A Guide To Modern Outdoor Furniture Materials

Are you in the market for outdoor furniture but overwhelmed by the wide variety of materials available? Choosing the right material for your outdoor furniture is crucial for durability and style. With so many options to choose from, it’s important to understand the characteristics of each material before making a decision.

Outdoor furniture comes in a wide range of popular materials, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. From natural materials like wood and wicker to materials like aluminum and resin, there is no shortage of options when it comes to outdoor furniture. Understanding the pros and cons of each material can help you make an informed decision that will suit your needs and preferences.

Choosing the right material for your outdoor furniture is essential for longevity and functionality. Whether you prioritize aesthetics, durability, or low maintenance, there is a material out there that will suit your outdoor living space. In this article, we will explore the various outdoor furniture materials available on the market and discuss the key factors to consider when making your selection.

How to Choose the Best Patio Furniture Material

Outdoor furniture needs to be durable, weatherproof, and comfortable. You should choose the right material based on your budget, climate, and lifestyle. There are many types of outdoor material for patio furniture, so you may be wondering which one is the best fit for your outdoor space.

Types of Outdoor Material

Outdoor Fabrics

Cushions bring comfort to your outdoor space, but they may not be the most weather-resistant option. Pillows and seat cushions may be water-resistant depending on the type of material they are and the type of filling they contain.

You’ll also find patio furniture with sling seating, which means that it’s a fabric seat with no filling. Sling outdoor fabrics are designed to be just as strong as padded seating with the benefit of water & weather resistance.

Cushions may have a higher maintenance level than woods, metals, or slings. To keep them free of dirt and stains, you’ll want to keep them covered with furniture covers. If they happen to get dirty, clean with mild soap and a little soapy water. Covers can be essential in preventing water damage and fading from direct sunlight, as well.

Poly-Wood 

The benefits of poly-wood are that it requires little maintenance, no painting, and it’s extremely resilient against harsh weather. Poly furniture is made mostly of recycled materials, making it an environmentally friendly option. It usually doesn’t require winter storage or covering. Poly-wood is a durable material that will not splinter, crack, or peel, like traditional wood furniture. You can find it in various colors that will not fade against the sun. It’s another low-maintenance option that cleans with just mild soap and water. Poly-wood is an excellent choice for those who may not have extra space to store their furniture out of the elements during the winter months.

Aluminum

Aluminum patio furniture is lightweight enough to have some movability and still be resistant to wind. It is a popular choice since it is highly durable, rust-proof, and low-maintenance. Usually, it is finished with protective paint or powder-coating.

Tubular aluminum is the lightest because it is hollow in the center. Cast aluminum is a heavier option, but either choice is low-maintenance and extremely durable against weather conditions.

Wicker

Today’s wicker furniture offers much improved versions over the early natural, cane or rattan reeds, which were hand woven and wrapped on cane frames without any protection from the outdoor elements. Now you can choose from a synthetic material known as vinyl that is woven over a tubular welded aluminum frame that is finished to endure the outdoor elements. Or you can choose an option that has been manufactured in the US for over 100 years that is called “Lloyd Loom”.

Lloyd Loom is a man-made material that is also wrapped on a welded aluminum frame and finished to withstand the elements. Both of these versions of wicker are more durable and offer more designs and colors than the original wicker. The vinyl wicker is limited in colors but does offer a few choices mainly in earth tones of brown or grey or a mixture of the two. The Lloyd Loom has more of a feel of the original wicker and is offered in a wide assortment of frame and weave colors.

Finishes

Most outdoor furniture is finished with a polymer coating that will not blister, fade, or splinter over time. Powder coating is also popular, as it helps to protect the furniture’s surface from rust and weather.

Outdoor tables are coated and designed to repel water. The surface may even be slightly raised in the middle so that water drains off easily.

Glass & acrylic table tops are common for wicker-style furniture because it creates a flat surface while still being able to see the texture of the wicker. Textured glass and acrylic tops are also popular to bring texture to solid pieces.

Aluminum outdoor table tops can look like faux wood or faux concrete, allowing for some versatility in design. Some aluminum tops will be slatted to prevent them from holding water on the surface. This design feature allows for water to run through the table instead of pooling.

Proper Care

Proper care and maintenance are key to keeping your outdoor furniture in its best condition for a long time. No matter what material you choose, be sure to follow the care tips outlined in the manual. Learn more about how to clean and maintain patio furniture.

Find Your New Patio Set

Bassemier’s carries numerous brands of patio furniture. If you need more options, we can special order your patio set.

Our sales team will help you find the perfect set for you. Contact us or visit us in-store to shop our special order options.