Wood

• Wood furniture provides a natural, warm aesthetic to your patio and outdoor garden. It is typically the most expensive to buy, but it is sturdy and lasts for years in any climate if properly maintained. Wooden outdoor furniture is made of a variety of woods, including cedar, teak, oak and pine. While wood is a durable choice that weathers well, it requires more maintenance than other materials. Wood that is left outdoors must be treated with stain or a water-resistant seal to prevent rotting or cracking. During the winter, wood can be stored away or if properly protected, remain outdoors.
  
  

Metal

• Metal outdoor furniture is typically stronger than wood or plastic, depending on the metal you're buying. Aluminum and wrought iron are common types of metal patio furniture that withstand most weather conditions. Aluminum is typically lighter, making it easier to move around and store away. It is paintable as well, so you can update it along with your outdoor décor each year. Wrought iron is stronger than aluminum, holding a great deal more weight than other materials. Metal furniture is vulnerable to rust if left outside during damp conditions. Unlike wood, which can be sanded back to a like-new condition, once the paint or finish is chipped on metal furniture it must be immediately repainted to ensure its longevity. In extreme cold or wet conditions, metal furniture should be stored to preserve its longevity.
  
  

Plastic

• Plastic is considered cheap and flimsy, but this isn't always true of all plastic outdoor furniture. While it is not as strong structurally as metal or wooden furniture, it has a few benefits that these materials do not. Plastic is lightweight and comes in a wide range of colors and can be made in thick, sturdy designs that can withstand the elements in most climates. It doesn't require special treatments and will not rust or rot. Plastic cleans easily with a damp cloth, and it doesn't change shape or weaken due to excessive moisture or humidity. Plastic outdoor furniture fades if left in the sun for prolonged periods and does tend to become brittle over time.
  
  

Wicker

• Wicker outdoor furniture is inviting and made of both natural and man-made materials. Wicker rattan, for example, is made from rattan cane, which is a type of plant similar in appearance and flexibility to bamboo. Wicker furniture may also be woven from bamboo reeds or synthetic materials. In general, wicker furniture is long-lasting, able to hold up against the intense rays from the sun, as well as rain and humidity, without warping, cracking or fading. Wicker furniture should be stored during winter months, as moisture and eventual freezing may cause damage.