Which Outdoor Furniture Material Is Right for You?

Choosing the right outdoor furniture material depends on how you use your space, your maintenance preferences, and the look you’re drawn to. Below is a practical overview of the most common outdoor furniture materials we carry—so you can choose with confidence.

Poly Outdoor Furniture

Best for:
Four-season durability, minimal maintenance, consistent color
Poly furniture is made from high-density recycled plastics engineered for outdoor use. It will not crack, rot, splinter, or peel, and it performs exceptionally well in harsh climates with snow, rain, and sun.

  • Extremely low maintenance—clean with soap and water
  • Color runs through the material and resists fading
  • Made using recycled materials, including landfill- and ocean-bound plastics
  • Ideal for customers who want “set it and forget it” outdoor furniture

Choose poly if you want long-term durability with the least amount of upkeep.

Teak Outdoor Furniture

Best for:
Natural wood beauty, longevity, premium feel
Teak is a dense hardwood with a naturally high oil content that helps it resist moisture and decay. Over time, teak naturally weathers from a warm golden tone to a silver-gray patina—this is normal and does not affect strength.

Is teak sustainable?
Teak can be sustainable, but sourcing matters. A major concern in the teak industry is deforestation tied to poorly regulated harvesting in some regions. Responsibly sourced teak comes from managed plantations, not clear-cut forests.

Plantation-grown Indonesian teak is one of the most regulated sources in the world. These plantations are planned decades in advance, harvested on long cycles (often 60 years), and replanted continuously—supporting long-term forest use, local employment, and ecosystem stability. When teak is responsibly sourced and verified, it can be part of a renewable, closed-loop system.

Maintenance expectations

  • Teak can be left untreated to weather naturally
  • Clean occasionally with mild soap and water
  • Products like teak protectors or sealers can be used if you prefer to maintain the original color
  • Cushions may need to be kept dry early on due to natural oil release during initial weathering

Choose teak if you love real wood, accept natural aging, and appreciate long-term craftsmanship.

All-Weather Wicker Outdoor Furniture

Best for:
Casual comfort, woven texture, lounge-style seating

All-weather wicker is a synthetic woven material designed to look like natural wicker while offering improved durability outdoors. It’s commonly paired with aluminum frames for strength and stability.

  • Softer, more relaxed aesthetic
  • Performs well outdoors with basic care
  • Benefits from seasonal cleaning and winter storage in harsher climates

Choose wicker if you want a cozy, woven look and are comfortable with light seasonal care.

Sling Outdoor Furniture

Best for:
Breathability, quick-dry seating, warm climates

Sling furniture uses tensioned performance fabric instead of cushions, making it lightweight, breathable, and fast-drying. It’s a popular choice for poolside and high-heat environments.

  • Cool and supportive seating
  • Minimal upkeep and no cushions required
  • Performs well in heat and sun
  • Best stored in winter to extend fabric life

Choose sling if you want easy-care seating that stays cool and dries quickly.

Aluminum Outdoor Furniture

Best for:
Lightweight strength, modern styling, rust resistance

Powder-coated aluminum is naturally rust-resistant and well suited for outdoor use in wet or humid environments. It’s often paired with cushions, sling seating, or woven accents.

  • Lightweight and easy to move
  • Durable and corrosion-resistant
  • Low maintenance with simple cleaning

Choose aluminum if you want flexibility, durability, and a clean, modern look.

Cushions & Performance Fabrics (Across Materials)

Outdoor cushions and fabrics are designed for weather exposure, but longevity improves with basic care:

  • Brush off debris regularly
  • Clean spills promptly with mild soap and water
  • Allow cushions to drain and fully air-dry after heavy rain
  • Winter storage helps extend fabric life, especially in colder climates

Still Not Sure?

Many customers mix materials across their space—poly dining sets, teak accents, aluminum loungers, or wicker conversation seating. Visiting the showroom and seeing materials side by side often makes the decision clear.