The Most Durable Outdoor Furniture for Your Patio, Deck, or Garden
When you’re shopping for outdoor furniture, it’s important to find pieces that will stand up to the elements and last for years. With so many materials on the market, it can be tough to know where to start. To help you narrow down your options, we’ve put together a list of the most durable outdoor furniture materials, so you can choose the best option for your needs.
1. Wrought Iron
If you’re looking for furniture that will stand up to heavy use and last for decades, wrought iron is a great choice. This material is virtually indestructible, so it’s perfect for busy households with kids and pets. Wrought iron furniture is also very low-maintenance—a simple annual cleaning is all it needs to stay looking like new. However, keep in mind that wrought iron can rust if it’s not properly protected from the elements, so it’s important to store it indoors or cover it when it’s not in use.
2. Aluminum
Aluminum furniture is a great option if you’re looking for something that’s durable and low-maintenance. Like wrought iron, aluminum is resistant to rust and won’t rot or decay over time. It’s also lightweight and easy to move around, which makes it a great choice for small spaces. However, aluminum furniture can be damaged by strong winds or hail, so it’s important to bring it inside during bad weather.
3. Stainless Steel
If you’re looking for furniture that’s both stylish and durable, stainless steel might be the material for you. This material is often used in high-end patio furniture because it has a sleek, modern look. Stainless steel furniture is also very easy to care for—a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is all it needs to stay clean and shining like new. However, keep in mind that stainless steel can dent and scratch easily, so it’s important to handle it with care.
4. Resin Wicker
Resin wicker is a popular choice for outdoor furniture because it has the look of traditional wicker without any of the drawbacks. Unlike natural wicker, resin wicker is made from synthetic materials that are resistant to moisture, fading, and cracking. Resin wicker furniture is also very low-maintenance—a simple annual cleaning is all it needs to stay looking like new. However, keep in mind that resin wicker can be damaged by strong winds or hail, so it’s important to bring it inside during bad weather.
When shopping for outdoor furniture, durability should be one of your top priorities. With so many materials on the market, it can be tough to know where to start. To help you narrow down your options, we’ve put together a list of the most durable outdoor furniture materials, so you can choose the best option for your needs. Wrought iron, aluminum, stainless steel, and resin wicker are all great choices if you’re looking for furniture that will stand up to heavy use and last for years with minimal maintenance required.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of outdoor furniture is the most durable? Wrought Iron is one of the most durable and longest lasting type of outdoor furniture available, many times lasting decades. Truly an investment that keeps on giving, wrought iron furniture is also the heaviest frame.
Is metal good for outdoor furniture? Metal is typically the strongest and most durable material for outdoor garden furniture.
Is iron or steel better for outdoor furniture? Steel doesn’t dent or get bent out of shape as easily as some aluminum furnishings can. Lighter than wrought iron but heavier than aluminum, steel provides strength, stability, and endurance in extreme temperatures. Powder-coated finishes protect against rust and corrosion.
What material lasts the longest for patio furniture? HDPE plastic is the longest-lasting type of outdoor furniture material. It retains good-as-new shape and appearance over time. It requires minimal cleaning and doesn’t fade. It’s resistant to mold and mildew, so it works in any type of weather or environment.
What type of outdoor furniture is the most durable? – Additional Questions
How long does metal furniture last outside?
If properly maintained, wrought iron furniture can last upwards of 60 years. It should be frequently cleaned to help increase its longevity so dirt and debris do not build up. You can clean your furniture using a hose or a mixture of mild soap and water.
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.
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 is durable outdoor furniture?
The most durable patio furniture materials include aluminum, teak, synthetic resin, iron, and steel. However, tempered glass, high-pressure laminate, and concrete can be viable alternatives for a minimalistic look.
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 plastic furniture last?
Plastic costs about twice as much as wood, however, because it requires minimal maintenance and is guaranteed to last for 50 years, your plastic outdoor furniture is a better investment in the long-run.
Is wood or metal better for outdoor furniture?
If you want something lightweight, chic, modern, and low-maintenance, go with synthetic resin wicker furniture. Looking for wood furniture suitable for the outdoors, go with teak. Looking for metal furniture? Stick with aluminum unless you want an eclectic design.
How often should you replace patio furniture?
Good patio furniture can last 15+ years. Some will last longer, some less, but there’s no firm timeline. Unlike mattresses, which have a commonly-held deadline for replacement after 10 years, your patio furniture will last until the elements break it down—this depends on maintenance, materials, and climate.
Does aluminum outdoor furniture get hot?
Unlike iron, aluminum naturally disperses the heat, greatly reducing its temperature. Now, if it’s 90 degrees Fahrenheit outside, you should still check the cast aluminum before touching it just to be safe, but trust us, it will be about 100% cooler than any other metal in your backyard.
Is aluminum or cast aluminum better?
For this process, aluminum gets poured into a mold and solidifies in place. Products made using the permanent mold casting technique are typically stronger and more durable than those crafted using die casting or sand casting.
Will metal outdoor furniture rust?
Unfortunately, iron is all around us; it’s even steel. If you have patio furniture that’s made of iron, steel or other iron-containing metals, it may rust when exposed to moisture.
Is cast aluminum the same as wrought iron?
The fundamental difference between cast and wrought aluminum is easy to understand: Cast aluminium is the aluminium that was melted in a furnace and poured into a mold. Wrought aluminium is when the metal is worked in the solid form with the help of specific tools.
Is cast iron and wrought iron the same?
People often assume that cast iron and wrought iron are interchangeable terms for early iron work, but there is a world of difference. Wrought Iron is iron that has been heated and then worked with tools. Cast Iron is iron that has been melted, poured into a mold, and allowed to solidify.
Which is better iron or cast iron?
The heat distribution is better in the case of cast iron cookware because cast iron utensils can spread the heat evenly compared to iron cookware. This is the reason why cast iron skillet is often preferred over iron skillets.
What is better wrought iron or aluminum?
Aluminum is lighter and easier to maintain, but wrought iron is stronger and more ornate. We can help you decide which metal fence is right for you during your consultation. Here are some benefits for both wrought-iron fences and aluminum fences: Highly durable construction that can withstand heavy wind and rain.
Why is wrought iron so expensive?
Why is Wrought Iron So Expensive? Wrought iron is made by repeatedly heating and reworking cast iron. This manufacturing process that gives wrought iron its laminar structure makes it a costly material. It has a far higher tensile strength and is more ductile than cast iron.
Which is more expensive wrought iron or steel?
Iron, as a ready for sale material, is difficult to produce in comparison and this only adds to its overall cost. As steel is the cheaper of the two products it can be the better choice when on a budget, or if you are doing a longer or higher fence installation.
