When buying outdoor furniture, it’s easy to focus on style or price—but the material matters far more than most people realize. It’s what determines how your furniture holds up where you live—whether that’s dry heat, coastal humidity, or snowy winters. It also affects how much upkeep you’ll need to do, how long your furniture will last, and whether it fits your budget over time. In short, choosing the right material means choosing what works best for your climate, your lifestyle, and your priorities.
In this guide, we take a science-based look at the most common outdoor furniture materials—wood, metal, plastic/resin, and wicker. You’ll learn how each performs in different climates, what kind of maintenance it requires, and whether it’s worth the investment long term.
Whether you're a homeowner furnishing a backyard or a buyer sourcing for your retail line, this guide will help you make an informed, unbiased decision that fits your location and lifestyle.
Wood: Timeless and Durable (If Properly Cared For)
Wood is one of the most popular materials for outdoor furniture—and for good reason. It has a natural warmth and aesthetic appeal that plastic or metal often can’t match. But not all wood is equal. Hardwoods like acacia, eucalyptus, and teak are the top choices for outdoor use due to their density and natural oils, which help resist moisture and insect damage.
Teak: High-Performance, High-Cost
Natural oils protect against water, rot, and insects
Janka Hardness: ~1,155 lbf
Lifespan: Up to 50 years with care
Teak is the gold standard for all-weather furniture. Rich in natural oils and silica, it's highly resistant to moisture and UV damage. But it’s expensive and takes decades to mature, which is why many consumers now seek more sustainable alternatives.
Acacia: Dense, Fast-Growing, and Budget-Friendly
Janka Hardness: 1,700–2,200 lbf (stronger than teak and oak)
Harvest Time: 7–10 years (vs. 30+ for teak)
FSC-Certified Availability: Widely available from responsible plantations
Acacia is gaining ground in both North America and Europe for its excellent strength-to-cost ratio. Its hardness makes it scratch-resistant, and its fast growth cycle makes it sustainable. However, it's sensitive to extreme dryness or cold if not maintained.
The Manchester Extendable Dining Set made with 100% FSC Sustainable Acacia by Dai Phuc Hung Thinh Furniture
Eucalyptus: Affordable and Eco-Conscious
Janka Hardness: ~1,125–1,200 lbf
Harvest Time: 7–10 years (vs. 30+ for teak)
FSC-Certified Availability: Widely available from responsible plantations
Eucalyptus is a slightly softer hardwood than acacia but still highly durable. It’s naturally insect-repellent and has a beautiful reddish tone that weathers well. With FSC-certified sources across Vietnam and South America, it’s a popular choice for sustainable furniture.
What is FSC Certification?
You might wonder: Where does all this wood come from? And is it sustainable?
That’s where FSC certification comes in. FSC stands for the Forest Stewardship Council, an international organization that ensures wood products come from responsibly managed forests. That means:
Trees are replanted to maintain forest health
Harvesting is controlled to protect biodiversity and wildlife
Local communities and workers are treated fairly
At Dai Phuc Hung Thinh, all of our acacia and eucalyptus furniture is made from 100% FSC-certified wood. Because these trees grow to full harvestable size in just 7–10 years, they offer a faster, more sustainable cycle compared to teak—without compromising on strength or beauty.
Why Wood Turns Gray Over Time
Ever notice wooden furniture turning silver over the years? That’s due to UV exposure breaking down a compound in wood called lignin, which leads to graying. This process is purely cosmetic and doesn’t harm the structure—unless moisture begins to seep into untreated cracks. To keep your furniture looking rich and vibrant, apply a UV-blocking oil once or twice a year.
2. Metal: Durable and Clean-Lined—but Region Dependent
Metal outdoor furniture offers modern lines and structural strength—but each type comes with trade-offs.
Aluminum: Lightweight and Rust-Proof
Corrosion Resistance: Excellent, especially with powder coating
Ideal For: Coastal regions, balconies, areas with high humidity
Lifespan: 10–15 years
Aluminum is one of the most versatile materials used in outdoor furniture. It’s naturally rust-resistant, making it ideal for coastal climates and wet environments. Powder-coated aluminum comes in many colors and finishes, giving buyers a sleek, modern look without worrying about fading or corrosion. However, thin or uncoated aluminum may dent easily or become hot under direct sun.
Steel: Strong but Vulnerable
Weight: Heavier than aluminum
Downside: Prone to rust if not coated or galvanized
Best Use: Covered patios in dry regions
Steel offers exceptional strength and durability, especially for frames and structural components. However, it’s heavier than aluminum and prone to rust unless treated or powder-coated. Galvanized or stainless steel versions hold up better outdoors but usually come at a higher price point.
Wrought Iron: Classic and Durable—But Heavy
Longevity: Up to 50 years if maintained
Drawback: Susceptible to rust and hard to move
Use Case: Decorative patios with little rain
Wrought iron provides a traditional look with ornate designs. It’s best suited to buyers who prioritize aesthetics and don’t mind periodic touch-ups to prevent rust.
3. Resin and Plastic: Lightweight, Waterproof, and Varied in Quality
Plastic furniture has come a long way from its early disposable reputation. Modern resins like HDPE are durable, weather-resistant, and often made from recycled materials.
HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene): Best-in-Class Plastic
UV-Stable: Won’t fade or crack
Recyclable: Often made from post-consumer waste
Maintenance: Just hose it off
HDPE is a high-performance recycled plastic that’s engineered to look and feel like wood—but without the maintenance. It resists cracking, fading, mold, and insects, making it a favorite for poolside or high-humidity settings. Because it’s easy to clean and extremely durable, HDPE is widely used in family homes, patios, and commercial outdoor spaces.
Injection-Molded Plastic: Budget, Short-Term
Lifespan: 1–3 years
Downside: Can become brittle in extreme sun
These are the stackable chairs you often see at budget retailers. While functional, they are prone to brittleness, cracking, and fading—especially under UV. Best for occasional use or rentals—not recommended for long-term investment furniture.
4. Wicker: Textured Appeal with Synthetic Upgrades
Wicker evokes comfort and cottage charm—but true rattan wicker is not suitable for outdoor use unless it’s on a covered porch.
Synthetic Resin Wicker (PE Wicker)
Weatherproof? Yes, if made with UV-treated resin
Frame Pairing: Often woven around aluminum frames
Maintenance: Low; occasional cleaning
Synthetic wicker offers the classic look without the fragility of natural fibers. It's a smart choice for design-minded homeowners who want durable, cozy pieces for partially covered spaces. Cheap resin wicker can degrade after 1–2 seasons. Look for UV-treated, high-density polyethylene wicker for best results.
Maintenance Expectations by Material (At a Glance)
Final Thoughts
When it comes to outdoor furniture, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Choosing the best material means balancing climate, lifestyle, design preference, and long-term goals.
For no-maintenance setups, aluminum and HDPE are hard to beat.
For eco-conscious homeowners, FSC eucalyptus and acacia strike the right balance between beauty and sustainability.
And for luxurious, long-term investments, teak or powder-coated iron remain unmatched—if budget allows.
Who We Are
At Dai Phuc Hung Thinh Furniture, we specialize in FSC-certified acacia and eucalyptus outdoor furniture—proven materials that combine style, sustainability, and real-world performance. As a family-owned manufacturer since 2003, we’ve proudly supplied retailers across the world, including trusted names like JYSK and Segmuller.
🌿 All products made with responsibly sourced wood
📦 Flexible container programs and MOQ options
💬 Fast support and transparent manufacturing processes
Retailers: Contact us for a catalog or sourcing consultation at sales@daiphuchungthinh.com.vn
Consumers: Ask your favorite retailer if they carry Dai Phuc Hung Thinh garden furniture—crafted for real life, built to last.