What Is the Best Patio Furniture Material?

Generally speaking, the best outdoor furniture material should hold up against daily use and the elements while providing the comfy, stylish look you need to enjoy your patio. To decide which material can deliver on this expectation, you'll need to know what options are available, discover which one best suits your setup, and learn how to care for the material once you make your choice.

Overview

Want to know which outdoor materials would work best for your setup? Check out this post to:

• Learn the different types of outdoor furniture materials
• Decide on the appropriate patio materials for the climate you live in
• Understand proper maintenance practices for your chosen outdoor materials

Types of Patio Furniture Materials

Outdoor furniture and decor items feature a wide range of materials to choose from. Before you can decide on the right one for your patio layout, you'll need to understand the qualities of each one. Take a look at the following list to learn about the various types of outdoor materials and the benefits of adding them to your space.

• Metal: The term "metal" encompasses materials like aluminum, cast aluminum, steel and wrought iron. Some metal furnishings have dense, heavy frames, while others are more lightweight. Perfect for both classic and modern layouts, this material brings sleek elegance and practical stability to your outdoor seating and dining arrangements.
• Wood: Oak, mahogany, teak and other wooden materials are a better fit for a casual or rustic design. Depending on what type of wood you choose, these furnishings may have natural oils and a tight grain that can help protect them from moisture and wood-boring insects.
• Plastic: Lightweight frames and generally affordable price tags make plastic patio furniture a popular choice for many people. You might also consider plastic items if you want furnishings that are less likely to rust or splinter. Some molded pieces even mimic the look of wicker, wood or other materials, so they're the perfect versatile option for almost any decor style.
• Wicker: Rattan and wicker patio furniture features tightly-woven material that can help repel dampness and mildew. It's also an excellent choice for those who want to establish a breezy coastal or tropical vibe on their deck or balcony.
• Fabrics: Outdoor furnishings like throw pillows, seat cushions, rugs and upholstered sofas have moisture-wicking performance fabrics that can prevent them from absorbing liquids like rain, snow and spilled drinks. Pieces with Sunbrella fabric and other tough materials are great for adding a soft, comfy touch to your patio.

Aluminum Patio Set

Selecting Climate-Friendly Materials

Each of these patio furniture materials can provide comfortable and stylish support for your outdoor oasis. However, depending on the temperatures and weather in your particular region, some of these options might be a better fit for your space than others. Considering how the climate could affect your furnishings is a smart way to choose the best patio materials for your home.

Rain and Snow

If you live in a place that experiences a lot of precipitation, you'll want furnishings that can hold up against strong winds and dampness. Heavy steel seating arrangements and wrought iron dining sets are less likely to blow away in the breeze than lighter pieces. However, these items might be more susceptible to rust after extensive exposure to rain and snow showers.

Setting up a patio wind blocker or placing your wrought iron chairs and steel tables beneath an awning could be the best way to shield your outdoor furniture from inclement weather. Using these structures can also prevent your metal porch swings and chaises from becoming too hot to touch on warm, sunny days.

Steel Patio Accent Chair

Heat and Humidity

Generally speaking, rattan and wicker sofas, wooden bistro sets and plastic benches hold less heat than most metal furnishings. As such, they're a popular choice for those living in warmer climates. Keep in mind, however, that the intense UV rays and extreme humidity in these areas can sometimes cause these finishes to warp or fade over time.

Tall outdoor umbrellas, canopies and other shade ideas can shield your patio furniture from some of the harmful effects of direct sunlight. If you live in an especially hot region and want to add aluminum conversation sets and plastic dining pieces to your patio layout, consider using automated features like outdoor fans and air conditioners to keep your furniture from melting or overheating.

Teak Wood Bar Set

Care Tips for Various Outdoor Furniture Materials

Before you start buying patio furniture in your preferred finishes and materials, you need to understand how much care and maintenance those furnishings will require. Make sure you have covers to shield metal accents from rainy weather, as well as the proper cleaners and sealants to protect wooden items from dampness, stains and gnawing pests.

Comparing the quality and care needs of various outdoor furniture materials can help you decide which furnishings will work best for your setup. In some cases, you may need to pay a little extra money for a patio set with the comfortable, robust design you're looking for. However, the stability and style that these pieces bring to your space are usually well worth the additional cost.