How to Choose Outdoor Furniture That Lasts

Material matters more than price when it comes to patio furniture. Here is what to look for and what to avoid.

Why Material Is Everything

When you buy outdoor furniture, you are not just buying a design — you are buying a material that has to survive sun, rain, wind, and temperature swings. The wrong material will rust, fade, crack, or rot within a single season. The right material will look good for years with minimal maintenance.

This guide breaks down the four most common outdoor furniture materials, what they are good for, and what to watch out for. We will also cover which of our products use each material so you can shop with confidence.

Textilene Fabric

Textilene is a PVC-coated polyester mesh originally developed for outdoor shading. It has become one of the most popular materials for chaise lounges and folding chairs because it is lightweight, quick-drying, and comfortable without cushions.

The key advantages of Textilene:

• UV resistance: The PVC coating blocks UV rays, preventing the fabric from becoming brittle or fading in direct sunlight. This is critical for poolside furniture that gets full sun all day.
• Moisture resistance: Textilene does not absorb water. After a rainstorm, simply wipe it dry and it is ready to use. No mildew, no staining, no waiting for it to dry out.
• Breathability: The mesh weave allows air to circulate, which keeps the surface cooler than solid vinyl or plastic. This matters more than you might think on a 95-degree July afternoon.
• Easy cleaning: Mild soap and water is all you need. No special cleaners or treatments required.

Our Textilene Adjustable Chaise Lounge uses this material specifically because it handles poolside and patio conditions better than any cushion-based alternative. The five-position recline lets you go from upright reading to near-flat sunbathing, and the aluminum frame means you can move it around the patio without straining your back.

Textilene Adjustable Chaise Lounge – 74" Long, Gray, ModernView Product →

Powder-Coated Aluminum

Aluminum is the workhorse of outdoor furniture frames. It is lightweight, naturally rust-proof, and strong enough to support significant weight. The powder coating process adds color and an extra layer of corrosion protection.

What makes powder-coated aluminum ideal for outdoor use:

• Will not rust: Unlike steel, aluminum does not oxidize in a way that degrades the metal. Even if the powder coat gets scratched, the underlying aluminum will not corrode.
• Lightweight but strong: Our aluminum dining table is light enough for one person to move, yet supports the weight of a full dinner spread for six people.
• Color options: Powder coating comes in dozens of colors. Black is the most popular for outdoor furniture because it hides dirt and pairs with any decor style.
• Low maintenance: Wipe with a damp cloth. That is it. No oiling, no sealing, no refinishing.

For dining setups, our Aluminum Outdoor Dining Table pairs powder-coated aluminum with a modern design that works equally well for backyard barbecues and al-fresco dinner parties.

Aluminum Outdoor Dining Table – 60 x 36 x 30 in, Black, PowdView Product →

All-Weather Wicker

Traditional wicker is made from natural materials like rattan or willow. It looks beautiful but cannot survive outdoors — it cracks, rots, and attracts insects. All-weather wicker solves this problem by using HDPE (high-density polyethylene) resin instead of natural fibers.

The result looks almost identical to natural wicker but can stay outside year-round:

• Will not crack or rot: HDPE resin is flexible and waterproof. It handles temperature swings from freezing winters to scorching summers without becoming brittle.
• UV stable: The color is built into the resin, not applied as a surface coating. It will not fade even after years of sun exposure.
• Easy to clean: Hose it down or wipe with soapy water. Dirt and pollen rinse right off.
• Comfortable: The woven texture provides slight give, making it comfortable even without cushions (though cushions add extra comfort).

Our 7-Piece All-Weather Wicker Patio Set includes a sofa, two armchairs, a coffee table, and three side tables — everything you need to furnish a patio conversation area in one purchase.

All-Weather Wicker Patio Set – Weather-Resistant, 7-Piece, GView Product →

Powder-Coated Steel

Steel is heavier and more rigid than aluminum. It is the material of choice for fire pit tables and other pieces that need to handle high temperatures or heavy loads. The powder coating prevents rust, though steel requires more care than aluminum if the coating gets scratched.

When to choose steel over aluminum:

• Fire pit tables: Steel handles the heat of a fire bowl without warping. Aluminum can soften near high heat.
• Wind resistance: The extra weight of steel means your furniture will not blow over in strong winds. This matters for bar stools and tall pieces.
• Industrial aesthetic: If you prefer a heavier, more substantial look, steel delivers. Our adjustable bar stools use steel for both durability and style.

Our Steel Fire Pit Table is the centerpiece of many of our customers' patios. It doubles as a coffee table when the fire bowl is covered, making it functional year-round.

Steel Fire Pit Table – 42 x 42 x 24 in, Black, ContemporaryView Product →

What to Avoid

Not all outdoor furniture is built to last. Here are the materials we recommend avoiding:

• Untreated steel: Will rust within one season. If you buy steel, make sure it is powder-coated or stainless.
• Natural wicker: Beautiful but will crack and rot outdoors. Reserve it for covered porches or indoor use.
• Thin aluminum: Can bend under weight. Look for wall thickness of at least 1.5mm.
• Vinyl straps: Common on cheap lounges. They degrade in UV light and snap after a season or two.
• Pine and cedar: Will rot unless treated annually. If you want wood outdoors, choose teak or recycled plastic.

Recycled Plastic: The Eco-Friendly Option

Recycled plastic lumber is becoming a popular alternative to wood for outdoor furniture. It looks like painted wood but will not rot, splinter, or fade. Our Recycled Plastic Adirondack Chair is made from HDPE milk jugs and plastic containers — each chair keeps about 500 containers out of landfills.

Recycled Plastic Adirondack Chair – 39 in, Rustic Brown, ClaView Product →

The Bottom Line

Spend a little more on quality materials and your furniture will last for years instead of seasons. All our outdoor pieces are built with weather-resistant materials and backed by our 30-day return policy. If something does not hold up the way you expected, contact us and we will make it right.

Free shipping on orders over $75. No sales tax. Ships to all 50 US states.