The Best Materials for Outdoor Furniture in the Snow
When it comes to outdoor furniture, there are a lot of things to consider. But if you live in an area where it snows, one of the most important things to think about is what material your furniture is made of. After all, you don’t want your beautiful patio set to turn into a frozen disaster!
There are three main materials that are commonly used for outdoor furniture: wood, metal, and plastic. Each has its own pros and cons when it comes to withstanding the elements, so it’s important to choose wisely. Here’s a quick rundown of each material and how it fares in the snow:
Wood:
Wood is a classic choice for outdoor furniture, but it’s not always the best option for areas that get a lot of snow. While some types of wood (like teak) are naturally resistant to rot and decay, others (like pine) are not. And even if your wood furniture is treated with a sealant or varnish, it’s still at risk of warping or cracking in extreme cold weather. If you do choose wood furniture for your snow-covered patio, be sure to store it indoors or under a tarp when winter weather hits.
Metal:
Metal furniture is generally more durable than wood, but it can also be more expensive. If you do opt for metal outdoor furniture, look for pieces that are made of aluminum or stainless steel. These materials are less likely to rust than other types of metal, and they’ll stand up better to freezing temperatures. Just like with wood furniture, you’ll want to store metal pieces indoors or under a tarp when they’re not in use during the winter months.
Plastic:
Plastic is often the cheapest option when it comes to outdoor furniture, but it’s also the least durable. In general, plastic chairs and tables are not built to last more than a few seasons—and that’s if you’re lucky. If you do choose plastic furniture for your patio, be sure to store it inside during the winter months to prevent cracking and breaking.
When choosing outdoor furniture for an area that gets snow, it’s important to pick pieces that will withstand the cold weather—and all the shoveling and salt that comes with it! Wood, metal, and plastic are all common materials used for outdoor furniture, but each has its own pros and cons when it comes to withstanding the elements. If you live in an area where it snows, be sure to choose wisely!
Frequently Asked Questions
What material is best for outdoor furniture in the snow? While precipitation and metal don’t sound like the best mix, our experts say aluminum and some steel pieces are surprisingly durable options for patio furniture that can be left outside during the winter. Aluminum is a great material choice for outdoor furniture because it doesn’t rust.
What outdoor furniture can be left outside in the winter? Conclusion. Teak and aluminum furniture, along with sunbrella fabrics, are your best bet if you plan to leave your patio furniture out all winter. All other types of furniture, with the exception of stone, should be placed into storage or brought inside.
What type of patio furniture is the most weather resistant? Galvanized or stainless steel are the best options for outdoor furniture, as regular steel rusts and corrodes very easily when exposed to outside elements.
What is the most durable material for outdoor furniture? Metal. Metal is typically the strongest and most durable material for outdoor garden furniture. Because of its strength, metallic frames can be thinner and shaped into more complex designs than other options, giving manufacturers greater style flexibility.
What material is best for outdoor furniture in the snow? – Additional Questions
What furniture holds up best outdoors?
7 Strongest Outdoor Furniture Frames
- Aluminum.
- Cast Aluminum.
- Wrought Aluminum.
- Wood.
- Stainless steel.
- Wicker (Woven)
- Wrought Iron.
Is wicker or rattan better for outdoor furniture?
Wicker furniture is popular for outdoor use because it’s lightweight and easy to move around. While rattan is durable and has traditionally been used for patio furniture, it’s not actually the best choice for outdoor use because it isn’t water resistant.
What patio furniture does not rust?
Cast aluminum won’t corrode, rust or fade, so you can enjoy your furniture outdoors all year long.
- Steel. Solid steel is what makes those pretty petite bistro tables and chairs so stable.
- Wrought Iron. Wrought iron is, quite simply, timeless.
- Teak.
- Eucalyptus.
- All-Weather Rattan.
What is difference between wicker and rattan?
“The difference is that rattan is a material, whereas wicker is the style and method of weaving,” Zoe explains. “Wicker can be woven from rattan as well as many other natural or synthetic materials, which is where the confusion often lies.”
How long does aluminum outdoor furniture last?
Cast aluminum on the other hand is extremely sturdy and durable due to its solid state. Unlike tubular aluminum, if you tried to bend or break this solid chunk of metal, you won’t have much luck! You can expect your cast aluminum furniture to last you a good 10+ years.
Will wicker furniture hold up outside?
All-Weather Wicker is Incredibly Durable
The frames of all-weather wicker are typically made from rust-proof materials, like aluminum and steel. These ultra-durable options allow your outdoor furniture to sit outside for long periods of time without being damaged.
What happens if wicker gets wet?
If rattan wicker gets wet, it can rot, mold, or smell bad. Natural wicker furniture isn’t meant to be used outdoors because it’s susceptible to moisture and sun damage.
Which is more durable wicker or rattan?
In terms of versatility and durability rattan furniture scores much more than wicker furniture. Rattan features a solid core and is available in an array of natural colors. Wicker furniture, on the other hand, may or may not be strong. It basically varies with the material used for manufacturing wicker furniture.
Can you leave rattan furniture outside in the winter?
yes. With top quality synthetic rattan, it is perfectly safe to keep your furniture outside all year round.
Can plastic wicker furniture stay outside in the winter?
Synthetic wicker can also stay outside all year. However, natural rattan or wicker should be stored in a dry space during the winter months to avoid damage. Metal and plastic should also be stored in a shed or garage during the winter if you want to keep it in good shape.
Can Adirondack chairs stay outside in winter?
yes, you can leave your Adirondack furniture outside.
Poly lumber is a great alternative to these materials because it doesn’t rust or absorb moisture and has higher density to keep it from blowing away with a gust of wind. Unlike cheaper plastic, poly lumber doesn’t get brittle with cold temperatures.
Does rattan furniture need to be covered in winter?
Especially in winter, you should dry and cover your rattan patio furniture set after the first frost. You can then simply uncover it to enjoy any remaining warm days, but you should cover it again immediately afterwards.
How do you protect outdoor furniture from snow?
Cover. If you don’t have space to store your patio furniture indoors during the winter months, outdoor furniture covers are an absolute must. Waterproof furniture covers help protect your outdoor furniture from some of winter’s worst weather conditions, such as rain, sleet, snow, and wind.
Is it OK to leave outdoor furniture cushions outside in the rain?
Outdoor furniture cushions can be left out in the rain but it’s not ideal. Even water-resistant cushions hold up best when they are protected from rain. This is because rain can thoroughly soak your cushions. This leads to mold and mildew growth which can destroy your cushions over time.
How do you protect outdoor wood furniture in the winter?
It will weather to a silvery colour over time, but if you want to maintain its original colour, treating it with teak oil once a year will do the trick. Softwoods, like pine, will need to be treated with a preservative, wood paint or oil to protect the wood. Paint your chosen product onto furniture using a clean brush.
Should you cover wooden furniture in winter?
Cover It. If you have no garage or outdoor storage space to store your wooden garden furniture during the winter months, it might be wise to invest in some furniture covers. These can be used to protect your furniture from the elements when the weather is at its fiercest and most destructive.
Should I cover outdoor wooden furniture?
A quality cover is a quick and simple way to protect your outdoor furniture from extreme cold temperatures. A proper covering will keep moisture and debris off both the cushions and hard surfaces of your outdoor furniture.
