When it comes to creating your dream outdoor space, choosing the right furniture is key. After all, outdoor furniture isn’t just about filling a space – it’s about making sure the furniture you select suits your style, is functional, and has been crafted to last more than a single summer season.
With so many options available, finding the perfect outdoor furniture pieces can feel overwhelming. Should you prioritise durability over design? How do you pick something that fits your aesthetic but also stands up to weather, constant use, children and pets?
To make the process easier, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to some of the most common materials used to construct outdoor furniture for the Australian market. From understanding materials and maintenance to finding the perfect balance between style and practicality, we’ll walk you through what you need to know.
Whether you’re designing a cozy balcony retreat, a luxurious poolside haven, or simply upgrading your backyard entertaining essentials, this guide will provide the insights you need to choose outdoor furniture that fits your lifestyle and suits your space.
Timber
Good quality hardwood timeber, like the sustainably-sourced Kwila and Teak hardwood timbers used to craft Kasule outdoor furniture is hard wearing even in full weather conditions. However, if you want to keep it looking like new – it will require maintenance. Regular application of appropriate Kasule timber oil or sealant will help protect your timber furniture, stopping it from drying out and also making it more resistant to stains and surface wear. It may also require some periodic light sanding to return it to ‘showroom standard’.
Ideal conditions for timber furniture: Covered deck or outdoor space, or use of furniture covers in exposed areas.
Wicker
While all Kasule synthetic wicker is UV stabilised, is generally not recommended for full sun or exposed (not covered) weather conditions for a few reasons. Wicker settings usually contain generously sized plush cushions. Keep in mind that most of these cushions will have been designed with comfort in mind, and therefore not all components of these cushions may be all-weather appropriate. While plenty of good cushion materials are water resistant, they are rarely waterproof (unless they are vinyl or plastic coated which can feel horrible to sit on). Over time, prolonged exposure to UV may also effect the structural integrity of the woven wicker, which can become brittle and break down. So our top tips for wicker are; cover your wicker furniture and store your cushions when they are not in use, and avoid positioning your wicker setting in full sun all day.
Ideal conditions for wicker furniture: Covered deck or mostly shaded outdoor area.
Aluminium and Resin
There are the two types of outdoor furniture materials that are ideal for full-weather exposure and heavy use: aluminium and resin. These materials are strong yet lightweight, UV resistant, are easy to keep clean and require minimal maintenance.
In areas exposed to frequent or heavy rain, they are ideal as they won’t soak up or store water, as designs generally do not involve plush fabric cushions.
Kasule aluminium furniture is powder-coated to give a durable and stylish coloured finish. Aluminium chairs often feature Texteline slings – a PVC coated polyester that is also very well suited to withstanding Australia’s harsh outdoor conditions.
Quality Resin outdoor furniture (UV-stabilised plastic) is injected with fiberglass to increase strength and give a more modern design finish. Good quality Resin products will incorporate a UV stabiliser in the material when it is extruded – this will stop the plastic from prematurely breaking down in the sun. But beware, there are many examples of cheaper plastic products that will not stand the test of time in Australia’s sunny conditions. Make sure you ask if the Resin has been properly UV stabilised (hint: all Resol Resin from Kasule Imports has most definitely been UV stabilised and rigorously tested for strength and colourfastness).
Ideal conditions for aluminium and resin furniture: Anywhere and everywhere!
Steel
Furniture made from steel, while cheap, generally does not fare well outdoors long term in Australian conditions, particularly when near salt water where rusting may be an issue. Cheap in the short term, expensive in the long term. For you. AND for the environment.
Ideal conditions for steel furniture: Our recommendation? Avoid.
We hope this guide has been useful in helping you choose outdoor furniture to suit your space and your lifestyle.
Feel free to take a flip through our online catalogues at Kasule Imports for more inspiration.