From poolside chaise lounges to picnic tables perfect for summer barbeques, outdoor furniture is made to withstand the elements. In this guide, we take a look at the best outdoor furniture materials, from the most durable outdoor furniture to what type of outdoor furniture lasts the longest – plus some maintenance tips on how to prolong the life of each material.

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Metal

Metal is one of the most durable materials for outdoor furniture and is a reliable choice for your patio or garden. Read on for an overview of the benefits of each type of metal. While browsing on Wayfair, find the product's specific metal in the product description's specifications section.

Aluminium

Lightweight yet sturdy enough to stand up against high winds, aluminium is one of the best, most common outdoor furniture materials. Aluminium is highly durable and rust-resistant making it great for use around salt water, which can otherwise easily corrode and oxidise other metals. It comes at affordable prices and requires little maintenance. Aluminium outdoor furniture is often finished with a protective paint or powder coating, but it can also be covered with wicker or sling for a softer look and feel.

Care Tips: Clean with mild soap, warm water and a gentle cloth or sponge. Touch up the paint coating or fill in scratches with wax.

Steel

Heavier and much harder than aluminium, steel outdoor furniture resists dents and is resilient against high winds. The weight of steel furniture does mean that it can be a bit difficult to move around. Plain steel rusts easily, so it's important to choose stainless or galvanised steel for your outdoor furniture.

Care Tips: If your furniture is plain steel, apply a protective finish to protect it from rust. Wash with mild soap, warm water and a gentle cloth or sponge. Make sure to touch up scratches in the finish with another coat to combat rust.

Wrought Iron

The heaviest of all the outdoor furniture metals, wrought iron furniture will put up the strongest fight against harsh winds. Though many wrought iron pieces are now powder coated for protection, this rustic metal is much less water-resistant than aluminum and steel and rusts easily without the proper care.

Care Tips: If your furniture is bare wrought iron, apply a rust protector. To clean, wash with mild soap, warm water and a gentle cloth or sponge. Touch up dings in the finish with a protective coat immediately. If you notice rust, clean gently, sand the affected areas and refinish.

Tip: Uncovered metal furniture, though it withstands sunlight well, can get hot in the sun. We recommend additional seating covers or cushions to protect yourself from possible burns.

Plastic, Recycled Plastic, Polymer & Resin

Lightweight, inexpensive, and available in a wide variety of colours and textures, plastic furniture (especially resin) can be made to resemble wicker rattan, wood and more. Recycled plastic and resin furniture is highly durable and resistant to moisture, stains, mildew and pests. These low-maintenance materials won't peel, crack or fade and don't require any additional finishes to remain in good condition. Many plastic outdoor furniture styles can be stacked for easy storage, which is especially helpful before storms, as these materials are easily moved by wind.

Care Tips: Clean by rinsing with water or use mild soap and warm water to remove tougher stains.

Rattan

Wicker rattan furniture is made of durable natural rattan fibre strips that are tightly woven in the wicker style. Because wicker describes the weaving style and not the material, it's not uncommon to find wicker furniture made of synthetic materials as well. Wicker rattan furniture is classic in appearance, lightweight, flexible and comfortable. Rattan can fade in sunlight and isn't moisture-resistant, so it's good to bring rattan furniture inside or cover it when it rains or is particularly sunny. Over time, the rattan fibers can loosen.

Care Tips: To clean rattan, fill a bowl with water and add in a splash of soap. Dip a soft cloth into the bubbles, not the water, and wipe any stains clean.

Wood

Natural in appearance, wood is a classic choice for an outdoor furniture material. While browsing on Wayfair, find the product's specific wood in the product description's specifications section.

Teak & Shorea

Extremely hard and durable, teak and Shorea are some of the best materials for outdoor furniture when cared for properly. These tropical hardwoods are resistant to rotting, warping, shrinkage and swelling. If left untreated, teak and Shorea's natural golden-yellow hues will fade to a light gray patina that takes stain well. Of the two, teak tends to be more expensive.

Care Tips: Teak and Shorea require similar care. For a detailed look at teak furniture maintenance, check out our guide on oiling teak furniture and important care tips.

Eucalyptus

Though not quite as strong or durable as teak or Shorea, untreated eucalyptus hardwood can be left to withstand the elements for decades without breaking down. It's sustainable and naturally insect-proof, with a gorgeous red-orange colour that fades over time to a silvery gray. Eucalyptus does have some natural water resistance, but it is susceptible to shrinking and swelling with moisture.

Care Tips: Seal to prevent the negative impacts of moisture. Clean with mild soap, warm water, and a gentle cloth and ensure it dries completely in the sun.

Acacia

Durable and hardy, Acacia wood can hold its own against all sorts of weather. Because Acacia is such a common wood worldwide, Acacia outdoor furniture is considered an eco-friendly choice. Acacia is a beautiful, rich brown with golden undertones that can be enhanced with a stain or seal.

Care Tips: Make sure to seal Acacia wood to better protect it against moisture. Clean with mild soap, warm water and a gentle cloth and ensure it dries completely in the sun.

Cedar & Cypress

Light in weight and colour, cedar is easy to move around and can be stained in almost any colour to match the rest of your outdoor arrangement. The resin in cedar wood renders it insect and rot-resistant. Though just as sturdy as other woods, cedar is softer, therefore it dents easily. It also tends to retain a lot of moisture and is susceptible to cracking. Cypress wood is similar to cedar wood in that it's lightweight, cream coloured and contains insect and rot-resistant resin, however it is more resilient against moisture, dents and scratches.

Care Tips: For better damage and weather resistance, use a sealant on cedar and cypress furniture. Clean with mild soap, warm water and a gentle cloth, and ensure it dries completely in the sun. And to keep outdoor furniture durable and long-lasting, cover them with garden furniture covers when not in use.

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