Outdoor Furniture Materials

A go-to outdoor furniture material, and for good reason. Aluminum frames come cast (solid, detailed, and heavier) or extruded (hollow tubes, lighter and sleeker), finished in a powder coat that comes in dozens of colors.

In Michigan weather: Aluminum doesn't rust, so rain and humid summers aren't a problem. Lighter pieces can shift in strong wind, so cast aluminum is the better pick for open, breezy patios.

Care: Wash with mild soap and water a few times a season. Cover or store for winter to protect the finish.

Best for: Low maintenance, lots of style and color options, and furniture that's easy to rearrange.

Brands we carry: Tropitone | Castelle | Homecrest

Shop: Patio Dining Sets | Seating & Sectionals | Bar & Counter Sets

A dense tropical hardwood packed with natural oils that resist moisture, rot, and insects. It's the material furniture makers have trusted outdoors for generations.

In Michigan weather: Teak handles rain, snow, and sun well and can stay outside year-round. Left untreated, it weathers from honey brown to a soft silver gray.

Care: Let it silver naturally with an occasional wash, or clean and seal it once or twice a year to keep the original color.

Best for: A warm, natural look and furniture that gains character with age.

Brands we carry: Kingsley Bate (Westbrook Teak)

Shop teak: Patio Dining Sets | Seating & Sectionals

Solid lumber made from recycled plastic, colored all the way through. It has the look of painted wood without the peeling, splintering, or repainting.

In Michigan weather: Poly lumber won't rot, crack, or splinter, and it's heavy enough to stay put in the wind. It can stay outside all year.

Care: Clean with soap and water when needed. That's about it.

Best for: The lowest maintenance possible, Adirondack-style seating, and furniture for docks, lakefronts, and fire pit areas.

Brands we carry: Berlin Gardens (Amish-crafted)

Shop poly lumber: Patio Dining Sets | Seating & Sectionals | Bar & Counter Sets