Buying Guide

What's better: wooden or aluminum garden furniture?

Jul 15, 2025

Want garden furniture that will last for years and match your style? In this blog post, you'll discover which is better: wooden or aluminum garden furniture . We'll explain the differences in appearance, comfort, maintenance, and lifespan. This way, you can choose furniture that suits your garden and lifestyle.


Wood: timeless and atmospheric, but requires attention

Wooden garden furniture creates ambiance and a warm, natural look. Hardwood, such as teak, is particularly popular due to its robust character. It fits beautifully in a lush garden and feels comfortable even under bare feet.Of course, wood does require some TLC. You need to treat wooden garden furniture to keep it looking beautiful. Consider oiling or staining it annually. This prevents graying and significantly extends its lifespan. Do you have a garden where coziness and style are key? Then wood is often the right choice.


Wood vs. aluminum: these are the differences

Feature

Wooden garden furniture

Aluminum garden furniture

Appearance

Warm, natural, classic

Modern, sleek, minimalist

Maintenance

High – treat annually

Low – clean occasionally

Sustainability

10–20 years with proper maintenance

15–25 years, low maintenance

Weight

Heavy

Light and easy to move

Price

Often higher

Often more favorable

Comfort

Warm to the touch

May feel cool


Aluminum: modern, light and easy to maintain

Those who prefer convenience will find aluminum garden furniture a great choice. It's lightweight, rustproof, and requires minimal maintenance. Perfect for busy families or if you simply don't want to spend too much time on upkeep.An aluminum patio set is also easy to move and stays beautiful for years. Thanks to the powder coating, they can easily withstand rain, sun, and wind. Aluminum garden chairs are also popular because they're sleek, comfortable, and surprisingly sturdy.


For whom is aluminum the smart choice?

Do you prefer a sleek, modern, and maintenance-free look? Then an aluminum patio set is perfect for you.The furniture is lightweight, durable, and requires minimal maintenance. Even cleaning aluminum garden furniture is a breeze: a quick rinse with water or a soft cloth will make it shine again.


How to keep your garden furniture beautiful


Who is wood the best choice for?

Do you love a garden with ambiance, natural materials, and a rustic look? Then wooden garden furniture is perfect for you. It takes some time to build, but you'll get style and character in return. Just make sure you clean it regularly.Many people wonder: what is the best way to clean wooden garden furniture?The answer: use a soft brush and lukewarm water. Preferably with a natural product like green soap. Yes, cleaning wooden garden furniture with green soap works surprisingly well and is gentle on the material.


Combining materials: the best of both worlds

More and more people are choosing a combination of wood and aluminum. Think of an aluminum patio set with wooden garden furniture like a teak table.This way, you benefit from the modern convenience of aluminum and the warm look of wood. The contrasts enhance each other and are well-suited to both rural and modern gardens.Combining materials does require careful maintenance. Make sure you know how to treat and clean each material. Fortunately, it's easier than it seems if you know what you're doing.


Does the material suit your garden?

An important aspect that's often overlooked is how the material complements the rest of your garden. Whether it's a city garden or a modern patio, aluminum garden furniture is often a better fit. Think clean lines, minimalist design, and ease of maintenance.Do you have a rustic garden full of plants, flowers, and natural elements? Then wood feels more natural. Wooden garden furniture really adds to the ambiance, but also acts as a visual extension of the greenery around you.


Sustainability and environmentally conscious choices

Those who want to live consciously also consider sustainability. Good news: both wooden and aluminum garden furniture are now available in sustainable versions. For example, if you choose FSC-certified wood, you can be sure it comes from responsibly managed forests.And aluminum? It's almost 100% recyclable. If you're looking for quality and long-lasting use, it's an environmentally friendly choice. Especially when combined with locally produced cushions or accessories.

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About Author
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Gerrit van der Garde

Creator

Gerrit van der Garde is Team Lead & Marketing at Tuinmeubelshop, where he combines data-driven strategy with a passion for outdoor living. He shares tips and inspiration to help customers create stylish, comfortable garden spaces.