Redesigning your patio or garden may be a thrilling task, but it is also costly. So, while choosing the design and furniture, you’re probably considering creating a beautiful space that will endure.
That’s where the material’s durability and resistance come into play.
Aluminum, teak, synthetic resin, iron, and steel are the most durable patio furniture materials. Tempered glass, high-pressure laminate, and concrete may be suitable alternatives for a low-profile design. Polyester textiles are the most long-lasting when it comes to pillows, slings, and bean bags.
It can be daunting to select the design and furnishings for your patio, especially when you are under time constraints. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the most durable patio furniture materials. Take a look at our top ten choices below!
Aluminum
Aluminum is the ideal material for furniture if you want to modernize your patio but still make it durable and convenient. This metal is one of the most popular choices for outside features like as tables and chairs.
Another great advantage of purchasing a premium aluminum patio table cover is that it is both light and durable, allowing you to move your furnishings, rearrange them, and store them as needed.
Furthermore, all of these advantages don’t have to come at the cost of style. Because aluminum is so adaptable and readily molded into various forms, you’ll discover a wide range of furniture designs on the market.
If you want to use colorful furniture, remember that powder coating for the aluminum parts is preferable to paint. This choice provides an additional layer of protection for the aluminum surfaces from moisture, salt air, and scuffs.
Powder coatings, on the other hand, will adhere better to the surface and allow the furniture to endure the elements for longer. Aluminum is resistant to weather and rust-proof, but powder coatings stick better to the surface and keep it protected from inclement weather.
The major disadvantage of aluminum furniture is that, like other metals, it retains heat and cold. As a result, you may need to add more cushions to enjoy it in less-than-ideal climates.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight
- Rust-proof and resistant to the elements
- A highly versatile material
- One of the most common materials for outdoor furniture is wood
- Powder coating gives your boat even more protection against salty air
- Perfect for windy locations
Wood (Teak, Shorea, and Other Hardwoods)
If you want the most durable material, aluminum is considered to be ideal.
However, while style, comfort, and Looks are all crucial when it comes to designing your home’s garden or patio, they are not the only things that matter.
In this situation, you could choose the warmer, more loving tones of wood furniture. Fortunately, by making all suitable decisions, you can rely on long-lasting wooden components.
Wood is one of the first materials utilized for outdoor furniture, and it has been one of the first raw materials that people have exploited. So, aside from being naturally lovely, versatile, and sturdy, it also allows you to pick the ideal design for your patio.
However, the sort of material you select while selecting the proper wood for your outdoor furniture may make all the difference.
Choosing Hardwoods
Softwoods, such as pine and cedar, are beautiful but are intended for indoor use only because they won’t last against the elements. Hardwoods, such as white oak, beech, and Shorea can endure a long time outside if properly maintained.
Teak’s characteristics have made it one of the most popular woods for outdoor furniture. This tropical hardwood is durable, resistant to natural elements, and strong. It does not shatter, fracture, or bend readily like acacia wood does.
The characteristic that distinguishes this wood from other woods is that it repels water and does not undergo shape changes (expansions and contractions) as a result of water absorption and release.
Teak’s natural oil serves as a barrier against decay, pests, and mildew. Teak can last more than 50 years with proper care and maintenance.
The most significant drawbacks of teak wood are that it is expensive and difficult to work with, thus the variety of low-cost teak furniture available on the market may be limited.
At the same time, it may appear that a costly investment at first might be the only one you’ll have to make for decades.
Pros
- Unique aesthetics
- Extremely long-lasting (up to 50 years)
- Repels decay, molds, and germs
- Water and dampness resistant
- Requires little to no upkeep
All-Weather Wicker (Synthetic Resin)
If you want the beauty of wood with the affordability and versatility of aluminum, consider all-weather wicker or synthetic resin.
Natural wicker, which is generally manufactured from plant-based materials such as bamboo, banana leaf, and seagrass, may be a wonderful, all-natural alternative.
However, this form of wicker is not as long-lasting or sturdy as other, better-designed choices.
Today, outdoor wicker furniture is produced synthetically from polyethylene resin. This high-quality, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) resin is extremely firm and chemical-free.
It’s also tear- and puncture-proof, making it a fantastic low-cost option for outdoor furniture.
All-weather wicker is resistant to the elements, just like aluminum. It’s quite strong, versatile, lightweight, and simple to maintain—even after years of exposure to the weather.
Higher-quality synthetic wicker, on the other hand, is also resistant to fading and UV radiation.
When purchasing all-weather wicker outdoor furniture, make sure you’re getting high-quality products. PVC versions of these items are also available. While these might appear to be a bargain, they are more prone to fracture and become brittle.
Pros
- It is resistant to the elements and all types of weather
- Strong and light, with an interior aluminum structure frequently
- It’s simple to maintain and requires little upkeep
- You may choose a natural tone for your wicker furniture, allowing you to appreciate the natural beauty of wood
- It is simple to apply and may be painted to give brightness to your wooden patio
- Sustainable, recyclable, and ecologically produced
Wrought Iron
Iron is the first material that springs to mind when thinking about strength, adaptability, and endurance. This element has been utilized throughout history for the development of essential tools and constructions.
When properly cared for, solid wood furniture can last hundreds of years. Unlike current man-made materials, we understand what happens to solid wood after years of use—we have a natural guarantee on our furnishings.
What You Should Know About Wrought Iron
Choosing wrought iron for your outside furniture necessitates certain factors to be kept in mind.
- Steel chairs and tables are more versatile, but they are also heavier than aluminum ones. Because steel furniture is so heavy, it might limit the variety of your patio’s design.
- Wrought-iron furnishings are susceptible to rust, which means they need constant maintenance and attention.
- Without furniture, hardwood floors can be uncomfortable.
- In addition, solid wood tables and chairs store heat, so you may need covers during the summer and winter.
At the same time, if you live in a windy region or need a tough furniture piece for an exposed patio, iron furnishings provide you the peace of mind that your money will not be blown over.
When it comes to iron furniture for your patio or garden, be sure you know the distinction between cast iron and wrought iron.
The first one is molded from its liquid form, while the second one is formed and worked in its solid state. If you’re searching for a designer or something unusual to place on your patio, wrought iron is the way to go (assuming you can locate any).
Pros
- It’s extremely hefty, making it ideal for windy spots and static patio designs
- One of the earliest materials employed is wood
- It is very durable and can withstand the test of time.
- Unique components that may be used to create a beautiful design
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is an excellent substitute for expensive wrought iron furniture or lightweight aluminum components. Indeed, this metal alloy is well-known and appreciated for its durability and weight-bearing capabilities. Because of its robustness, it’s possible to produce furnishings that can bear greater weights.
Stainless steel does not retain heat or cold at the same level as other metals. As a result, while they may warm up if left in the sun, you can use your stainless steel tables and chairs all year.
Stainless steel, like aluminum, is resistant to corrosion and rust.
However, depending on where you reside, your furniture may benefit from powder coating. In fact, especially in coastal regions affected by saline air, the furnishings can begin to deteriorate.
You’ll find that stainless steel furniture is lighter and more wind-resistant than iron furnishings, yet it also looks more modern and can be readily modified to fit your present style.
Stainless steel is also a wonderful choice for outdoor furniture since it can be manufactured from recycled materials, reduces waste, and is more environmentally friendly.
Make certain that the stainless steel you choose has a sufficient amount of Chromium and Molybdenum, which are responsible for increased rust and corrosion resistance.
Pros
- It resists rust and corrosion
- Created to withstand increased weights
- It’s sturdy enough to keep your furnishings safe from the wind
- It requires little maintenance and cleans easily
Concrete
Concrete is a substitute material for patio furniture, but it may be considered a viable option if you consider the minimalist design.
If you want to combine several materials to create a specific design, concrete furniture for your outside space may be ideal.
Concrete footings, for example, might symbolize a solid foundation for a tempered glass table. Of course, one of the main drawbacks of concrete parts is that they are difficult to relocate throughout the patio or rearrange.
Concrete elements, on the other hand, may be a fantastic method to enjoy long-lasting furniture pieces that will stand up to any weather and climate.
Pros
- Can withstand years of daily use
- Heat or cold won’t be absorbed
- Made to be resistant to most weather conditions and natural elements
- Can be used in any environment
- Requires minimal maintenance and care
High-Pressure Laminate (HPL)
High-pressure laminate (HPL) is a viable option for outdoor furniture. While it may not be as durable as some of the other materials described, it makes a wonderful addition to your patio if you want to give it a distinct look.
HPL is a composite made of kraft paper, resin, and aluminum that is heated and pressurized to bind. Apart from giving your garden or patio a sleek and modern appearance, this material is robust, making it resistant to scratches and stains.
This product, which is still in its early stages of development in the world of outdoor furniture, is becoming more valued because to its distinct features.
This material, in fact, has a low affinity for water, so it will not swell or absorb moisture.
HPL materials also have flame-retardant and antibacterial properties, making them ideal for both commercial and residential uses.
Finally, HPL panels are lightweight and versatile, but an aluminum or iron structure may weigh them down.
Pros
- A relatively new substance that may provide a different look
- Water, dampness, scratches, and corrosion resistance are all possible
- It’s lightweight and may be supported by an aluminum frame, but it requires weight
- According to its manufacturer, it has flame-retardant and antibacterial effects
- Can be used to modernize wooden patios with a multi-layered appearance
Recycled Plastic
Think again if you’re considering the typical, unsightly plastic chairs that have been at family dinners for years. Recycled plastic furniture is durable, fashionable, and manufactured sustainably from recycled plastics like milk cartons or shampoo bottles.
In the video below, you’ll discover some additional ideas for making your patio or yard more environmentally friendly:
Plastic furniture is durable and resistant to most common problems such as damp, insect infestation, mildew, salt air or water exposure, and rust.
Recycled plastic furniture is not recommended for regions that are exposed to high winds since it is made to be lightweight. Newer styles, on the other hand, include aluminum components to improve their weight.
Finally, I produced a guide on how to seal off your patio from the wind if you choose this option.
Recycled plastic furniture, like some of the high-end materials on this list, are not likely to fracture, peel, or get easily soiled—and they require little upkeep.
Pros
- Patio decoration that is both attractive and cost-effective
- There are various forms available
- Extremely long-lasting and scratch-resistant in saltwater
- The jolly lites are lightweight and simple to shift and re-arrange
- Requires minimal maintenance
Tempered Glass
Tempered glass furniture may help you create a modern and distinctive look for your patio.
Tempered glass is excellent for tabletops and coffee tables, among other things. The glass top on these furniture items will be iron or steel inside, though the inner structure will protect them against different elements.
Glass table tops, for example, are heat resistant and remain attractive all year. The acid wash used to clean them also makes it easy to maintain your outside furniture’s fingerprint-free appearance.
Tempered glass furniture is excellent for tiny patios with restricted area for furniture since it gives an airy and open atmosphere. They may be rather hefty to move (depending on the glass’s thickness), and they are not ideal for areas exposed to severe winds.
Pros
- In smaller patios, it creates an airy and airy atmosphere
- Heat, smears, stains, and fingerprints are all resistant to it
- Easy to rearrange
- Metal or steel structures are used to support these
- It does not require much upkeep, and a clean cloth may be used to wipe it down
Polyester Fabric
If you’ve ever relaxed on a bean bag with a drink in your hand, you know what polyester fabric furniture feels like. Polyester textiles are man-made materials that are meant to endure the elements, including saltwater, salty air, and UV radiation.
Bean bags and slings are the ideal items of furniture if you want to give your patio a modern and youthful appearance.
In terms of upkeep, you should make sure that when the sun is at its strongest, you can provide some shade and protection from UV light. It’s also advisable to wash and dry the cloth every year.
Pros
- Bean bags, cushions, and slings are all good things to use with this
- It’s ideal for a trendy patio with a contemporary style
- Requires little maintenance
- It’s simple to rearrange or remove
- It can endure years (if properly maintained)
- Extremely low-cost
Conclusion
It’s not always simple to choose the appropriate furniture for your patio, and you must make the best decision. Iron, steel, aluminum, and teak are some of the most long-lasting components for your deck seen above.
However, where you put the furniture may make a difference. Heat, UV light, storage capacity, frequency of use, and location (i.e., near the coast) might all cause you to choose a less durable material on paper but a more suitable one for your specific circumstances.