Any type of furniture is an investment, and your outdoor furniture is no exception! If chosen well, yours can be enjoyed for many years.
In addition to knowing the styles you like, you need to choose materials and finishes that work best with the environment where you live.
For example, if you live near the beach or in a rainy place, avoid wood and metal because wood can rot and metal can rust.
On the other hand, wood or metal could look beautiful and lost much longer in drier climates.
Choosing the best materials and finishes for your outdoor furniture will ensure that you get the most out of your outdoor living spaces.
This guide can help you find the best options for your climate, style and home.
1. Steel
Steel is a popular material for outdoor furniture due to its durability and style. It’s sturdy but lightweight compared to wood. It’s also low-maintenance — a big plus!
High-quality steel furniture, if maintained, can last 20 years or more. If it outlives its usefulness, it is usually easy to sell or donate as long as it’s in good condition.
Care Tips: Mix a squirt of dishwashing detergent with a bucket of warm water and scrub the surface with a scrub brush.
Then rinse the furniture and allow to dry.
You can use a wire brush or sandpaper to remove any rusted spots down to the bare metal.
Wipe off any metal residue with a clean cloth dampened with mineral spirits or naphtha.
2. Wicker
Wicker is a timeless outdoor style. It’s versatile — perfect for outdoor or indoor décor — and can withstand some rain here and there.
But if you live in a very wet region, it may not be the best choice.
Since wicker is lightweight, it’s also not ideal for windier places.
However, if you move often or are in an apartment where you may only stay for a little while, wicker is ideal because it is easy to store and durable enough to withstand being battered a little in a move.
Care Tips: Vacuum your wicker furniture to remove dust before washing it with soapy water and a soft brush. Let dry completely (about two to three days) before using the furniture.
3. Aluminum
Aluminum is a popular choice for contemporary outdoor furniture.
It’s more resistant to water damage than other metals or wood, and it’s easy to move around as needed, which comes in handy for bigger items such as picnic tables or outdoor swings.
However, aluminum furniture is prone to oxidation.
To prevent oxidation, apply a coat of automotive paste wax to the surface, allow the wax to dry for a few minutes, remove the residue and polish the surface with a clean cloth.
Care Tips:
Oxidation is the biggest concern with aluminum furniture. You can remove light oxidation by rubbing the surface with a 50-50 mixture of white vinegar and water.
Or you can rub the surface with automotive rubbing or polishing compound to abrade away oxidation.
Or you can clean the surface with dishwashing detergent and water using a plastic scrubbing sponge or very fine steel wool. Try this first on a hidden area to see if it scratches the aluminum.
For all options, rinse off the cleaning solution with a garden hose and allow to dry.
4. Wood
Many classic patio furniture designs use wood.
Adirondack chairs, slatted chaise lounges, garden benches, and slatted outdoor dining sets are timeless, popular and stylish.
Certain types of wood like pine, cedar and fir are softer and more susceptible to damage from wet and humid environments.
Harder woods, on the other hand, can withstand most climates and can last for many years.
Care Tips: Coat your wooden furniture with a weather-resistant finish to help it withstand the elements. Bring your wooden furniture into a covered shed or garage during the rainy time of year to prevent rain rot. Scrub the surface occasionally with a soft brush and wood cleanser.
5. Plastic
Plastic patio furniture can be designed to resemble materials like wood but without the upkeep.
You can also find recycled plastic furniture — making it an eco-friendly choice. Plastic is lightweight, easy to clean and resists water damage. It’s particularly ideal for hosting parties, as stains and food will not permanently stain.
However, it can develop mold and mildew, so regular maintenance is necessary.
Care Tips: Dip a sponge in warm water and squeeze out any excess; sprinkle baking soda on the sponge to act as a mild abrasive and scrub the furniture; rinse the furniture with a garden hose; and allow it to dry.
To clean mold and mildew stains on white furniture, apply a solution of one part bleach to four parts water in a pump-up sprayer. Leave it on for 10-20 minutes, rinse with a garden hose, and allow to dry in full sun.
To clean mold and mildew stains on colored furniture, apply a solution of 1/4 cup white vinegar to one-quart water in a pump-up sprayer. Leave on for 10-20 minutes then rinse with a garden hose, and allow to dry in full sun.
6. Wrought Iron
Wrought iron furniture is attractive, long-lasting and forever chic. It’s also very heavy and requires more maintenance than other materials.
If you keep your wrought iron in good shape and maintain it annually, at least, it can last for decades.
If neglected, it can rust more easily than other metals until the set is no longer usable.
Care Tips: Mix dishwashing detergent with a bucket of warm water and scrub the surface with a scrub brush. Then rinse the furniture and allow to dry.
You can use a wire brush or sandpaper to remove any rusted spots down to the bare metal. Wipe off any metal residue with a clean cloth dampened with mineral spirits or naphtha.
If you notice any bare spots, wear an approved respirator and spray them with a primer made for metal, such as those made by Rust-Oleum, following the directions on the can. Allow the surface to dry for the recommended time.
Then wear the respirator to spray the furniture with paint made for metal, following the directions on the can.
Finally, allow the paint to dry thoroughly before using the furniture.
