Comparing Patio Furniture Materials: Which is Best? (With Comparison Chart)
Ah patio furniture, the staple every patio needs to let you feel comfortable and relaxed outdoors. But, if you’re new to the outdoor living game, you might not know where to start. There are plenty of materials and styles to choose from. If you’re on the lookout for some new outdoor gear, our patio furniture material comparison chart can help you choose between the best options available.
What is the best material for outdoor furniture?
When deciding which outdoor furniture you want to purchase, look for many of the same characteristics you want in your indoor chairs, tables and sofas, etc. Think about durability, comfort and style, to name a few.
However, with your outdoor furniture, you also have to think about climate conditions like snow, rain and high heat. Outdoor furniture needs to retain its structural integrity and appearance through the seasons and a variety of (sometimes extreme) weather conditions.
No material is 100% weatherproof, but depending on the material used, there are some good options out there that can do an excellent job.
Check out our materials comparison chart below to get a better idea of the various outdoor furniture materials and how they stack up against one another.
How do I choose the best patio furniture materials?
Before deciding on a material, it’s important for you to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the various options, and how well they align with what you want. Consider your overall budget, environment, priorities, and your personal preferences. The ‘best’ material will be the option that meets your specific needs.
You can look at how easy a material will be to maintain if you want fuss-free furniture. Or look at how lightweight each material is if you like to rearrange your outdoor space often. Our comprehensive material comparison chart below will help you find what works best for you!
Patio Furniture Material Comparison Chart
Below, we’ve constructed a comparison chart of different patio furniture materials so you can determine which ticks the boxes you’re looking for. We check off if a material is all-weather, water-resistant, rust-resistant, fade-resistant and more.
Take a look and see which one works for your style, budget and weather-related needs:
| Upholstered | Plastic | Wicker | Aluminium | Teak | Stainless Steel | Sling | |
| All-Weather Material | X | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Water Resistant | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rust Resistant | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Fade Resistant | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wind Resistant | ✓ | X | X | X | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Easy to Rearrange | X | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | X | ✓ |
| Aesthetically Pleasing | *** | * | *** | ** | *** | ** | *** |
| Durability
|
** | ** | ** | *** | *** | *** | *** |
| Comfortable
|
*** | * | *** | ** | ** | ** | ** |
| Maintenance
|
** | * | ** | ** | * | ** | ** |
| Price
|
High | Low | Med | Low | High | Med | High |
Whatever your needs are, rest assured that there is a great fit out there for you when it comes to outdoor furniture options. Also, consider your brand options. Do your research and go with a name you can trust.
Find the Perfect Patio Furniture at Oakville Home Leisure
At Oakville Home Leisure, we are proud to carry a wide range of patio furniture collections, including budget-friendly options and ultra-high-end products. Our showroom offers the best look at what we have to offer, so consider stopping by! Alternatively, we can ship across Canada, and our online sales team is ready to answer any of your questions.
Contact Oakville Home Leisure for high-quality outdoor furniture in a huge range of colours and designs. We have an option that is perfect for the space you’re trying to cultivate.
OUTDOOR LIVING REDEFINED.