5 Outdoor Furniture Materials Designers Say Actually Hold up Over Time
There's nothing quite like sitting outside on a patio, porch or deck in the summer whether enjoying a BBQ with friends or reading a good book by yourself. That said, you might not have enough storage space to protect your outdoor furniture year-round, so you'll want to invest in furniture that can actually hold up over time.
You'll want your outdoor furniture to be able to withstand the natural elements, including rain, hot sun, snow and so on. High-quality furniture shouldn't deteriorate simply because of the weather, especially if you've spent a lot of money on it.
"Using good-quality, weather-resistant materials from the start often means that the cost of replacement will be lower and that the structures will last longer in the long term," says Nancy Dow, an interior designer at Sierra Living Concepts. "Also, I would recommend using materials that are durable for furniture that is used outside, as the materials must be resistant to temperature change, moisture, and UV rays and hold up long-term.
With that in mind, we spoke with two interior designers about outdoor materials that actually hold up over time. Spoiler alert: Sunbrella is popular for a reason among interior designers and outdoor enthusiasts.
1. Teak Wood
According to Brittney Blanton, a luxury interior designer and founder of B. Blanton Design, teak wood is one of few outdoor materials that actually holds up over time. "Teak wood weathers beautifully over time and adds an organic and natural feel to the space," she tells Dengarden.
Additionally, Dow says that teak is naturally moisture, rot and insect resistant because of its dense grain and natural oils, making it a top contender for outdoor furniture, especially lounge chairs, sofas and coffee tables.
2. Powder-Coated Aluminum
As opposed to traditional aluminum that is typically applied as liquid paint, powder-coated aluminum is applied as a dry powder. "This material is lightweight, rust-resistant and very durable, especially for outdoor furniture in humid or coastal climates," says Blanton. "The powder coating protects against fading and corrosion."
Think of it as a shield from the elements whether that's snow, rain, wind and sunlight. You'll often find powder coated aluminum in the frames of sofas, tables and even umbrellas in some cases.
3. High-Density Polyethylene
If you're concerned about your outdoor furniture cracking or peeling due to harsh weather conditions, then you'll want to look for pieces made from high-density polyethylene. "This type of wicker is made from synthetic materials and can withstand harsh weather conditions," says Dow. "You'll often find it in outdoor sectionals, lounge chairs and conversation sets."
High-density polyethylene typically only needs an occasional wipe-down or power wash, making it easier to maintain and often fade-resistant as well.
4. Sunbrella Fabric
Unless you live under a rock, you've probably seen or heard about Sunbrella at some point. Perhaps, you already even have Sunbrella fabric in your backyard, since it is arguably the most well-known brand for outdoor fabrics. "The solution-dyed acrylic is resistant to fading and mildew, plus there are a variety of colors and patterns to choose from. making it a go-to choice for many homeowners," says Blanton.
Dow adds that Sunbrella is easy to clean and will not stain or absorb moisture, which makes it the perfect material for outdoor seating cushions, umbrellas and upholstered patio furniture. The umbrellas are also easy to fold and store away during bad weather.
5. Concrete
Concrete might not be the first material that comes to mind when thinking about outdoor furniture, however, it is actually quite durable and ideal for variable outdoor weather conditions. "Concrete is durable, weather-resistant and the perfect choice for outdoor benches or tables that are a statement piece," says Dow. "You'll usually find concrete in fire tables, coffee tables and sculptural outdoor furniture."
Most of these outdoor furniture pieces and materials are widely available online at major retailers or at local furniture stores, according to Blanton. "A favorite hack of mine is to look for vintage outdoor furniture made of teak or powder coated aluminum for unique designs."
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This story was originally published June 11, 2026 at 7:45 AM.