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Outdoor furniture faces unique demands. It needs to withstand shifting weather, from harsh sun to heavy rain, while still offering the same daily comfort and elegance as indoor furniture.
Consider a sunlounge that resists not only the splash of the pool but the downpour of a storm. A dining table that goes beyond surviving a spill at a summer dinner party, but is also designed to endure UV exposure without fading. Or an outdoor sofa that offers protection against mould and mildew, and is luxurious to sink into.
Whether it’s a spacious garden, rooftop terrace, or a compact balcony, the best outdoor setting will combine comfort, resilience, and style. Join us as we uncover the most durable materials for outdoor furniture, ensuring your space continues to feel like a retreat, season after season:
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Outdoor lounging: best frames, cushions, and covers
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Outdoor dining: best frames, tabletops, and weaves
The best materials for outdoor lounging
From sofas and occasional chairs to outdoor rugs, every element of outdoor relaxation begins with materials designed to endure the elements.
A durable aluminium or steel frame
The secret to an outdoor lounge setting that lasts lies in the sofa frame.
The King Living signature steel frame is engineered for strength and longevity, with select outdoor designs are backed by the 10-year steel frame warranty. Aluminium options also offer resilience, ensuring your furniture withstands rain, humidity and harsh sunlight season after season.
In contrast, timber frames can be prone to warping, wicker can fade and fray, and resin composites often compromise on strength and elegance. With an aluminium or steel frame, your outdoor furniture is designed to endure.
Quick-drying fibres and foam
While durability begins with the frame, it’s comfort that often defines the choice of an outdoor lounge.
Inside every King Living outdoor sofa, pocket springs and multiple layers of foam work together to create a lasting and supportive shape.
Quick-dry reticulated foam prevents water from becoming trapped, unlike standard indoor furniture foam. Moisture drains away with ease and continuous airflow accelerates the drying process. Seat and back cushioning, made with quick-drying fibres such as Ultradown®, resists water and mould while remaining breathable, gently conforming to the body for ultimate comfort.
Water-resistant fabric covers
To protect the interior features of outdoor furniture, water-resistant fabric covers are essential, engineered to repel moisture so it beads and runs off, while still allowing airflow to keep outdoor cushioning fresh.
When selecting an outdoor fabric, solution-dyed acrylic is widely considered one the most durable options, designed to withstand UV exposure and resist fading, mould and mildew.
At King Living, these 100% solution-dyed acrylic fabrics are also customisable, in a wide choice of soft textures and colours. From a textured bouclé to linen-look finishes, our outdoor covers are crafted with the flexibility to be tailored to your style.
Recycled polyester
Best for outdoor settings, recycled polyester delivers an indoor-soft feel with UV stability, fast drying, and stain resistance, while also being better for the environment. This material works particularly well for outdoor rugs, softening hard surfaces like patios and decks, creating the same layered warmth and comfort you’d expect indoors.
Delivering on both fronts, every King Living outdoor rug is crafted from 100% recycled polyester. Sustainable, stain resistant, and easy to maintain, it’s a material designed to retain colour and texture in high-traffic areas. When hand loomed or knotted, the weave gains extra strength as well as a crafted, artisanal quality.
By contrast, natural fibres like jute and sisal offer an organic texture but absorb moisture and degrade quickly outdoors. Other synthetics such as polypropylene or nylon are durable but can feel coarse and are prone to fading.
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Special mention: The 1977 Outdoor Sofa for its high-performance removable covers Available in a choice of removable outdoor fabric covers, this award-winning design is not only renowned for comfort, but is highly breathable, water-resistant, stain-resistant, and easy to clean. The lightweight aluminium frame allows you to move each individual sofa module, making it easy to remove and replace the covers.
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Did you know? All King Living outdoor sofas have removable covers that can be replaced or removed for washing.
The best materials for outdoor dining
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party in summer around the dining table or enjoying a breakfast outdoors at your coffee table, the materials in your setting need to balance strength with style.
Resilient powder-coated steel
We’ve already touched on the signature King Living frame in sofas, but in a dining table, the frame is not only structural but becomes a visible design feature.
The best material for your dining table frame is durable steel or lightweight aluminium, chosen for their ability to withstand the elements.
King Living dining frames are protected by the powder-coating, KingCote®. This coating is essential for corrosion and rust resistance, performing through harsh weather conditions. While designed for endurance, you can still customise the design to reflect your personal aesthetic choosing from a palette of neutral finishes like Salt, Rock and Earth.
Non-porous ceramic tabletops
For tabletops, performance is key. Often the first surface exposed to droplets of rain, tabletops also endure the daily wear of summer dining.
Ceramic is best for outdoor dining tables as it provides a smooth, non-porous and UV-stable surface that resists heat, stains and spills, and unlike natural stone, requires little upkeep to stay looking clean. In a choice of finishes such as Malabar, Fog or Storm, King Living ceramic outdoor tables beautifully retain the elegant look and tactic properties of natural stone and marble.
TechTimber™ offers another option for a dining tabletop, a timber-look ceramic that captures the warm aesthetic of natural wood, but avoids the common issues of rot, wood-boring pests and water damage that natural timber faces outdoors.
Weather-resistant woven chairs
When selecting the best material for your outdoor dining chairs, woven designs are a popular choice for their comfort and elegance. While natural fibres may appear appealing, they can quickly weaken in sun and rain, while synthetic weaves are designed to resist fading and wear.
The Quay Outdoor Dining Chairs are offered in a soft fabric design, and two woven styles. The first weave is the handcrafted KingRope ™ Luxe, available in colours such as Mist, Dawn, Raffia and Dusk, a palette of cool and warm toned neutrals. The second option is the intricate WeatherWeave™, offered in a spectrum of earthy brown to soft beige. With the beauty of natural fibre and backed by a two-year guarantee, WeatherWeave® won’t fade or degrade over time.
For a different expression, the Quay Outdoor Dining Chairs can be tailored in high-performance outdoor fabrics, offering more colourful, textural or patterned options to personalise your setting. These individually tailored, removable covers feature next-generation outdoor fabrics backed by a two-year warranty. UV stable, fade and mildew resistant with enhanced waterproofing, the covers are easily removed for professional cleaning or replaced for a fresh new look.
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Special mention: The Oasis Outdoor Dining Table for its sculptural base and high-performance top A contemporary WeatherWeave™ pedestal base combines with a durable ceramic tabletop, offering the ultimate blend of refined elegance and enduring functionality. |
The best materials for a poolside retreat
Poolside furniture must not only look refined but perform reliably in the harshest of outdoor conditions. Constant sun, reflective heat, splashing water and sudden summer storms all test the strength of materials, making durability the priority.
Rust and moisture resistant
For sun lounges and cabanas, look for powder-coated steel or aluminium frames that resist rust and moisture, paired with breathable outdoor fabrics that dry quickly after contact with water.
Weaves and fabrics bring a refined finish, but it’s important to avoid natural fibres such as cotton, linen or hemp, or untreated timber, which can warp, fade or deteriorate when exposed to humidity and chlorine. King Living sun lounges and daybeds are crafted in the soft and durable WeatherWeave®, offering a reliable and durable alternative to natural fibres with the same refined look.
UV-stable finishes
Shade is an essential part of any poolside setting. A well-designed outdoor umbrella should combine strength with a canopy that resists fading under the sun.
The King Living 100% solution-dyed acrylic is one of the most reliable options for an outdoor umbrella, offering water resistance and UV protection while retaining colour over time. By contrast, polyester canopies often fade, tear or weaken quickly with prolonged exposure.
All King Living outdoor umbrellas feature heavy-duty steel base plates treated with KingCote® powder coating. As well as providing a stable foundation, these materials ensure the umbrellas stay anchored and secure across a variety of surfaces and weather conditions.
Built-in air vents help reduce lift in light breezes, but for long-term performance, umbrellas should be closed when not in use.
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Special mention: The Coast Outdoor Sun Lounge for its drain-through technology Designed with the King Living Outdoor Postureflex® for support, drain-through technology for faster drying, and breathable Ultradown® cushions for all-weather comfort and mould resistance, the Coast Sun Lounge is your perfect poolside companion. |
Maintaining timeless outdoor style
Your outdoor setting should be a place to relax, entertain and enjoy time with family and friends. Selecting furniture made from the right materials ensures every design not only looks refined but is built to endure changing conditions.
For a detailed guidance on the maintenance, care, and cleaning of your outdoor furniture, explore the King Living product care advice page. As a starting point, here are some key takeaway tips when choosing and looking after your outdoor designs:
Key considerations when choosing outdoor furniture materials:
- Durability. Outdoor furniture is constantly exposed to the elements. Choose materials that resist rust, corrosion and fading, preserving both the refined look and endurance of the design.
- Care. Some materials require little upkeep, while others need seasonal care or daily cleaning to preserve their finish. Select an option that suits the level of maintenance you are comfortable with.
- Climate. Moisture, humidity and rainfall call for quick-dry fabrics and water-repellent finishes, while sunny locations demand UV protection to prevent fading and cracking. Consider where you live, and the needs of your space.
- Stability. Wind and storms can quickly test lightweight furniture. Select designs that are sturdy enough to stay secure in changing conditions.
- Comfort. Performance does not mean compromising on comfort. Look for outdoor furniture engineered with layers that provide ergonomic support and cushioning that is soft to the touch but resistant to the elements.
Key care tips for your outdoor lounge furniture:
- Choose removable covers
The best outdoor sofas are those with removable covers designed for easier care. You can remove, clean, and even replace them if needed. With customisable options, you can also swap the style of the design for a seasonal refresh.
- Look for sealed seams
High-performance fabrics with sealed seams create an extra barrier against moisture and enhance the waterproofing of outdoor ottomans and cushions.
- Think about placement
Where you position your outdoor furniture matters. Positioning sofas and chairs under shade, such as beneath a pergola or canopy, helps fabrics and finishes resist fading and wear. Storing cushions when not in use also prevents unnecessary weathering and extends their life.
- Use protective covers
While King Living outdoor furniture can be left outside all year round, there are ways to preserve the material’s look and feel. Covers remain the most reliable safeguard. WeatherGuard® covers are lightweight, quick to secure and include integrated vents to promote air circulation and minimise condensation.
- Keep up gentle care
Routine cleaning helps outdoor furniture stay fresh and well maintained. Our King-Care® Kits make this simple, with biodegradable, water-based solutions that are safe for fabrics and finishes without harsh chemicals.
Key care tips for your outdoor dining furniture:
- While King Living outdoor dining settings are designed to withstand the elements year-round, simple care helps preserve their timeless style. Simply dust off loose debris with a natural bristled brush, then wipe with a soft microfibre cloth.
- Rinsing frames in coastal or poolside areas protects against buildup caused by salt and chlorine.
- Avoid abrasive cleaning products that may damage the protective powder coating, and if you’re unsure, always test an inconspicuous area first.
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