Explore the best garden furniture materials for rain, wind, and sun, and find durable, stylish options that survive the UK’s unpredictable weather without compromising design.
When designing your outdoor space or choosing patio furniture for the British climate, one major question often arises: which materials will actually last year-round when subjected to rain, wind, high winds, sun and cold?
With so many options — from teak furniture to plastic outdoor furniture, bamboo furniture to metal or our cast aluminium range — it can feel overwhelming.
In this article, the Lazy Magazine team will explore weatherproof garden furniture materials in detail, compare the options with pros and cons, and explain why cast aluminium is often the best material for UK gardens.
What makes garden furniture weatherproof?
When we talk about weatherproof garden furniture materials, we’re referring to outdoor furniture designed to withstand everything the British climate can throw at it — relentless rain, bursts of sunshine, cold snaps, and the occasional gale.
But while many pieces are marketed as weatherproof, it’s worth pausing to ask: are they truly weatherproof, or simply weather-resistant?
The distinction matters:
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Weatherproof
Furniture that is built to live outdoors year-round with minimal upkeep — it resists rust, rot, and fading without constant attention. -
Weather-Resistant
Furniture that can tolerate exposure to the elements for a time, but it will need protection, coatings, or regular maintenance to preserve its appearance and integrity.
Take wood, for example. Teak furniture is often praised for its natural oils and dense grain that make it highly resistant to moisture. When new, it can fairly be described as weatherproof — but to stay that way, it demands ongoing TLC. Without seasonal oiling or sealing, even the finest hardwood can fade, crack, or develop mould when faced with persistent rain and frosty mornings.
Some outdoor furniture materials — like our cast aluminium — offer genuine long-term weatherproof performance with little more than a quick wipe-down. Others, while beautiful, require a more hands-on approach to keep them looking their best.
Your outdoor space will expose furniture to constant change: summer sun, autumn storms, winter damp, and spring pollen. Some materials naturally handle these shifts better than others, while a few need more care or struggle in extreme temperatures.
Let’s take a closer look at how the most popular outdoor furniture materials compare when faced with the UK’s famously unpredictable weather.
Popular outdoor furniture materials: overview and comparison
Here’s a comparison table of common materials used for outdoor furniture and how they perform under typical UK weather conditions:
|
Material |
Appearance / Key benefits |
How it handles the UK weather |
Drawbacks / Maintenance |
|
Teak (wood) |
Classic, natural look, warm tones |
Good natural resistance to moisture and rot if maintained well |
Needs regular maintenance (oil or seal), can fade, may crack in cold/wet cycles |
|
Bamboo furniture |
Trendy, tropical-inspired, warm wood grain |
Moderate resistance to moisture but weaker in cold/wet UK winters |
More prone to rotting/fibres splitting, often treated less robustly |
|
Rattan furniture |
Woven, casual outdoor seating look |
Synthetic rattan is fairly weather-resistant; natural rattan is much less so |
Natural rattan degrades in damp/UV; synthetic is better, but still needs care, especially in warm sun |
|
Plastic outdoor furniture |
Very low maintenance, often affordable |
Good in rain and sun, does not rot |
Can fade under UV, may look cheap, less premium feel, less strong under heavy loads/high winds |
|
Metal (steel, aluminium) |
Clean lines, modern, strong |
Metal frames are often very good – aluminium excels for rust-resistance |
Steel can rust without proper coating; metal surfaces may heat up in the sun |
|
Cast aluminium furniture |
Premium metal, weighty, stylish finish |
Excellent all-round weather performance: rust-proof, low-maintenance, built for outdoors |
Higher initial cost; cushions still need care; heavy to move if needed |
In short: each material has its place, but when you want reliability through rain, sun, wind and cold — and a stylish finish that lasts — the best materials tend to lean towards metal (and especially cast aluminium).
Why cast aluminium is the best choice for UK gardens
While there are plenty of outdoor furniture materials out there, if you’re looking for one that delivers high durability, low maintenance and style, cast aluminium is a perfect choice.
For example, our collection is crafted exclusively from maintenance-free aluminium, designed to live outside all year round in the UK.
Advantages of cast aluminium:
-
Rust-proof and moisture-proof
Unlike steel or wrought iron, aluminium won’t rust when exposed to our damp British weather. -
Built for outdoor use year-round
Cast aluminium furniture can simply be left outside and will continue to look great through rain and sun, with minimal care. -
Stylish and crafted finishes
Lazy Susan’s collections show that you don’t have to sacrifice design for durability — a wide choice of colours (Antique Bronze, Slate Grey, White) and shapes (round, square, oval, rectangular 2-, 4-, 6-, 8-seaters, etc). -
Strong structural durability
Cast aluminium is robust enough to withstand high winds and heavy use, meaning your patio furniture investment is protected. -
Low maintenance
A quick wipe with a damp cloth or warm soapy water usually suffices; no sanding, oiling or seasonal treatments needed. -
Comfort and practicality
Combine with outdoor fabrics and cushions, and you have outdoor seating that is ready to use and comfortable on a sunny day.
In the context of UK gardens — with rain, sun, wind, damp and heat variation — cast aluminium offers some of the best weather resistance of all the furniture materials.
How other material types compare in UK outdoor spaces
While cast aluminium is a clear winner for year-round durability, there are plenty of other outdoor furniture materials that bring their own character and charm.
From the timeless appeal of teak to the relaxed look of rattan and the budget-friendly practicality of plastic, each has its strengths — and a few drawbacks — when faced with the UK’s unpredictable mix of rain, wind, and sun:
1. Wooden garden furniture (especially teak furniture)
Wood is a natural, warm choice for outdoor furniture, and teak has long been considered a premium material due to its oil-rich grain that provides good natural resistance. However, wood (including teak) still demands ongoing upkeep — regular maintenance to preserve durability and appearance. Without it, the outdoor furniture may fade, crack in cold or shrink in dry heat. For garden furniture materials, wood can offer a natural look and feel — but in UK conditions it tends to require more effort. If you don’t want to spend weekends treating teak furniture, then alternative weatherproof materials may make more sense.
2. Bamboo furniture
While bamboo furniture gives a stylish, tropical vibe, its performance in UK outdoor settings is less predictable. Bamboo can be more prone to moisture absorption and may not handle damp, cold, and frequent temperature changes as well as other materials. If you choose bamboo, look for well-treated, sealed versions and still expect more maintenance than many metal options.
3. Rattan (natural vs synthetic)
Rattan is a popular choice for outdoor seating due to its woven aesthetics and relaxed feel. However, natural rattan is vulnerable to damp, UV rays and wind (and in our opinion is best used in a summer room or conservatory only). Synthetic rattan (poly-wicker) performs much better — and is often labelled as “weather-resistant” outdoor fabric or outdoor furniture materials — but it still may fade or degrade after many years in strong sun or harsh weather.
4. Plastic furniture / plastic outdoor furniture
Plastic or resin furniture is attractive for its very low maintenance and affordability. It handles rain and sun well, and you can simply wipe it down. However, plastic outdoor furniture might not offer the same durability, premium finish or high-wind resilience that metal or cast aluminium provides. It also tends to look less high-end and may distort and crack in extreme temperatures.
Choosing the right outdoor fabric & cushions
Even the most weather-resistant furniture materials will rely on outdoor fabrics and cushions to finish the look. When selecting furniture for your outdoor space, consider:
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UV-resistant fabric to prevent fading in the sun.
-
Mould- and moisture-resistant cushions for damp weather.
-
Wipe-clean covers or easily removable fabrics.
-
Storage inside for winter or long rainy spells.
While the furniture frame might be ultra-durable (such as our cast aluminium), the comfort of cushions and the look often hinge on fabric quality. Use a damp cloth or warm, soapy water to maintain them and keep them looking fresh and store them when not using.
Practical maintenance tips for longevity
No piece of patio furniture is totally maintenance-free — but choosing the right furniture material and following a few simple maintenance practices ensures longevity:
-
Quick wipe-down
For metal and aluminium, a regular wipe with warm soapy water or a damp cloth helps remove grime, pollen, sap, bird droppings, etc. -
Cover when needed
Although robust, cast aluminium benefits from occasional use of a cover in long-term winter storms just to keep it clean more than anything. -
Store cushions
Outdoor fabrics perform best when cushions are stored when not in use. -
Avoid mild neglect
Even teak furniture will weather significantly if left untreated through many UK winters. -
Secure in high winds
Whatever the material, it’s best to secure or move your furniture to a sheltered spot during high winds or storms. As a rule of thumb, take action when amber wind warnings are issued to stay one step ahead of the weather.
Regular maintenance needn’t be burdensome — but having a material that requires minimal upkeep (again, like cast aluminium) certainly helps.
Which material is the best for your garden?
If you’re wondering, “What is the best material for my garden furniture?”, the answer depends on your priorities: style, budget, maintenance commitment, and how exposed your outdoor space is to the elements.
-
Durability?
For minimal effort and long-lasting performance, our cast aluminium furniture range is hard to beat. Designed to withstand rain, sun, wind, and cold, it maintains its appearance year after year with very little upkeep. -
Maintenance?
Wood, particularly teak furniture, has undeniable charm and elegance, but it requires ongoing care. Regular oiling or sealing is essential to prevent fading, a silvery patina forming, cracking, or mould—otherwise even the finest hardwood will show the effects of the UK climate. -
Budget?
Plastic furniture offers a cost-effective solution and very low maintenance, but it may not feel as premium or stylish as other options. -
Style?
If a woven, relaxed look suits your space, synthetic rattan can work well, especially in sheltered gardens. However, it’s still less robust than metal in exposed UK conditions.
In the unpredictable British climate, where weatherproof garden furniture materials are essential, cast aluminium consistently delivers the perfect balance of style, durability, and low maintenance. It offers the peace of mind that your furniture can remain outdoors year-round, keeping your patio or garden looking stylish for many years to come.
FAQs about weatherproof garden furniture materials
Q: What furniture material is most weatherproof in the UK?
A: The most weatherproof material tends to be powder-coated cast aluminium, followed by high-quality synthetic rattan and sealed hardwoods. Cast aluminium avoids rust, copes with moisture and has good durability in UK conditions.
Q: Does teak furniture withstand bad weather?
A: Teak has good natural resistance, but to maintain its appearance and durability in the UK, you’ll still need to perform regular maintenance such as oiling or sealing. Without that, it may fade, crack or warp.
Q: How often should I clean outdoor fabrics and cushions?
A: Outdoor fabrics should be cleaned at least annually — ideally at the start and end of the season. Use warm soapy water, a damp cloth for spot cleaning, and ensure they are dry before storing.
Q: Can I leave aluminium garden furniture outside all year?
A: Yes. One of the major benefits of cast aluminium furniture is that it is designed to be left outdoors year-round, coping with rain, sun, wind and cold with minimal fuss. For example, we describe our collection as “designed to live outside all year round” on our website.
Q: What about wooden or bamboo furniture in the UK?
A: Both can weather beautifully with the right treatment, but they are more vulnerable to moisture, UV rays, warping and splitting — especially in a UK outdoor space with changing seasons and damp conditions.
Final thoughts: style meets substance
Your patio or garden is an extension of your home, a place to entertain, relax and enjoy whatever the weather throws at you.
Choosing weatherproof garden furniture materials means you can create a space that’s stylish, comfortable and built to last — so you’re not constantly repairing, replacing or hiding furniture when the next British downpour arrives.
Materials like teak furniture and bamboo furniture certainly have their charm and natural look, and synthetic rattan or plastic furniture have their places — but for a near-ideal balance of durability, style and low maintenance in UK gardens, cast aluminium is a standout.
Whether you’re furnishing a small balcony or a large lawned garden, prioritise materials that will thrive outdoors through rain, sun and wind. When you match strong materials with good outdoor fabrics, a smart maintenance routine and thoughtful design, your outdoor furniture will reward you for many years.
Consider your garden furniture investment wisely — choose materials that match your lifestyle, your garden’s exposure to the elements, and the amount of upkeep you’re willing to commit to. The result? A beautiful outdoor space that’s ready for whatever weather the UK serves up.
We’d love to see how you style your patio. Share your garden furniture moments with us on Instagram or Facebook by tagging @LazySusanFurniture and help us to Do Some Good.
