Buying outdoor furniture can be daunting.
With so many types of materials and finishes at every price point imaginable… it’s easy to overspend. Then watch your cheap furniture fall apart after a few months of normal wear and tear.
Fortunately, there is a happy medium.
If you know what to look for before you buy, you can save yourself hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars in the long run. Many manufactures employ tactics to get you to buy cheaper furniture with features that make them look better than they really are.
What you’ll learn:
- Material matters: why penny-pinching on quality will cost you more
- How industrial powder coating protects metal outdoor furniture
- Helpful features that keep your outdoor furniture in good shape longer
- Maintenance schedules to maximize furniture life
Material Matters: Why Cheap Matters More
The outdoor furniture industry is growing faster than ever.
The global outdoor furniture market size was valued at USD 53.27 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a 3.7% CAGR from 2024 to 2032. Reaching a projected USD 81.44 billion by the end of the forecast period.
Translation: a ton of people are buying outdoor furniture.
The problem is most buyers aren’t thinking about how long the furniture will last. Most people compare initial purchase price instead of projected lifespan.
A budget metal dining set may only cost $100, but it will start to show wear quickly if it’s made from cheap materials. Rust appears within months. Uneven legs become loose. Bolts and screws can’t be tightened anymore.
Pretty soon your “inexpensive” furniture needs to be replaced. Cheap costs more in the long run.
While metal is arguably the most durable material for outdoor furniture, not all metals are created equal.
Aluminum furniture is lightweight and naturally corrosion-resistant. Steel is heavier and requires preventative coatings against rust. Wrought iron is beautiful but needs continual maintenance.
Regardless of the metal type, outdoor furniture exposes to moisture and UV rays. Without proper protection, even sturdy steel will begin to oxidize (AKA rust).
Powder Coating Is Your Friend
Arguably the #1 thing that determines whether or not your outdoor furniture will last.
Is the industrial powder coating protecting it from the elements.
Powder coating creates a hard finish that doesn’t chip, peel, or crack like sprayed-on paint. It seals the entirety of the metal surface from outdoor moisture and sunlight. Companies that specialize in powder coating in Benton, Wisconsin apply it using electrostatic technology. This technique charges the particles so they stick to the furniture’s surface as it’s being sprayed.
How does this help you, the consumer?
Furniture that has been powder coated will stand up to daily wear better than finished alternatives. Standard paint just doesn’t hold up to UV rays, moisture, and temperature changes. One study from Dave’s Home Furnishings estimates metal framed furniture loses 70% of lifespan by neglecting yearly preventative maintenance.
Pretty crazy when you think about it.
To ensure you’re buying furniture that will last, ask every salesperson about their coating process. Quality powder coating creates a thicker, uniform layer than what you’ll get with an ordinary spray paint job. Look for phrases like “electrostatically sprayed” and “heat cured finish” when reading product specifications. Both indicate professional grade industrial powder coating.
Here are a few questions to ask when examining the finish:
- Are there any areas with noticeably lighter coverage? Powder coating creates an even coat across the entire surface.
- Feel along welds and join points with your fingers. You should not run into any rough spots if quality powder coating was applied.
- Look for runs or pools in the finish. A reputable powder coating facility has experienced employees who don’t drip paint all over your furniture.
- Ask about UV protection. All powder coating creates a physical barrier, but some formulas are specifically formulated for outdoor durability.
Hidden Features To Spot During Your Search
Aside from coating method, there are a few features you can look out for that separate decent outdoor furniture from the cheap stuff.
How tables, chairs, and shelves are constructed will affect how long they will last you. Welded frames tend to outperform furniture with screw joinings. Double checked corners and bracing on tabletops and chair seats ensure stability. Thicker metals won’t bow or warp over time.
You should also pay attention to construction hardware. Stainless steel bolts will outlast zinc plated screws any day of the week. Nylon furniture washers between contact metal points reduce squeaking and grinding as pieces move.
What should you look for in patio furniture cushions and upholstery?
Outdoor furniture fabrics should be solution-dyed acrylic or polyester. Both material families fight fading and mildew better than cotton blends. Polyester fiber fill inside cushions will dry faster and feel more comfortable if wet.
Talk to any salesperson about table tops too. Tempered glass holds up better than regular glass. Aluminum slat tables won’t hold water like flat surfaces. Stone and concrete look fancy but add considerable weight to furniture pieces.
Maintenance Matters
Yes, even high-quality outdoor furniture requires maintenance.
However, the great thing about sealed metal furniture is it doesn’t take much to keep it looking nice for years to come.
Simple cleaning with soap and water is typically enough. Harsh cleaners and scouring pads can damage protective coatings. Use a brush on textured powder coating to loosen pollen, dirt, and debris buildup.
Here is a sample maintenance schedule you can adopt:
- Monthly – wipe down furniture with a damp cloth to prevent buildup
- Quarterly – perform a deep clean with furniture soap solution
- Annual – inspect for cracks in the coating and repair immediately
- Before storing – completely clean and dry furniture before covering
Take your time wiping down furniture and get in the cracks. Chipped paint allows moisture to reach the metal underneath. To prevent rust, buy touch up paint from the same manufacturer and fix any imperfections ASAP.
How and where you store your furniture will also prolong the life of your outdoor investments. If possible, bring furniture inside when not in use. If that’s not realistic, buy quality furniture covers that breathe. Wet clothing left in a plastic baggies will mildew, and your furniture isn’t much different.
Tip: Use furniture risers or purchase rubber caps to prevent bottoms of legs from contacting wet ground. Constant exposure to rain and moisture significantly speeds up corrosion.
Wrapping It Up
Don’t let the onslaught of outdoor furniture choices overwhelm you.
When buying furniture to spend time outdoors with, take your time. Look at construction and coating techniques before buying.
Cheap, inline stuff from retail warehouses lasts one season – maybe two if you’re lucky. Well-made furniture from steel specialists costs more initially but can last upwards of 15 years with proper care.
Your patio will thank you.
Key Takeaways:
- Material type plays a large role in longevity and maintenance requirements
- Industrial powder coating is much more durable than spray paint or dipped finishes
- Construction of furniture is just as important as the finish you can see
- Maintenance doesn’t take long and will save you hundreds in the long run, and keep your outdoor space in top condition.