What Is The Strongest Material For Outdoor Furniture

A common question we hear in our showroom is: what is the strongest material for outdoor furniture?

As interior designers, we know that decking out a patio is a significant investment. It's important to choose pieces that can withstand the elements, as they will be exposed to rain, wind, and sun throughout the year.

There are many options available and the best choice for you will depend on your lifestyle and location.

Whether you're looking for durability, style or something in between, there's a material out there that will meet your needs and complement your outdoor space.

Teak

Of all the possible wood choices for outdoor furniture, teak is, by far, the most highly recommended. Not only does it have a stunning, warm tone that enhances any outdoor space, but it is also incredibly durable and able to withstand even the toughest weather conditions.

The high oil and resin content of teak makes it resistant to insects and water damage, and its natural oils protect it from dry rot, ensuring that your teak furniture will last for years to come.

When new, this wood has a beautiful golden-honey brown colour, as seen in this Synthesis Teak Outdoor Armchair by Unopiu, but if left untreated, it will naturally age into a sophisticated patina grey. If you prefer to maintain the original colour, a teak sealant can be applied to protect it from fading, although it will need to be reapplied once a year.

Synthetic Resin & Plastics

Another great option for modern outdoor furniture is a synthetic resin. This low-maintenance and extremely durable material can withstand all weather conditions, and is also lightweight, making it easy to move around your outdoor space.

Synthetic resin outdoor furniture is often woven in a wicker style for a classic outdoor look, but it is important to note that this is not the same as natural wicker rattan, which fades when exposed to sunlight and is usually placed indoors.

There are several common synthetic materials used to create synthetic resin wickers such as nylon, polyethene and PVC, but for the highest quality, look for pieces made with High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE). HDPE is a stronger and more durable thermoplastic with greater heat endurance than PVC.

Aluminium

Extremely versatile, aluminium can be moulded into any shape or design, making it perfect for creating unique and stylish furniture pieces. Not only is aluminium lightweight and durable, but it is also incredibly low maintenance.

Unlike iron or steel, it won't rust when exposed to moisture or salty air, and it won't dry out or crack like wood when exposed to the sun. The only downside is that it may not be the best choice for locations prone to high winds.

Steel

When it comes to outdoor furniture, steel is known for its strength and durability. However, it is also heavy and can be more expensive than other metal options. Because of its weight, steel furniture is not as easy to move around, but it will be more stationary in windy conditions.

If you do decide to go with steel for your outdoor furniture, it is important to choose either galvanised or stainless steel to ensure it doesn't rust or corrode when exposed to the elements.

Galvanised steel has a zinc coating that protects it from corrosion and water damage (although it is not suitable for saltwater environments). Stainless steel, on the other hand, contains chromium, which makes it resistant to rust and able to withstand saltwater.

Fabric

If you're looking for the ultimate comfort for your outdoor furniture, consider upholstered pieces. Not only will they provide a cosy lounging experience, but they can also have a stylish, indoor-inspired look.

Outdoor fabrics are typically made from water-resistant synthetic fibres like vinyl, polyester, and acrylic, which are breathable and resistant to fading, moisture and other forms of outdoor damage. However, the weather resistance of upholstered outdoor furniture also depends on the fill material.

QuickDry foam and similar fill materials are designed to speed up water evaporation, prevent mould and mildew, and make the furniture more resistant to water damage. Just be sure to protect your upholstered furniture during the winter to ensure it stays in good condition.

Concrete

Concrete may be best known as a building material, but it is increasingly being used in modern outdoor furniture design as well. Not only is it durable and strong, but it can also be sleek and aesthetically pleasing. The Concrete Seat Pigeon Footstools by Fatboy, for example, are fun pieces that will work well in a contemporary home.

However, it is important to note that concrete is heavy, porous, and prone to staining. Liquids that come into contact with the surface can seep into the concrete and leave a stain, and acidic substances like vinegar and lemon juice can dissolve the cement paste.

That being said, there are also blends of concrete and fibreglass or resin that are lighter and more resistant to staining. When shopping for concrete outdoor furniture, be sure to consider the specific characteristics of the material and choose a piece that will work best in your outdoor space.

In Conclusion

Ultimately, there is no "best" material for everyone - what matters is what works best for your outdoor space and your sense of style.

If you want something warm and cosy with a woodsy tone, teak is a great choice. If you prefer a sleek, modern look, aluminium or stainless steel might be more your style. Browse our selection of luxury outdoor furniture and find something that makes dreams of sun, sea and sand float before your eyes.

Unsure what to select? Let our design experts assist in your decision-making. Visit our showroom or chat with us and we will soon have your outdoor space looking fabulous!