How to Choose the Right Outdoor Furniture Materials for Your Climate

Challenges: High moisture, mold, mildew, and rust.

Best outdoor furniture materials:

• Powder-coated aluminum (rust-resistant and low maintenance)
• Marine-grade fabrics like Sunbrella® (mildew- and fade-resistant)
• High-density polyethylene (HDPE) lumber
• Quick-dry cushions
• Premium teak (naturally resistant to rot and moisture)

Avoid: Untreated wood, cheap steel, fabrics without performance backing.

Accessories to consider:

• Fade-resistant umbrellas for UV protection and shade
• Planters like that resist cracking and warping
• Outdoor rugs with quick-dry weaves

Care tip: Store cushions vertically when not in use to improve airflow.

Shop Tropical Comfort

Challenges: Intense sun, high heat, wide temperature swings, and dust.

Best outdoor furniture materials:

• Teak (resistant to cracking and warping)
• Stainless steel (with UV-stable finishes)
• Concrete (durable in dry climates)
• Powder-coated aluminum

Avoid: Plastics prone to warping, untreated woods.

Accessories to consider:

• UV-stable loungers and sunbeds
• Stainless steel outdoor kitchens and appliances
• Lighting and lanterns designed for hot, dry environments

Care tip: Use covers or provide shade during peak heat to minimize fading.

Shop Desert Modern
Read: The Best Outdoor Furniture for Dry, Desert Climates

Challenges: Salt air, humidity, and constant sun exposure.

Best outdoor furniture materials:

• Teak (natural oils protect against moisture and salt)
• Rust-resistant aluminum
• All-weather wicker
• HDPE/POLYWOOD (waterproof, fade-resistant, and impervious to salt air)
• Performance fabrics

Avoid: Iron, low-quality metals, and unsealed woods.

Accessories to consider:

• Umbrellas made from marine-grade materials
• Sectionals and daybeds with quick-dry cushions
• Fire pits resistant to salty air

Care tip: Rinse frames with fresh water periodically to reduce salt buildup.

Shop Coastal Breeze

Challenges: Wide temperature swings, rain, snow, and freeze/thaw cycles.

Best outdoor furniture materials:

• HDPE lumber
• Rustproof aluminum
• Stainless steel
• Modular frames with performance fabrics

Avoid: Untreated natural fibers, lightweight plastics not built for year-round exposure.

Accessories to consider:

• Fire pits for year-round gathering
• Outdoor lighting to extend evenings in shorter days
• Protective covers for off-season durability

Care tip: Store cushions indoors during prolonged snow or ice periods.

Shop All-Season Collections

What is the most durable outdoor furniture material?
HDPE, teak, stainless steel, and powder-coated aluminum are among the best outdoor furniture materials for long-term durability. Learn more here.

What furniture lasts longest in humid climates?
Look for teak, aluminum, and marine-grade fabrics to resist mold, mildew, and rust.

Is teak good for coastal environments?
Yes; its natural oils make it resistant to salt, moisture, and humidity. Read our guide to choosing the best wood for outdoor furniture.

How do I protect outdoor furniture in all-season climates?
Use protective covers, store cushions indoors, and opt for rustproof frames. Here’s our guide on furniture that can be left outside in winter.

What’s the best outdoor fabric?
Performance fabrics like Sunbrella® and Tempotest® resist fading, mold, and mildew. Discover how to choose the best outdoor fabric here.

Your climate should guide your choice of outdoor furniture materials just as much as your style preferences. By choosing wisely—whether that means teak for the coast, aluminum for humid summers, or HDPE for all-season use—you’ll create a backyard that’s not only beautiful, but also built to last.

Ready to find the best outdoor furniture for your climate? Shop AuthenTEAK’s curated collections and discover the perfect materials for your lifestyle.

Read more: The Best Outdoor Furniture for Mountain Homes & All-Season Use