Finally! Your dream garden scape and patio are all set.
There’s just one significant detail missing: furniture.
Outdoor patio furniture is an important element that adds both functional and aesthetic quality to a patio. Choosing the right material can make or break the space.
Whether you are looking at a plush, comfy loungey patio setting or a casual but rustic design, choosing the right material for any type or design of furniture is crucial.
Selecting the best material comprises different factors that need to be well-researched and analyzed before making a hefty purchase. Some basic qualities such as durability, cost, and visual aspects can help you compare different materials and designs and thereby push you to make an informed decision.
We have compiled a list to help you in this major decision. This list is curated with the most popular outdoor furniture material choices and the qualities you need to look out for.
The Key Factors You Should Consider While Choosing Material for Your Patio Furniture
Before we start with our list, here are some factors you need to consider to have a basic understanding of how to choose the best material for your patio furniture.
Since the furniture will be used outdoors, a lot of consideration has to be placed on the durability and sturdiness more than the aesthetic quality. Here are the major factors to keep in mind while choosing the right material for your outdoor furniture:
- Weather resistance: The most important quality with outdoor furniture to consider is weather resistance. This is especially key if you are located in a tropical climate that is prone to rainy weather. The material you choose will directly impact your durability. Hence, choosing the appropriate weather-resistant material is the crux.
- Durability: Some materials are highly durable, while some look aesthetically pleasing but are not necessarily durable. Choosing a material that is both highly durable as well as visually appealing can be an arduous task but is well rewarding.
- Functionality: Functionality is paramount before choosing the appropriate material. Deciding what the patio space is going to function as and what type of furniture will suit the setting can help you make the decision faster and in the right direction.
- Aesthetics: Visual appeal is one of the last factors to consider but improves the quality of your patio space greatly. Selecting the right furniture material and design which aligns with your aesthetics and the style you envisioned can uplift your patio and add much-needed glam to your outdoor space.
The Best Material Choices for Your Outdoor Patio Furniture
Here are a few great outdoor patio material choices:
- Wood
- Synthetic Resin – Weather-Resistant Wicker
- Metal
Wood
Wood tops our list as it has been the go-to outdoor furniture material since the dawn of time. Wood has almost become synonymous with outdoor furniture. While wood is a popular choice by most people, there are some factors that make it less appealing when compared to modern-day outdoor materials.
Softwoods such as pines are cheap and look alluring but are moisture-absorbent and need constant preservation. Hardwoods such as teak, when treated properly, can last up to 50 years and are highly weather and termite resistant.
Even though teak wood is on the expensive end, it comes with an exquisite raw-grained finish which makes it an ideal choice for a posh outdoor tabletop and armrests.
Modern-day materials which are alternatives to wood, such as engineered wood or MOCKWOOD, also make a fantastic choice for your outdoor furniture. Check out our MOCKWOOD range to get a better idea. At this time, we do not manufacture MOCKWOOD patio furniture.
Synthetic Resin- Weather Resistant Wicker
Synthetic resin is our second favorite material for outdoor furniture, and there’s a good reason why. High-quality synthetic resin is made of high-density polyethylene, which is highly weather resistant and durable.
The structure of the synthetic resin makes it visually similar to wicker. Synthetic resin is light in weight and low maintenance. Apart from the physical attributes, this material is visually appealing if you are looking for a clean but natural aesthetic. Synthetic resins can be used as a backing and seating for chairs and sofas and can also be designed as tables as well.
Metal
Metal is by far the strongest and most durable of all outdoor furniture materials. One thing metal lacks, overall, is aesthetic quality, which can be managed by design. There are different types of metals that can be used for different purposes. Give below are the three commonly used metals and their qualities:
- Cast Aluminum
- Steel
- Wrought Iron
Cast Aluminum
Aluminum is the lightest of all metals and is easy to mold and move around. What makes aluminum a popular choice is that it can be customized into any shape, size, or design as per your preferences. Aluminum can be powder coated into any color you desire hence makes the best choice for legs of furniture, armrests, and the basic structure of furniture.
Steel
Steel is the second most popular choice in the metal category. Steel is heavier and more expensive than aluminum. Stainless steel is more weather resistant which makes it an ideal choice for tropical climates.
Aesthetically if you are looking at a sleek, modern furniture setting, steel is your ideal material. Steel can be used for larger outdoor furniture such as dining tables and study sofas/chairs.
Wrought Iron
Wrought iron has been used in furniture for over a hundred years. Wrought iron is much heavier and requires a lot of maintenance. It adds a certain rustic and industrial aesthetic quality which makes it a unique choice among other metals.
Wrought iron is the most durable and long-lasting but requires a lot of effort when it comes to maintenance and cleaning. It also requires constant coating for protection from rest.
Additionally, wrought iron is quick to get heated or cooled down and may not be the ideal choice for extreme weather conditions. That being said, wrought iron adds a very versatile character to an outdoor space.
To summarize and help you make your decision, here is a quick recap of what we have covered above:
- The best choice for durability and aesthetic quality would, of course, be wood.
- Synthetic resin is lightweight, aesthetically pleasing, and weather resistant.
- If you are looking at a contemporary and clean look, which is durable and easy to design, metal such as aluminum would be your ideal choice.
- Looking for something rustic and versatile? Wrought iron furniture would be your ideal setting.
The choice of fabric to go with your base furniture is also an important deciding factor. The best choice of fabrics ranges from acrylic fabrics, foams, and polyester fabrics which are durable, decorative, and weather resistant.
Now that we have covered all the nitty-gritty of outdoor furniture materials, we certainly hope you have some clarity when it comes to choosing the best material for your outdoor patio.
Check out our other blogs to help you with other aspects of your garden space: