Choosing Outdoor Furniture for New Zealand: Aluminium, Wood, Plastic, or Steel?

Aluminium

Pros

• Rust resistance & low maintenance: aluminium forms a thin protective oxide layer, so it doesn’t rust like plain steel. It’s often powder-coated for extra weather resilience. 

• Lightweight & easy to move: ideal for repositioning or storing under cover in winter. 

• Good corrosion performance in coastal or humid settings: especially when anodised or alloyed for marine environments. 

Cons

• Heat retention: under direct sun aluminium can become hot to the touch. 

• Denting or bending under heavy load: less strong under heavy stress than thicker steel choices.

• Finish wear: low-quality aluminium or poor coatings can fade, scratch, or chalk over time. 

• Light weight - can be blown around in high winds

Best Use in NZ: Areas that are close to the sea, or are susceptible to ocean winds/salt air.  Furniture that needs to be moved around frequently as aluminium is relatively light weight.

Wood (Hardwood / Native / Plantation Timber)

Pros

• Natural warmth & look: wood brings a warmth and tactile quality that metals can’t. Wood like macrocarpa, cedar, totara or treated pine are used in NZ for outdoor furniture. 

• Relatively good moisture handling (when well treated): with proper sealers, oils or finishes wood can resist decay.

• Patina & ageing: many woods age gracefully, turning silver-grey if left untreated, which is a look is beloved by many. 

Cons

• High maintenance: must be sealed, oiled or coated regularly to defend against moisture, rot, UV, and insects.

• Warping, cracking, splitting under moisture cycles or drying.

• Decay in wet climates: in damp or sheltered zones fungus or rot can set in if water is allowed to linger.

Best Use in NZ: shaded terraces, under pergolas, or areas where you can maintain sealers and finishes. For humid or coastal areas, choose durable species and regular maintenance.

Plastic / Resin (Synthetic Wicker, Molded Plastics)

Pros

• Low maintenance: resins and UV-stabilized plastics resist moisture and mildew. 

• Lightweight and mouldable: can be shaped into forms that mimic wicker or other looks.

• Cheap: a good option for casual use or places where you don’t want to worry about upkeep.

Cons

• Weak under cold or heavy load: in freezing conditions plastics may become brittle and crack. 

• UV degradation over time: even UV-resistant plastics fade or become brittle over long exposure.

• Can grow mould if not cleaned down.

• Less premium feel: plastics may not evoke the same sense of quality or longevity as metal or solid wood.

• Lightweight and susceptible to be blown around in winds

Best Use in NZ: for balcony settings, casual seating zones, holiday homes where maintenance is minimal, or blended with stronger materials for structural parts.

Steel (Mild Steel, Galvanised Steel, Stainless Steel, Powder-Coated)

Pros

• Strength and durability: steel in properly coated form can survive wind, use, kids, rain and life. 

• Weight and stability: heavier than aluminium, so less prone to tipping in wind.

• Finish flexibility: powder coating or galvanising or stainless steel options protect against corrosion. 

Cons

• Risk of rust if coating damaged: steel relies heavily on coatings; once scratched, exposure to moisture and salt can cause corrosion.

• Weight & transport: heavier pieces are harder to move or reposition.

Best Use in NZ: ideal for homes with full outdoor exposure, coastal regions (especially with stainless steel), zones subject to wind, or where you want a mix of strength and elegance.

Which Material Suits You Best in NZ?