The Smart Guide to Choosing Outdoor Furniture That Lasts

Spring has officially arrived and with it comes a wave of new outdoor furniture collections from some of our favourite and most trusted brands. The sun is shining, the doors are open, and if you’re anything like us, the outdoors becomes a natural extension of your living room this time of year. But here’s the thing. Outdoor furniture has to work a lot harder than its indoor cousins.

You might tuck it under a pergola or verandah, but at some point, it will get a dose of rain, a blast of wind, a fine spray of salty air or the relentless Australian sun. Which means choosing the right outdoor furniture is not just about style, it’s about investing in pieces that will survive the elements, last the test of time and look good doing it. We’ve collated some tips on what to look out for when purchasing outdoor furniture this season.

1. The Frame
Aluminium is lightweight and resists rust, making it a safe bet for most Australian climates. Teak is another classic, known for weathering beautifully if you’re happy with that silvery patina. If not, a regular lick of oil will keep the timber glow alive if you can handle the  maintenance factor.  Steel can be strong and elegant but must be properly treated to avoid corrosion. The golden rule: don’t just fall in love with the look, check what it’s made from and how it’s finished. 

2. The Fabric

When it comes to outdoor furniture, fabric isn't just about aesthetics—it's about performance. The right fabric can withstand the elements, resist fading, and, importantly, prevent the growth of mold and mildew.

• Antimicrobial Fabrics: A Smart Choice

  Modern outdoor fabrics are often treated with antimicrobial agents that inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew. For example, some fabrics are infused with Microban® technology, which is effective against common molds, fungi, bacteria, and yeasts. This treatment works by disrupting the growth and reproduction of microbes upon contact, ensuring your cushions and upholstery stay cleaner and fresher for longer. Notably, Microban® is safe for humans and pets, making it an excellent choice for family-friendly outdoor spaces. 

• Natural Resistance: Bamboo and Hemp

  If you prefer natural fibers, bamboo and hemp are where to start your search. Bamboo fibers possess inherent antimicrobial properties that help inhibit mildew growth, keeping fabrics fresher for extended periods. Similarly, hemp's unique structure prevents moisture retention, making it resistant to mildew while promoting air circulation for comfort. 

• Solution-Dyed Fabrics: Built-In Protection

  Solution-dyed fabrics (which means the colour goes right through the fibre rather than just sitting on top), are engineered with built-in antimicrobial, antibacterial, and mildew-resistant properties. These fabrics are not only resistant to stains and odors but also offer UV protection, ensuring your outdoor furniture maintains its appearance and cleanliness over time. 

Choosing the Right Fabric:

When selecting outdoor furniture, consider fabrics that offer:

• Antimicrobial properties to prevent mold and mildew growth.

• UV resistance to protect against sun damage.

• Ease of cleaning to maintain a fresh appearance.

• Durability to withstand the elements.

3. Quick-Dry Foam

If cushions are part of your outdoor setup, the type of foam inside them can make or break your experience. Quick-dry foam is designed specifically for outdoor conditions. Unlike traditional foam, which absorbs and retains water, quick-dry foam allows moisture to pass through quickly, drying in hours rather than days.

Why it matters:

• Comfort: Standard foam can become soggy and misshapen after rain, making your seating uncomfortable. Quick-dry foam retains its shape and support even after getting wet.

• Hygiene: Standing water in standard foam can encourage mold, mildew, and bacterial growth. Quick-dry foam reduces this risk, keeping cushions cleaner and fresher.

• Durability: Because it doesn’t hold water, quick-dry foam experiences less material breakdown over time, extending the life of your cushions.

While regular foam might be fine for an enclosed sunroom or protected balcony, if your furniture will ever get rained on or be exposed to humidity, quick-dry foam is a must-have. It’s a small investment that pays off in comfort, cleanliness, and longevity.

4. The Joins and Hardware
Here’s where it gets serious. You can have the best-looking setting in the world, but if the screws, bolts or welds aren’t up to scratch, your outdoor oasis won’t last beyond a season or two. Stainless steel hardware is best for resisting rust. Pay attention to how pieces are joined, and with what… not just how they’re styled. Strong construction and reliable hardware are the unsung heroes of outdoor durability.

5. The Finish
Powder-coated metals, sealed timbers and UV-treated fabrics are your friends. They provide that extra layer of protection between your investment and the elements.

Why It’s Worth the Investment

Outdoor furniture is one of those things where you really do get what you pay for. Buying the cheapest option might be tempting in the short term, but once the sun has faded it, the rain has warped it and the bolts have rusted through, you’ll find yourself replacing it much sooner than you’d like.

Investing in well-made outdoor furniture isn’t just about style and comfort, it’s about conscious purchasing. Choosing pieces that are built to last means fewer replacements, less waste, and a smaller environmental footprint. You’re buying for the long term, creating an outdoor space that can be enjoyed season after season, year after year, rather than adding to the cycle of “use and discard.”

When you invest in quality furniture, you’re not just buying a chair or a sofa. You’re creating an outdoor room that you’ll actually use, and one that stands the test of time for both your lifestyle and the planet.

What We Can Offer

At Heliconia and Co we have a curated range of outdoor furniture that we’ve chosen for its balance of style, comfort and durability. But that’s just the beginning. Thanks to our years of experience and relationships with both Australian and international brands, we can access many more collections than what you see on our website. Which means if you’ve seen a piece somewhere, or have something particular in mind, there’s a very good chance we can source it for you.

Ready for a Spring Refresh?

Choosing outdoor furniture is about more than creating a pretty space or extending the living room. It’s about creating an outdoor lifestyle that lasts through summer barbecues, winter firepits and everything in between. So, as you think about refreshing your outdoor space this spring, look for the frames, fabrics, hardware and finishes that can go the distance.

And if you need help finding the perfect pieces, we’d love to guide you. Just get in touch!