Choosing the Best Material for Outdoor Furniture

Whether you are looking to improve the design of your patio or garden, choosing the best material for outdoor furniture can help you make the most of your outdoor living space. The right selection not only adds to the comfort, elegance and charm of your home, but it also ensures longevity and durability against different elements. From wood and concrete to plastics, rattan and wicker, there are more furniture choices on the market than ever before. But how do you select the right material?

Wooden garden furniture

Wooden outdoor furniture is a popular material choice, and for good reason of course. It exudes a timeless and rustic charm, seamlessly blending with any outside space to create an inviting and warm ambiance. 

Advantages

1. With proper care, wooden outdoor furniture can last for a very long time. Hardwoods, such as teak garden furniture, are known for their exceptional durability, quality and robustness, and can last for decades.
2. The versatility of wood allows for a wide range of customisation options, including unique designs, stains and finishes, as well as different sizes and shapes, catering to individual styles and preferences..
3. Many wooden furniture pieces are sustainable, adding an eco-friendly aspect to their appeal, especially when you choose to buy sustainably sourced wood or reclaimed garden furniture.

Disadvantages

1. Wooden furniture without waterproofing qualities is at risk of rotting when exposed to moisture and harsh weather, potentially leading to deterioration over time. This is why it is important to choose water-resistant wooden furniture, such as cedar or teak.
2. Wood is also vulnerable to warping or bending due to exposure to varying temperatures and humidity levels. This may have an impact on its structural integrity and aesthetics, depending on the type of wood used. 
3. Wooden garden furniture may require additional waterproof cushions for extra comfort. It is also worth noting that they can be heavy and challenging to move around, but this weight contributes to their stability and robustness in different weather conditions.

Concrete garden furniture

Concrete garden furniture is becoming increasingly popular due to its versatility and durability, making it an excellent material choice for creating sophisticated, modern outdoor living spaces or patios. 

Advantages

1. Concrete comes in a variety of colours, customisation and design options, including square, rectangular and circular shaped furniture, to complement any indoor or outdoor living space.
2. Concrete furniture can last for many years if it is cared for and sealed properly using concrete wax. We also recommend using a furniture cover year round for additional protection. 

Disadvantages

1. Concrete furniture can be heavy. So it’s a good idea to be mindful of its weight during transportation and placement within your garden spaces. To make moving easier, you may want to consider using furniture sliders, lifting with proper technique, or disassembling larger pieces if possible. 
2. The material is porous by nature, making it susceptible to staining and water damage. But with regular waxing using concrete wax, concrete furniture can be sealed against accidental spillages and water damage.
3. Because of its hardness, concrete may not be as comfortable for prolonged sitting. You may want to get furniture with weather-proof cushions or add extras for more warmth and comfort.

Metal outdoor furniture

Metal furniture, like wrought iron, zinc or aluminium, is another highly regarded material that offers a blend of durability and style, each with unique qualities that appeal to individual preferences and functional requirements. Whether traditional in appearance or modern in design, they can help to improve the aesthetic of any garden or patio. 

Advantages

1. Metal outdoor furniture is known for its strength and resistance to weathering, capable of enduring harsh weather conditions with proper care.
2. Metals, such as wrought iron, bring timeless elegance with classic designs, while aluminium offers greater design versatility with a wide range of colour options thanks to liquid coating finishes. 
3. They are environmentally sustainable due to their recyclability, making them a practical and environmentally friendly option. Metals, such as aluminium, are also typically more affordable, making them a cost-effective choice without compromising on durability or style. 

Disadvantages

1. Wrought iron requires routine maintenance to prevent rusting. It is susceptible to paint peeling over time, especially if the metal surface is not properly prepared before painting or if the furniture is exposed to different weather conditions.
2. Aluminium furniture, while resistant to corrosion, is more prone to denting. It also lacks the weight and stability of wrought iron, making it more likely to be blown away in strong winds or extreme weather conditions. 
3. Metals are better at conducting heat and cold than materials like wood or plastic, potentially making metal furniture uncomfortable without cushions or thermal barriers.

Eco-friendly outdoor furniture

Outdoor furniture made from eco-friendly materials such as rattan, bamboo, recycled plastics, and reclaimed wood is becoming increasingly popular among eco-conscious homeowners due to its sustainability and organic appeal. These materials also offer durability and longevity, while bringing a sense of tranquility and natural beauty to your outdoor living space.

Advantages

1. One of the biggest benefits of eco-friendly furniture is its lower environmental impact than other types of furniture materials. Rattan and bamboo, for example, grow quickly and can be harvested in a sustainable way that does not deplete the natural resource.
2. The aesthetic beauty of eco-friendly outdoor furniture is characterised by rich, natural textures with endless design possibilities. Whether it is the rustic charm of recycled wood or the sleek, sophisticated look of bamboo or recycled plastics, these materials can complement the ambiance of any garden or outdoor space. 
3. Many eco-friendly materials, such as reclaimed wood and bamboo, are inherently durable. They can also withstand decay, UV damage, and weather-related wear and tear, making them ideal for outdoor seating.

Disadvantages

1. Reclaimed furniture will not be uniform with some inconsistencies, such as knots, in-fills, and cracks. But this is what gives reclaimed wood its own characteristics and uniqueness from its previous life as floorboards in a country manor, sun-bleached on a boat deck, or held up in the eaves of a family home. Also, there is no compromising on quality when it comes to the strength and durability of old-growth teak.
2. The initial cost of eco-friendly furniture can often be higher than that of traditional materials, especially for high-end designer pieces and custom-made furniture. However, they are typically of higher quality and craftsmanship, so they may not need to be replaced as frequently, saving you money in the long run. . 
3. Some eco-friendly materials, such as bamboo, wicker and even recycled plastic, can be sensitive to extreme weather conditions and temperature fluctuations. They may need to be protected with weatherproof covers or stored indoors to preserve their quality over time.

Final thoughts

Whether you're drawn to the timeless elegance of teak wood, the modern aesthetic of concrete, or the sustainable beauty of eco-friendly options, choosing the best material for outdoor furniture requires some forethought and planning. Doing so will help you create the outdoor ambiance just the way you want it to be.

Ready to transform your garden into a personal outdoor retreat? Explore our garden furniture selection to find the perfect piece.