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1. Best teak furniture
2. Best wrought iron furniture
3. Best powder coated furniture
Selecting low-maintenance outdoor furniture that also looks great in your backyard is a tricky balance to get right. You want something durable, while still looking elegant, and something that works for your backyard throughout the year, no matter the changing of the seasons.
Great furniture really can transform the look of your backyard and how you use your space, opening it up to become a haven that you want to enjoy season after season. To find the perfect furniture for your backyard, it's about picking the best material that withstands all weather from scorching sunshine to the occasional storm (though you probably want to store outdoor furniture during winter, anyway). So what are the best materials to opt for?
'You really want something that is going to stand the test of time,' says Ginger Curtis. 'When investing in a piece, longevity is incredibly important. Choose a durable, all-weather material, something that is low maintenance as well as beautiful.'
We'd recommend teak for its aesthetic quality and long-lasting durability, wrought iron for its hardiness and powder-coated aluminum or steel - which can look super elegant while bringing some color. Here are 9 outdoor furniture buys that I've got my eye on that won't need much upkeep and will look great all year round!
Best low maintenance furniture in the Fourth of July sales
Price: $164.99
Was: $212
The best Adirondack chairs never go out of style, and this easy-to-maintain teak will last so much longer than you'd expect anything at this price point to do. Sales perfection.
Price: $131.89 for two
Was: $158.69
This shapely design is so modern, with a pleasingly Scandi-vibe. In a powder-coated red finish it's made to withstand all weathers, so can happily stay outside all summer.
Price: $172.99
Was: $259.99
Doubling as both the perfect picnic bench and a really long outdoor coffee table this metal seat makes for a flexible piece of backyard furniture. Currently on sale at one third down.
Best teak furniture
Teak is a great option for your outdoor furniture. It's durable, and a special type of wood that has a natural oil that repels water which stops it from getting damaged over time. This means you can keep your teak furniture in your garden throughout the year without fear of it getting ruined. What's more, age only improves the appearance. 'I love teak for its durability and beauty,' says Gillian Gillies of Gillian Gillies's Interior Design. 'I especially love it as it weathers and silvers. It also hides a multitude of stains and mishaps and good times!' Here are three furniture picks to buy now.
Price: $2,600
Designed with high quality teak wood, the Elowyn dining table is a great all-weather piece that makes a beautiful focal point for your al fresco feasts this summer. With a tabletop of teak paneling, this piece from McGee & Co has a coastal feel.
Price: $1,371
Made of natural Brazilian teak, I love the structure of this sofa, with angular arms that highlight the beautiful warmth of the wood. Beige linen cushions help to soften the piece, making it a great piece to enjoy throughout the year - just make sure you look after the linen upholstery.
Price: $1,274
A cute outdoor armchair that can slot into any corner of your backyard. The teak has been kiln-dried to avoid expanding and shrinking throughout the year, so don't be afraid to leave it outside. The acrylic fabric cushions won't damage throughout the year, but remember to take them in when faced with any serious weather to keep them in good condition.
Best wrought iron furniture
Wrought iron is another reliable material that you can leave outside throughout the year without fear of it damaging. Looked after well, you'll enjoy your wrought iron furniture for years. ‘Wrought iron will be your most durable and sturdy option but is definitely a higher price point,’ says Annie and Jordan Obermanns of Forge & Bow. It's heavy too, which means that even in the most blustery conditions, your wrought iron table or bench won't run the risk of tipping over.
Price: $82.99
This two-piece wrought iron dining chair is super simple but contemporary. They are heavy in weight, meaning they don't run the risk of falling over during any bad weather - so feel free to leave them in your backyard throughout the year. Buy a seat cushion to match and make them a little more comfortable.
Price: $933.50
Built with a wrought iron frame, this dining table looks great with a gleaming glass surface, a chic addition to your backyard throughout the year. The rectangular size makes it perfect for outdoor hosting throughout summer, and features an umbrella hole and space for up to 8 guests.
Price: $305.99
For something a bit more ornate with a touch of Victorian whimsy, go for this wrap-around bench that circles the base of a tree. This will bring a beautiful seating area to your garden, and the wrought iron details look super elegant. Pop a few upholstered seat cushions down to add more comfort.
Best powder-coated furniture
If your backyard furniture is powder coated, it's giving a real good chance for durability, helping to resist rust, fading and chipping. It can be applied to almost any materials, but metal is the most popular. Aluminum and steel are both commonly powder coated, and it's a great way to add a colored coating to your outdoor furniture.
Price: $1,019
This aluminum rectangular dining table is super simple, and in white will bring elegance to your outdoor dining area. A slatted top cleverly allows for water to drain through, and the powder coating makes it easy to clean.
Price: $856
I've been flying the flag for HAY's Palissade collection for a while now, but it really does marry elegance with durability. It's super sleek looking, and the powder coating means it comes in an array of colors. Green is super popular, blending with backyard plants.
Price: $374
A set of two lightweight cafe bar stools that bring elegance to your backyard. Weather-defying fiber is double woven over a powder coated aluminum frame to ensure it withstands all weather while enjoying the boho wicker look.
What is the easiest outdoor furniture to maintain?
In terms of materials, always opt for designs made from high-quality rust-proof aluminum that has been powder coated, or sustainably sourced teak. This type of outdoor furniture lasts the longest and can withstand all weather conditions. Furniture that is designed for a life outside won't need to be brought indoors, and if you have a pergola or covered structure (or the space and budget to add one), then this combination will set you up perfectly for year-round use.
Aesthetically, wood works perfectly. 'Wood is a favored material as it fits in nicely with the surrounding landscapes and brings warmth to the space, but opting for wood will require maintenance every couple of years,' says Annie and Jordan. 'If you are looking for this warmth but not maintenance, wicker could be a great option too.'
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