FT NEWS

Furniture for outdoor areas such as the patio, open terrace or lawn should not only have good resistance to external weather conditions throughout the year but should also be easy to maintain. Additionally, factors like comfort, climate, durability, budget and aesthetics play a key role in deciding the most suitable material for this space. Each material has its own strengths and weaknesses, our outdoor furniture materials guide will help you decide which can work best for your space.

1. Wood
Nothing beats the natural beauty of wood; it brings in an element of warmth and richness, and blends with the natural surroundings of the outdoors. Different types of wood, such as teak, pine and eucalyptus, are suitable as outdoor patio furniture materials, because they are sturdy and resistant to warping.

However, wooden furniture requires frequent maintenance and needs to be sealed periodically to protect it from the elements.

2. Wrought iron and cast iron
For an ornamental look, opt for wrought iron or cast iron furniture; it can infuse a whole new depth to the space. This is durable outdoor furniture material, but a bit expensive.

A drawback of this material is that iron is susceptible to rust and corrosion, especially in coastal areas because of the presence of moisture and salt-laden air. It is important to powder-coat wrought iron and cast iron furniture so as to make it rust-resistant.

3. Aluminium
Cast aluminium is a smart outdoor furniture material option as it imparts a modern look to the outdoors. This is lightweight, durable, affordable, easy to maintain and does not rust easily, but may become hot when exposed to sunlight.

Make sure to powder-coat the aluminium with a UV-resistant finish that will work as a protective coating.

4. Steel
Steel brings in an element of lightness and imparts a contemporary look. This material is on the expensive side, is long-lasting, sturdy, heavy-duty and nor does it dent or scratch easily. The main drawback of steel is that it becomes very hot when exposed to the sun and very cold during winters

5. Wicker and rattan
Wicker and rattan are popular plant-based materials for garden furniture. They are budget-friendly, lightweight, flexible, comfortable and give a very rustic look to the outdoor setting. Note that wicker and rattan may not be as durable as other outdoor furniture materials.

6. Plastic resin
How about bringing in a colourful look to your balcony? Consider man-made synthetic materials such as plastic resin to achieve a playful look, just as in this image.

This material is light in weight, stain-resistant, UV-resistant, maintenance-free and resistant to mould or mildew. It is affordable, can be stacked and can easily be moulded into any shape or size. Plastic resin can be made to replicate wood, wicker and so on, but the material is not as durable as steel, aluminium or iron furniture.