Regardless of what types of materials you are most attracted to in patio sets there are pros and cons to all of them. It is good to remember that not all products are created equally and while some offer more benefit than disadvantages it really is up to individual choice and preference.

1. Wrought Iron

Pros

• Very heavy and durable. Because it’s more durable it does last a lifetime.
• Easy to clean and care for. With a little soapy warm water it can be cleaned quickly.
• Offers a more decorative and stylish look.

Cons

• Expensive. With the heavy quality comes a heavy price and is not always budget-friendly.
• Very heavy and hard to move. If you decide you want to move it around it really is a two or three person job.
• Uncomfortable. This type of material is not always known for being the most comfortable on the market. But you can dress it up for comfort and style by adding cushions.

2. Wood

Pros

• Natural looking. You can stain it any color you would like allow for a fresh look over the years.
• Durable. Made from nature’s materials so it can withstand a lifetime of use.
• Weather resistant. If you treat it properly it can stay fresh looking for years to come.

Cons

• Can be expensive for unique and high quality pieces.
• Depending on the type of wood it may not withstand all elements even if treated properly.

3. Plastic

Pros

• Lightweight and easy to rearrange. You can move them anywhere, anytime with little to no effort.
• Usually does not require any assembly or tools. You can purchase them already put together at the store in most cases.
• Hassle free cleaning. With just a hose and a bucket of soapy water they came clean in a breeze.
• Very inexpensive.

Cons

• Can look cheap. Plastic can be a bit unappealing to the eyes.
• Does not withstand the elements and collects mold over time.
• Needs to be replaced frequently. The plastic material does break and crack easily making repeat purchases inevitable.
• Uncomfortable. These chairs are not very sitter friendly. They also tend to be fairly small, so adding cushions for comfort is not very feasible.

4. Wicker

Pros

• Very low maintenance. Getting into the creases and cracks with a soft brush can help eliminate dust and dirt.
• Lightweight. Very easy to rearrange without much effort.
• Fairly inexpensive and budget friendly. Wicker is better for your wallet and can be decorated with stylish cushions.

Cons

• Not an all-year outdoor furniture. Wicker does not perform well in winter weather and should be stored away in a dry place during colder months.
• Can break easily. The wicker can chip and peel.

5. Aluminum

Pros

• Fairly lightweight and easy to move. While much sturdier than plastic and wicker this product is not as heavy as wrought iron while still offering quality.
• No-fuss maintenance. Easy to clean with a hose and soap.
• Requires little to no assembly. Most of pieces of aluminum patio furniture usually come already put together or only require a few nuts and bolts.
• Virtually rust free. The powder coat finish virtually prevents rusting.

Cons

• Can be pricey but does last for many years. The price tag is higher than some of the other materials on the market but offers a great quality for the price.
• Not always comfortable. While not sitter friendly you can add comfort with cushions.

Tags: aluminum, iron, materials, patio sets, plastic, wood