When it comes to creating a comfortable, inviting outdoor space, choosing the right furniture materials is just as important as selecting the right design. Here on California’s Central Coast, we enjoy a beautiful mix of sunny days, salty breezes, and occasional moisture—conditions that can be tough on outdoor furniture if you’re not careful. The right materials will help your outdoor seating, dining sets, and loungers withstand the elements without fading, cracking, or warping.
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In this blog, we’re ranking the five best materials for outdoor furniture—wood, engineered wood, fabric, metal, and plastic—to help you find the right combination for your home. We’ll break down the pros and cons of each material, explain how they perform in coastal climates, and highlight which options pair best with specific outdoor fabrics. At Idler’s, we believe that well-chosen furniture can turn your outdoor space into a true extension of your home, so understanding your material options is the first step to getting there.
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Choosing the right outdoor furniture material is essential for homeowners along California’s Central Coast, where the climate can be both beautiful and punishing. From salty ocean air to high humidity and strong sun exposure, outdoor furniture is constantly exposed to environmental stressors that can lead to fading, warping, rusting, and general wear and tear. That’s why selecting durable, long-lasting materials is more than just a smart design choice—it’s a practical investment in furniture that will hold up season after season.
It’s important to understand that even the best outdoor furniture material fabric combinations won’t be completely maintenance-free. While high-quality wood, metal, or synthetic materials are designed to resist the elements, regular upkeep like cleaning, occasional refinishing, or using covers during storms is necessary to maximize longevity. Ignoring this can quickly lead to furniture that looks weathered and worn out well before its time, especially in areas like ours where salt and sun are ever-present.
The materials you choose should not only complement your home’s outdoor style but also reflect your willingness to maintain them. For instance, teak is incredibly resilient but still needs oiling to retain its golden hue, while aluminum resists rust but benefits from an occasional rinse. Likewise, outdoor-rated fabrics—like solution-dyed acrylics or olefins—offer fade and moisture resistance but should still be cleaned and protected periodically. Understanding how each outdoor furniture material fabric combination performs over time helps ensure your outdoor living space stays beautiful and functional no matter the season.
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5 Outdoor Furniture Materials Ranked
So, what is the best material for outdoor furniture? Between the salty ocean breeze, strong UV rays, morning fog, and occasional rain, your outdoor furniture needs to be tough, weather-resistant, and easy to care for. So, we’ve rounded up our top five outdoor patio furniture material options based on how they hold up in heat, resist stains, scratches, moisture, and general wear.
Wood Outdoor Furniture
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Wooden outdoor furniture has a timeless appeal and can be incredibly durable when properly cared for. Teak is the gold standard for outdoor furniture. It contains natural oils that resist water, insects, and rot, making it perfect for humid and salty environments like the Central Coast. Other options like eucalyptus and acacia are more affordable but require more maintenance and don't last quite as long.
The biggest issue with wood is the need for ongoing upkeep. Even teak, while weather-resistant, will develop a gray patina if not treated regularly. Wood also tends to absorb stains and scratches more easily than synthetic materials, so protective finishes are important. That said, when well-maintained, wood furniture can last for decades and offers unmatched warmth and charm.
Pros
Naturally strong and long-lasting
Beautiful, warm appearance
Eco-friendly options available
Cons
Requires regular maintenance (cleaning, oiling, sealing)
Susceptible to fading, cracking, and moisture if neglected
Can be heavy and expensive
➥Featured Wood Outdoor Furniture: Signature Design by Ashley® Gerianne 3-Piece Grayish Brown Outdoor Table Set
Shop this Signature Design by Ashley® Wood Outdoor Table Set
This cute table set ensures that there’s a spot to set down your drinks, snacks, or latest read. The eucalyptus wood is a durable and stylish choice that will hold up well in the California sun, especially since it’s treated with a five-step finishing process.
Engineered Wood Outdoor Furniture
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Engineered wood, often used in composite outdoor furniture, is a man-made material that combines wood fibers and synthetic resins. The result is outdoor wood furniture that mimics the look and feel of real wood while being more resistant to the elements. Brands like Polywood create weatherproof, fade-resistant, and low-maintenance furniture that stands up well to heat, moisture, and even salt air.
However, while engineered wood is much more durable than natural wood in many ways, it may lack the depth and grain variation that real wood offers. It can also be heavier than plastic or metal and may cost more up front.
Pros
Low maintenance compared to natural wood
Won’t rot, warp, or crack
Consistent look and feel
Cons
Not as visually warm or unique as real wood
Can be pricey
May scratch more easily than metal or HDPE plastics
➥Featured Engineered Wood Outdoor Furniture: Signature Design by Ashley® Beachcroft Beige Swivel Lounge Chair
Shop this Signature Design by Ashley® Engineered Wood Swivel Lounge Chair
Don’t you want to kick back in this swivel chair? It is a triple threat of durable materials, combining all-weather engineered wicker with a powder-coated, rust-proof aluminum frame and Nuvella fabric cushions.
Fabric Outdoor Furniture
Fabric is not typically used as a structural material in outdoor furniture, but it plays a key role in comfort and design. Its main jobs are to look pretty and remain unaffected by weather conditions.
Cushions, pillows, and sling chairs rely heavily on durable outdoor fabrics to withstand the elements. The best outdoor furniture fabric material options are solution-dyed acrylics and olefin, which are designed to resist UV fading, mildew, and water absorption.
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Solution-dyed acrylics, such as Sunbrella, are an excellent option. As high-quality outdoor furniture material fabric, they hold their color for years and offer excellent stain and mold resistance. Olefin is another strong performer. It’s moisture-wicking, dries quickly, and resists wear. Polyester is budget-friendly and pet-friendly, though this outdoor furniture material fabric choice is much less durable.
While outdoor fabrics have improved drastically, they still require care. Cushions should be covered or brought indoors during storms or long periods of rain to prevent waterlogging.
Pros
Comfortable and stylish
UV- and water-resistant (when made from high-performance materials)
Easy to clean with soap and water
Cons
Needs protection from heavy rain
Lower-quality fabrics fade or wear out quickly
May require seasonal storage or covers
➥Featured Fabric Outdoor Furniture: homestyles® Captiva 5-Piece Gray Dining Set
Shop this homestyles® Fabric Outdoor Dining Set
This five-piece dining set is perfect for springtime dinner parties. It features two swivel chairs and two arm chairs in a maintenance-free, lightweight aluminum frame. The weather-resistant polyester fabric is comfortable, durable, and much cooler than an all-aluminum chair, so you can enjoy, even on hot days.
Metal Outdoor Furniture
Metal is the most durable outdoor furniture material available, particularly when you choose rust-proof metals like aluminum or stainless steel. These metals are treated with special coatings to prevent corrosion and fading from UV exposure. Aluminum, in particular, is lightweight, won’t rust, and is often powder-coated for extra durability.
However, there’s one major downside: metal absorbs and retains heat. On hot days, metal furniture—especially darker finishes—can become scorching to the touch. You’ll likely need cushions or fabric slings to make seating comfortable in the summer months. Still, metal outdoor furniture wins overall for its low maintenance, structural strength, and longevity in coastal climates.
Pros
Extremely durable and weather-resistant
Rust-proof options like aluminum and stainless steel
Sturdy, traditional look
Cons
Can get hot in direct sun
Heavier metals like steel may be difficult to move
Higher price point for quality builds
➥Featured Metal Outdoor Furniture: homestyles® Grenada 5-Piece Charcoal Outdoor Dining Set
Shop this homestyles® Metal Outdoor Dining Set
This metal outdoor dining set calls to mind an outdoor cafe and bids you to sit down and stay for a while. The swivel chairs feature weather-resistant polyester cushions and a gentle rocking motion. The table and chairs are made of highly weather-resistant aluminum.
Plastic Outdoor Furniture
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Plastic and resin outdoor furniture has come a long way from the flimsy stackable chairs of the past. High-quality versions, like those made from HDPE, mimic the look of painted wood but offer superior weather resistance. They won’t rust, splinter, or rot, and they’re impervious to moisture, salt, and bugs. Many plastic pieces are even made from recycled materials, making them an eco-friendly option.
These materials are also lightweight and easy to move, but some cheaper plastic furniture can fade, warp, or crack after long-term UV exposure. Be sure to invest in quality brands with UV-inhibiting finishes to get the most value.
Pros
Waterproof and weather-resistant
Won’t rust, rot, or splinter
Lightweight and easy to clean
Available in many styles and colors
Cons
Some plastics fade or crack in prolonged heat
Can feel cheap depending on the quality
Lighter options may blow over in strong winds
➥Featured Plastic Outdoor Furniture: Signature Design by Ashley® Visola 2-Piece Gray Outdoor Conversation Set
Shop this Signature Design by Ashley® Plastic Outdoor Conversation Set
This plastic set is great for a small backyard patio or a poolside retreat. It’s made of a durable HDPE material and finished with a textured look. You’ll love relaxing in this Adirondack chair.
Where to Shop for Outdoor Furniture on the Central Coast
When it comes to finding quality outdoor fabric patio furniture that can stand up to the diverse Central Coast climate, Idler’s is your go-to destination. With showrooms located across San Luis Obispo County, we offer a wide selection of durable and stylish outdoor furniture material fabric combinations built to handle sun, salt air, and seasonal moisture. Whether you're furnishing a coastal patio in Morro Bay, a backyard in Atascadero, or a sunny deck in Paso Robles, our knowledgeable team is here to help you choose the best materials and styles for your space and lifestyle.
At Idler’s, we carry outdoor furniture made from top-performing materials like eucalyptus, aluminum, HDPE, and all-weather wicker, as well as outdoor cushions covered in trusted fabrics like Sunbrella. We carefully select each piece for durability, comfort, and design, so you can create an outdoor space that lasts for years without compromising on looks. Plus, our commitment to customer service and local expertise means we’re always ready to help you find just what you need, whether you’re shopping in-store or browsing online.
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Outdoor Furniture Material FAQ
Sunbrella is widely considered the best fabric for outdoor furniture thanks to its fade resistance, water-repellent qualities, and ability to withstand UV exposure. It’s also mold- and mildew-resistant, making it ideal for the Central Coast’s variable climate.
Teak wood is often ranked as the most durable outdoor furniture material due to its natural oils that resist rot, insects, and weather damage. HDPE plastic and powder-coated aluminum are also highly durable, low-maintenance options that perform well outdoors.
HDPE plastic and all-weather wicker stay relatively cool to the touch and don’t absorb heat as quickly as metal, making them ideal for hot weather. If you choose metal, look for lighter colors and cushioned seating to help mitigate surface heat.
If you're on California’s Central Coast, Idler’s is your best source for quality outdoor furniture. We offer a wide selection of durable styles and trusted materials at our local showrooms in Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, and beyond.
Why Trust Idler’s Home?
At Idler’s Home, we believe in providing the highest quality products and service to our community. Over the span of 70 years (and counting), our business has seen successful growth, with over 100 employees and five locations along the central coast of California. Not only do we offer major appliances, quality furniture, and the best mattresses but we also provide hot tubs and swim spas and perform kitchen design services. In addition, our trained professional installers can set up all appliances we sell while our factory-trained technicians service and repair them if they ever break down. Suffice it to say: Idler’s is dedicated to helping you make the vision you have for your home a reality.
Shop Outdoor Furniture at Idler’s
Envision the possibilities for your home and shop outdoor furniture online at Idler’s. Our friendly team is always happy to help you compare outdoor furniture materials and styles — whether you call us, email us, or use our online chat feature. Or better yet, stop by any of our five Central Coast locations to experience the quality of our products yourself. Visit us today!
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