Best Material for Outdoor Furniture in Rain: What Really Holds Up?

If you’ve ever sat on a soggy patio chair after a downpour, you know not all outdoor furniture is built for the wet season. Picking the right material is about more than just style—it can save you from water damage, rust, and way too much cleanup after it rains.

Some materials just aren’t made for regular showers. Wood might give you that classic backyard look, but will it last through storm after storm? And what about metal—does it resist rust, or end up full of flakes and stains by next season? Even plastic and resin have their perks, especially if you’re not looking to spend a fortune or spend your weekends sanding and repainting.

Before you settle on a set for your deck or garden, think about your local weather, how much work you want to put in, and how long you want things to last. There are materials out there that take a beating from the rain and still look good, but there are others that just aren’t worth the hassle. Let’s cut through the myths and get into what actually works when the skies open up.

• Why Your Furniture Material Matters in Rain
• Top Weather-Resistant Materials Compared
• Teak, Acacia, and Other Woods: What Works?
• Metal Options: Aluminum vs. Steel vs. Iron
• Plastic and Resin: Budget Picks That Hold Up
• Care Tips to Beat the Weather

Why Your Furniture Material Matters in Rain

Not all outdoor furniture handles rain the same way. The material you pick can mean the difference between a chair that lasts years and one that literally falls apart after a rainy spring. Moisture brings problems like rot, mold, rust, and swelling—none of which are fun to deal with or cheap to fix.

The most important thing to look for? Whether the furniture is weather-resistant. Materials like teak, powder-coated aluminum, and certain plastics are designed to shrug off rain, while others like untreated softwoods or cheap metals soak it up or start to corrode.

Here's something you might not know: some woods actually get tougher in wet weather because they release natural oils, but many don’t. Cheap pine or untreated oak will start to warp and get moldy fast. The same goes for metals: if it’s not rust-proofed, even a bit of rain will start to eat away at it.

Plastic and resin options have come a long way—these days, some of them can even outlast real wood in wet climates if you pick the right quality. Still, flimsy plastic furniture cracks or fades if left out in the weather for months.

Check out how well different materials hold up in rain according to a 2023 outdoor living survey:

The upshot? Spend a little time picking the right material now, and you'll save big—on repairs, replacements, and your own time. Nobody wants to spend every weekend drying out cushions or scrubbing mildew off the porch. Think of material as the foundation; get it right, and everything stays easy.

Top Weather-Resistant Materials Compared

All right, let’s cut through the hype and see how the most common outdoor furniture materials actually handle real rain. Here’s a no-nonsense breakdown if you want something that doesn’t turn into a science project every spring.

First off, here’s the heavyweight lineup most people run into:

• Teak and other hardwoods
• Aluminum
• Stainless steel
• Wrought iron
• Plastic and resin
• Synthetics (like HDPE)

Now, not all of these are equal. Teak’s a favorite in rainy climates because it’s loaded with natural oils, so it shrugs off moisture and doesn’t rot fast. Aluminum won’t rust—period. That’s why you see so many poolside sets made from it. Stainless steel is strong, but it’s only as good as the grade; cheap versions can still rust if there are scratches. Wrought iron has that classic garden look, but unless it’s powder-coated really well, rust is always waiting to pop up. Plastic and resin don’t care about rain—they don’t rot or rust—but can fade or crack after too many cycles of sun and rain. HDPE (high-density polyethylene) might sound fancy, but all you need to know is it’s plastic on steroids: heavy, sturdy, and basically waterproof.

For full-on comparison at a glance, check this out:

*That’s a real number for outdoor furniture left outside in the rain and not babied inside. If you want something you barely have to think about, teak, aluminum, and HDPE are the MVPs. Wrought iron works if you keep up with the protective coating. Cheaper plastic? Fine in a pinch, just don’t expect it to last forever or win style points.

One trick that saves time: Stackable or folding sets are easier to stash away if a big storm is coming—doesn’t matter what material you have if it sits in a dry shed during a downpour.

Teak, Acacia, and Other Woods: What Works?

Wood just feels right outside, but not all kinds work the same in rainy weather. Teak is hands-down the king here. It’s packed with natural oils that keep water out, so it barely warps or cracks, even after years of getting rained on. That’s why you see it used on boat decks and high-end outdoor furniture everywhere. If you want low hassle and don’t mind spending a little more, teak’s really the gold standard.

Acacia’s great if you’re watching your wallet but still want that real-wood look. It can handle some rain, but it doesn’t have as many oils as teak, so you’ll want to seal it once a year. Otherwise, you might start seeing it fade or even split after a few seasons if you live somewhere really wet.

Here’s how popular woods stack up in wet conditions:

If you’re going for wood and you get a lot of rain, avoid pine or any untreated softwoods. They soak up water fast, then start rotting, splintering, or growing mold quicker than you can blink.

Here are a few tips if you want wood furniture to last outdoors in the rain:

• Go for teak if you want max durability with little fuss.
• If you buy acacia or eucalyptus, treat it with an outdoor sealant at least once a year.
• Set furniture up off the ground if you can—bricks or little pads under the legs help keep the wood dry at the bottom where water pools.
• Grab a cover if storms are always rolling through. It’s a cheap way to save you a lot of hassle.

Wood can definitely work outside, but if you don’t pick the right type—or skip the upkeep—you could end up hauling it to the curb before next summer rolls around.

Metal Options: Aluminum vs. Steel vs. Iron

Trying to choose the right metal for your outdoor furniture in the rain? Here’s how aluminum, steel, and iron actually perform when the weather turns nasty.

Aluminum tops the list if you want something that stands up to water without a lot of fuss. Factory-finished aluminum is basically rustproof, so you don’t get those ugly brown streaks you see on cheaper metal. That also means you can leave it out all year without feeling guilty. Even the weight is on your side—aluminum chairs are light enough to move, but not flimsy if you buy decent quality. One thing to watch: strong winds can knock lightweight pieces around, so maybe don’t use them for an exposed rooftop patio.

Moving on to steel. Powder-coated steel does a decent job resisting the rain, but it’s not foolproof. The powder coating locks water out… until it chips or scratches. Once the coating breaks, steel rusts fast and the frame can get wobbly or stained. Steel is usually heavier than aluminum, which keeps it in place in the wind, but it’s best to check for marks or chips every so often and touch up with a bit of outdoor paint.

Iron, especially wrought iron, has that classic, old-school look, but it’s a mixed bag for rainy areas. Bare iron is a rust magnet. Most modern sets come with a thick protective coating, but if that gets damaged—even a tiny spot—rust will creep in before you know it. Wrought iron furniture is super solid and not going anywhere in a storm, but it’ll need occasional sanding and repainting to keep it looking good.

Quick tip: Whatever you choose, always look for a strong powder-coated or painted finish. If you ever see a chip, touch it up fast. Covering your furniture when you’re not using it buys you time between paint jobs, especially with iron or steel. In places where it rains a lot, aluminum is usually the hassle-free pick, but if you just love the look of iron, be ready for a little extra upkeep.

Plastic and Resin: Budget Picks That Hold Up

Let’s talk about outdoor furniture made from plastic and resin. These two materials get a bad rap for looking cheap, but when you’re dealing with rain, they can be smart choices that save you a headache—and a lot of cash. They’re everywhere for a reason.

First, most plastic and resin furniture won’t suck up water, so you won’t end up with soggy seats or moldy messes. Polypropylene and polyethylene are the two most common plastics used for patio chairs and tables. If you flip a cheap chair over, you’ll probably see one of those names stamped underneath. Both are tough, resist UV damage, and laugh off heavy rain.

Resin wicker—the faux wicker that’s everywhere—puts a modern spin on the old-school woven look. It’s actually a type of plastic, but made to look and feel like rattan. The best versions are made with High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), which lasts longer and doesn’t get brittle in the sun. Go for HDPE over cheaper PVC if you want to avoid flaking and cracks after a few seasons.

Quick Pros:

• Affordable: You can buy a whole set often for less than the cost of a single teak chair.
• Low maintenance: Spray it with a hose, scrub with soapy water, and you’re done.
• Waterproof: Rain just rolls off. No swelling, warping, or rust.
• Lightweight: Easy to move or stash away if a big storm’s coming.

Possible Cons:

• Not as heavy or wind-resistant, so sudden gusts might send chairs flying.
• Fading can be a problem if you buy the cheapest stuff—look for furniture labeled as "UV-resistant."
• Cheap plastic can get brittle or crack in extreme cold or after baking in the hot sun for years.

What actually happens to plastic and resin furniture in different weather? Here’s a quick look:

Here’s a simple tip: check the weight and construction before you buy. Thicker, HDPE pieces can handle rough weather and last a lot longer. If you want to boost life even more, cover your plastic or resin gear when you’re not using it, and store cushions separately. Avoid buying solid black pieces if your patio gets full sun—those heat up like crazy and can sometimes warp.

So, if you’re watching your budget but don’t want to deal with soggy, ruined chairs, plastic and resin can absolutely be the way to go. Just don’t skimp too much on quality—brands that back their stuff with a warranty are usually a safer bet.

Care Tips to Beat the Weather

Even the best outdoor furniture needs a little love when it’s fighting rain every week. If you don’t want to buy new chairs every other year, keeping up with basic care goes a long way—no fancy skills required.

Let’s get real—rain strikes fast and hard. First tip: use covers, even if the label says "weatherproof." Most decent covers cost less than one dinner delivery and keep water from soaking any material. For wood pieces, it’s smart to add a sealant once a year. Go with a clear, outdoor-rated sealant because stains and paint can start to peel after harsh weather.

If you’re rolling with metal, pay attention to screws and joints. A dab of spray-on rust protector before rainy season can save you a full weekend of sanding and painting. For powder-coated aluminum or steel, check for nicks or scratches—touch them up with matching paint to stop rust dead in its tracks.

Plastic and resin are the least needy, but dirt and mildew love them after rain. Quick wash with soapy water, rinse, and just let it air dry. If you see any mold, a splash of vinegar mixed with water takes care of it, no special cleaners needed.

• Store cushions indoors or in waterproof boxes. No one likes sitting on a wet pillow.
• Keep feet of furniture off soggy ground. Slip brick pavers or small pads under the legs—it’s cheap and stops wood rot or rust stains.
• Every so often, give everything a once-over for loose bolts or parts. Tighten what needs tightening so stuff doesn’t break after heavy rain.

If you get a spell of sunny days, take covers off so your furniture can totally dry. Trapped moisture is like a free lunch for mildew and rust.

These steps aren’t a ton of work, but they’ll save you headaches and money, and keep your outdoor hangout looking solid all year.