What is the Best Material for Outdoor Furniture?

A beautiful outdoor area is a great way to extend your living area and make the most of our beautiful weather. While we all want our space to look good, it's equally important that it withstands everything from rain to scorching sun.

When selecting pieces for your patio and outdoor spaces, the materials you choose play a crucial role in how they'll weather our unique Australian climate. Each material brings its own character and care needs, directly impacting how well your furniture will serve you through seasons of summer barbecues and winter gatherings.

In this guide, we'll explore common outdoor furniture materials and how to choose the best one for your space. We’ve also asked our Lead Product Designer, Milly McEwan, for her expert opinion to help you make an informed choice.

There’s no such thing as the perfect piece of furniture. The reality is — everyone has different needs and preferences. Here’s what to consider when shopping for patio, garden or pool furniture:

Your Local Climate

Are you a Queenslander or Melburnian? Australia's diverse climate means that the best furniture material for your outdoor space will vary depending on where you live and how you plan to use it. Here’s what Milly recommends for different climate zones:

Tropical areas: "If you're in tropical areas like Queensland, go for water-resistant materials like teak, aluminium or synthetic wicker."

Coastal regions: "For coastal regions (NSW, WA), salt air can cause corrosion, so something like aluminium, teak or eucalyptus works best. Concrete is great too, especially if you want something that won't blow over in high winds."

Colder states: "In colder states like Tasmania, you need something that can handle rain and wind, so think synthetic wicker, concrete or eucalyptus with a bit of extra care."

Hot, dry areas: "In hot, dry places (inland SA, WA), UV-resistant materials like teak, eucalyptus and concrete are perfect for withstanding the sun without fading or cracking."

Maintenance Preference

The amount of time and effort you're willing to invest in maintaining your outdoor furniture should play a part in narrowing down material choices. All outdoor furniture will require some level of care, but some materials are more high maintenance than others.

Milly advises: "If you want something low-maintenance, go for aluminium, synthetic wicker or concrete. If you love the look of natural wood, teak or eucalyptus are great, but they do need a little more love — like regular oiling or sealing."

Your Outdoor Space

Each area of your outdoor space might call for different furniture materials.

Patios and decks: These areas are versatile and can accommodate most materials. The best outdoor porch furniture will complement your home's exterior. Our Align Round Outdoor Dining Table could be a centrepiece for your outdoor patio dining area.

Poolside: Around pools, you'll want materials that can handle the occasional splash and wet tush. Aluminium, synthetic wicker and concrete are good choices. Our Trio Outdoor Side Table in white concrete would be ideal for near a pool, offering a spot for drinks or sunscreen without worry of water damage.

Near firepits: For areas near firepits, avoid materials that are sensitive to heat. Concrete is a good option here. The Furrow Outdoor Dining Benches in white concrete could create a stunning seating area near a firepit.

Garden areas: In garden settings, the world is your oyster. The best lawn furniture can either be made of natural materials, like wood or wicker, to blend with the surrounding greenery, or a solid material aimed at creating an exciting and modern contrast, like our Flock Outdoor Dining Package.

Personal Style

Your outdoor furniture should complement both your overall outdoor design and your home's architecture. “It's also important to think about the look you're going for. If you like a natural, earthy feel, wood is a beautiful option,” Milly says. “For a more modern feel, concrete or aluminium are sleek choices."

Material Properties 

Understanding the unique characteristics of different materials helps you make an informed choice that suits your lifestyle. From the natural warmth of teak to the modern appeal of concrete, each material brings its own personality to your outdoor space.

"The beauty of our range is that each material has its own story and strengths," shares Milly. "For instance, teak develops this gorgeous silvery patina over time, while concrete pieces like our Furrow collection offer that striking contemporary look that's becoming increasingly popular in Australian outdoor spaces."

How to Clean and Maintain Your Outdoor Furniture 

Proper care and maintenance will extend the life of your outdoor furniture, regardless of the material. 

Prevention is the best medicine here — Milly recommends you protect your investment by minimising exposure to the elements: "Even the toughest materials will last longer if you protect them. I recommend covering or storing your furniture during extreme weather. If you have concrete furniture, breathable covers work best to prevent moisture buildup." Milly also suggests you steer clear of harsh chemicals and instead use a mild soap solution to wipe down your outdoor pieces. 

She’s also shared some more material-specific care instructions:

Wood Care

For wood outdoor furniture, Milly suggests "using a wood protector or oil at least once a year will help maintain the colour and keep the wood from drying out or cracking.”

She continues: “Over time, these woods will naturally weather to a silver-grey patina, but if you prefer that rich, golden look — regular oiling is a must."

Metal Care

For metal furniture, Milly advises "a wipe-down every now and then, especially if you're near the ocean. Salt residue can build up, so a quick rinse will prevent corrosion."

Wicker Care

To care for wicker outdoor furniture, simply wipe it down with a mild, soapy solution and a soft cloth. Rinse thoroughly and allow it to air dry completely. In the off-season, cover it to slow down sun bleaching.

Concrete Care

“Concrete is sturdy but can develop small cracks if exposed to extreme temperature changes. Applying a sealant once a year will help protect it. And if cracks do appear, don't panic — they can be easily filled with a concrete repair kit," Milly explains.

Fabric Care

Lastly, Milly recommends you take extra care with fabric: "Always choose weather-resistant cushions, and if you know rain is coming, bring them inside or store them in a dry place. Let them dry completely if they get wet to avoid mildew."