The materials you choose for your outdoor furniture can truly make or break your space. With key considerations like weather resistance, durability, maintenance, and style, determining which material is best for your outdoor living room can be challenging. To help you design a beautiful sanctuary that stands the test of time, we are comparing two of the top contenders: Aluminium and Teak.
The Case for Aluminium
Aluminium is an abundant metal used in everything from airplanes to kitchen utensils because it is one of the least dense metals on the planet, making it lightweight yet highly durable and weather-resistant.
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Manufacturing: It typically comes in two forms: Cast aluminium (melted and molded into ornamental designs) and Extruded aluminium (hollow tubes used for sturdy frames).
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The Finish: At Sissonne Outdoor, we value longevity. Quality aluminium furniture is often treated with a powder coating—a dry finish that makes the surface resistant to wear, chipping, scratching, and fading in the sun.
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Durability: Powder-coated aluminium is resistant to corroding, rusting, and cracking, making it ideal for all environments. It has a high strength-to-weight ratio and will not degrade in direct sunlight.
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Maintenance: It requires virtually no maintenance; a simple cleaning with mild soap and water is all that is needed.
The Case for Teak
While aluminium is a top metal choice, Teak wood is the gold standard for wooden outdoor furniture. Sourced from the Tectona grandis tree native to South and Southeast Asia, it was originally used for shipbuilding due to its exceptional resilience.
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Natural Defence: Teak is packed with powerful natural oils that give it water-repellent qualities and make it naturally resistant to rotting, decaying, termites, and pests.
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Longevity: This is an heirloom investment. Teak furniture is not easily damaged and can last 75 years or more with proper care. Unlike lighter materials, it is dense and won't blow away in strong winds.
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Aesthetic: New teak has a warm, golden-brown hue that develops a sophisticated silvery-grey patina over time. This does not affect its durability, though you can restore the golden colour if preferred.
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Sustainability: We prioritise the planet. It is crucial to look for FSC-certified teak, which ensures the wood is harvested from forests managed to preserve biological diversity and support local workers.
How Other Materials Compare
To understand why we prioritise Teak and Aluminium, it helps to look at the alternatives:
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Acacia Wood: While popular, Acacia is sensitive to extreme temperatures and can warp or crack if placed near fireplaces or in high heat. It lacks the extreme durability of teak and requires more maintenance to prevent drying out.
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Stainless Steel: Heavier and more expensive than aluminium, steel can be sleek but may rust if it has a low chromium content.
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Wrought Iron: Often found in public spaces, wrought iron is heavy and strong but prone to rusting and paint chipping. It degrades in moist climates.
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Rattan: Real rattan is one of the least durable materials; it is not waterproof, can rot in humidity, and requires difficult repairs if the weaving loosens.
A Note on Fabrics
The perfect frame deserves the perfect cushion.
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Sunbrella®: We recommend 100% solution-dyed acrylic fabrics like Sunbrella. The colour is dyed into the fibre before weaving, ensuring it resists fading even under UV rays.
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Olefin: While durable and stain-resistant, Olefin is a synthetic material that is sensitive to extreme heat.
The Verdict
Ultimately, the decision between aluminium and teak comes down to your lifestyle. If you value a lightweight, modern frame that is easy to move and cool to the touch, Aluminium is a practical choice. If you seek unmatched warmth, elegance, and a heavy-duty material that can last generations, Teak is the solid investment. Both materials, when sourced correctly, offer the durability required to create an outdoor space you can enjoy for decades.
