WHAT’S THE BEST MATERIAL FOR OUTDOOR FURNITURE?

When you’re choosing outdoor furniture, you want your choice to last. You’re committing to a look and a lifestyle. Investing in quality materials can ensure you’ll enjoy many seasons over many years with your furniture. 

Still, the highest quality teak material offers different benefits from the highest quality stainless steel. Therefore, the best material for your outdoor furniture depends on several factors. Beyond finding something in your style, practical features you can consider include durability, maintenance, and purpose.

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN PURCHASING PATIO FURNITURE

All outdoor patio furniture has pros and cons, depending on the function and style you’re looking for. You may want your furniture set to last, but also want it to be versatile. Understanding the best qualities of different materials—and identifying how you’ll use them—can help you select a satisfying option for your outdoor space.

Key things you should consider when choosing your set include:

Durability: Some delicate pieces of furniture look beautiful but may not outlast a hail storm, high wind, or playful kids. Consider the weather conditions and how you’ll use the furniture. You may want a beautiful set for entertaining guests or a highly durable set you can leave out in Calgary’s unpredictable weather. This right material can provide a combination of beauty and function.

Maintenance: Ensuring your furniture lasts means taking care of it, whether it’s wiping away dust, washing cushion covers, or cleaning it more thoroughly. Are you looking for something easy to clean with mild soap and water? Should the furniture be easy to move, whether you’re putting it in the shed for the winter or making it simple for your company to sit closer? Different materials will require different levels of maintenance. 

Purpose: How you use your outdoor furniture matters—whether you’re looking for a family dining set, a casual lounge space, or a classy venue for entertaining. Knowing who will use the area and what for, or if the furniture must adapt for multiple purposes, can help you choose a suitable material.

With your lifestyle and needs in mind, the team at Patioline is here to help guide you through the process.

TYPES OF PATIO FURNITURE MATERIAL

Materials such as teak, aluminum, stainless steel, resin wicker, and recycled plastic all offer many benefits.

Teak

Teak is hardwood, meaning the material is denser, more durable, and longer-lasting. As a result, it’s a highly in-demand wood furniture option for outdoor spaces. Teak furniture looks beautiful. And it’s weather resistant (including water resistant) because of its natural oils.

Teak makes great material for dining sets. It can look classy or casual and keep up with the wear and tear of regular meal times.

Notably, due to how sturdy teak is, the material is heavy. So keep weight in mind if you like to rearrange your setup often.

Aluminum

Aluminum is one of the world’s lightest metals but is also durable and corrosion-resistant. The lightweight material is easy to move, low-maintenance, long-lasting, and more affordable than other metal materials. The silver-like appearance is a classic choice, but powder coating can offer lasting colour, tougher than conventional paint.

Various styles are available, from traditional to modern, making it a versatile choice for chairs and seating areas.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is sleek and classy, complementing a contemporary aesthetic. Stainless steel is often a good compromise between lightweight aluminum and heavy wrought iron. It’s sturdy but can still be repositioned relatively easily.

The material is resistant to rust and corrosion and can withstand seasonal changes—so it can last longer when Alberta’s hit by golf ball-sized hail or blazing Stampede-time heat. Additionally, stainless steel is affordable, low maintenance, and stylish, making it great for dining sets and seating areas.

Stainless steel can absorb heat, so adding a fabric layer can help protect your skin and enhance the look of your outdoor space. Add comfort to your seating by pairing your metal furniture with stylish, weather-resistant cushions. 

Resin Wicker

Resin wicker furniture can add texture to your space. Synthetic materials like resin can offer the same timeless look as natural fibres but with enhanced durability. It’s resistant to both water and sun damage.

With resin wicker, you can choose from a wider variety of colours and styles. A resin wicker patio set can suit an elegant entertaining space or make up a classic and cozy spot in your lounge area.

Recycled Plastic

Recycled plastic outdoor furniture is made from high-density polyethylene (HPDE). The material is sturdy and resistant to weather conditions, cracking, and erosion. It’s lighter than wood furniture but still all-weather durable. It requires minimal care to clean or maintain.

Recycled plastic furniture is eco-friendly as the type of plastic (HPDE) is easily recyclable. HPDE can be transformed into many kinds of new objects, like toys, soda bottles, and plastic “lumber” for decks. It’s also commonly used for tables and chairs.

HDPE recycled furniture is available in a wide variety of colours. It can be dressed up or dressed down with a few fun cushions or an outdoor carpet.

ONE-ON-ONE ADVICE

Teak, aluminum, stainless steel, resin wicker, and recycled plastic all have advantages for outdoor spaces. At Patioline, our team of experts is committed to helping you find the best material for your outdoor furniture. 

Our curated furniture collections are made with care and feature quality materials. We listen to your needs, so we can make material and style recommendations that fit your lifestyle. Get in touch with our dedicated team today so we can help make your space beautiful for years to come.