What is the Best Material for Outdoor Furniture?
- Jen Stout
- Jul 28
- 11 min read
2026 Guide to Non-Toxic Patio Furniture
Choosing the best material for your garden or patio furniture is an investment meant to last through the seasons.
For a comfortable, wellness-inspired outdoor living space, it's important to consider what materials are safe to sit on and won't emit VOCs.
The best materials for outdoor furniture are powder-coated aluminum or steel, solid teak or eucalyptus hardwood, and PFAS-free fabrics like olefin (polypropylene). These materials hold up through sun, rain, and snow without off-gassing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or relying on forever-chemical coatings.
In this post, we discuss the best outdoor furniture materials that are nontoxic, durable, and safe for your family.
Whether you're lounging by the pool, enjoying an al fresco meal, or watching the sunset, you can feel comfortable knowing that your all-weather outdoor furniture is stylish and chemical-free.
What are the Most Common Materials Used in Outdoor Furniture?
Outdoor furniture comes in a wide range of materials, each with its own strengths.
Here are the natural, durable options we look for first:
Wood: Known for its beauty and natural pest resistance. Popular choices include teak, cedar, acacia, and eucalyptus. Wood is often stained, sealed, treated or a combination of all three after it's harvested and assembled into furniture. Some wood coatings can be toxic, so it's important to pay attention to what kind of treatments are on your outdoor wood furniture.
Metal: Durable and often used in modern designs. Aluminum is a popular option, being lightweight and rust-resistant, while stainless steel is heavier.
Stone: Available in many colors and textures. Stone is nature's jewelry. While outdoor stone is usually pricier, it's heavy enough to withstand strong winds and is guaranteed to be one-of-a-kind. Nothing rivals the striking beauty and smooth feel of real stone in outdoor garden spaces.
And here are the most common synthetics, including some of the most durable outdoor furniture materials on the market:
Plastic: Lightweight and resistant to moisture. Acrylic resins are popular, durable options. So is high-density polyethylene (HDPE) for its ability to withstand extreme weather conditions, rain, snow, and UV rays. Plus, HDPE is recyclable.
PVC / Rubber: These two are on our avoidance list. Simply put, both PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and rubber are synthetic materials that will offgas noxious fumes for years, especially in the warmer months.
Wicker / Rattan: Offers a bohemian look and is weather-resistant. Woven furniture can be either natural or synthetic.
Depending on the climate, rattan may even outperform natural wickers and natural fiber ropes in climates with rain and snow.
Recycled Plastic: Likely will offgas noxious fumes. Sustainably made from recycled HDPE, but polywood and similar recycled-plastic furniture can smell like wax crayons or synthetic fragrance when exposed to heat and sun. The exception is furniture made from recycled PET water bottles.
Fabrics & Textiles: Adds softness and comfort for seating and underfoot. Used for cushions, upholstery, awnings, and umbrellas. Outdoor fabrics are mostly synthetic for waterproofing, so the material and any chemical treatment both matter.
What are the Best Patio Furniture Materials?
When it comes to the best patio furniture material, we need to consider whether they will be in a sunny area.
For outdoor furniture with full sun exposure, you'll want furnishings that can withstand UV rays and heat. Not only do we want to avoid sitting on a hot seat, we need our outdoor patio furniture to be free from forever chemical treatments like PFAS toxins.
Full-sun furniture needs to withstand UV rays and heat without a hot, uncomfortable surface, and it should be free of forever-chemical treatments like PFAS.
What are PFAS?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are man-made chemicals used to waterproof and stain-proof fabrics, carpets, clothing, and nonstick cookware. They're known as “forever chemicals” because they persist and don't break down in the environment. Repeated skin contact and exposure through food and drinks have been linked to chronic health effects, which is why we steer outdoor furniture buyers away from PFAS-treated pieces.
Does Outdoor Furniture Have PFAS?
Often, yes. PFAS is a common finishing treatment on outdoor furniture fabrics, used to waterproof the surface and add stain resistance. To avoid it, look for outdoor fabrics made from polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE), which are waterproof by the way they're woven rather than by a chemical coating. PP and PE also contain no BPA or phthalates.
Is Solution Died Acrylic Safe for Patio Furniture?
When it comes to outdoor couch fabrics, we do not recommend solution died acrylic. In order for the acrylic to be waterproof, it requires an application of a waterproofing chemical onto the fabric. Many contain PFAS, which we want to avoid.
Olefin is our top choice for outdoor fabric. It's UV-resistant, nontoxic, and durable, making it perfect for outdoor cushions and upholstery for outdoor couches and chairs. Olefin is polypropylene fabric (PP) that's free of PFAS. By the way it's woven, this fabric is safely waterproof without the need for PFAS treatments.
Olefin is also fade resistant and able to withstand the elements like sun and wind without deteriorating, making it a best material for outdoor furniture cushions, too.
The safest materials for outdoor couches and chairs:
Aluminum: Rust-resistant, lightweight, and forever recyclable. It also doesn't retain heat, so it stays cool to the touch on sunny days.
Stainless steel: Heavier than aluminum, which makes it a good choice for smaller pieces in windy spots. Powder-coated finishes come in many colors and are durable and nontoxic.
Teak and eucalyptus: Solid hardwoods that weather well and last among the longest of any outdoor material. Both are naturally water-resistant and hard enough for chairs, tables, and benches, with no pesticide needed to grow.
Acacia: A hardwood that performs well in all weather and develops a natural patina over time.
Cedar: A softwood, better suited to exterior trim than seating, since it tends to smell of strong terpenes and ooze sap outdoors.
The Best Material for Outdoor Dining Furniture
Love the thought of outdoor dining?
Who says you have to wait to go out to dinner to a restaurant to enjoy an al fresco meal?
Make your own porch, patio or deck into a fun place to relax, play and enjoy a yummy meal with good company!
Metal (steel or aluminum) with a powder-coated finish: Durable, nontoxic, and easy to wipe clean. The powder coating resists rust and adds protection against damage.
Teak wood: Naturally water-resistant and weatherproof, with minimal maintenance needed thanks to its natural oils, which also resist decay and insects. The Teak Stone Round Table is a good example.
Stone tabletops: Tough, low-maintenance, and one-of-a-kind. Engineered quartz, marble and granite are popular choices, though we avoid granite inside the home since some granite can contain trace radioactive minerals.
The Safest Outdoor Furniture Coatings
For metal furniture, powder coating is a safe process for people and the environment.
It uses an electrical process to adhere the coating rather than harmful chemicals, which makes it one of the safest finishes for outdoor tables and chairs.
For wood furniture, melt beeswax and mix it with a everyday cooking oil for a nontoxic way to condition and seal outdoor wood, protecting it from rain, snow, sun, and cold.
Some of the best materials for outdoor furniture need no coating at all: a natural wood finish or a smooth natural stone finish, just as they came out of the ground.
Beyond the Patio: the best material for garden furniture & decks
For areas with partial sun, such as in a garden or under a gazebo, the key is finding items that can handle varying light conditions without growing mold or degrading.
An outdoor bench with cute and comfy outdoor friendly pillows is a great way to make your outdoor garden space feel cozy and inviting. Try incorporating some outdoor lanterns around your garden seating area and stepping stones along a path for easy access.
Vitamin D tip: midday sun exposure, roughly 11am to 1pm, is generally the most efficient window for vitamin D synthesis, since UVB levels peak around solar noon.
Most fair-skinned adults need about 10 to 30 minutes of midday sun on bare arms and legs, two to three times a week; people with darker skin typically need more time.
The softest, best material for outdoor furniture cushions
For outdoor pillows, we like soft, nontoxic olefin (polypropylene). It ranks high for both durability and water resistance, dries quickly, resists mildew, and stays soft to the touch.
Most importantly, olefin is one of the only outdoor fabrics that's genuinely free of PFAS and other harmful chemical treatments. It can be harder to find, but our Modern Lux Outdoor throw pillows collection throw pillow collection is a starting point!
What about the safest materials for lanterns & tiki torches?
There's nothing quite like the ambiance and charm of an outdoor lantern.
The soft warm golden glow of outdoor lanterns can make any boring garden space feel inviting.
But for a healthy home, there are some important parameters to follow.
The first of which is to avoid kerosene, which was discovered in the 1800s as an alternative to burning whale oil for heat and light.
Even though kerosene lamps were gradually replaced by electric lighting toward the late 19th century, it's still used today for outdoor tiki torch fuel.
Kerosene comes from petroleum-based crude oil.
It's very irritating to the skin, nose and throat and repeated exposure can affect the central nervous system and skin, causing blisters and rashes. Healthier and renewable alternatives to tiki torches are clean burning soy candles and flameless LED candles for your outdoor lanterns. Metal and woven wood are beautiful options for outdoor lanterns.
How purchasing sustainable eco friendly outdoor furniture has a global impact
Global trade means a family in the U.S. can enjoy teak furniture handcrafted by generations of skilled artisans roughly 8,768 miles away, at a reasonable price, thanks to responsible forestry initiatives and an efficient global transportation network.
That trade also supports biodiversity and livelihoods in the regions where these natural resources grow, free of the toxic pesticides that industrial farming often relies on. When you buy a teak table handmade in Indonesia, or a stone board cut by artisans in India, that purchase has a real economic ripple effect in those communities.
Global commerce is a vital part to promoting biodiversity in countries that have precious natural resources and skilled craftsmen indigenous to regions where these natural resources naturally flourish without manmade interventions, like toxic pesticides.
The economic benefits of global trade for these local communities is huge. When you purchase a piece of outdoor furniture handmade by an artisan in another country, using his or her own natural local resources, the social and economic impact on that community is exponential. Next time you purchase a teak table from Indonesia, or a stone cutting board made from Italian marble by artisans in India, take pride in your global handmade work-of-art!
Responsible Forestry Certifications for Outdoor Furniture
Much of the world's teak comes from Indonesia, where sustainable, socially responsible forest management is taken seriously.
Look for the SVLK certification on teak tables and furniture. Teak is often harvested from older or dying trees that have already reached the end of their natural lifecycle.
FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified wood from North America, South America, Europe, and Asia signals that the wood, including oak, maple, and Ipe from South American rainforest regions, comes from responsibly managed forests.
FAQs: the best outdoor furniture materials for decks & patios
Picking outdoor furniture isn't just about finding a style that catches your eye; you also need to think about the weather in your climate. The material you choose can make a big difference in how long your furniture lasts, whether it's baking in the sun, getting soaked in the rain, or enduring snowy winters.
What is the best material for outdoor furniture overall?
Powder-coated aluminum or steel frames, solid teak or eucalyptus wood, and PFAS-free olefin (polypropylene) fabric are the best overall materials for outdoor furniture. They resist rust, sun, and moisture without chemical waterproofing treatments, and they hold their shape and color for years with minimal upkeep.
What is the most durable material for outdoor furniture?
Teak and powder-coated aluminum are the most durable materials for outdoor furniture. Teak's natural oils protect it from water, insects, and decay for decades, while powder-coated aluminum resists rust, doesn't retain heat, and is fully recyclable at the end of its life.
What is the best outdoor furniture material for hot climates?
Aluminum, teak, and synthetic rattan perform best in hot climates. Aluminum reflects heat and stays cool to the touch, teak resists warping and drying out thanks to its natural oil content, and synthetic rattan holds up to sun and heat better than natural rattan or wicker.
What is the best outdoor furniture material for cold climates and snow?
Powder-coated steel and Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GFRC) hold up best in cold, snowy climates. Powder-coated steel resists rust and won't crack or warp in freezing temperatures, while GFRC can bear the weight of heavy snow, though it still needs a nontoxic sealer to keep water from seeping in and freezing.
What is the best outdoor furniture material for rain and humidity?
Powder-coated steel and powder-coated aluminum are the best outdoor furniture materials for rain and humidity. Both are nonporous, resist rust, and keep a durable matte finish without trapping moisture the way untreated wood or natural wicker can.
Is olefin fabric safe and nontoxic for outdoor cushions?
Yes. Olefin (polypropylene) is one of the few outdoor fabrics that's genuinely nontoxic. It's waterproof by the way it's woven rather than through a chemical coating, so it skips the PFAS treatment most outdoor fabrics rely on for stain and water resistance.
What outdoor furniture materials should I avoid?
Avoid PVC, rubber, solution-dyed acrylic, and most recycled-plastic (polywood) furniture. PVC and rubber off-gas VOCs for years, especially in heat; solution-dyed acrylic typically needs a PFAS coating to stay waterproof; and many recycled-plastic pieces give off a strong synthetic odor when exposed to sun.
How do I maintain nontoxic outdoor furniture so it lasts?
Clean nontoxic outdoor furniture with mild soap and water, and skip harsh solvents that can strip protective finishes. Condition wood with a beeswax and cooking oil blend a few times a year, and bring fabric cushions indoors or under cover during the off-season to extend their life.
How to shop sustainable outdoor furniture
Outdoor furniture for your home is an investment in comfort as much as wellness...
Sure, there's lots of cheap furniture out there. But most of it is made with coatings that will chip and crack. These materials aren't designed to withstand outdoor weather for longer than a season or two, so you'll end up spending more money again soon.
It's even more important to avoid outdoor furniture that's made with coatings like PFAS, PVC and petroleum-based finishes. Forever chemicals are far from the best fabric for patio furniture. These can emit VOCs into the air and release toxins that are absorbed through skin contact.
TIP: When shopping for your outdoor furniture, we recommend starting with the materials first! Look for pieces made of materials that are easy to maintain and made of quality, nontoxic, sustainable materials.
The right outdoor furniture makes all the difference in creating an outdoor wellness space that looks great, feels great, and lasts for years. Whether you're soaking up the sun or hosting a backyard BBQ, you deserve furniture that’s made to last and is safe.
Take a peak at our nontoxic outdoor furniture collection for even more ideas!
Cheers to making your outdoor space a happy and healthy retreat! :)
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About the Author // Jen Stout, co-founder of Healthier Homes
Jen’s mission is deeply personal: years ago, her own home made her sick. That experience sparked a commitment to transforming how homes are built and the materials we put inside them. Today, she holds an MBA from Southern Methodist University, is the co-author of the book Healthier Homes, and, alongside her husband Rusty, co-founded JS2 Partners (the world’s first healthy home building company) and Healthier Homes, a holistic online brand with curated collections of nontoxic, natural home goods.
