The best materials for outdoor furniture are powder-coated aluminum, resin wicker, acacia wood, eucalyptus wood, and Textilene sling—each offering strength, weather resistance, and long-term style in all types of climates.
Outdoor furniture should work as hard as it looks good. It needs to be stylish, sturdy, comfortable, and above all, built to handle the ever-changing conditions of outdoor life. With so many materials out there, figuring out what’s best for a patio, deck, or backyard can be a challenge. That’s where understanding the strengths and limitations of each material comes in. At RST Brands, we don’t just follow design trends—we engineer collections that combine performance, elegance, and comfort for the way people live outdoors.
Why Material Matters in Outdoor Furniture
When shopping for outdoor furniture, material selection isn’t just about looks. It plays a major role in how long your furniture will last, how easy it is to care for, and how well it complements your lifestyle. High-quality outdoor furniture should be:
- Durable through seasonal weather changes
- Comfortable and breathable
- Resistant to UV damage and fading
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Lightweight yet strong
- Designed for timeless visual appeal
We choose materials based on their long-term performance, not short-term savings. That’s why every piece in our collections is crafted with quality, climate-ready components that hold up beautifully year after year.
This comparison table provides a side-by-side look at some of the most popular materials used in outdoor furniture—resin wicker, wood, sling, and powder-coated aluminum. Each material is scored across key performance categories like weather resistance, durability, comfort, maintenance, and cost, giving shoppers a clearer understanding of how each option performs in real-world conditions.
Whether you're looking for something lightweight and low-maintenance or a material with timeless style and strength, this chart is a useful tool for making an informed decision that aligns with your outdoor lifestyle.
Wicker: Classic Texture with Modern Durability
Wicker outdoor furniture brings a woven warmth to patios and outdoor lounges, blending traditional style with contemporary performance. Our resin wicker is specially engineered to resist moisture, cracking, and UV fading.
One of our most popular examples is the Deco 8 Piece Sunbrella® Outdoor Sofa & Motion Club Chair Set. This set features weather-resistant resin wicker woven over sturdy aluminum frames. Paired with plush Sunbrella® cushions, it creates a space that feels inviting and lasts through every season. Wicker furniture works especially well in covered or semi-covered outdoor areas, offering a timeless look with easy upkeep.
Wood: Natural Beauty with Rugged Strength
If you're after an organic feel, wood patio furniture offers unmatched warmth and elegance. Not all woods are created equal though—some need far more maintenance than others. That’s why we focus on durable hardwoods like acacia and eucalyptus.
Acacia wood is dense, naturally water-resistant, and stands up to the elements with minimal upkeep. Our Benson 8 Piece Sofa & Club Chair Set pairs acacia frames with fade-resistant cushions for a bright, beachy feel that lasts.
Eucalyptus wood is another great option—naturally rich in oils that fend off moisture and pests. The Vaughn 5 Piece Outdoor Seating Set captures that balance of durability and rustic charm, making it a top pick for year-round patios.
Sling: Sleek, Streamlined, and Supportive
Sling furniture offers a minimalist silhouette and breezy support, making it a favorite for modern patios and poolside lounging. The strength lies in its fabric—typically woven from synthetic threads like Textilene—which resists fading, mildew, and sagging.
Our Portofino® Sling 9 Piece Sunbrella® Outdoor Dining Set showcases the clean-lined appeal of sling furniture with unmatched comfort. The lightweight frames are easy to move and stack, while the durable seating surfaces offer hours of comfort without cushions.
Aluminum: Lightweight Strength with Modern Edge
Few materials strike the same balance of strength and style as powder-coated aluminum. It doesn’t rust, holds up in any climate, and requires virtually no maintenance. That makes it a go-to material for contemporary outdoor design.
The Pluma 4 Piece Sunbrella® Outdoor Patio Seating Set is a standout example, blending sleek aluminum frames with sintered stone surfaces and plush cushions. Powder coating protects against corrosion while delivering a smooth finish in a variety of colors. For those looking to create a crisp, clean outdoor look, aluminum sets are hard to beat.
What to Avoid in Outdoor Furniture Materials
While there are plenty of good choices out there, some materials are best left on the shelf. When durability and value matter, we recommend avoiding:
- Bare steel or iron: These metals are heavy and prone to rust if not sealed and maintained.
- Unsealed wood: Softer woods without protective coatings absorb moisture and warp quickly.
- PVC wicker: It may look good at first, but it tends to crack and unravel with sun exposure.
- Basic plastic: Flimsy and prone to fading, plastic furniture often lacks the strength needed for long-term outdoor use.
Choosing the right materials can mean the difference between a one-season setup and a backyard that brings joy year after year.
Why RST Brands Chooses Better Materials
At RST Brands, we're selective about every material that goes into our designs. We don’t cut corners with coatings or fabrics. We test everything against the real-world conditions our customers live in—from desert heat to coastal humidity.
- Our resin wicker is hand-wrapped over rust-resistant aluminum frames.
- Our powder-coated aluminum finishes are scratch-resistant and sleek.
- Our acacia and eucalyptus wood sets are selected for density, grain consistency, and weather performance.
- Our Textilene sling designs offer breathable, fast-drying support.
And it doesn’t stop there. From colorfast threads to easy-clean surfaces, every detail is chosen for long-term value, timeless appeal, and an elevated outdoor experience.
Shop Smart, Stay Comfortable
Selecting the right outdoor furniture material means more than just matching your style. It’s about choosing furniture that fits how and where you use your space. Whether you're entertaining large groups or enjoying quiet moments outside, durable materials like aluminum, wood, resin wicker, and sling let you create lasting comfort.
We design each collection to meet high expectations for beauty, ease, and performance. So when you’re ready to upgrade your patio, explore our full range of materials and sets by visiting our outdoor furniture collections today.
Related Questions
What is the most weather-resistant outdoor furniture material?
Powder-coated aluminum and resin wicker are extremely weather-resistant, making them ideal for rainy, sunny, or coastal climates.
Which wood lasts the longest outside?
Hardwoods like acacia and eucalyptus are dense, naturally water-resistant, and perform well with minimal maintenance.
Is sling furniture comfortable without cushions?
Yes, high-quality Textilene sling provides firm yet flexible support that conforms to the body and dries quickly without extra padding.
How do I maintain outdoor furniture materials?
Use mild soap and water for regular cleaning, cover or store during extreme weather, and check periodically for signs of wear or fading.
