When investing in outdoor furniture for your backyard, you want pieces that will stand the test of time. The best materials for outdoor furniture are sturdy, durable, and weather-resistant. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you choose.
At RST Brands, we understand that outdoor furniture should enhance your outdoor living space while enduring the elements year after year. Choosing the right materials is crucial for ensuring your investment lasts. From acacia to synthetic resin wicker, our collections are crafted from high-quality materials that stand up to sun, rain, wind, and temperature changes without compromising comfort or style.
Durable Outdoor Furniture Materials
Most outdoor furniture has a structural element paired with a cushioning or covering element for added comfort and convenience. Let's explore the best structural materials that can withstand rust, mold, and weathering, along with long-lasting outdoor furniture fabrics that resist fading, tearing, and molding.
Structural Materials for Outdoor Furniture
Investing in outdoor furniture is all about finding pieces that can withstand the elements while still looking fantastic. Choosing the right structural materials is crucial for durability and longevity. Here’s a closer look at the best materials—wicker, wood, aluminum, mixed, and sling—and how they can enhance your outdoor oasis.
Wicker Outdoor Furniture
Wicker furniture, particularly the synthetic resin variety, combines timeless design with modern resilience. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) synthetic wicker is far more durable than cheaper PVC alternatives. It’s a perfect choice for those seeking elegance that lasts.
Synthetic resin wicker offers longevity—it can last for many years without losing shape or cracking. Its UV resistance allows it to resist fading and cracking even under intense sunlight, while temperature resistance ensures it withstands high heat and freezing cold without deteriorating.
Our Deco Collection combines HDPE wicker with powder-coated aluminum frames for a sophisticated, durable finish that will elevate your outdoor living space.
Wood Outdoor Furniture
Wooden outdoor furniture adds natural beauty and warmth to your backyard. Three wood types stand out for their outdoor durability—acacia, and eucalyptus.
Acacia:
Acacia provides affordability—it's more budget-friendly compared to teak while still offering good durability. Its natural water resistance makes it ideal for outdoor settings. Additionally, acacia offers unique grain patterns that add a distinctive aesthetic.
Eucalyptus:
Eucalyptus is often sourced from sustainable plantations, making it an eco-friendly option. Its natural oils resist moisture, decay, and insect attacks. It's also more affordable than teak while providing similar durability.
Our Benson Collection features acacia frames that enhance your outdoor setting with timeless elegance, while the Eucalyptus pieces in our collections add natural warmth to any backyard setup.
Powder-Coated Aluminum
Powder-coated aluminum furniture combines lightweight durability with a sleek, modern look. By applying a dry, powdered paint to aluminum, this material becomes rust-free, abrasion-resistant, and highly versatile.
Powder-coated aluminum offers excellent corrosion resistance by preventing oxidation and rust. Its color versatility provides aesthetic appeal with various options, while abrasion resistance ensures it withstands scratches and chipping.
The Portofino Collection exemplifies this durability and style, featuring powder-coated aluminum frames that stand up to weather while maintaining their color and finish.
Mixed (Powder-Coated Aluminum & Wicker)
For those who love mixing materials, combining the strength of powder-coated aluminum with the aesthetic appeal of HDPE wicker provides the best of both worlds. This pairing is stylish and highly durable.
Powder-coated aluminum offers strength and stability, while HDPE wicker provides an elegant, natural look. The combination withstands all-weather conditions without fading or rusting.
The Deco Collection blends powder-coated aluminum frames with HDPE wicker for a durable yet stylish outdoor furniture option that complements any backyard design.
Sling Fabric
Sling fabric furniture is lightweight, breathable, and perfect for those hot summer days. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or relaxing on your patio, sling fabric provides comfort and durability.
Sling fabric allows air to circulate, keeping you cool. It's durable, resisting tearing, fading, and mildew, and is low maintenance, easy to clean with just soap and water.
Our Vistano Collection features breathable sling fabric, providing comfort and style for your outdoor living space.
Explore RST Brands Collections
At RST Brands, we offer a curated selection of high-quality outdoor furniture made from durable materials like wicker, wood, aluminum, and sling fabric. Visit us today to explore our collections and create an outdoor oasis that will stand the test of time!
Long-Lasting Outdoor Furniture Fabrics
Selecting the right fabrics is crucial for ensuring your outdoor furniture is as comfortable as it is durable. Here are some top-performing fabrics for outdoor furniture.
Sunbrella Fabric
Sunbrella is a leading brand known for its UV protection and weather-resistant qualities. It's the preferred option for outdoor cushions and covers because of its UV resistance, ensuring that the fabric won’t fade under bright sunlight. It also dries quickly after rain or washing, offering quick-dry convenience. The fabric is easy to maintain, needing just mild soap and water for cleaning, and is engineered to resist mold and mildew.
You'll find Sunbrella fabric in many of our collections, including Deco, Portofino, and Vistano, offering versatile color options that blend seamlessly with any outdoor decor.
Polyester Fabric
Polyester is a luxurious fabric choice that’s soft and flexible. It mimics indoor fabrics while offering weather resistance and a beautiful aesthetic for outdoor chairs and couches. This fabric provides a luxurious feel and movement similar to indoor fabrics while standing up to harsh weather and maintaining its color. It's also available in a range of colors and patterns, providing a versatile aesthetic.
Our Portofino Collection features polyester cushions that add a touch of luxury to your outdoor living space.
Cleaning and Protecting Your Outdoor Furniture
Though the materials mentioned above are generally low-maintenance, regular care will ensure your outdoor furniture remains in peak condition for years. Here are some tips:
- Close patio umbrellas: When not in use, to prevent wind damage.
- Rinse regularly: Use a garden hose to rinse down furniture weekly. For grime buildup, apply a mild cleaner or soap.
- Apply fabric spray guards: Prevent future buildup and restore water repellency.
- Use furniture covers: To prolong the life of your outdoor pieces, opt for covers that include:
- UV protection
- Hook and loop straps
- Heavy-duty zippers
Enjoy Outdoor Living for Years to Come
By selecting the right materials and providing proper care, your outdoor furniture will remain functional and beautiful for years. At RST Brands, we offer a curated selection of cast aluminum, synthetic resin wicker, and other top-quality materials to help you create an outdoor oasis you'll love. Visit us online today to explore our outdoor collections and start creating memories with family and friends!
Related Questions
What type of outdoor furniture lasts the longest?
Wood and aluminum are some of the longest-lasting materials. Certain woods can last over 50 years, while cast aluminum is rust-resistant and durable.
How do I maintain acacia furniture?
Clean acacia with mild soap and water. To maintain color, apply acacia oil or a sealant annually. Otherwise, let it naturally age to a silver-gray patina.
Can outdoor cushions be left outside?
While Sunbrella and other outdoor fabrics are weather-resistant, it’s best to store or cover cushions during harsh weather to prolong their life.
How can I prevent outdoor furniture from rusting?
Choose rust-resistant materials like cast aluminum, synthetic resin wicker, or powder-coated aluminum. Regular cleaning and applying protective coatings can also help prevent rust.
