Outdoor Materials Buying Guide

Outdoor Patio Furniture Materials Guide

Understanding Common Outdoor Furniture Materials

The material used to build your patio furniture plays a major role in its durability, comfort, maintenance requirements, and overall lifespan. Outdoor furniture must withstand sun exposure, rain, humidity, temperature swings, and everyday use.

From chaise lounges and dining sets to deep seating wicker furniture, outdoor furniture frames are made from a wide range of materials, each with its own strengths and maintenance considerations.

Understanding the differences between outdoor furniture materials can help you choose furniture that fits your climate, lifestyle, and maintenance preferences.

At Cascadia Outdoor Cushions, we work with many types of patio furniture every day when designing replacement cushions for outdoor furniture, so we’ve put together this guide to help you understand the most common materials used in outdoor furniture construction.

Common Outdoor Furniture Materials

Aluminum Patio Furniture

Aluminum is one of the most widely used materials for outdoor patio furniture. Most aluminum patio furniture is made using an extrusion process, where aluminum is forced through a machine to create hollow or tubular frame shapes.

This type of aluminum furniture is often referred to as tubular aluminum.

Because aluminum naturally conducts heat, most outdoor aluminum furniture is finished with a powder-coated finish that provides protection from UV exposure, rust, and corrosion.

Benefits of Aluminum Patio Furniture

• Extremely lightweight and easy to move
• Rust resistant
• Affordable compared to other metals
• Available in many styles and colors
• Low maintenance

Aluminum patio furniture is commonly used for:

• patio dining sets
• chaise lounges
• sling chairs
• outdoor sofas and lounge seating

Most aluminum seating uses seat cushions or sling fabric for comfort.

Care and Maintenance

Clean aluminum patio furniture regularly using mild soap and water to remove dirt and debris. A protective wax or mineral oil can help maintain the finish.

Cast Aluminum Patio Furniture

Cast aluminum furniture is created by pouring molten aluminum into molds to form decorative shapes and solid frames. This process allows for ornate designs and intricate detailing.

Because cast aluminum frames are solid rather than hollow, they are typically heavier and more stable than tubular aluminum furniture.

Benefits of Cast Aluminum

• Extremely durable
• Naturally rust resistant
• More stable in windy conditions
• Decorative traditional styling

Cast aluminum furniture is commonly used for patio dining tables, dining chairs, and decorative seating pieces.

Care and Maintenance

Wash with mild soap and water to remove dirt and debris. Periodically inspect the powder-coated finish and touch up any scratches to prevent corrosion.

Wrought Iron Patio Furniture

Wrought iron furniture has been used in outdoor furniture design for decades. Traditionally made from low-carbon iron, wrought iron furniture is known for its strength and weight.

Many modern pieces labeled as wrought iron are actually made from steel or cast iron components, shaped into decorative frames.

Because iron is prone to rust, outdoor wrought iron furniture is typically protected with powder-coated finishes.

Benefits of Wrought Iron

• Extremely strong and durable
• Heavy and stable in windy environments
• Classic decorative appearance

Care and Maintenance

Clean wrought iron furniture with mild soap and water. Inspect regularly for chips in the finish and apply rust protection or touch-up paint when needed.

Stainless Steel and Galvanized Steel Furniture

Steel outdoor furniture provides excellent structural strength and durability. Stainless steel and galvanized steel are commonly used for modern patio furniture designs.

Steel is heavier than aluminum but lighter than iron.

Because metal surfaces can absorb heat, cushions are often used to improve seating comfort.

Benefits of Steel Patio Furniture

• Strong structural support
• Durable in outdoor conditions
• Modern and contemporary appearance

Care and Maintenance

Clean regularly using mild soap and water. Non-stainless steel furniture should have a protective coating to prevent corrosion.

Wicker and Rattan Patio Furniture

Wicker refers to the weaving technique used to create furniture, rather than a specific material. Traditional wicker furniture was made from natural materials such as rattan, willow, reed, or bamboo.

Today, many outdoor wicker furniture pieces are made using synthetic resin wicker, which mimics the appearance of natural wicker but offers greater weather resistance.

Synthetic wicker is typically woven over an aluminum or steel frame.

Benefits of Wicker Furniture

• Lightweight and flexible
• Comfortable when paired with cushions
• Classic outdoor appearance
• Available in many colors and styles

Most wicker furniture is designed with seat and back cushions, making it one of the most common furniture styles for replacement patio cushions.

Care and Maintenance

Clean wicker furniture using mild soap and water. A soft brush can help remove debris from the woven surfaces.

Marine Grade Polymer (MGP) and Recycled Plastic Furniture

Marine Grade Polymer (MGP) and recycled plastic furniture are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) materials designed to withstand outdoor conditions.

These materials are often used in Adirondack chairs, dining furniture, and modern outdoor seating.

MGP has a smooth, solid surface that resembles painted wood but does not splinter or crack.

Benefits

• Weather resistant
• Fade resistant
• Rust resistant
• Low maintenance
• Made from recycled materials

Care and Maintenance

Clean using mild soap and water. Specialized cleaners can help prevent mildew buildup.

Natural Wood Patio Furniture

Wood is one of the oldest and most attractive materials used in outdoor furniture. Common wood species include:

• teak
• cedar
• eucalyptus
• oak

Wood furniture provides a natural appearance and does not absorb heat the way metal furniture can.

Benefits

• Strong and durable
• Naturally attractive appearance
• Comfortable surface temperature

Care and Maintenance

Wood furniture may be sealed, stained, or oiled depending on the type of wood used. Regular maintenance helps protect the wood from moisture, insects, and UV exposure.

Teak Outdoor Furniture

Teak is considered one of the highest-quality woods used in outdoor furniture.

Teak contains natural oils that make it highly resistant to:

• moisture
• insects
• rot
• mold

Because of its durability, teak furniture can last for decades when properly maintained.

Benefits of Teak

• extremely durable
• naturally weather resistant
• resistant to mold and insects
• attractive natural grain

Over time, untreated teak develops a silver-gray patina, which many homeowners find appealing.

Care and Maintenance

Teak furniture can be cleaned using mild soap and water. A soft brush can be used for deeper cleaning.

Some homeowners apply teak oil to maintain the golden color of the wood, although oiling is primarily aesthetic rather than protective.

Outdoor Furniture and Cushions

Many outdoor furniture styles rely on cushions to provide comfort and support.

Common furniture types that use cushions include:

• wicker patio furniture
• aluminum deep seating sets
• outdoor sofas and loveseats
• chaise lounges
• lounge chairs

Over time, cushions may wear out before the furniture frame itself. Replacing worn cushions is one of the easiest ways to refresh outdoor furniture and restore comfort.

High-quality replacement patio cushions can extend the life of outdoor furniture while allowing you to update the look of your outdoor space with new fabrics and colors.