Wicker, Poly, Aluminum or Teak: Which Outdoor Furniture is Best for Summer?

adirondack chairs

Summers in Virginia are hot and humid, so it’s important to choose outdoor furniture that can withstand the region’s harsh UV rays, intense heat and sudden rain. The good news is that quality outdoor furniture, whether it’s made of wicker, poly, aluminum or teak, is designed to be durable and weather-resistant, even on the coast. So, the best outdoor furniture for summer, truly depends of your preferences and priorities.

To help you decide which is the right choice for your home, the outdoor furniture experts at Williamsburg Wicker Patio & Home, share the pros, the cons and the best uses for each type of patio furniture below.

Wicker Outdoor Furniture

With its organic texture and relaxed style, wicker patio furniture lends a comfortable, yet luxurious feel to any outdoor living space. However, the woven design can make it difficult to clean.

  • Pros: Comfortable, lightweight and resistant to UV fading.
  • Cons: Can be difficult to clean dust or dirt out of the weaves.
  • Best Use: On a covered porch, a screened-in outdoor living room, or a shady reading nook, for maximum comfort and luxury.

Poly Outdoor Furniture

Designed to look like painted wood, without the maintenance, rotting or splintering, poly patio furniture is extremely durable and moisture resistant. It’s also heavy enough to withstand strong winds, but can be hard to move.

  • Pros: Resists mold and mildew, zero-maintenance, and unlikely to blow away.
  • Cons: Can be heavy to move, and dark colors can get hot in direct sun.
  • Best Use: Poolside lounging, seating around a fire pit, and in areas with strong coastal breezes or salt spray.

Aluminum Outdoor Furniture

Aluminum patio furniture is lightweight, rust-proof and incredibly durable. It requires minimum upkeep and is ideal for most summer climates, but it can get hot to the touch if left in direct sunlight.

  • Pros: Weather-resistant, lightweight and rust-proof.
  • Cons: The metal frame can get hot in direct sun.
  • Best Use: Dining under a patio umbrella or pergola, protected from intense sunlight, or as lightweight, flexible seating that can be easily moved to chase the shade.

Teak Outdoor Furniture

Teak patio furniture is made from a dense tropical hardwood that is highly resistant to rot, insects and moisture, and it stays cool even on the hottest days. While it may cost more upfront, it’s the kind of timeless, long-lasting furniture you can pass down for generations

  • Pros: Stays cool even in direct sun, highly durable, and naturally ages to a beautiful silvery-gray.
  • Cons: Can be expensive and requires oiling to maintain its original color.
  • Best Use: Sun-drenched patio and deck seating, as a garden bench, or in any outdoor living space with a sleek, modern aesthetic.

Shop Wicker, Aluminum, Poly & Teak Outdoor Furniture in Hampton Roads, VA

The best outdoor furniture for summer is durable, weather-resistant and breathable, but the best type of patio furniture for your home depends on your needs, budget and style.

At Williamsburg Wicker Patio & Home store in Williamsburg, VA, you’ll not only find the area’s widest selection of wicker, teak, aluminum and poly patio furniture from all the top brands, but our designers actually take the time to help you select the right furniture for your outdoor living space. Simply bring in photos and measurements for your patio, porch, deck or screened-in sunroom, and we’ll provide you with a free in-store design consultation.

To shop the widest selection of in-stock, on-sale outdoor furniture in Hampton Roads, Richmond, and Greater Virginia, as well as coastal North Carolina and Washington DC, view our store hours and get directions, or contact us for more information.

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