Most Durable Patio Furniture Materials
Outdoor patio furniture is an extension of your home and expression of your personal style. It’s where you relax with loved ones and enjoy the beauty of nature in your own backyard. But unlike the furniture inside your home, your outdoor furniture doesn’t have the luxury of residing within a climate controlled environment. That’s why it’s important to know which are the most durable patio furniture materials as you shop for additions to your patio.
Fortunately, choosing patio furniture that’s made to last doesn’t mean sacrificing on style. Many classic and trendy patio furniture pieces are crafted with longevity in mind. Let’s take a look at some of the longest-lasting, most durable outdoor furniture materials on the market.
Synthetic Materials
Resin Wicker
If you’re drawn to a natural aesthetic, you’ve probably had your head turned by the ever-popular wicker furniture. Wicker has a classic appeal, but can be prone to rot and decay. This happens when it’s exposed to the elements over time, since it’s made of natural materials. Resin wicker, on the other hand, mimics the look of the well-loved natural plant fiber material but is synthetically designed to be highly durable and also simple to maintain. It’s easy to clean is designed to last for many years of backyard enjoyment.
MEGA TUFF™ HDPE / Poly
HPDE / Poly is a thermoplastic polymer made from petroleum. This incredibly durable, high-density polyethylene is quite versatile. It can be molded to give the appearance of natural wood, but is able to withstand the elements of Mother Nature. It has better heat endurance, strength and durability than PVC. HDPE furniture (also known as poly furniture or by the brand Polywood) is ideal for all weather conditions and is easy to clean. And because color is inherent in the chemical make-up, this material resists fading and doesn’t require paint, sealants, or touch ups.
Nuvella® Fabric
If your patio furniture has cushions or other soft materials, it’s important that those fabrics be resistant to moisture and fading. Nuvella® Fabric, in particular, makes for gorgeous cushions and throw pillows. It’s soft, comfortable, and is also easy to clean. Nuvella fabric undergoes an eco-friendly solution-dye process in which the dye is added to the molten polymer. The result is complete color-penetration for beautifully fade-resistant fabric that remains vibrant for years to come. The fabric is also 100% recyclable.
Wood
Wood is a popular choice for outdoor furniture because of its natural aesthetic and timeless appeal. Outdoor chairs, tables, and benches are available in various types of woods. You’ll find that each wood has its own unique graining patterns and colors. Over time, sunlight causes natural solid woods also develop a patina (a slight, natural discoloration) that serves to enhance their beauty.
As you may expect, certain types of wood are better suited for use in outdoor furniture. Look for dense, hardwoods that are pressure-treated to aid in resisting bugs, rot, and decay. Some examples of woods that work well for patio furniture are cypress, cedar, redwood, white oak, teak, acacia, and eucalyptus.
Eucalyptus wood is a particularly excellent choice since it is one of the most durable patio furniture materials. Eucalyptus possesses the natural oils to repel insects and moisture (thereby greatly reducing risk of rot and decay). It’s a beautiful hardwood that is right at home in most any setting. And because it is so dense, it does not warp like more porous woods do.
Metal
Metal is generally considered to be the strongest and most durable outdoor furniture material. It’s a great choice to be used in combination with other materials for variation in style and design (i.e. resin wicker). In the past, wrought iron was a very popular metal for outdoor furniture. But due to its weight, tendency to rust, and high maintenance nature, it’s been ousted by aluminum and steel for modern patio furniture.
Powder-Coated Aluminum
Lightweight and incredibly durable, powder-coated aluminum is a great choice for patio furniture. It’s often used as frames for chairs and tables in conjunction with other materials.Because of its lightweight nature, if you choose furniture that is primarily aluminum, you’ll want to position it in an area that is more shielded from wind. Despite being lightweight, however, powder-coated aluminum is very strong and naturally rust-resistant, making it ideal for outdoor furniture.
Powder-Coated Steel
Steel is a very strong metal that is used in a variety of applications, including patio furniture. Powder-coated steel resists rust, chipping, and corrosion for a beautiful, seamless finish that’s made to last. It’s the strongest material, and it’s heavier than aluminum. It’s not as easy to move, but fares better in windy conditions. Like aluminum, steel is often used as frames for tables and chairs in combination with other materials like wood or resin wicker.
Choosing the Right Patio Furniture
Your eye may be caught by that super unique, trendy, or brightly colored table or chair. But before you make that purchase, take a moment and ask yourself – is it something you’ll really love in a year, two years, or five years down the road? Rather than purchase that trendy, color-popping set, consider a patio furniture set that has classic appeal and won’t go out of style. If you still want that unique conversation starter (and who could blame you), consider adding some fun, brightly colored throw pillows or an eye-catching accent table.
When you’re on the hunt for the perfect furniture additions to your backyard made with the most durable patio furniture materials, Recreation Unlimited has you covered. We know you have options as you seek out the best places to buy patio furniture in Indianapolis, so we value your consideration. As a staple in the northern Indy community since 1989, Recreation Unlimited is proud to offer Indianapolis and the surrounding areas including Noblesville, Fishers, Zionsville, and Carmel with high quality patio furniture.