Aluminum is one of the most popular patio furniture materials. You will find it used in all types of furniture, including chairs, chaise lounges, sofas, patio furniture sets, patio dining sets, and much more. But does this mean it is a good material for your next patio furniture purchase?
This post covers some of the essential pros and cons of aluminum patio furniture that you need to know about before your next patio furniture purchase. Read on below to find out why aluminum patio furniture is a very popular outdoor furniture material and is an excellent choice for your next patio furniture purchase for your outdoor space.

Table of Contents
What is aluminum?
Aluminum is a silvery, white metal that is one of the most plentiful metals on the planet. Aluminum is lighter and less dense than other metals such as steel. It has a variety of properties, including high malleability, high durability, and weather resistance, which allow it to be utilized in a wide range of applications. One of the most common applications of aluminum is material in many outdoor furniture pieces.
Is aluminum a good patio furniture material?
Yes! Aluminum is a great material for patio furniture because it is strong, weather-resistant, and easy to maintain. Additionally, aluminum furniture is typically more affordable than other high-quality materials like teak and some wicker options. You can find outdoor aluminum furniture in many styles to match your needs.
Aluminum
Material Rating
Pros
- Will not rust
- Highly durable; difficult to dent or break
- Light-weight material - easy to move furniture
- Minimal maintenance required
Cons
- Can corrode, especially if near saltwater or chlorine
- Light-weight material - may move from strong wind
Aluminum patio furniture options
The Pros and Cons of Aluminum Patio Furniture
#1 Pro: Aluminum will not rust
You may be very familiar with how metals will rust outdoors, even if they have been painted or powder coated to prevent rusting (note: sometimes painting or powder coating can be poorly applied, or the paint or powdering coating is damaged which exposes the metal which leads to rusting). What was once a great piece of outdoor furniture may now have rust spots, or even worse, it may be leaving rust stains on your patio or deck.
Luckily, aluminum does not naturally rust. So, there is no worry about aluminum patio furniture getting unsightly rust spots or leaving rust stains throughout your backyard.
#2 Con: Aluminum can still corrode - this is why it is often powder coated
Although aluminum does not rust, it can still corrode. This corrosion (rust is a form of corrosion) will look white or grey on the metal, eventually leading to the metal degrading. Aluminum can quickly corrode near saltwater and chlorine.
So, if you are looking to purchase aluminum patio furniture, make sure that the aluminum is powder coated because powdering coating will protect the metal from corroding. As a result, you should expect the metal to last many years in your backyard.
#3 Pro: Aluminum furniture is very sturdy
There are two aluminum varieties that you typically find in outdoor furniture: extruded aluminum (also called hollow or tubular aluminum) and cast aluminum (a solid piece of aluminum). Either type is a very study material: it is very hard to dent, bend, chip, or break. This metal is very durable, and it can withstand the wear and tear of your backyard and then some.
#4 Pro/Con: Aluminum is not as heavy as other metals
One of the drawbacks and advantages of aluminum patio furniture is that it is not typically as heavy as other metal material options. For example, you may know how difficult it can be to move wrought iron patio furniture because wrought iron is a very dense metal. On the other hand, a similar aluminum piece of furniture will typically weigh less, making it much easier to move. This lighter weight than other metals is a significant advantage for aluminum furniture.
However, the drawback of being lighter weight and thus easier to move is that strong winds have a better chance of moving aluminum outdoor furniture. Now, not all aluminum outdoor furniture pieces are the same. Some furniture pieces can be pretty heavy, especially cast aluminum patio furniture.
So, if you have a chance to test out your furniture before you purchase it, see if you think it is heavy enough for your needs to move it around your outdoor area and resist movement by the wind.
#5 Pro: Sun will not damage aluminum
Aluminum is a great all-weather material, and one of the great aspects of the material is that the sun won’t damage aluminum. Thus, you can leave aluminum out in the sun, and you will not see any discoloration or degradation. One caution, like any metal, aluminum can get hot if left in direct sunlight, so it may become too hot to touch.
#6 Pro: Aluminum furniture can be recycled
Aluminum is one of the most recyclable materials; it is infinitely recyclable. So, if you feel that your aluminum patio set, lounge chairs, or any piece of outdoor furniture has reached the end of its useful life, you will be able to recycle the aluminum material.
#7 Pro: Aluminum furniture is very easy to maintain
One of the most important aspects of owning patio furniture is knowing what care and maintenance is needed. Some pieces of outdoor furniture require less maintenance than others. Luckily, aluminum furniture requires minimal maintenance year-round to keep it in its best shape. Typically all that is needed to keep aluminum frames clean is mild soap and water to wash away any dirt or debris. However, if you want to protect your furniture from the elements in the winter or other extreme weather, you can easily find a cover to protect it.
#8 Pro: Aluminum furniture is usually more affordable than other high-quality materials
As you shop for outdoor furniture, you will tend to notice that some materials cost more than others. Typically, you will find that aluminum is the choice material for many high-quality patio furniture because of its high durability and weather resistance. But, compared to other high-quality materials like teak and some wicker options, aluminum furniture is typically more affordable than these options. Thus, you are more likely to find some deals on outdoor aluminum furniture than other options made with different frame materials.
#9 Pro: You can find outdoor aluminum furniture in many styles
Aluminum is a very versatile material. As such, it is available in many different patio furniture styles, designs, and pieces. As you are shopping for patio furniture, you should be able to find a wide range of aluminum options that meet your design, color, and functionality needs.
Aluminum Patio Furniture Collection Option
If you’re in the market for a new aluminum patio furniture set, you should definitely check out Outer’s Aluminum collection. This stylish aluminum collection is one of the best aluminum collections you can find on the market today. This aluminum collection features highly weather-resistant cushions made with olefin fabric and cushions with a waterproof layer. Outer outdoor furniture is backed by a 10-year warranty and comes with free shipping and an excellent trial period.Â
Read our full review on Outer patio furniture here to learn how its aluminum collection patio furniture can be a great addition to your backyard.