How-To
Go-To Outdoor Materials
We're sharing the best furniture options for Florida weather.
There’s a reason they call it the sunshine state. One of the best parts about Florida is year-round outdoor living, from morning coffees on the patio to sunset al fresco dinners. And naturally, it all starts with the right furniture.
The key to choosing pieces that will last is looking for the right materials—designed to stand up to rain and shine. Here, our outdoor furniture material guide will cover everything you need to consider.
The key to choosing pieces that will last is looking for the right materials—designed to stand up to rain and shine. Here, our outdoor furniture material guide will cover everything you need to consider.
Top-Tier Teak
When it comes to outdoor furniture for backyards or patios, you can’t go wrong with teak. This tropical hardwood is known for its durability, strength, and resistance to water.
Even better, teak contains its own oils, making it virtually maintenance free, and it can be left out all year long. Note that the yellowish-brown color will naturally weather into a silver gray, but we just think that adds character (and you can oil it yourself to preserve the color).
Note that with any outdoor furniture, you should always cover your furniture when not in use. It’s best to place in the shade, like under an awning, or use an umbrella to offer additional sun protection. You should also bring your items inside during long periods of inclement weather, like a tropical storm.
Even better, teak contains its own oils, making it virtually maintenance free, and it can be left out all year long. Note that the yellowish-brown color will naturally weather into a silver gray, but we just think that adds character (and you can oil it yourself to preserve the color).
Note that with any outdoor furniture, you should always cover your furniture when not in use. It’s best to place in the shade, like under an awning, or use an umbrella to offer additional sun protection. You should also bring your items inside during long periods of inclement weather, like a tropical storm.
Eco-Friendly Eucalyptus
A close sister to teak, eucalyptus is a top outdoor furniture material. This tropical hardwood with reliable longevity also has natural oils that repel insects and moisture to help prevent water damage. This wood is a more affordable option than teak, although they are similar. The fast-growing eucalyptus tree is a sustainable resource and an environmentally-friendly option.
To care for eucalyptus, follow the same outdoor furniture best practices like keeping it covered when you’re not using it. Apply eucalyptus wood oil with a cloth to help it maintain its natural properties and keep it looking phenomenal over the years.
To care for eucalyptus, follow the same outdoor furniture best practices like keeping it covered when you’re not using it. Apply eucalyptus wood oil with a cloth to help it maintain its natural properties and keep it looking phenomenal over the years.
All-Weather Wicker
Another great material for outdoor living is all-weather wicker. An alternative to rattan (since real rattan is prone to cracking when left outside), this handwoven resin material resists cracking, peeling, or fading—meaning you can enjoy it for seasons to come.
Like teak, you can also leave your all-weather wicker outside year-round, as it’s fully UV stabilized and anti-fungal to withstand rain and shine. It’s also low maintenance and can be easily cleaned or power washed. Again, just be sure to use well-fitted outdoor covers when not in use, and provide as much shade as possible.
Like teak, you can also leave your all-weather wicker outside year-round, as it’s fully UV stabilized and anti-fungal to withstand rain and shine. It’s also low maintenance and can be easily cleaned or power washed. Again, just be sure to use well-fitted outdoor covers when not in use, and provide as much shade as possible.
100% Aluminum
If you love the idea of metal frames for your backyard sofa or chairs, be sure to choose 100 percent aluminum. This preferred material is rust free on its own, and all of our outdoor options feature an additional powder coating. This is especially beneficial in saltwater environments like Florida, as the powder coating gives maximum protection.
And because durability matters too, another quality of aluminum is its superior, heavy gauge strength—not to mention the modern, streamlined look it adds to your outdoor living room.
And because durability matters too, another quality of aluminum is its superior, heavy gauge strength—not to mention the modern, streamlined look it adds to your outdoor living room.
Consider Concrete
It doesn’t get more industrial or sturdy than concrete, making it the perfect tabletop for your outdoor dining table. But since concrete is a porous material, we added a topcoat for ultimate spill protection. Now you can eat and drink at ease, without worrying about stains. Covering is recommended if the table will remain outside.
Quick-Drying Materials
We all know that Florida gets it fair share of rain, so if getting surprised with a soggy chair is your biggest gripe, then go with a quick-drying material like mesh. Quality mesh is individually coated and woven, then heat set for superior strength. Plus, it’s mildew resistant and colorfast, making it perfect for any outdoor seating from dining chairs to chaise lounges. And it’s a great value!
Weather-Friendly Fabrics
When it comes to fabric, choose one that is especially made to withstand the elements and keep your outdoor furniture looking fresh. All of our cushion covers are made from non-toxic, recycled materials that are solution dyed to resist fading. Another perk of this process is that it reduces waste and pollution—all while remaining color fast and resistant to fading.
And because outdoor fabrics need to be extra durable, look for cushions that won’t stretch or sag, so they keep their appearance for years. Ours are specially made to be stronger than acrylic, and they’re mildew and water resistant to survive all those Florida rain showers.
And because outdoor fabrics need to be extra durable, look for cushions that won’t stretch or sag, so they keep their appearance for years. Ours are specially made to be stronger than acrylic, and they’re mildew and water resistant to survive all those Florida rain showers.
Finishing Touches
Now that you know the reliable materials for outdoor furniture, it’s time to complete the look with your personal touch. Decorate the space with all the comforts you love from the inside of your home.
For pillows and poufs, be sure to choose fabrics that are outdoor-friendly, like our fade-resistant styles that are UV tested for 1,000 hours of direct sunlight, with maximum resistance to mildew and stains.
You can also define the space with an outdoor area rug that is specifically made for the elements. Natural fibers such as sisal, hemp, and jute all fare well, as well as synthetic fibers that dry quickly and keep their color.
Since we know Florida gets hot in the summer, beat the heat with a cantilever umbrella. The pivot and tilt function allow you to change the angle as the sun moves. Go with a powder-coated aluminum base, which is sturdy, yet lightweight enough to move from your outdoor dining table to your outdoor sofa.
For pillows and poufs, be sure to choose fabrics that are outdoor-friendly, like our fade-resistant styles that are UV tested for 1,000 hours of direct sunlight, with maximum resistance to mildew and stains.
You can also define the space with an outdoor area rug that is specifically made for the elements. Natural fibers such as sisal, hemp, and jute all fare well, as well as synthetic fibers that dry quickly and keep their color.
Since we know Florida gets hot in the summer, beat the heat with a cantilever umbrella. The pivot and tilt function allow you to change the angle as the sun moves. Go with a powder-coated aluminum base, which is sturdy, yet lightweight enough to move from your outdoor dining table to your outdoor sofa.
And that’s everything you need to know. To make things easy, we carry our own exclusive brand of outdoor furniture—made only with the best materials.