What Kind Of Patio Furniture Is Most Durable?

Durability is a crucial factor to consider when purchasing patio furniture. Typically, patio furniture is used outdoors, making durability an important consideration that impacts the longevity of your outdoor furniture. The type of patio furniture you use can significantly affect its durability and overall lifespan.

For the construction of patio furniture frames and tables, many durable hardwoods and metals are used, such as teak and wrought iron. For outdoor upholstery, synthetic fabrics like acrylic or olefin should be used. The suitability of different materials will depend on your climate.

If you’re looking for the most durable patio furniture for your home, we’ll explain everything you need to know! From the material used to construct your furniture’s frames to the foam used in your cushions, we’ll cover all the factors you need to consider when buying patio furniture that will last for decades!

Finding The Most Durable Types Of Patio Furniture

When choosing patio furniture for your home, durability is a crucial consideration. After all, a major consideration with patio furniture is that it will typically be used outdoors. By carefully choosing the type of patio furniture you use, you can ensure it’s highly durable and lasts a lifetime!

While there are many durable materials to choose from, the suitability of these materials will vary depending on the climate. While some materials will be better suited to rainy and humid climates, others will be perfect for scorching climates. Ultimately, this means homeowners need to keep their climate in mind when choosing the most durable materials for their patio furniture.

When picking the right patio furniture, there are two main aspects that need to be considered. Firstly, you need to carefully consider the materials used to construct the furniture’s frames, rests, and tabletops. These components form the basis for your patio furniture, making this a crucial consideration.

The second factor you need to consider is the fabrics and materials used for the upholstery, pillows, and slings included with your patio furniture. By carefully choosing the fabrics you use for these components of your patio furniture, you can ensure that the entire furniture set is highly durable.

Once we’ve outlined the most durable materials for patio furniture frames, tabletops, and rests, we’ll look at the best upholstery fabrics and materials for patio furniture! Of course, we’ll also discuss the suitability of these materials for different climates, allowing you to pick the best materials for your needs!

Your Guide To Durable Patio Furniture Materials

When choosing patio furniture, homeowners need to carefully consider the materials the frame, tabletops, and rests are constructed from. Ultimately, the material you choose for this aspect of your patio furniture will determine the overall durability. Given that your patio furniture will likely be used outside, you also need to consider the climate in your region.

For each of these materials, we’ll discuss its suitability for different climates. While there are many durable materials used to construct patio furniture, some materials are better suited to certain climates. By choosing one of the materials suited to your region’s climate, you ensure ultimate durability.

Wood

Wood is a classic and naturally beautiful material choice for patio furniture. Generally, hardwoods are the best for patio furniture, as they’re able to resist weather-related damage and can last for decades. Teak is arguably the most popular wooden material choice for patio furniture.

Teak is incredibly strong, which prevents it from cracking or warping over time. Teak is also a low-maintenance material that is resistant to insects, rotting, and weather. Teak is well-suited to most climates, as it can withstand year-round snowfall or sun! White Oak, Shorea, and Ipe hardwoods have similar properties but will require more maintenance.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a fantastic material choice for patio furniture. The high-density nature of stainless steel makes it durable and impervious to dents and damage. With a powder coating on your stainless-steel patio furniture, you can add an additional layer of resistance and protection. This powder coating will effectively increase the durability of your stainless-steel furniture.

Stainless steel is wind- and rust-resistant. The higher the chromium content of a specific stainless steel is, the more resistant it will be to corrosion. Compared to other metals, stainless steel can endure more extreme temperatures. This makes stainless steel a fantastic material choice for homeowners in hot and windy climates.

Aluminum

Aluminum is the most used metal for patio furniture. Despite its lightweight nature, aluminum is strong and durable. You’ll also find aluminum patio furniture in many striking visual designs. Aluminum is weather-resistant, though a polyester powder coating will increase the durability of aluminum patio furniture in this regard.

Another benefit of a polyester powder coating is that it allows aluminum furniture to better retain its color. For homes in coastal areas with salty, corrosive air, aluminum patio furniture with this patio furniture will be ideal. Aluminum is easy to maintain and is an affordable material.

Cast Aluminum

This type of aluminum that is heavier and features an increased focus on design. Cast aluminum is poured into a cast mold, which allows for intricate shapes and designs that would be impossible to create with other metals. If you’re looking for aluminum patio furniture with striking designs, you should consider cast aluminum!

Wrought Aluminum

Wrought aluminum is highly like wrought iron, which we’ll discuss in a moment. With increased weight, wrought aluminum is ideal for those living in windy areas. Furthermore, for those living in coastal regions with salty air, wrought aluminum will provide better rest prevention!

Wrought Iron

Iron is a popular material choice due to its sheer strength and durability. Of course, wrought iron is also one of the heaviest material choices for patio furniture. While this means wrought iron furniture can be difficult to move, it’s great for homeowners living in very windy regions.

Wrought iron is perfect for outdoor use due to its thermal properties. However, without the proper maintenance and rust prevention, wrought iron patio furniture will rust easily. For those living in coastal climates, another material will be better suited to the corrosive ocean air.

Plastic

Patio furniture is increasingly utilizing various plastics. Recycled plastic is a fantastic eco-friendly material choice. Not only is recycled plastic strong, but it’s also low maintenance and easy to clean. Plastic furniture is also resistant to fading and can withstand weather elements.

Polyurethane is another plastic commonly used for deck furniture. Polyurethane is also highly durable and weather-resistant. For homeowners living in windy regions, plastic patio furniture is not ideal due to its lightweight nature. While plastic patio furniture lacks the elegance of other materials, it is an affordable and durable option.

Synthetic Resin

When it comes down to outdoor furniture, wicker is a popular design choice. In fact, many people find wicker to be almost synonymous with the outdoors – especially because it’s commonly made from bamboo, seagrass, and other organic sources. Unfortunately, plant-based wicker is ill-suited for outdoor furniture.

Moisture, humidity, and exposure to the sun can damage plant-based wicker, which will negatively impact the durability and lifespan of wicket furniture. Luckily, outdoor wicker is the perfect solution to this.

Made from synthetic polyethylene resin, this outdoor wicker is eco-friendly and resistant to fading. It’s also a strong material that is resistant to weather-related damage. In fact, patio furniture made from this synthetic outdoor wicker can last for decades despite being exposed to the sun’s UV rays and other elements.

Wicker furniture made from synthetic resin has a traditional wicker look while being easier to clean and maintain. Unfortunately, patio furniture made from outdoor wicker is rather lightweight, making synthetic resin furniture ill-suited to windy environments.

Concrete

Many homeowners love the minimalist appearance of concrete outdoor furniture. Not only does concrete allow for strong, timeless designs, but concrete furniture can last a lifetime despite being exposed to the harshest elements. Concrete can also take on many shapes, which adds a creative element to using concrete patio furniture.

Unfortunately, concrete is difficult to move due to its weight. This makes concrete well-suited to those looking for a permanent and durable solution to their patio furniture conundrum. This is also great for those living in wind-stricken regions. Concrete furniture can be accessories with pillows, which we’ll discuss in the following section.

Tempered Glass

If you’re purchasing a table for your patio, you’ll find many options utilizing numerous materials. While you’ll be able to find fully wooden tables for your patio, you’ll also find metal frames using glass tabletops. One of the materials you’ll encounter in this regard is tempered glass.

Due to its resistance to thermal temperature changes, tempered glass is an ideal material for outdoor tabletops. Tempered glass will also provide your patio table with an elegant appearance. Tempered glass is also available in a variety of thicknesses.

Your Guide To Durable Patio Furniture Fabrics

In the previous section, we discussed materials used to construct the frame, rests, and tabletops of patio furniture. Of course, this is a crucial consideration when buying durable patio furniture. However, you also need to consider the fabrics used for cushions, slings, and pillows that form part of your patio furniture.

While many homeowners store their patio furniture pillows, cushions, and slings indoors, they will spend a lot of time outside. For outdoor use, fabrics made using synthetic threads are better suited for patio upholstery covers. Synthetic fabrics are suited to any climate and are resistant to color fading.

Of course, you should also consider the core foam used in the cushions and pillows. At some point, your patio furniture’s pillows will be exposed to rain or water. If water manages to find its way into your cushions, you want to ensure the inner foam can withstand the moisture without being damaged.

Fabrics

Let’s look at the durability of various patio furniture fabrics!

Acrylic Fabric

For outdoor patio furniture, acrylic fabrics are ideal. Acrylic fabrics are strong and durable, with resistance to wear and tear. You won’t need to worry about this fabric tearing over time! This material is also breathable and weather-resistant, allowing it to handle moisture effectively.

Even in direct sunlight, the colors of these fabrics will not fade. Another reason this fabric is perfect for your patio furniture is that it does not get hot in hot weather. Acrylic fabrics are also easy to clean and maintain over time.

Polyester Fabric

Polyester fabric is strong and flexible, making it resistant to tearing. This fabric also dries quickly and resists water damage. Unfortunately, prolonged exposure to the sun can cause this fabric to fade over time. Due to this, polyester fabric is better suited to patio furniture that is used in generally shady areas.

There are also many polyester fabrics that are coated to enhance durability. Acrylic-coated polyester can be used for pillows, while vinyl-coated polyester fabrics are ideal for slings, umbrellas, and similar outdoor furnishings.

Olefin Fabric

Olefin is a durable synthetic fabric. Not only is olefin resistant to fading over time, but it dries quickly and is resistant to mold. Olefin handles moisture and heat well while being cheaper than acrylic fabrics. This fabric is well suited to patio furniture as it resists scratches and stains. It’s also easy to clean and maintain!

Foams

Let’s look at the durability of various patio furniture foams!

Open-Cell Foam

Open-cell foam is a great choice for the upholstery of outdoor patio furniture. Not only is this foam comfortable, but it stays cool throughout the day. Open-cell foam has many pores, allowing it to dry at a fast rate after being exposed to water. Unfortunately, this foam is more expensive than other types.

Closed-Cell Foam

Also known as floatation foam, closed-cell foam repels water. This material is commonly used for boat seating and is more expensive than other foam types.

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Foam

Polyethylene terephthalate foam is an eco-friendly material that is a durable choice for outdoor patio furniture upholstery. Not only does this foam dry quickly, but it’s also resistant to mildew and mold.

Polyurethane Foam

Polyurethane foam is commonly used for seating and is popular due to its medium firmness. Unfortunately, this foam soaks up water when it gets wet, which can cause mold and mildew to form. In wet and humid climates, this foam is not suitable.

Polyester Foam

Polyester foam is affordable, dries quickly, and washes easily. While this material is more inexpensive than others, it’s best suited for low to moderate usage outdoors. Over time, polyester foam is prone to losing its shape.

Conclusion

When choosing the best patio furniture for your home, you need to carefully consider the different materials available. For the frames and tabletops of outdoor furniture, materials like stainless steel, aluminum, teak, and wrought iron are commonly used. For the upholstery of patio pillows, slings, and furnishings, synthetic fibers are recommended. PET and open-cell foams also work perfectly for outdoor patio pillows!