People living in rainy and humid climates often have a problem with their patio furniture. They constantly worry that the furniture will get wet and mildewy, fade, or that it won’t last long in these conditions.
But no worries, you don’t have to lose money on buying patio furniture that won’t last. Instead, arm yourself with the knowledge of which materials are best for resisting moisture.
In this blog post, we will discuss the best outdoor furniture for rainy weather. Get ready to enjoy your patio worry-free, even in the rain!
Summary: The 7 Best Patio Furniture Materials for Rainy Weather and Humidity
The materials below describe the best frame, fabric, and cushion materials for outdoor patio furniture for rainy and humid climates. We selected these because they have characteristics to withstand these conditions, requiring the least care and maintenance compared to other materials.
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How Rainy and Humid Conditions Affect Patio Furniture
Here are some of the primary issues you have to worry about when leaving your outdoor furniture in wet conditions:
Rust and corrosion: If the materials you have outdoors aren’t rust resistant, you will run into oxidation issues, and your furniture will break down quickly.
Mold and mildew: If your furniture is constantly wet, it will start to mildew and grow mold. Not only is this aesthetically unpleasing, but it can also be dangerous for your health if you’re regularly sitting on or using these pieces.
Warping and cracking: Moisture can damage woods by warping and cracking them. This is especially true if there are drastic changes in temperature and humidity levels in your outdoor space.
Slow drying: We’ve all been there, sitting on a wet cushion, and feeling the moisture seep into our clothes. Some materials are too slow to dry to be appropriate for the outdoors
Salty sediment: If you live near the ocean, you’ll have to deal with salt air and sediment. This can be especially damaging to metals, causing them to corrode quickly.
These are all major problems, but what are the best materials to overcome this? Here are our best outdoor furniture material choices that will help overcome these issues.
#1
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
High-density polyethylene, also known as HDPE, is one of the most durable materials for outdoor furniture because it can withstand harsh weather conditions. It is durable, doesn’t corrode, and is mold and mildew resistant. This makes it a great material for outdoor furniture in rainy and humid climates.
HDPE is used in wicker style furniture and as the main frame material in other plastic furniture sets. This resin wicker is much more durable than the natural material and will last much longer in harsh conditions.
HDPE can also be used as a fabric and is commonly made into shade cloths. This synthetic material is UV resistant, breathable, and quick drying. This can further protect your outdoor furniture and extend its life.
Additionally, if you are looking for eco-friendly and sustainable patio furniture materials, HDPE outdoor furniture can be a great option for you because there are HDPE furniture options made from recycled plastic.
Common Question: Is ‘PE Rattan’ or ‘All-Weather Wicker’ a Good Plastic Patio Furniture Material for Rain and Humidity?
Yes, PE rattan furniture should perform well in rainy and humid climates too, given that the PE in PE rattan furniture means “polyethylene,” and all forms of polyethylene perform well against moisture. All-weather wicker furniture isn’t made out of traditional wicker, and it too is likely made from polyethylene (we do note that there are other synthetic polymers that can be used to make all-weather wicker – some are better than others). It won’t warp and corrode easily because it’s non-porous and doesn’t hold moisture that makes contact with the materials.
However, the things listed as PE Rattan may be made with LDPE, which may be more susceptible to extreme weather than HDPE and isn’t as durable as HDPE. LDPE is less dense than HDPE, so it may crack more easily. It is also more sensitive to sunlight and will degrade quicker in direct sunlight.
So if you’re looking for furniture made with plastic materials that will last in a wet environment, it’s best to go with something that is made of HDPE.
#2
Aluminum
Aluminum is a type of metal that has a long life in outdoor environments. One of the great aspects of aluminum is that it won’t rust like steel or iron can, making it a perfect material for frames in wet climates. We do note, however, that aluminum can still corrode, but it won’t be the orange, brown rust that you are familiar with.
Aluminum outdoor furniture is also a lightweight metal, which makes it easy to move around. This makes it perfect for outdoor furniture that needs to be rearranged often or moved in and out of storage.
A lot of durable outdoor furniture is constructed with an aluminum frame. This includes patio sets, lounge chairs, and chaise lounges. Aluminum frames are also common in umbrellas.
Aluminum outdoor furniture will most likely be powder-coated (to protect from corrosion) in a variety of colors, making it a popular choice for furniture frames, adding to the style of your patio.
Powder-coating is a type of painting that uses a dry powder that is electrostatically charged and then sprayed. There are many different types of coatings, including clear coats, that can be applied to aluminum frames to protect them from the elements.
These protective layers especially help to reduce saltwater or chlorine damage on outdoor furniture, which is especially present in coastal areas.
Common Question: Is Steel a Good Patio Furniture Material for Rain and Humidity?
Overall, steel is a good patio furniture material for wet climates. It is also very durable and long-lasting. It’s much heavier than aluminum, which makes it harder to move around, but also gives it more stability.
It is important to note that outdoor furniture made of steel can rust if it is not properly taken care of.
This is why any steel patio furniture is treated to be weather resistant by being powder-coated, galvanized, or you can choose a stainless steel material. This will also help to prevent scratching and fading if your steel furniture is getting regular use or isn’t protected from the sun.
Treated steel will last much longer in wet and humid climates, but it is important to check on the furniture regularly to make sure that the treatment is still effective. You may need to retreat your steel surface seasonally, especially if there is a high amount of moisture in your area.
Common Question: Is Stainless Steel a Good Patio Furniture Material for Rain and Humidity?
As mentioned above, stainless steel has more resistance to corrosion than regular steel and is a good patio furniture material for wet climates.
In order to protect stainless steel and make sure your outdoor furniture lasts, you will want to clean moisture off of it as soon as possible. You can also prevent water from pooling on the surface by using patio covers or waterproof covers.
You can also put a protectant on the surface of your stainless steel outdoor furniture to help keep it clean and prevent corrosion. This will also help to reduce fingerprints and smudges.
Common Question: Is Wrought Iron a Good Patio Furniture Material for Rain and Humidity?
Many people enjoy using wrought iron patio furniture as outdoor furniture because it is very stylish. It can last a long time, which is why it is commonly used as outdoor seating for bars, cafes, and restaurants. However, like other metals, wrought iron can rust if it is not properly taken care of.
You’ll have to regularly clean and refinish your wrought iron outdoor furniture by using steel wool or wire brush. This will help to remove any rust that has already formed and prevent it from coming back as quickly.
To further protect it from rainy weather, you can use a rust-resistant primer and sealant that will prevent water and moisture from seeping in and causing damage.
If you see any chipping or scratches on your wrought iron down the line, make sure to touch those areas up with the sealant to maintain the protective coating.
#3
Teak
Teak is a very popular wood when it comes to wood furniture materials. The high natural oil content of teak make it highly mold, mildew, and rot resistant. Historically, teak wood was used to build ships because of its water-resistant properties.
Nowadays, it is a common material for outdoor furniture because it can withstand any type of weather conditions, including rain and humidity.
It brings warmth to any outdoor seating area, and its classic wood grain finish makes it a beautiful addition to any patio.
Teak furniture can be a bit of a higher-maintenance material because it needs to be regularly oiled in order to keep its natural color.
However, these durable materials can last up to 100 years when properly maintained.
There are three different grades of teak wood available for outdoor furniture. Use grade A and grade B teak exclusively when looking for outdoor furniture because it is of the highest quality.
Grade C teak will quickly warp and won’t hold up in the rain because it doesn’t contain as many natural protective oils as higher grade versions of this tree do.
Common Question: Can Wood Patio Furniture Be Left Out in the Rain?
Not all wood will be able to handle rain and humidity well as teak. Some woods are not as naturally weather resistant. Woods that don’t have protective oils or that are not as dense will be more likely to warp, crack, or rot when they get wet.
Other woods are very soft and will absorb moisture, which can cause them to swell, split, or mildew.
Stick to teak wood or other high-quality, weather-resistant woods (for example, eucalyptus and acacia) if you’re looking for patio furniture that can better withstand the effects of rain and humidity.
With less durable outdoor furniture, make sure to cover your patio set with a tarp or waterproof cover when it starts raining in order to keep it in good condition.
You can also treat many woods with a sealant that will make them more resistant to moisture and help protect them against the elements.
#4
Sunbrella Fabric
Sunbrella is a brand of all-weather fabrics that are used to make a variety of outdoor furniture and accessories. Sunbrella is a solution-dyed acrylic fabric that is made to resist fading, staining, and tearing, which makes it perfect for use in any climate. It won’t collect mold or mildew like other fabrics, because it highly water-resistant. It also dries more quickly than natural materials and resists UV rays.
Sunbrella furniture is often more expensive than other types of outdoor furniture, but it is worth the investment. The furniture will last much longer and look great year after year.
Sunbrella also offers a wide variety of colors and patterns to choose from, so you can find the perfect set for your patio.
Sunbrella fabrics are most commonly used for umbrella materials and outdoor seating.
Common Question: What Outdoor Fabrics Are Best for Rain and Humidity?
Sunbrella is our top recommendation when it comes to outdoor fabrics that can withstand rain and humidity. However, many other synthetic materials will also hold up well in these climates.
Generally, you find the best moisture-resistant fabrics are performance fabrics like Sunbrella, Nuvella, CushionGuard, DuraSeason, Outdura, and many more. You will find that these are typically acrylic or polyester fibers that have been designed specifically for outdoor use.
Natural fibers like cotton and wool will absorb moisture, so they are not the best choice for outdoor furniture fabrics.
#5
Olefin Fabric
Another fabric that we recommend is Olefin fabric. Olefin is made out of synthetic polyolefin, a fabric that is solution-dyed. It isn’t a brand name but is the name of a type of fiber that many different manufacturers produce.
This fabric is known for being strong, fade-resistant, and very affordable. It dries quickly and is highly water-resistant, making it a great choice for wet days. It’s one of the best outdoor furniture materials for making chairs, sectionals, and umbrellas.
Olefin is fade and stain-resistant as well, making it a great choice for families with small children or pets. It’s easy to clean and simple to maintain.
This fabric isn’t best for environments that reach extremely hot temperatures, so make sure to check the temperature range before purchasing olefin furniture.
#6
Reticulated Foam / Quick-Dry Foam Cushions
Reticulated foam is an open-cell foam that is often used in outdoor furniture cushions. It’s a very strong and supportive type of foam that dries quickly and doesn’t absorb water.
This type of foam is perfect for use in any climate, but it’s especially good for rainy and humid areas. The moisture that it accumulates easily runs through the open-cell material instead of stagnating and creating mold or mildew.
This type of foam is easy to clean with soap and eater and can dry out as quickly as a few hours, especially if left in the sun.
This helps prevent that unpleasant feeling of sitting on your outdoor furniture chair only to find out the cushion is still soaking wet.
Common Question: Will Outdoor Cushions Get Wet if They Have Water-Resistant Fabric?
Yes, trust us, we have learned the hard way – outdoor cushions will still get wet if they have water-resistant fabric. The water-resistant fabric is designed to keep the moisture out, but it can’t prevent the chair or cushion from getting wet if it rains hard.
Water-resistant is not waterproof. That means in some cases water will be repelled; in other cases, water can get it in – especially if it is a heavy downpour of rain. If you are expecting a lot of direct rain on your furniture, and the fabric material is ‘water-resistant’ be prepared for the cushions to get wet.
On the bright side, these outdoor materials usually dry very quickly and won’t mildew or fade in the sun. So try to set them aside if you know there will be heavy rain or cover them if you want them to stay bone dry.
#7
Textilene (Sling)
Textilene is a synthetic fiber made of polyester and PVC that is often used in outdoor furniture. It is a water-resistant, durable, and affordable material.
You will commonly find Textiline, or other sling materials, on cushionless furniture available from many patio furniture brands. Sling is known as being a sturdy, comfortable, and budget-friendly material for outdoor patio furniture.
One of the great aspects of Textilene is that water passes right through the mesh material, making it very quick and easy to dry.
So if you are looking for a material that can quickly dry (or even use during rain!), then you should consider outdoor furniture made with Textilene or other sling outdoor furniture materials.
Final Thoughts
When you need to find the most durable outdoor furniture materials for your patio that will hold up to rain and humidity, these 7 materials are some of the best options. Consider the climate you live in and how often you’ll be using your furniture to help you decide which material is best for you.