Are you looking for garden furniture that can stay outside all year round without being damaged by rain, sun or frost? Then it's important to know which materials are truly weather-resistant. In this blog, we've listed the best options for you.
Comparing materials: which garden furniture is most weather-resistant?
| Material | Weather resistance | Maintenance | Price range | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminium | Very good | Low | €€ | Modern, lightweight and low-maintenance |
| Teak | Good (weathers naturally) | Moderate | €€€ | Warm, natural look |
| Plastic | Very good | Very low | €€ | Practical, many styles and colours |
| Stainless steel | Good (watch salt/chlorine) | Moderate | €€€ | Sleek and luxurious by pools or patios |
| Outdoor textiles | Good | Low | €–€€ | Comfortable lounge sets with cushions |
| Granite | Excellent | Very low | €€€ | Robust, luxury garden tables |
| Rope | Very good | Low | €€–€€€ | Colourfast, trendy chairs |
| Wicker | Very good | Low | €€ | Timeless, classic look |
Aluminium garden furniture: lightweight and rust-free
Aluminium garden furniture is an excellent choice if you're looking for low-maintenance and weather-resistant furniture. The material doesn't rust and is lightweight, making it easy to move around. Additionally, aluminium is often provided with a powder coating that offers extra protection against the elements.
Benefits:
- Rust-free and low-maintenance
- Lightweight and strong
- Sleek and modern appearance
Maintenance:
Wiping down with soapy water and a soft cloth is enough to keep aluminium garden furniture clean and looking good.
Condor Lounge Bench 150cm (Aluminium/Teak)
Check out the full Apple Bee range or all lounge sets.
Teak garden furniture: natural and sustainable
Teak is one of the most sustainable types of wood for outdoor use. It naturally contains oils that protect the wood against moisture and mould. Over time, teak weathers to a beautiful, natural appearance. If you want to retain the original colour, you can treat the wood with teak oil.
Benefits:
- Extremely durable and strong
- Weather-resistant due to natural oils
- Warm and natural appearance
Maintenance:
Clean regularly with a soft brush and water. To maintain the original colour, teak oil can be used.
Condor Lounge Coffee Table Ø74cm (Natural Teak)
Check out the full Apple Bee range or all garden tables.
Plastic garden furniture: low-maintenance and versatile
Modern plastic garden furniture has improved in quality and can withstand various weather conditions well. Materials such as polypropylene and polyethylene are UV- and water-resistant, so they won't discolour or become brittle. Plastic furniture in wicker-style is particularly popular because of its stylish appearance and long lifespan.
Benefits:
- Weather-resistant and maintenance-free
- Lightweight and easy to move
- Available in a variety of colours and styles
Maintenance:
Wipe with a damp cloth or rinse with water and mild soap.
Curious about which garden furniture is rain-resistant? Then read this article!
Detroit Garden Bench (Aluminium/Polywood)
Check out the full Garden Impressions range or all garden benches.
Stainless steel garden furniture: stylish and robust
Stainless steel is a strong and durable choice for garden furniture. This material is resistant to rust and has a modern appearance. However, stainless steel can get stains from salt and chlorine, so in coastal areas or near swimming pools, extra maintenance is needed.
Benefits:
- Extremely strong and durable
- Resistant to rust and corrosion
- Luxurious and modern appearance
Maintenance:
Clean occasionally with a special stainless steel cleaner to prevent stains.
Garden furniture with outdoor textiles: comfortable and water-repellent
For a lounge set with cushions, it's important that the upholstery is water-repellent and UV-resistant. Outdoor textiles such as Olefin or Sunbrella are specially designed to withstand rain and sun without the fabric discolouring or developing mould.
Benefits:
- Soft and comfortable
- Water- and stain-repellent
- UV-resistant
Maintenance:
Beat regularly and clean with water and mild soap.
Granite garden furniture: robust and low-maintenance
Granite is a popular material for garden tables. This robust natural stone is excellent for outdoor use and can easily withstand all weather conditions. Whether it rains, snows or the sun is shining brightly, a granite table will always look beautiful.
Benefits:
- Very robust and weather-resistant
- Barely any maintenance needed
- Luxurious, natural appearance
Maintenance:
A simple wipe with a cloth is enough to dry the table and make it ready for use.
Rope garden furniture: colourfast and weather-resistant
Rope is a trendy synthetic material that you often see in garden chairs. It's coloured throughout, so it doesn't lose its vibrant shades, even in bright sunlight.
Benefits:
- Water- and dirt-repellent
- Colourfast, even in bright sunlight
- Low-maintenance
Maintenance:
With a little maintenance, you can safely leave your rope furniture outside all year round. Curious how to best maintain your garden furniture? Then read our article: how to maintain rope/twine garden furniture.
Check out the full Garden Impressions range or all garden chairs.
Wicker garden furniture: timeless and low-maintenance
Wicker is a classic in the world of garden furniture and is widely used for both tables and chairs. It's coloured throughout, meaning it retains its fresh appearance even after many sun-filled days.
Benefits:
- Low-maintenance
- Colourfast
- Timeless appearance
Maintenance:
Curious how to best maintain wicker garden furniture? Check out our comprehensive article here: how to maintain wicker garden furniture.
Bali Lounge Dining Set 4-Piece (Grey Wicker)
Check out the full Garden Impressions range or all lounge sets.
Which garden furniture will you choose?
Want to enjoy your garden worry-free without having to put away your furniture all the time? Then choose weather-resistant materials such as aluminium, teak, plastic or stainless steel. This way you're guaranteed garden furniture that lasts a long time and can withstand various weather conditions.
Curious about which garden furniture brands we recommend? Check out our article here.
Also read: Which garden furniture is rain-resistant? and Which garden set can stay outside
