Choose Outdoor Furniture in Australia
The right outdoor furniture can reshape the scene of your garden or patio into a useful extension of your home. Luxo Living and other retailers offer more than 110 options. You might feel overwhelmed while searching for pieces that complement your style and stand up to the Australian climate.
Smart timing makes all the difference when you're looking for affordable outdoor furniture. Retailers slash prices in February and March to clear their seasonal inventory. Quality materials like teak can last for decades with proper care, so your outdoor patio furniture deserves careful thought. Your outdoor garden furniture should work in harmony with your available space. A perfect fit without cramping is vital to create a welcoming atmosphere.
How to match outdoor furniture with your lifestyle
Your outdoor space needs furniture that matches how you live, entertain, and relax. Don't just buy a matching set because it looks good together. Think about how you'll actually use your outdoor area and pick pieces that work for those activities.
Dining, lounging or both?
Take a moment to think about how you'll really use your space. Do you dream of dinner parties under the stars? Maybe even lazy Sunday afternoons with a good book? Your answer will shape what furniture you need.
If you love dining outdoors, a sturdy table with comfortable chairs becomes the centrepiece of your setup. People who host lots of barbecues or family meals outdoors should invest in a quality dining set with plenty of seating. Think about how many people you usually entertain. Small tables for two are perfect for balconies, while bigger settings can seat eight or more guests in spacious gardens.
But if lounging is what you're after, comfort should be your priority. Chaise lounges give you the perfect spot to sunbathe or read, with adjustable backrests and leg support that let you really relax. Hanging egg chairs create a cosy retreat that wraps around you with a gentle sway—just what you need to melt away stress on your patio or balcony.
Most homeowners need both dining and lounging options. You can go for multi-functional furniture or create separate zones in your outdoor space. A modular lounge setting gives you flexibility—you can move pieces around as needed or split them up for different uses. Your dining sets can do double duty too, especially with cushioned seats that work well for both meals and casual chats.
Looking for the ultimate in versatility? Check out lounge-dining combinations. These clever sets change from casual seating into proper dining setups. They're ideal for smaller spaces where you can't fit separate dining and lounging areas.
Entertaining guests vs. solo relaxation
The way you socialise outdoors plays a big role in choosing your furniture. Someone who loves hosting parties needs different things than someone creating a private retreat.
Party hosts need plenty of comfortable seating that makes conversation easier. U-shaped or circular arrangements help people interact while keeping things cosy. Here are some must-haves for entertaining:
- Sectional sofas or modular furniture that adapts to different party sizes
- Bar-height tables and stools near your kitchen for easy serving
- Big dining tables with mix-and-match seating (benches fit more guests than individual chairs)
- Swivel chairs that let guests turn toward different conversation groups
Leave enough room (24-36 inches) between furniture pieces so people can move around easily—this matters even more during big gatherings. You might want to add an outdoor kitchen or BBQ area if you like cooking while entertaining.
If personal relaxation is your goal, focus on creating cosy spots just for you. A comfortable lounge chair with an ottoman works great for morning coffee or evening stargazing. Reclining chairs let you find that perfect position, while rocking chairs add a calming motion that helps reduce stress.
Zero-gravity chairs offer amazing comfort by spreading your weight evenly and taking pressure off your back and joints—they're perfect if you want therapeutic relaxation. Add a small side table to keep your drinks, books, or devices close by.
Many people need to balance entertaining and alone time. You can create different zones in your outdoor space using various ground surfaces, planters, or subtle dividers. This helps separate cooking areas from conversation spaces and quiet reading spots. You'll be able to host guests while keeping your personal sanctuary intact.
It's worth mentioning that outdoor furniture should feel like it belongs with your indoor space. Treat your patio like another room in your house to create a more unified and welcoming feel. Pick furniture that matches your real lifestyle instead of trying to copy a look that doesn't fit how you live.
The best outdoor spaces combine function with personal style. By choosing furniture that truly fits your lifestyle—whether you love hosting big dinner parties or just watching sunsets alone—you'll create an outdoor area that makes your everyday life better.
Understanding outdoor furniture materials
Your choice of outdoor furniture materials shapes their longevity, maintenance needs, and appearance in your space. A smart decision comes from knowing each material's unique qualities that you can find in today's market.
Wood: Teak, eucalyptus, and acacia
Wooden outdoor furniture adds natural warmth and timeless beauty to any garden. Teak leads the pack among hardwoods and can last over 75 years with good care. The wood's natural oils—tectoquinone, caucho and silica—protect it from water damage, fungi, pests, mould, and decay. Teak starts with a warm golden-brown colour and naturally ages to a beautiful silvery-grey patina that protects the wood even more.
Eucalyptus gives you a cheaper option than teak but still holds up well against weather. People often compare it to teak's durability and looks, and eucalyptus has become accessible to more people because it's sustainable. This wood's density helps it fight off rot and decay, making it great for shoppers watching their budget.
Acacia wood balances cost and durability nicely. These trees grow in tropical and subtropical regions, and their wood shows beautiful grain patterns from light yellow to dark brown. Natural oils help protect it from the elements, so it won't shrink, crack, or splinter. All the same, acacia needs more care than other outdoor woods and might warp in high heat.
Metal: Aluminium and stainless steel
Metal furniture brings sleek looks and amazing longevity to outdoor spaces. Aluminium shines because it's light, fights rust, and needs little upkeep. You won't worry about rust, even near the coast where salty air damages other materials. The metal's powder coating—baked-on protective layer—makes it last longer and look better.
Stainless steel packs incredible strength, perfect for sofa frames or dining table supports. This metal laughs at rust and corrosion, making it a smart pick for coastal areas. But direct sun can heat it up fast, so it works better for frames than seats.
These metals come in many designs and colours through powder coating to match your outdoor style. Aluminium might cost more upfront, but its durability and low maintenance make it worth every penny.
Wicker and synthetic rattan
Wicker furniture creates that perfect tropical, resort feeling outdoors. Natural wicker made from rattan or bamboo doesn't handle weather well on its own. So modern outdoor wicker furniture uses synthetic materials built to brave the elements.
Synthetic wicker (or resin wicker or all-weather wicker) looks and feels like natural wicker but lasts much longer. It stands strong against moisture, UV rays, and temperature swings, avoiding the fading and brittleness that plague natural wicker. Combining synthetic wicker with tough powder-coated aluminium frames creates furniture that keeps looking great even in harsh weather.
Plastic and resin options
Quality makes all the difference in plastic outdoor furniture. High-end resin furniture, made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), beats regular plastic hands down for durability. Better resin furniture resists cracking, fading, and UV damage, keeping its good looks season after season.
Resin furniture often looks just like wicker or wood but needs way less care. It costs more than basic plastic furniture, but its longer life and weather resistance make up for the price. Look for UV-stabilised resin furniture to avoid fading or brittleness under strong sun.
Polypropylene resin furniture gives you strength and weather protection without the weight, perfect for budget-conscious buyers. This adaptable material shapes into everything from modern minimalist pieces to traditional styles, fitting outdoor spaces of all types.
Weather resistance and durability tips
Nature's elements constantly challenge even the toughest outdoor furniture. You need to protect your investment from UV damage, rust, and moisture. This will keep your outdoor settings beautiful and functional for many years.
UV protection and rust resistance
The Australian sun can be harsh on outdoor furnishings. UV radiation makes materials fade, discolour, and break down as time passes. Plastic furniture cracks and becomes brittle with long sun exposure. Fabric cushions lose their bright colours too.
Aluminium works great to resist rust, especially when you have salty air near the coast that speeds up corrosion. Quality aluminium furniture won't rust and stays cool to touch on hot days. The best protection comes from aluminium pieces with powder coating from well-known manufacturers. Global leaders like AkzoNobel give superior UV durability and fight corrosion better.
Wooden furniture needs regular treatment. Yearly sealant applications help fight moisture and UV damage. Metal pieces showing rust signs need quick treatment with rust inhibitors to stop further damage.
No material completely resists UV damage. The best option is furniture with built-in protection. High-quality materials like HDPE plastic have UV inhibitors mixed into the material during manufacturing. This gives better protection than surface treatments alone.
How to choose for your climate
Your local weather should guide your outdoor furniture choices. Materials work differently in various conditions. The right climate-based selection helps your furniture last longer.
Coastal areas do well with aluminium and synthetic wicker because they fight salt air and humidity better. Teak's natural oils make it great for seaside spots. It naturally pushes away water and doesn't swell.
Places with big temperature swings need materials that won't crack or warp. Synthetic resin handles both hot and cold weather well. It keeps looking good through seasonal changes. Humid places need furniture that fights mould and mildew growth.
Queensland's hot summers and heavy rainfall need heat-reflecting materials. Aluminium excels here because it doesn't get too hot and stays comfortable on scorching days. Teak, kwila and spotted gum work well in Queensland's climate because they naturally resist water.
Cushions and soft furnishings need extra care. Look for pieces with Sunbrella™ fabrics that resist UV and fading better. Reticulated foam cushions with open cells let water drain well. They often have antimicrobial properties to stop mould and fungus.
When to use covers or store away
Furniture covers give your first defence against harsh weather. Even the best outdoor furniture needs protective covering in extreme conditions.
Outdoor fabrics repel water but aren't waterproof. Heavy rain can soak cushions and cause mildew if they don't dry properly. Put cushions at an angle during rain so water runs off instead of soaking in.
Quality covers should have these features:
- Waterproof yet breathable with built-in vents to stop mould growth
- Ties or straps to fight wind
- Soft cloth backing to protect furniture finishes
- Full coverage of frames to age evenly
Mild winters call for covering furniture or storing it in dry places to make it last longer. All-weather materials like teak or aluminium need less maintenance and look better with seasonal protection.
Wood furniture's protection becomes vital. Teak might be an all-weather hardwood, but yearly treatment stops cracking and warping over time. Good covers cost less than replacing furniture early.
Extreme seasonal changes might need full storage solutions. Keeping furniture in sheds or garages during off-seasons stops weather damage and makes it last much longer. This works best to protect less durable materials or keep furniture in top shape.
Choose Outdoor Furniture in Australia
The right outdoor furniture can reshape the scene of your garden or patio into a useful extension of your home. Luxo Living and other retailers offer more than 110 options. You might feel overwhelmed while searching for pieces that complement your style and stand up to the Australian climate.
Smart timing makes all the difference when you're looking for affordable outdoor furniture. Retailers slash prices in February and March to clear their seasonal inventory. Quality materials like teak can last for decades with proper care, so your outdoor patio furniture deserves careful thought. Your outdoor garden furniture should work in harmony with your available space. A perfect fit without cramping is vital to create a welcoming atmosphere.
How to match outdoor furniture with your lifestyle
Your outdoor space needs furniture that matches how you live, entertain, and relax. Don't just buy a matching set because it looks good together. Think about how you'll actually use your outdoor area and pick pieces that work for those activities.
Dining, lounging or both?
Take a moment to think about how you'll really use your space. Do you dream of dinner parties under the stars? Maybe even lazy Sunday afternoons with a good book? Your answer will shape what furniture you need.
If you love dining outdoors, a sturdy table with comfortable chairs becomes the centrepiece of your setup. People who host lots of barbecues or family meals outdoors should invest in a quality dining set with plenty of seating. Think about how many people you usually entertain. Small tables for two are perfect for balconies, while bigger settings can seat eight or more guests in spacious gardens.
But if lounging is what you're after, comfort should be your priority. Chaise lounges give you the perfect spot to sunbathe...
Read more
Choose Outdoor Furniture in Australia
The right outdoor furniture can reshape the scene of your garden or patio into a useful extension of your home. Luxo Living and other retailers offer more than 110 options. You might feel overwhelmed while searching for pieces that complement your style and stand up to the Australian climate.
Smart timing makes all the difference when you're looking for affordable outdoor furniture. Retailers slash prices in February and March to clear their seasonal inventory. Quality materials like teak can last for decades with proper care, so your outdoor patio furniture deserves careful thought. Your outdoor garden furniture should work in harmony with your available space. A perfect fit without cramping is vital to create a welcoming atmosphere.
How to match outdoor furniture with your lifestyle
Your outdoor space needs furniture that matches how you live, entertain, and relax. Don't just buy a matching set because it looks good together. Think about how you'll actually use your outdoor area and pick pieces that work for those activities.
Dining, lounging or both?
Take a moment to think about how you'll really use your space. Do you dream of dinner parties under the stars? Maybe even lazy Sunday afternoons with a good book? Your answer will shape what furniture you need.
If you love dining outdoors, a sturdy table with comfortable chairs becomes the centrepiece of your setup. People who host lots of barbecues or family meals outdoors should invest in a quality dining set with plenty of seating. Think about how many people you usually entertain. Small tables for two are perfect for balconies, while bigger settings can seat eight or more guests in spacious gardens.
But if lounging is what you're after, comfort should be your priority. Chaise lounges give you the perfect spot to sunbathe or read, with adjustable backrests and leg support that let you really relax. Hanging egg chairs create a cosy retreat that wraps around you with a gentle sway—just what you need to melt away stress on your patio or balcony.
Most homeowners need both dining and lounging options. You can go for multi-functional furniture or create separate zones in your outdoor space. A modular lounge setting gives you flexibility—you can move pieces around as needed or split them up for different uses. Your dining sets can do double duty too, especially with cushioned seats that work well for both meals and casual chats.
Looking for the ultimate in versatility? Check out lounge-dining combinations. These clever sets change from casual seating into proper dining setups. They're ideal for smaller spaces where you can't fit separate dining and lounging areas.
Entertaining guests vs. solo relaxation
The way you socialise outdoors plays a big role in choosing your furniture. Someone who loves hosting parties needs different things than someone creating a private retreat.
Party hosts need plenty of comfortable seating that makes conversation easier. U-shaped or circular arrangements help people interact while keeping things cosy. Here are some must-haves for entertaining:
- Sectional sofas or modular furniture that adapts to different party sizes
- Bar-height tables and stools near your kitchen for easy serving
- Big dining tables with mix-and-match seating (benches fit more guests than individual chairs)
- Swivel chairs that let guests turn toward different conversation groups
Leave enough room (24-36 inches) between furniture pieces so people can move around easily—this matters even more during big gatherings. You might want to add an outdoor kitchen or BBQ area if you like cooking while entertaining.
If personal relaxation is your goal, focus on creating cosy spots just for you. A comfortable lounge chair with an ottoman works great for morning coffee or evening stargazing. Reclining chairs let you find that perfect position, while rocking chairs add a calming motion that helps reduce stress.
Zero-gravity chairs offer amazing comfort by spreading your weight evenly and taking pressure off your back and joints—they're perfect if you want therapeutic relaxation. Add a small side table to keep your drinks, books, or devices close by.
Many people need to balance entertaining and alone time. You can create different zones in your outdoor space using various ground surfaces, planters, or subtle dividers. This helps separate cooking areas from conversation spaces and quiet reading spots. You'll be able to host guests while keeping your personal sanctuary intact.
It's worth mentioning that outdoor furniture should feel like it belongs with your indoor space. Treat your patio like another room in your house to create a more unified and welcoming feel. Pick furniture that matches your real lifestyle instead of trying to copy a look that doesn't fit how you live.
The best outdoor spaces combine function with personal style. By choosing furniture that truly fits your lifestyle—whether you love hosting big dinner parties or just watching sunsets alone—you'll create an outdoor area that makes your everyday life better.
Understanding outdoor furniture materials
Your choice of outdoor furniture materials shapes their longevity, maintenance needs, and appearance in your space. A smart decision comes from knowing each material's unique qualities that you can find in today's market.
Wood: Teak, eucalyptus, and acacia
Wooden outdoor furniture adds natural warmth and timeless beauty to any garden. Teak leads the pack among hardwoods and can last over 75 years with good care. The wood's natural oils—tectoquinone, caucho and silica—protect it from water damage, fungi, pests, mould, and decay. Teak starts with a warm golden-brown colour and naturally ages to a beautiful silvery-grey patina that protects the wood even more.
Eucalyptus gives you a cheaper option than teak but still holds up well against weather. People often compare it to teak's durability and looks, and eucalyptus has become accessible to more people because it's sustainable. This wood's density helps it fight off rot and decay, making it great for shoppers watching their budget.
Acacia wood balances cost and durability nicely. These trees grow in tropical and subtropical regions, and their wood shows beautiful grain patterns from light yellow to dark brown. Natural oils help protect it from the elements, so it won't shrink, crack, or splinter. All the same, acacia needs more care than other outdoor woods and might warp in high heat.
Metal: Aluminium and stainless steel
Metal furniture brings sleek looks and amazing longevity to outdoor spaces. Aluminium shines because it's light, fights rust, and needs little upkeep. You won't worry about rust, even near the coast where salty air damages other materials. The metal's powder coating—baked-on protective layer—makes it last longer and look better.
Stainless steel packs incredible strength, perfect for sofa frames or dining table supports. This metal laughs at rust and corrosion, making it a smart pick for coastal areas. But direct sun can heat it up fast, so it works better for frames than seats.
These metals come in many designs and colours through powder coating to match your outdoor style. Aluminium might cost more upfront, but its durability and low maintenance make it worth every penny.
Wicker and synthetic rattan
Wicker furniture creates that perfect tropical, resort feeling outdoors. Natural wicker made from rattan or bamboo doesn't handle weather well on its own. So modern outdoor wicker furniture uses synthetic materials built to brave the elements.
Synthetic wicker (or resin wicker or all-weather wicker) looks and feels like natural wicker but lasts much longer. It stands strong against moisture, UV rays, and temperature swings, avoiding the fading and brittleness that plague natural wicker. Combining synthetic wicker with tough powder-coated aluminium frames creates furniture that keeps looking great even in harsh weather.
Plastic and resin options
Quality makes all the difference in plastic outdoor furniture. High-end resin furniture, made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), beats regular plastic hands down for durability. Better resin furniture resists cracking, fading, and UV damage, keeping its good looks season after season.
Resin furniture often looks just like wicker or wood but needs way less care. It costs more than basic plastic furniture, but its longer life and weather resistance make up for the price. Look for UV-stabilised resin furniture to avoid fading or brittleness under strong sun.
Polypropylene resin furniture gives you strength and weather protection without the weight, perfect for budget-conscious buyers. This adaptable material shapes into everything from modern minimalist pieces to traditional styles, fitting outdoor spaces of all types.
Weather resistance and durability tips
Nature's elements constantly challenge even the toughest outdoor furniture. You need to protect your investment from UV damage, rust, and moisture. This will keep your outdoor settings beautiful and functional for many years.
UV protection and rust resistance
The Australian sun can be harsh on outdoor furnishings. UV radiation makes materials fade, discolour, and break down as time passes. Plastic furniture cracks and becomes brittle with long sun exposure. Fabric cushions lose their bright colours too.
Aluminium works great to resist rust, especially when you have salty air near the coast that speeds up corrosion. Quality aluminium furniture won't rust and stays cool to touch on hot days. The best protection comes from aluminium pieces with powder coating from well-known manufacturers. Global leaders like AkzoNobel give superior UV durability and fight corrosion better.
Wooden furniture needs regular treatment. Yearly sealant applications help fight moisture and UV damage. Metal pieces showing rust signs need quick treatment with rust inhibitors to stop further damage.
No material completely resists UV damage. The best option is furniture with built-in protection. High-quality materials like HDPE plastic have UV inhibitors mixed into the material during manufacturing. This gives better protection than surface treatments alone.
How to choose for your climate
Your local weather should guide your outdoor furniture choices. Materials work differently in various conditions. The right climate-based selection helps your furniture last longer.
Coastal areas do well with aluminium and synthetic wicker because they fight salt air and humidity better. Teak's natural oils make it great for seaside spots. It naturally pushes away water and doesn't swell.
Places with big temperature swings need materials that won't crack or warp. Synthetic resin handles both hot and cold weather well. It keeps looking good through seasonal changes. Humid places need furniture that fights mould and mildew growth.
Queensland's hot summers and heavy rainfall need heat-reflecting materials. Aluminium excels here because it doesn't get too hot and stays comfortable on scorching days. Teak, kwila and spotted gum work well in Queensland's climate because they naturally resist water.
Cushions and soft furnishings need extra care. Look for pieces with Sunbrella™ fabrics that resist UV and fading better. Reticulated foam cushions with open cells let water drain well. They often have antimicrobial properties to stop mould and fungus.
When to use covers or store away
Furniture covers give your first defence against harsh weather. Even the best outdoor furniture needs protective covering in extreme conditions.
Outdoor fabrics repel water but aren't waterproof. Heavy rain can soak cushions and cause mildew if they don't dry properly. Put cushions at an angle during rain so water runs off instead of soaking in.
Quality covers should have these features:
- Waterproof yet breathable with built-in vents to stop mould growth
- Ties or straps to fight wind
- Soft cloth backing to protect furniture finishes
- Full coverage of frames to age evenly
Mild winters call for covering furniture or storing it in dry places to make it last longer. All-weather materials like teak or aluminium need less maintenance and look better with seasonal protection.
Wood furniture's protection becomes vital. Teak might be an all-weather hardwood, but yearly treatment stops cracking and warping over time. Good covers cost less than replacing furniture early.
Extreme seasonal changes might need full storage solutions. Keeping furniture in sheds or garages during off-seasons stops weather damage and makes it last much longer. This works best to protect less durable materials or keep furniture in top shape.
Read less
