2024 Guide to Non-Toxic Patio Furniture
Choosing the best material for your garden and patio furniture is an investment meant to last through the seasons. For a comfortable, wellness inspired outdoor living space, it's important to consider what materials are safe to sit on and won't emit VOCs. In this post, we discuss the best outdoor furniture materials that are nontoxic, durable, and safe for your family. Whether you're lounging by the pool, enjoying an al fresco meal, or watching the sunset, you can feel comfortable knowing that your all weather outdoor furniture is stylish and chemical free.
We’re always on the lookout for the best materials for outdoor furniture. Whether you live in a bustling city apartment, the spacious suburbs or in a rural countryside home, it's important to get outside for some fresh air and sunshine. Outdoor living is an important part of your space, so let's dig in to the best patio furniture!
What are the Most Common Materials Used in Outdoor Furniture?
Outdoor furniture comes in a variety of materials, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the better options made from natural, eco friendly, durable materials:
Wood: Known for its beauty and natural pest resistance. Popular choices include teak, cedar, acacia, and eucalyptus. Wood is often stained, sealed, treated or a combination of all three after it's harvested and assembled into furniture. Some wood coatings can be toxic, so it's important to pay attention to what kind of treatments are on your outdoor wood furniture.
Metal: Durable and often used in modern designs. Aluminum is a popular option, being lightweight and rust-resistant, while stainless steel is heavier.
Stone: Available in many colors and textures. Stone is nature's jewelry. While outdoor stone is usually pricier, it's heavy enough to withstand strong winds and is guaranteed to be one-of-a-kind. Nothing rivals the striking beauty and smooth feel of real stone in outdoor garden spaces.
These are some of the common synthetics, also among the most durable material for outdoor furniture options:
Plastic: Lightweight and resistant to moisture. Acrylic resins are popular, durable options. So is high-density polyethylene (HDPE) for its ability to withstand extreme weather conditions, rain, snow, and UV rays. Plus, HDPE is recyclable.
PVC / Rubber: These two are on our avoidance list. Simply put, both PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and rubber are synthetic materials that will offgas noxious fumes for years, especially in the warmer months.
Wicker / Rattan: Offers a bohemian look and is weather-resistant. Woven furniture can be either natural or synthetic. When it comes to outdoor furniture, synthetic wicker and rattan are more durable and weather-resistant than the natural materials. Depending on the climate, these synthetic outdoor materials may outperform natural wickers and natural fiber ropes in climates with rain and snow.
Recycled Plastic: Likely will offgas noxious fumes. Although we love that it's sustainably made from recycled HDPE plastic bottles, we've found outdoor furniture made from polywood or similar recycled plastic content to smell like wax crayons or synthetic fragrances found in recycled laundry detergent bottles, when exposed to heat and sun. (The exception would be PET from recycled water bottles.)
Fabrics & Textiles: Adds softness and comfort for seating and underfoot. Outdoor fabrics are commonly used for cushions and upholstery, as well as awnings and umbrellas. Since outdoor fabrics are mainly synthetic for rain and waterproofing reasons, it's important to pay attention to the material and treatments applied. More on this in a moment.
What are the Best Patio Furniture Materials?
When choosing the best patio furniture material, it's important to consider whether they will be in a sunny area. For outdoor furniture with full sun exposure, you'll want furnishings that can withstand UV rays and heat. Not only do we want to avoid sitting on a hot seat. It's important to choose outdoor patio furniture that's free from forever chemical treatments like PFAS toxins.
What is PFAS?
PFAS are a class of manmade chemicals that provide waterproofing and stain protection for fabrics, carpets and even clothing. Often PFAS treatments are used on outdoor furniture. PFAS is also used in metal cookware for non stick surfaces. PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which are classified as 'forever chemicals', which are known to persist and never break down in the environment. Repeated exposures to PFAS toxins through skin contact and via leaching into food and drinks can lead to serious chronic health problems.
Does Outdoor Furniture Have PFAS?
Harmful PFAS chemicals are often used as finishing treatments for outdoor furniture with fabrics. The PFAS coatings help to waterproof the surface and add stain resistance.
To keep these chemicals out of your backyard, look for specific outdoor fabrics and textiles. We look for outdoor furniture fabrics which are made from polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE), which are waterproof by the way that they're woven. Plus PP end PE do not contain any BPA or phthalates.
When it comes to the best materials for outdoor furniture, it's important to look at both the structural components of a piece of furniture as well as the fabrics and any finishes.
Is Solution Died Acrylic Safe for Patio Furniture?
When it comes to outdoor couch fabrics, we do not recommend solution died acrylic. In order for the acrylic to be waterproof, it requires an application of a waterproofing chemical onto the fabric. Many contain PFAS, which we want to avoid.
Olefin is our top choice for outdoor fabric. It's UV-resistant, nontoxic, and durable, making it perfect for outdoor cushions and upholstery for outdoor couches and chairs. Olefin is polypropylene fabric (PP) that's free of PFAS. By the way it's woven, this fabric is safely waterproof without the need for PFAS treatments.
Olefin is also fade resistant and able to withstand the elements like sun and wind without deteriorating, making it a best material for outdoor furniture cushions, too. Check out our Modern Lux Outdoor Collection Lounge Bed for a great example.
The safest materials for outdoor couches and chairs:
Aluminum is rust-resistant and lightweight, making it ideal for large furniture items like outdoor couch frames and chairs. Sustainable aluminum is also forever recyclable, which means your outdoor chairs are recyclable at the end of their useful life. Plus another added benefit is aluminum outdoor furniture does not retain heat, so it remains cool to the touch even on hot days with lots of sun.
Stainless steel weighs more than aluminum, which makes it great for smaller pieces of furniture like patio chairs that may blow away in heavy winds. While raw steel rusts and isn't very pretty, powder coatings for outdoor metal furniture come in a variety of colors and are super durable and nontoxic, making them among the best frame material for outdoor furniture.
Teak and Eucalyptus are solid hardwoods that weather well and are among the longest lasting material for outdoor furniture. They're inherently organic, given the trees have no need for pesticide applications. These hardwoods are naturally water-resistant and very hard, making them ideal for chairs, tables and benches.
Acacia is another hardwood that performs well in all weather conditions outdoors. It's popular for furniture such as loungers and chairs and will naturally patina overtime... Softwoods like Cedar are great as exterior timbers on the side of a home. However, softwoods tend to smell like strong terpenes and ooze sap, making them not-so-great for outdoor seating.
The Best Material for Outdoor Dining Furniture
Love the thought of outdoor dining? Who says you have to wait to go out to dinner to a restaurant to enjoy an al fresco meal? Make your own porch, patio or deck into a fun place to relax, play and enjoy a yummy meal with good company!
Here's our top picks...
For the healthiest materials for outdoor tables for your patio or deck
METAL, such as steel or aluminum, is a durable, nontoxic choice for outdoor table furniture when paired with a powder coated finish. The combo checks all the boxes for a strong, weather-resistant finish that's easy to care for and clean up food messes. The super durable powder coating stops rust and adds extra protection against damage, making it perfect for outdoor table sets and armchairs.
TEAK WOOD TABLES are naturally water resistant, weatherproof and stunning. From the time it's harvested, teak wood requires minimal maintenance. Its natural oils make it resistant to water, decay, and insects, ensuring long-lasting durability for your outdoor dining table needs, even in wet climates. The Teak Stone Round Table is a perfect choice for those sunny spots.
STONE TABLETOPS are a great choice for outdoor furniture, because they're super tough and can handle all kinds of weather without the need for maintenance. Plus, outdoor stone furniture looks beautiful and adds a classy, timeless feel to your outdoor space, making it both practical and stylish. Engineered quartz and granite are among our fav outdoor tabletop materials, as they require little to no maintenance and come in fun colors. (Note - we don't use granite inside our healthy homes, since some granite countertops can be radioactive.)
The Safest Outdoor Furniture Coatings
For outdoor metal furniture, powder coating is safe for the environment and people, as it uses a special electrical process to adhere the coating and doesn't require harmful chemicals, making it one of the safest materials for outdoor tables.
For outdoor wood furniture, beeswax can be melted and mixed with everyday cooking oil as an effective and nontoxic way to condition and seal your outdoor wooden furniture. (Check out our recipe in this post!) This will help to protect your furniture from rain, snow, sun and ice cold conditions.
Among the best materials for outdoor furniture are those that come in their birthday suit -- meaning they are made with nothing more than a beautiful natural wood finish, or a smooth natural stone finish.
Going Beyond the Patio:
Here's the best material for garden furniture & decks
For areas with partial sun, such as in a garden or under a gazebo, the best material for garden furniture means finding items that can handle varying light conditions without growing mold or degrading.
An outdoor bench with cute and comfy outdoor friendly pillows is a great way to make your outdoor garden space feel cozy and inviting. Try incorporating some outdoor lanterns around your garden seating area and stepping stones along a path for easy access.
DID YOU KNOW.... The best time of day to get Vitamin D from sun exposure is from 11am - 1pm. According to Healthline, scientists recommend exposing a third of your skin to the sun. Wearing a tank top and shorts for 10–30 minutes 3x per week should be sufficient for people with lighter skin. People with darker skin may need longer. During winter, when the sun is further away, it's important to also supplement vitamin D.
The softest, best material for outdoor furniture cushions
For outdoor pillows, we like soft, nontoxic polypropylene fabric. PP is also known as Olefin (as mentioned above), which is our overall pick for the best fabric for outdoor furniture pillows and cushions. Olefin ranks high for both durability and water resistance. This material for outdoor pillows is quick drying, mildew resistant and still soft to the touch.
Most importantly, Olefin is one of the only outdoor fabrics that is truly free of harmful chemicals. Outdoor pillows for sofas and chairs can make or break the comfort of a seat. Unfortunately it's not easy to find olefin, but we are working on expanding our curated outdoor collection. Here's a link to our Modern Lux Outdoor throw pillows collection!
What about the safest materials for lanterns & tiki torches?
There's nothing quite like the ambiance and charm of an outdoor lantern. The soft warm golden glow of outdoor lanterns can make any boring garden space feel inviting. But for a healthy home, there are some important parameters to follow.
The first of which is to avoid kerosene, which was discovered in the 1800s as an alternative to burning whale oil for heat and light. Even though kerosene lamps were gradually replaced by electric lighting toward the late 19th century, it's still used today for outdoor tiki torch fuel.
Kerosene comes from petroleum-based crude oil. It's very irritating to the skin, nose and throat and repeated exposure can affect the central nervous system and skin, causing blisters and rashes. Healthier and renewable alternatives to tiki torches are clean burning soy candles and flameless LED candles for your outdoor lanterns. Metal and woven wood are beautiful options for outdoor lanterns.
How purchasing sustainable eco friendly outdoor furniture, has a global impact
Thanks to modern day infrastructure, economies that were once restricted to what was available close by are now able to thrive on a global scale. This means people in America have the opportunity to enjoy beautiful teak furniture made half way around the world by skilled generations of wood working artisans. From teak trees that naturally thrive in a region 8,768 miles away from America.
Not only are we able to enjoy one-of-a-kind handmade designs that are oftentimes handcrafted to last a lifetime, we can also enjoy them at a reasonable price. This is all thanks to global commerce trade agreements, responsible forestry initiatives, and an efficient network of worldwide transportation systems.
Global commerce is a vital part to promoting biodiversity in countries that have precious natural resources and skilled craftsmen indigenous to regions where these natural resources naturally flourish without manmade interventions, like toxic pesticides.
The economic benefits of global trade for these local communities is huge. When you purchase a piece of outdoor furniture handmade by an artisan in another country, using his or her own natural local resources, the social and economic impact on that community is exponential. Next time you purchase a teak table from Indonesia, or a stone cutting board made from Italian marble by artisans in India, take pride in your global handmade work-of-art!
Responsible Forestry Certifications for Outdoor Furniture
Much of the world's teak comes from Indonesia, where sustainable and socially responsible forest management practices are taken very seriously. Look for the SVLK certification on outdoor teak tables and furniture. Oftentimes, teak is harvested from older trees or even dying trees that have reached the end of their lifecycle.
Similarly, SFC certified wood from North America, South America, Europe and Asia ensures that wood products come from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social and economic benefits. This includes a wide variety of woods such as oak, maple, and even Ipe, a popular lumber decking material native to the South American rain forest regions.
FAQ: the best outdoor furniture materials for decks & patios
Picking outdoor furniture isn't just about finding a style that catches your eye; you also need to think about the weather in your climate. The material you choose can make a big difference in how long your furniture lasts, whether it's baking in the sun, getting soaked in the rain, or enduring snowy winters.
I love hot summers! What is the best outdoor furniture materials for hot climates?
Finding the right outdoor furniture for hot climates means looking for materials that can handle intense heat without getting damaged or becoming uncomfortable. Here are three top options that excel in hot weather conditions.
Aluminum: Aluminum outdoor furniture is a great choice for hot climates because it reflects heat and remains cool to the touch. Its lightweight nature makes it easy to move around and rearrange, allowing for flexible outdoor setups. However, if you live in an area prone to strong winds or storms, white or light-colored powder coated steel may be a heavier and more practical option.
Rattan: Rattan is a top pick for outdoor furniture because it's lightweight and easy to move around, plus it stands up well to weather and sun. Natural rattan chairs and loungers do well outside in dry climates under a covered area. Synthetic rattan is better for exposed areas where rain, UV light and heat are more intense.
Teak: Teak is perfect for hot, wet climates as it stays relatively cool and doesn’t warp in high temperatures. Its high oil content helps it withstand heat without drying out or cracking. Teak's natural beauty and durability make it a timeless choice for outdoor furniture, yacht decks and wood accents on boats.
I'm all about cooler temps. What's the best outdoor furniture material for cold climates & snow exposure?
I live in a place with a rainy season. What is the best outdoor furniture material for rain exposure & humidity?
How to shop sustainable outdoor furniture
Outdoor furniture for your home is an investment in comfort as much as wellness...
Sure, there's lots of cheap furniture out there. But most of it is made with coatings that will chip and crack. These materials aren't designed to withstand outdoor weather for longer than a season or two, so you'll end up spending more money again soon.
It's even more important to avoid outdoor furniture that's made with coatings like PFAS, PVC and petroleum-based finishes. Forever chemicals are far from the best fabric for patio furniture. These can emit VOCs into the air and release toxins that are absorbed through skin contact.
TIP: When shopping for your outdoor furniture, we recommend starting with the materials first! Look for pieces made of materials that are easy to maintain and made of quality, nontoxic, sustainable materials.
The right outdoor furniture makes all the difference in creating a outdoor wellness space that looks great, feels great, and lasts for years. Whether you're soaking up the sun or hosting a backyard BBQ, you deserve furniture that’s made to last and is safe. Take a peak at our nontoxic outdoor furniture collection for even more ideas!
Cheers to making your outdoor space a happy and healthy retreat! :)
