Outdoor Patio Furniture Materials Guide

Pictured: Villa Bianca Dining Swivel Rocker

Buying new outdoor furniture? With so many choices available, it's hard to decide what to choose. This guide will help you decide what's best for your outdoor oasis.

Aluminum

Aluminum comes in 2 forms. Hollow/Extruded Aluminum, or Cast Aluminum (solid). Both can be finished in a variety of powder coating options.
Cast Aluminum is made through sand casting. The molten aluminum is poured into the sand mould to form the structure. The cast structures are completely solid, making them extremely strong and durable.
Extruded Aluminum is hollow, making it lighter weight than Cast Aluminum. The aluminum is forced through a 'die' and will come out in the shape of the mould. The tubes pushed through the die are hollow and then welded together to form each piece of furniture. Extrusions that include internal ribbing or reinforcements will result in the most durable, dent bend-proof extrusions.
Aluminum doesn't fade and requires minimal maintenance.

Pictured: Vianden 3-Piece Bistro Set

Poly Lumber & Polywood

The Weather-all® Poly Lumber Collection and POLYWOOD® Outdor Collection are both made from recyclable materials and offer amazing durability and warranty.
Perfect for the Cottage or deck, these items are low mainenance and stain resistant. Just wash and let dry.
Unlike wood and plastic composites, these items will not mold or mildew.
Available in a variety of colours that resist fading, extreme sunrays and harmful UV light.
Heavy weight, durable and designed to withstand the elements.

Pictured: Miami Sea Breeze Bar Table - White

Resin Wicker / Poly Rattan

Similarly styled and often confused. Rattan is a material, while wicker is a style of weave.
Poly Rattan is a synthetic material designed to have the strength and durability of the natural vine plant rattan, in an environmentally sustainable way.
Resin Wicker is the look of naturally woven material using a synthetic material, designed to withstand the outdoor elements.
Usually constructed on an aluminum frame for lightweight durability.
Often this furniture comes with cushions made of all-weather, fade resistant fabrics such as Sunbrella .

Pictured: Island Pebbles Patio Sectional & Cocktail Table

Teak Wood

All natural, exceptionally strong and durable. Teak furniture can last for decades when maintained properly.
Minimal Care Required, Wipe with damp cloth and use Teak Oil annually to sustain finish.
Teak has high levels of oil and wax in it, which can resist moisture extremely well.