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Outdoor Furniture Materials Guide: Teak, Acacia, Steel, Wicker and Poly

· 3 min read

4-Piece Acacia Patio Conversation Set

Outdoor furniture lives in sun, rain, wind and temperature swings. The material decides how it ages, how much care it needs and whether you can leave it out all year. Here's a plain-English comparison of the materials you'll see most, including the ones in our shop.

The short version

Material Care level Leave out year-round? Good to know
Teak Low Yes Weathers to silver-gray unless oiled
Acacia Medium Cover or store in wet winters Oil at the start of each season
Other solid woods (eucalyptus, poplar) Medium Cover or store in wet weather Seal each season, keep feet dry
Powder-coated steel Low to medium Yes, with touch-ups Strong and affordable; chips can rust
Aluminum Low Yes Won't rust, light to move
All-weather resin wicker Low Frame yes, cushions no Bring cushions in when it rains
Poly lumber (HDPE) Very low Yes Won't rot, splinter or need paint

Wood

Teak

Teak has natural oils that help it resist water and rot. Left alone it turns a soft silver-gray. Wash it with mild soap and water a few times a season, and use teak oil or sealer if you'd rather keep the honey color.

Acacia

Acacia is a dense hardwood with a warm color and a lower price than teak, but it needs more care. Oil it at the start of each season, keep the feet out of standing water, and cover or store it during wet winters. Our 4-piece acacia conversation set and 3-piece acacia chair set are good examples.

Eucalyptus, poplar and other solid woods

These give you the look of wood at a friendlier price. Treat them like acacia: seal each season and keep them dry underneath.

Metal

Powder-coated steel

Steel is strong and stable in wind, which makes it a solid choice for balconies. The powder coat protects it. If it chips, touch it up with matching paint so rust can't start, and wipe it dry after storms.

Aluminum

Aluminum doesn't rust and stays light, so it's easy to move around. That lightness is also why aluminum umbrella frames need a proper weighted base. Wash with mild soap; no sealing needed.

Resin wicker

All-weather resin wicker looks like natural rattan but is woven from synthetic fiber over a metal frame, so it handles sun and rain. Hose it down, let it dry fully, and bring the cushions inside when it rains. Natural willow wicker, used for picnic baskets, is different: keep it dry and store it indoors.

Poly lumber

Poly lumber (HDPE) is made from recycled plastic formed into boards. It won't rot, splinter or need painting, and it can stay outside year-round. Clean it with soap and water. Our poly Adirondack chair is made from it.

Cushions and fabric

Even "outdoor" cushions last longer if they come in when it rains or when you're away. Spot clean with mild soap and cold water, and let everything dry fully before storing it to prevent mildew.

How to choose

  • Want zero upkeep? Poly lumber, aluminum or resin wicker.
  • Windy, high balcony? Heavier steel or wood stays put.
  • Love the look of wood but not the price of teak? Acacia, with a seasonal oiling.
  • Nowhere to store things in winter? Skip untreated softwoods and plan on a cover.

Every product page in our shop lists the material and its care. If you're unsure which will suit your space and climate, email support@picnicsandpatios.com.

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Small Patio Furniture Sets

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