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If you own beachfront property, chances are you spend as much time on the shore as you do on hardwood floors. And it's no wonder why. Spectacular sunsets, fresh air, the repetitive sounds of rolling waves—you have the best that nature has to offer right in your backyard.
Whether you love outdoor entertaining or quiet solitude is more your speed, you need high-quality furniture that will keep up with your lifestyle and the local climate. Finding the best outdoor furniture for oceanfront living takes some upfront research, but we can help if you're not sure where to start.
In fact, the legwork is already done. We've compiled a list of the most popular outdoor furniture materials and how they handle oceanside environments.
Table of contents
Oceanside conditions vary depending on where you live. For example, the climate in the Gulf of Mexico is different from that of a coastal town in Maine. However, there are certain outdoor elements that all beach homes face:
Keep these conditions in mind when searching for beach-friendly furniture. You'll want outdoor dining and lounge pieces that are resistant to water, wind, fading, salty air, and other inclement conditions.
Here's a list of popular outdoor furniture materials, including how well-suited they are to seaside settings. Note that no material is "bad"—it's just going to require more maintenance or will need to be replaced sooner.
|
Furniture Material |
Performance Rating (1 = Low, 5 = Top) |
| Aluminum | 4 |
| Hardwood | 3 |
| Softwood | 1 |
| HDPE | 5 |
| Natural Wicker | 1 |
| Synthetic Wicker | 4 |
| Wrought Iron | 2 |
| Injection-Molded Plastic | 2 |
Thanks to its durability and affordable price tag, aluminum is a favored furniture choice for outdoor living.
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Cons
Hardwoods are dense and durable—ideal materials for outdoor furniture.
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Cons
Cypress, cedar, and redwood are the most popular softwoods for making outdoor furniture.
Pros
Cons
HDPE lumber can be more expensive than other materials, but many homeowners believe poly lumber is worth the cost because of its durability and longevity. For many, the notion that this furniture is typically made from recycled materials also offsets the overall cost.
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Cons
Natural wicker is a beautiful lounge furniture option that's woven with plant-based materials, such as willow, rattan, bamboo, or reeds.
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Cons
Like its natural counterpart, synthetic wicker furniture can be woven from a range of various materials. Synthetic wicker is manufactured specifically for durability and includes nylon, HDPE, PVC, and PE materials.
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Cons
Wrought iron furniture is a popular choice for outdoor furniture thanks to its elegant, almost whimsical appearance. This material is particularly susceptible to rust, so it may require a good deal of maintenance in coastal climates.
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Cons
The most inexpensive option for outdoor furniture material, injection-molded plastic is a common choice for those who own rentals or primary homes at the beach.
Pros
Cons
Oceanside environments are beautiful yet harsh, so you want durable lounge and dining sets that can handle some rough-and-tumble weather. The best beach furniture resists coastal elements such as salt, humidity, moisture, wind, and sand. Pieces should have some weight to them but not be so heavy that they're tough to move around your outdoor space. HDPE, aluminum, resin wicker, and teak furniture are great options to explore.
Coastal-style furniture often refers to beachy designs colored with sandy neutrals and blue, green, and grey hues. Kicking back in coastal furniture should make you feel like you're on vacation—it's casual, laid-back, and infused with calming shoreside vibes. It can also refer to nautical-themed pieces.
You can protect your beach furniture by storing it under a covered porch or in a shed when the weather gets bad. Alternatively, weatherproof covers can be used to shield each piece from the elements. Keeping furniture in a shady spot and regularly cleaning off salt, sand, and dirt also helps it last longer.
Place your patio furniture far enough from the water's edge so waves and rising tides won't reach them. If your furniture gets wet, dry it off with a towel right away. Situate the furniture in a covered spot to keep it out of the rain, and store it in a dry place when not in use. For added protection, apply a sealant to the surfaces to keep out moisture and humidity.
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