Outdoor chair materials: teak, aluminium, resin and more

Teak and other hardwoods

Teak is prized outdoors because its natural oils help it resist moisture and rot. Left untreated, it weathers from honey-brown to a soft silver-grey; you can keep the original colour with regular cleaning and oiling or sealing, but it isn't required for durability. Check that the wood is properly seasoned and the joints are solid.

Aluminium

Aluminium is light, doesn't rust and suits coastal areas, especially when powder-coated. It's easy to move and stack, though it can feel cold or hot to the touch and very light chairs can shift in strong wind. Look for a good powder-coat finish to resist chips and fading.

Steel and wrought iron

Steel and iron are heavy and sturdy, so they stay put in wind. They need a protective coating and attention to chips and scratches, because exposed metal can rust, particularly near the sea. Galvanised or well powder-coated steel lasts much longer.

Resin, polypropylene and HDPE wicker

Moulded polypropylene and resin chairs are affordable, light, easy to clean and often stackable, which suits cafés and terraces. UV-stabilised plastics resist fading and brittleness better. Synthetic wicker woven from HDPE over an aluminium frame gives a woven look that handles the weather far better than natural rattan.

Cushions and fabrics

Choose cushions made for outdoor use, with quick-drying foam and fade-resistant fabric. Even outdoor cushions last longer when stored inside or in a covered box when not in use.

Which to choose

• Coastal or very humid areas: powder-coated aluminium, HDPE wicker or teak
• Windy rooftops: heavier steel, iron or teak
• Cafés and terraces with frequent stacking: polypropylene or aluminium
• Low maintenance: aluminium or resin; teak if you're happy with the silver-grey look

Questions to ask the vendor

• Is the wood solid teak or another hardwood, and is it kiln-dried?
• Is the metal frame powder-coated, galvanised or both?
• Are plastics UV-stabilised?
• Are cushions water-resistant and are covers removable?
• What does the warranty cover for outdoor use, and does it apply near the coast?

Caring for outdoor chairs

Wash frames with mild soapy water a few times a year and rinse well. Store or cover chairs during long periods of heavy rain, and bring cushions indoors when not in use. For teak, scrub gently along the grain and decide whether you prefer to re-oil it or let it weather naturally; for metal, touch up any chips in the coating promptly to stop rust spreading.

Comparing materials at a glance

• Teak: very durable and weather-resistant; heavier; weathers to silver-grey unless oiled
• Aluminium: light, rust-free and easy to move; can be lifted by strong wind
• Steel and iron: heavy and stable; needs a sound coating to resist rust
• Polypropylene and resin: affordable, light and stackable; choose UV-stabilised versions
• HDPE synthetic wicker: woven look that handles weather well; check the frame underneath

Thinking about storage and weight

If chairs need to be brought inside every evening or stacked away for the rainy season, lighter stackable chairs save a lot of effort. If they stay out all year on an exposed terrace or rooftop, heavier materials or chairs that can be secured are a better choice.