The Ultimate Outdoor Furniture Buying Guide: Materials, Maintenance & More
Dec 24, 2025
No more waiting, summer is finally here! If you still need to do updates to your outdoor space, you’re in the right place! Living Emporium has been selling affordable outdoor furniture across Western Australia for over 20 years. We know the questions customers ask, from choosing the perfect pieces for your patio, deck, or garden to what materials are best to withstand the elements.
We’ve created this comprehensive guide to answer all your outdoor furniture questions in one spot.
Outdoor Furniture Materials – Which Are Best?
Choosing the right material is a critical step when selecting outdoor furniture. Here are the most popular options so you can make the best choice for your home.
PE Wicker: The All-Weather Champion
PE (polyethylene) wicker is stronger than traditional wicker and requires less maintenance, making it one of the most popular materials for outdoor furniture. At Living Emporium, our PE Wicker sofa sets and dining collections have been customer favourites for years for good reasons. Shop these items here.
PE wicker looks and feels like natural wicker but is actually more durable and able to withstand weather conditions. This synthetic material won’t fade, crack, or become brittle under our harsh sun. It can withstand all types of weather conditions without losing its shape or colour, and can be cleaned with a simple hose down or wiped clean with a damp cloth. Perfect for busy families who want style without the fuss!
Read why PE wicker is perfect for outdoor living.
Aluminium: Lightweight & Long-Lasting
Aluminium furniture is durable, weather-resistant (sun, rain, wind, or whatever Mother Nature throws at it), long-lasting, and low-maintenance. Unlike other materials, aluminium does not rust, making it perfect for use in humid or rainy conditions.
The beauty of aluminium is its versatility! Aluminium furniture is lightweight, making it much easier to move and rearrange compared to materials like steel or wrought iron. This means you can easily reconfigure your outdoor space for different occasions, from intimate family dinners to big backyard barbeques.
Natural Options: Timeless Beauty
While synthetic materials dominate the outdoor furniture market, natural woven or rattan outdoor furniture options are organic, renewable, and biodegradable alternatives that still maintain a stylish look. Do note that natural materials require more care and are best suited for covered outdoor areas in the Australian climate.
Outdoor Furniture Maintenance Made Easy
Top queries about outdoor furniture often include: “How do I keep my outdoor furniture looking great?” The good news? Modern outdoor furniture is incredibly easy to maintain!
Aluminium outdoor furniture is incredibly low-maintenance, typically only requiring a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth. PE wicker is similarly fuss-free. Simply rinse occasionally and air dry, deep clean with mild soap and a soft brush, and apply a protective formula once or twice a year.
Here is another blog that might be useful to read:
Shop For Affordable Outdoor Furniture at Living Emporium’s
For over two decades, we’ve helped Australians create dreamy outdoor spaces and save big on outdoor furniture. Our PE Wicker collection features sofa sets, dining sets, and popular hanging pod chairs with sturdy steel frames to withstand Australian conditions while keeping your outdoor area looking gorgeous! Explore our complete outdoor furniture collection and start revamping your outdoor entertaining area today!
Living Emporium is a proud West Australian owned and operated business since 2003. Offering our Customers stylish yet affordable Furniture, Homewares and Manchester.