When selecting weatherproof outdoor furniture for your deck or dock, you can’t choose based on the same qualities you look for when shopping for indoor furniture. Sure, comfort and style are important, but you also have to consider how that furniture will stand up to the outdoor elements, such as rain, wind, sun and snow.
Outdoor furniture comes in a variety of materials, such as wood, plastic and metal, with some standing up to the wear and tear of outdoor use better than others. The best long-lasting outdoor furniture will be resilient against mold, rust, corrosion and mildew. It should be durable enough to handle the elements, as well as frequent use.
Outdoor materials should be able to endure rain and humidity without becoming moldy or mildewy, or developing a musty odor and stains. In addition to looking bad, mold and mildew can impact the health of those who spend time in the outdoor space.
The sun can also harm outdoor furniture over time. Ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause certain materials to fade or become discolored and yellow. Materials can also become brittle or even crack.
Wind and storms can cause a problem by either damaging or blowing away outdoor furniture. For this reason, it’s essential to purchase furniture that is heavy or can be secured or bolted down so that it doesn’t become dislodged during a storm.
Best Material For Weatherproof Outdoor Furniture
Josh Tidmore, customer experience manager with KillerDock Inc., said the best material for weatherproof and low-maintenance outdoor furniture is marine-grade aluminum.
“Marine-grade aluminum is lightweight, durable and will not rust like steel or wrought iron, and it’s not heavy like furniture made of stainless-steel or Polywood material,” Tidmore said
Based out of Theodore, Alabama, KillerDock is a family owned company dedicated to high-end sport fishing and quality outdoor leisure. It’s best known for its upscale fish cleaning stations.
Tidmore says because the marine-grade aluminum is so durable and weather-resistance, furniture made of the material is essentially maintenance-free.
“When it comes to our KillerDock furniture, you’ll occasionally want to clean off the cushion fabric, which is made by Sunbrella, but that’s it. All you have to do is wipe the material down with a Clorox wipe, spray it down with a hose or give it a light pressure wash if it gets a bit dirty from use. The marine-grade aluminum is so durable, that we offer a lifetime warranty on the metal – anything that we fabricate or weld here at KillerDock. The Sunbrella material for the cushions and sunshade has a five-year warranty.”
Wood
Wood is often a favored material for outdoor furniture because it is attractive and relatively durable, but it’s important to remember that not all woods offer the same durability. Some wood is treated and some is not. Also, the way hardwoods and softwoods respond to outdoor conditions can vary greatly.
Tidmore says wood is also relatively inexpensive and it’s nice that it will blend in with the dock if that’s the look that you’re going for, but there are some drawbacks.
“Wood is going to splinter, and it’s not going to last very long, even if the furniture is made of treated lumber. The sun is going to distort the material over time,” Tidmore said.
He said wood furniture will also require frequent maintenance, whether its staining, painting or pressure washing.
“If the wood furniture is unstained or unpainted, you’ll need to wash it with a pressure washer, deck cleaner or brush at least once a year, but you have to be careful. Too much water force can push the moisture into places it doesn’t need to be and cause the furniture to degrade or rot over time,” Tidmore said.
There are many variables to consider when it comes to how long wood furniture will last, such as the type of wood used, whether or not it’s treated, and whether or not it’s stained or painted.
Metal
The most popular metals for outdoor furniture are aluminum, steel, stainless steel and wrought iron.
As mentioned above, aluminum, specifically marine-grade aluminum, is the ideal choice for outdoor furniture, thanks to its strength, durability and light weight. It’s also corrosion- and rust-resistant.
Wrought iron furniture can be both beautiful and strong and steel can offer strength, good weight and corrosion resistance, but rust, metal fatigue and cracking can be a problem for both materials.
“Some people choose outdoor furniture made of thin carbon steel for its light weight, but once it begins to rust, it will rust through quickly. This is a big problem in salt-air environments where the process is accelerated. Powder coat or paint can help extend the lifespan, but the first ding or scratch causes the deterioration to set in. Typically, once that starts, it’ll only be two to four years before the furniture is not structurally sound,” Tidmore said.
Stainless steel is often praised for its low maintenance, durability, corrosion resistance and cool temperature, but like wrought iron, it also requires some additional upkeep to prevent rust build up, although not as much.
Synthetics And Plastics
Polywood furniture is a popular choice for its durability and appeal. Polywood is made of high-quality recycled and reusable high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic that looks like wood. Its average life expectancy is 15 years, as it holds up well to UV rays and can withstand the elements due to its high resistance against mold and fading.
“Polywood is a great material, but furniture made from it can get really hot to the touch during warm summer days, especially if it’s a darker color. It can also be uncomfortable to sit on because it is hard like wood. It’s fairly heavy, which can be good during storms, but I’m not aware of any Polywood furniture that is made in a way so that you can bolt it down to your boat dock if you want to,” Tidmore said.
There are also other cheaper plastic options that can often be found at big box stores for very affordable prices.
“That super-cheap furniture made of thin, plastic material is light and will blow around in a storm. It’s going to dry out in the sun and crack in a relatively short amount of time, but it is inexpensive,” Tidmore said.
Fabric
The fabric featured on your boat dock furniture can make or break both its appeal and comfort. In addition to being attractive, the fabric should also be durable, water-resistant, mold- and mildew-resistant and UV-resistant.
Tidmore said they use Sunbrella fabric on the KillerDock furniture because the solution-dyed acrylic fabric is famously fade-proof, water-resistant and easy to wash.
“Sunbrella material is not true textile fabric like cotton or cloth. It’s made from a type of plastic that feels like cloth and is comfortable to the touch, but more durable and resilient. It’s easy to clean and will not fray or catch on a sharp object as easily as cloth will. It also stays pretty cool to the touch,” Tidmore said.
Cheaper outdoor furniture cushions are sometimes made using dyed cotton fabric. Cotton is not water resistant and can lend itself to issues like mold and mildew. It can also change color when overexposed to harsh sunlight.
Maintenance Tips For Weatherproof Outdoor Furniture
All boat dock furniture will require some maintenance, but the amount will depend on the furniture’s material.
Items made of plastic or aluminum will need little care, but items made of wood or iron will need staining or sanding.
Furniture made of marine-grade aluminum, like that made by KillerDock, requires almost no maintenance, other than an occasional wipe-down to remove dirt.
“The coating we put on our material is an anti-corrosion clear coating. It makes cleanup a breeze. We can also powder coat the furniture for clients who don’t want to see the metal. Powder coating adds an additional layer of protection and requires no real maintenance other than an occasional wipe down,” Tidmore said.
Wood furniture that is unpainted or stained can be wiped down with a rag or brush using a soapy solution, and it often requires pressure washing at least once a year.
If you want to keep your wooden outdoor furniture looking like new, then you need to treat it with a sealant to protect it and preserve the color every few years, depending on the conditions. Before you add the sealant, you’ll need to wash and sand it first.
Wipe down metal furniture with a cloth or sponge using water and mild, non-detergent soap and then wipe it dry. Don’t use abrasive scrubbers or cleaners as they can scratch the finish, exposing the metal to rust-inducing moisture. Apply touch-up paint to scratches to prevent rust. If you find rust, lightly sand the area using fine-grit sandpaper and apply rust-proof touch-up paint.
Plastic and synthetic furniture don’t typically require much upkeep. Just wipe them down using a non-abrasive cleaner and a damp sponge or brush.
Furniture covers can protect your furniture from the elements and lengthen their lifespan. Some furniture brands come with covers designed specifically for their furniture pieces. You can also buy generic covers that will fit.
Final Thoughts
Before you purchase outdoor furniture for your deck or boat dock, do a bit of research. Look for furniture that is made of material that can withstand rain, snow, harsh sunlight and strong winds. Higher-end furniture may cost a bit more in the beginning, but it can last a lifetime. Furniture made of cheaper metals and plastics may cost less in the beginning, but you may find yourself replacing them time and again after only a few years of use. In the end, remember, you get what you pay for when it comes to quality dock accessories and durable weatherproof outdoor furniture.
