Outdoor Furniture Explained

Outdoor Furniture Materials Explained: Aluminum, Wicker, Poly, Teak & Steel

Choosing outdoor furniture isn’t just about style. It’s about materials.

Because the truth is this: the same patio set that looks beautiful online can perform very differently depending on what it’s made of.

Sun. Heat. Rain. Humidity. Freezing temperatures. Sprinklers. Salt air. Wind. Pollen. Kids. Pets.

Outdoor furniture lives a harder life than indoor furniture ever will.

If you’re investing in your patio — whether that’s a full seating set or just upgrading cushions — understanding materials is the difference between buying once and buying repeatedly.

Let’s break down the most common outdoor furniture materials and what they actually mean in real life.

Why Material Choice Matters More Than Most People Realize

When shopping, most customers focus on:

• Price
• Color
• Cushion fabric
• How it looks staged

But long-term satisfaction comes down to:

• Frame stability
• Resistance to corrosion
• Maintenance level
• Weight
• Climate compatibility
• Repairability

Two patio sets can look nearly identical. One lasts 2 years. One lasts 15.

The material choice is usually why.

1. Aluminum Outdoor Furniture

Aluminum is one of the most popular materials for outdoor furniture — and for good reason.

Why People Love It

• Rust-resistant (it doesn’t rust like steel)
• Lightweight and easy to move
• Clean, modern look
• Often powder-coated for durability
• Low maintenance

What to Watch For

Not all aluminum furniture is created equal.

There is a big difference between:
• Thin, lightweight hollow tubing
• Heavy-gauge extruded aluminum

If a chair feels extremely light and flexible, that’s usually thinner aluminum. It may wobble or loosen over time.

Higher-quality aluminum furniture will:
• Feel sturdy
• Sit level without rocking
• Have smooth, consistent welds
• Use stainless or coated hardware

Best For

• Most climates
• Areas with rain or humidity
• Modern or transitional styles
• Homeowners who want low maintenance

Aluminum is one of the safest, most versatile outdoor material choices — especially when constructed properly.

2. Wicker (Resin Wicker vs Natural Wicker)

When people say “wicker,” they often don’t realize there are two very different types.

Natural Wicker

Natural wicker (rattan, cane, reed) is beautiful indoors — but outdoors, it struggles.

It absorbs moisture. It weakens. It breaks down in sun exposure.

Natural wicker is not ideal for exposed outdoor use.

Resin Wicker (All-Weather Wicker)

This is what most outdoor “wicker” furniture actually is.

It’s synthetic resin woven over an aluminum or steel frame.

Pros

• Traditional and transitional look
• Comfortable visual texture
• UV-resistant when high quality
• Available in many colors

What Matters

Quality resin wicker should:
• Be tightly woven
• Feel flexible but not brittle
• Have consistent coloration
• Be woven over aluminum (preferable) instead of steel

Low-quality resin becomes brittle in heat and cracks over time.

Best For

• Covered patios
• Mild to moderate climates
• Softer, classic outdoor aesthetics

3. Poly Lumber (HDPE / Recycled Plastic)

Poly lumber furniture has become extremely popular — especially in Adirondack chairs and coastal styles.

It’s typically made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), often from recycled plastics.

Why People Love It

• Extremely durable
• Won’t rot, crack, or splinter
• Resistant to moisture
• Low maintenance
• Heavy and stable
• Color goes all the way through (not painted)

Poly furniture is built to last.

Considerations

• Heavier than aluminum
• Modern or farmhouse aesthetic
• Can expand/contract slightly with temperature
• Higher-quality versions cost more

The thickness of the poly boards matters. Thin boards may flex.

Best For

• Coastal areas
• High moisture climates
• Harsh winters
• Customers who want very low maintenance

Poly is one of the most durable options available today.

4. Teak and Hardwood Outdoor Furniture

Teak is often considered the luxury standard for wood outdoor furniture.

Why Teak Is Special

• Naturally contains oils that resist moisture
• Extremely durable hardwood
• Ages to a beautiful silver-gray patina
• Structurally strong

High-quality teak can last decades.

But It’s Not “No Maintenance”

You can:
• Let it weather naturally
• Clean periodically
• Oil it to maintain golden color

Teak pricing varies widely based on:
• Wood grade
• Drying process
• Joinery construction

Poor-quality teak can crack or warp.

Best For

• Traditional luxury spaces
• Designers who love natural materials
• Long-term investment patios

Teak is beautiful and durable — but it’s an investment.

5. Steel and Wrought Iron Outdoor Furniture

Steel furniture is strong — but it behaves very differently from aluminum.

Pros

• Very sturdy
• Heavier and stable
• Traditional aesthetic
• Often more affordable than teak

Cons

Steel can rust.

Even powder-coated steel can develop rust if:
• The finish is scratched
• Moisture penetrates joints
• It lives in humid climates

Wrought iron is very heavy and durable, but requires maintenance to prevent rust.

Best For

• Dry climates
• Covered patios
• Customers who don’t mind maintenance

If you live in high humidity or near salt air, steel requires more attention.

Climate Matters More Than Style

Where you live changes the equation.

Hot, Sunny Climates (Texas, Arizona)

UV resistance is critical. Resin wicker quality matters. Cushion fabric performance matters.

Humid or Coastal Climates

Avoid untreated steel. Look for aluminum or poly. Teak performs well.

Cold Winter Climates

Freeze/thaw cycles matter. Moisture resistance matters. Poly and aluminum perform well.

Covered Patios

You have more flexibility — but cushions still need to handle humidity and occasional exposure.

1. What is the most durable outdoor furniture material? Poly lumber (HDPE) and high-quality teak are among the most durable materials available. Heavy-gauge aluminum is also extremely durable and resistant to rust. The best material depends on your climate and maintenance preferences.

2. Does aluminum outdoor furniture rust? Aluminum does not rust like steel. However, the protective finish can wear down over time, especially at joints or scratches. High-quality powder-coated aluminum offers excellent long-term corrosion resistance.

3. Is resin wicker good for outdoor use? Yes, when it is high-quality all-weather resin woven over an aluminum frame. Low-grade resin wicker can become brittle and crack in extreme heat or prolonged sun exposure.

4. What is poly lumber outdoor furniture made from? Poly lumber is typically made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), often sourced from recycled plastics. It is extremely durable, moisture-resistant, and low maintenance, making it ideal for harsh climates.

5. Is teak better than aluminum for outdoor furniture? Teak and aluminum serve different purposes. Teak offers natural beauty and long lifespan with moderate maintenance. Aluminum offers lighter weight and low maintenance. The better choice depends on your design preference and climate.

6. Does steel outdoor furniture rust? Steel can rust if its protective coating is damaged or if it is exposed to prolonged moisture. Powder-coated steel performs better than untreated steel, but in humid or coastal climates, aluminum or poly may be more resistant long-term.

7. What outdoor furniture material is best for hot climates like Texas? Heavy-gauge aluminum, poly lumber, and high-quality resin wicker on aluminum frames perform well in hot, sunny climates. UV resistance in both frames and cushions is critical in extreme heat.

8. What is the lowest-maintenance outdoor furniture material? Poly lumber and aluminum are generally the lowest-maintenance materials. They require minimal upkeep beyond occasional cleaning.

9. How long should outdoor furniture last? Quality outdoor furniture can last 10–20 years or more, depending on materials, climate, and maintenance. Lower-cost, fast furniture often lasts 1–3 seasons before showing significant wear.

10. Which outdoor furniture material is best for coastal areas? Poly lumber, marine-grade aluminum, and teak perform well in coastal environments. Steel is more prone to corrosion in salt air unless carefully maintained.

11. Does heavier outdoor furniture mean better quality? Not always — but extremely lightweight pieces often use thinner materials. A sturdy feel and stable construction are better indicators of quality than weight alone.

12. Can I replace cushions instead of replacing the entire patio set? Yes. If your frame is structurally sound, replacing cushions is often the most cost-effective way to refresh comfort and update style without replacing the furniture.