability, weight, and maintenance. As for comfort, any of these materials can be comfortable with the right cushions.

For more help choosing the best patio furniture for your needs, contact the Ottawa patio furniture experts and start enjoying the summer on your new patio set.