Your Outdoor Furniture Buying Guide: Top Tips on Lifespan, Maintenance + More

You have lots of options when it comes to buying deck and patio furniture. When you factor in all the materials and finishes to choose from, it can be a little overwhelming. From durability and weather resistance to cleaning and maintenance, there's a lot to consider. That's why we've created this go-to guide on the most popular materials on the market.

ABOUT: Known for its classic beauty and durability, teak furniture is one of the hardest woods available so it can last decades. This means it's not going to be the most inexpensive option, but it'll last a lifetime. High-quality furniture will have a smooth finish and tight-fitting joints. Teak is also a great choice for windy environments, due to its weight.

MAINTENANCE: Teak is maintained with tung or teak oils to keep its golden luster, or it will naturally weather to a silvery-gray patina. Look for an oil with UV- and mildew-resistant ingredients, so even in the year-round sun, your teak will keep its color. Clean furniture with a mild soap and remove stubborn stains by lightly sanding with a fine-grit paper. Be very careful when pressure-washing teak, as it can leave marks in the wood if the water stream is too intense. Keep in mind, if you live in a cold climate, you'll want to cover your furniture during the winter months. Also, bird droppings can mark teak, so remove them ASAP to avoid small stains.

ABOUT: Powder-coated aluminum furniture is all-weather and many products come with a UV-resistant finish, so placing it on an exposed deck is no problem. Aluminum is also much lighter than iron, so it's perfect if you like to periodically rearrange your furniture. If you live in a windy area, though, iron furniture may be the better choice.

MAINTENANCE: Clean aluminum furniture with mild soap and water, but avoid pressure-washing or using abrasives as they may scratch the finish.

ABOUT: If you want affordable, all-weather outdoor furniture that's easy to rearrange and doesn't need much upkeep, then plastic/resin is the way to go. Even on the sunniest decks, this material holds up well to sun and moisture. Whether you're shopping for chairs, tables or planters, you'll find an endless array of styles, textures and colors. As with any product, some pieces will be constructed better than others, and the price may reflect this. While it won't warp, rust, dent or peel, some plastic furniture is very lightweight. If you live in an area with a lot of wind, you may prefer to go with a heavy-duty constructed resin or products made from dense wood or iron.

MAINTENANCE: To keep your furniture looking its best for years to come, hose it off occasionally and remove any stubborn stains with soap and water. For extremely dirty furniture, a diluted bleach mixture may be necessary (but always defer to the manufacturer's recommendations).