Outdoor furniture shall be resistant to damage from various water-based issues. Standing water or retained moisture cannot only physically degrade the material, but it can also lead to health risks.

Humid or moist conditions create an environment where various fungi thrive. Organic materials that retain water are susceptible to fungus, which can cause respiratory problems, irritation and other health issues. However, they typically don’t damage the material can be cleaned off. Rot, on the other hand, leads to bio-degradation and decomposition (decay) of the material.

Metals that contain iron or steel are vulnerable to corrosion when they are continually exposed to water and oxygen. The corrosive oxidation process slowly weakens these metals, resulting in visible rust and other discoloration. Salt in the air and water accelerates the chemical process, so rusting is often more prevalent in coastal regions.

Material that allows water penetration can dry unevenly, resulting in warping (twisting or bending) of the original shape.Initially, it may be imperceptible, but over time it can noticeably distort the material, misaligned seams, loosen screws and other fasteners used to hold the furniture together.

If you live in a sunny area or one with dramatic seasonal climate shifts, you’ll need to look for outdoor materials that can with-stand damage from harsh UV (Ultra Violet) rays and fluctuations from extreme heat to cold temperature.

Constant exposure to the sun can cause many materials to fade and lose their lustre over time. The aesthetic change can be appealing (e.g. patina) or simply a decreased vibrancy of colour or uneven spotting.

Some materials noticeably expand and contract when they are heated or cooled. They can crack, split, wrap or become brittle when exposed to extreme temperatures or drastic fluctuations. Dry air can also cause furniture to bend and crack.

The heat can also lead to other logistical problem. Patio furniture that is left out in the sun can heat up, making it uncomfortable (or unsafe) to touch. Nobody wants to burn their skin when they sit down in or attempt to reposition a poolside lounge chair.

Some outdoor materials may last for years under ideal conditions but might need to be replaced every couple of seasons when exposed to inclement weather. Others can withstand a myriad of elements for a lifetime and still look new. Another variable that relates to durability is usage. If you eat outside on your patio dining table only a few time each summer, then it will have less wear and tear than sun loungers and daybeds that line the poolside of popular upscale resorts and hotels, The more frequent the use, the more durable the materials should be.

Aesthetic and functional durability is also affected by how well you take care of your patio furniture. Some materials require very little attention season after season and are quick and easy to clean with simple soap and water. Others require more time-intensive care and special products to keep them looking properly. If your time is at a premium or you just don’t want the hassle, you may want to opt for lower maintenance materials.

At the end of the day, most important everyone looks at the financial implications of choosing one material over another for furniture. You need to stay within your budget, but it is also important to understand how expensive materials are in the long run and their price versus benefits value. Will it be replaced frequently? Does it take and inordinate amount of time and effort to maintain? These are key cost considerations that you might not immediately think of when evaluating alternate.