When shopping for outdoor furniture, choosing the right materials is key to ensuring durability, weather resistance, and long-term value. This blog highlights top-performing materials like synthetic resins (MGP, HDPE, and polypropylene), powder-coated metals (especially aluminum), and natural hardwoods such as teak. These options offer a balance of strength, low maintenance, and aesthetic appeal, with many being eco-friendly and resistant to fading, rust, or decay. The post also warns against low-quality alternatives that may look great initially but quickly deteriorate. Learn what to look for – and what to avoid – to make a smart investment in outdoor furniture.

How to Avoid Breaking the Bank

We’ve all seen it…the peeling paint, the disintegrated wicker, the faded plastic chairs. It looks beautiful in the showroom or catalog, but how do we know it will last? How do we know that our outdoor furniture will last out in the weather for longer than one or two seasons?

I have seen outdoor furniture that has lasted beautifully for many years, with basic maintenance and care. And buyer beware…not all luxury brands are in that category. There are many well-marketed brands that I believe are inferior in quality, many times with the higher price tag. Let me guide you on the specifics you need to know.

My top picks for construction:

SYNTHETIC RESINS

In terms of low-maintenance, longevity and durability, these are the winners.

Without getting too scientific, MGP, HDPE, and PP are basically plastics. You know the “wicker” lounge seating and dining chairs? The better quality versions are made of one of these types of plastic. They can also be made to mimic virtually any other material including lumber, which is what Poly-wood type adirondack chairs are manufactured with. The pigment is added while the plastic is in its molten form, so the color is embedded all the way through as opposed to just the surface. And bonus…these plastics are also very eco-friendly since most are made of recycled materials, fully recyclable, and non-toxic!

MGP (Marine Grade Polymer)

MGP is an injection-molded Polymer which is very dense and heavier than many other materials used in outdoor furniture. It is superior in its UV and weather resistance and engineered to withstand extreme temperatures and conditions. It is also non-porous, which makes it impervious to water and salt damage or corrosion, and is why it is used in marine applications including decking on ships. It is a great choice for marine environments and anywhere that salt water or chlorine is a concern. 

HDPE (High Density Polyethylene)

HDPE is very durable and UV stable, and is able to withstand the elements more than most other synthetic resins. In addition, it is resistant to splintering, cracking, chipping, peeling, and rotting. It is widely used in high quality outdoor furniture, including most of the high-quality wicker and adirondack furniture you see on the market. Like MGP, it is a very dense and heavy material. It can get hot in direct sunlight, especially the darker colors. Inferior products will be lighter weight and more porous, and therefore more susceptible to mildew and trapping dirt and oils.

POLYPROYLENE 

PP is another plastic that gets a decent grade. It is a thermoplastic used in molded products, allowing for more upscale design capabilities. It is lighter weight than MGP and HDPE, and while not quite as durable and weather resistant, is still a good choice. 

Lower quality versions may be made of LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene), PVC, or other low quality plastics, and will break down much more quickly. They may also have just a color coating, and will show scratches much more easily. I recommend sticking with the MGP, HDPE or Polypropylene products which have the color throughout the weave. You can do a “scratch-test” to make sure it is not just dyed on the outer layer.

POWDER-COATED METALS

Metals are used structurally and aesthetically in all types of outdoor furniture. Powder Coating is a crucial step in protecting any metal furniture from the elements, and is three (or more) times thicker than paint. Powder Coating is a process in which an electrostatic charge is applied to the metal, which allows the powder to attract uniformly to the surface of the furniture. This is typically done while the furniture is attached to a conveyor belt and sprayed while it goes through the machine. The paint is then baked-on using high temp ovens in order to cure the finish. I’ve visited factories and watched this process…it is pretty amazing, and a very important step in securing the longevity of any metal furniture. 

POWDER COATED ALUMINUM

Aluminum is an optimal choice for outdoor furniture for many reasons. It is relatively lightweight, as long as it has a good quality finish.  There are three main types of Aluminum furniture…extruded, cast, and wrought aluminum The 2 most popular choices for outdoor furniture are extruded and cast, which is what we will discuss here.

Extruded aluminum This is typically what you will see when at a resort with chaise lounges and pool chairs, as well as many other applications. It is manufactured from hollow aluminum tubes and shaped by machines to create the specific designs. The thicker and more reinforced the tubes are, the better the structural integrity. Also, not all raw aluminum is created equal…cheaper products will typically consist of impure and lower and grade metals. Good quality aluminum furniture is lightweight yet strong, and quite low maintenance if finished properly. It’s a great choice for pool and beach areas since it is rust and corrosion resistant, but is susceptible to corrosion and pitting if exposed to salt water or chlorine, so make sure to maintain the finish properly. Look for reinforced extrusions, clean circumference welds and stainless steel hardware. There should also be drainage holes underneath the frame to allow water to drain.

Cast aluminum is made from solid aluminum which is then poured into molds. Because of this process, it can be used in more ornate designs. Cast aluminum is very dense and structurally strong if manufactured using quality materials and craftsmanship. It doesn’t rust like iron or steel. However, like its cousin, it can be susceptible to pitting and corrosion if not treated properly. Assembly points and brittleness are weaknesses of cast aluminum, so beware of thin castings, excess joints, and low quality hardware. If it wobbles, stay away!

IRON & STEEL

Wrought iron and steel have different compositions and manufacturing techniques, but are both a popular choice for outdoor furniture due to their durability and strength…if you are looking for heavy-duty strength, look no further! The furniture you remember seeing in grandmothers’ garden or patio was most likely made of wrought iron. It is made by heating iron rods which is then formed into intricate designs, creating very elegant and beautiful designs ranging from traditional to contemporary. It is more malleable than its cousin cast iron, which can become brittle and chip or crack. Heavier than aluminum, it’s a good choice for high-wind areas. Look for products made from carbon steel, galvanized steel, and 316 marine grade steel.

It is crucial to have a quality powder coat paint finish since steel and iron are highly susceptible to rust. If maintained properly, good quality wrought iron furniture can last decades. Look for clean, sturdy full-circumference welds and structural stability.

NATURAL HARDWOODS

With a huge percentage of the outdoor furnishings market share, wood has been and still is a very popular choice in outdoor furnishings.  Not only does it have a warm, organic aesthetic which is pleasing in many diverse settings, but many hardwoods are very durable and are considered heirloom quality. It does not absorb heat as intensely as metal and plastics, making it a good choice for hot climates. Wood does require upkeep, so go into your purchase with eyes wide open. All natural woods are susceptible to extreme temperature and humidity fluctuations, so the environment it will be used in must be considered. In addition to the wood itself, the harvesting, curing, and craftsmanship are all key components in determining the quality of the piece of furniture.

Joints and fasteners are a tell-tale sign of the quality of craftsmanship. Look for traditional interlocking mortise and tenon, and dowelled joinery which forms solid connections, and beware of low quality hardware and loose joints.

With so many different woods being used in outdoor furniture, the list is too long to go into all of them, but the two that I recommend most are Teak and Ipe, both of which are tropical hardwoods with a high oil content. Acacia and Eucalyptus have become increasingly popular on the market, and are a good next choice at more budget-friendly pricing. Soft woods such as pine and fir are not recommended for outdoor furniture..

TEAK

Teak has traditionally been the go-to for outdoor furniture, and is extremely naturally rot-resistant and insect repellent due to its high oil content. It has a very dense grain structure, which also contributes to its strength and resistance to cracking, warping, and decay. Debatably the most popular choice for outdoor furniture, it is a beautiful wood, with a light golden brown hue which will turn a silvery gray over time if not treated. It is a relatively lightweight hardwood, and fairly easily moved around if needed. 

IPE (BRAZILIAN WALNUT)

Ipe is a beautiful, dark, dense tropical hardwood that is nearly impervious to decay and requires minimal maintenance. It ranks highest on the Janka hardness scale, nearly three times more dense than teak. Fun-fact: the Brooklyn Bridge walkway is constructed of Ipe wood! While Ipe is extremely dense and resistant to rot and scratching, it is more prone to expansion and contraction than teak in extreme conditions. If left untreated, its beautiful walnut coloring will fade to a lighter taupe.

In order to protect our environment against deforestation ecosystem impact, it is important to verify that your hardwood furniture is FSC Certified. This ensures that responsible forest management has been implemented in the growth and harvesting of the wood. There are also some products that are manufactured using “reclaimed” (recycled) wood, specifically teak. Look for the FSC label on any wood furniture prior to purchasing.

While these are my top picks, there are many other types of products on the market, and even more are emerging. Reach out today to learn more about selecting the perfect materials for your needs or to connect on future plans for your outdoor living space.