Assorted POLYWOOD dining furniture in Green sits by a cabin in the woods.

Which Outdoor Furniture Material is Best for Your Cabin?

Written by: Caitlin Evans

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Published on

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Last updated on

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Time to read 5 min

Does your cabin need new furniture, but you’re unsure which materials work best in wooded areas? You’ve come to the right place. We’ve done the legwork so you can shop with confidence and pick the perfect products for your secluded sanctuary.

We’ll discuss function—not form—because while tastes vary, some materials are simply better suited to rural life. Selecting well-built furniture made from high-quality materials will save you money, time, and stress in the long run.

A dad cuddles with his daughter by the fire on a POLYWOOD Modern Adirondack Chair in Black.

How to Select Materials Based on Environmental Conditions

While conditions vary by location, many areas share challenges like wildlife, cooler and humid climates, wet weather, tree debris, pollen, and sap. Choose furniture materials that can endure these elements with minimal maintenance. Some materials will rise to the occasion, while others won’t.

A graph showing which furniture materials are best suited for outdoor environments.

Durability

Leaves, branches, and entire trees will fall during stormy weather. Since cabins are situated right in the thick of nature, the likelihood of sustaining damage from falling debris is high.

Wind Resistance

It can get breezy in the woods, and the winds increase at higher altitudes. While the trees surrounding your cabin act as natural barriers, gusts can still sneak through.

Heat/Cold Resistance

Forest environments are cooler because trees block sunlight from reaching areas below the canopies. Plus, trees sweat to stay cool through a process called transpiration. When the weather heats up, plants release excess water from their leaves, which evaporates into the air. This lowers the plants’ surface temperatures and that of the surrounding landscape.

In addition, air pressure decreases as altitude increases. The atmosphere is thinner in higher regions like mountains, and as the pressure reduces, so do the air temperatures.

Moisture Resistance

Weather conditions vary by location, but they all have one thing in common: water. Cabins in colder climates contend with blizzards and ice, while those in warmer locales experience rainy seasons yearly.

A family sits in colorful POLYWOOD Adirondack chairs with complementing side tables around a fire pit in the winter.

Stain, Corrosion, and Rust Resistance

Certain furniture materials are more susceptible to damage when exposed to plant byproducts like pollen, sap, and resin.


  • Pollen: When dry, pollen is harmless to outdoor furniture. However, when it gets wet, a chemical reaction occurs that can cause stains and corrosion if not quickly removed.
  • Sap and resin: These substances stick to anything—siding, cars, furniture, you name it—and are tough to remove. Left alone, they can lead to stains and discoloration. Plus, dirt, dust, and other debris will stick to sap and resin, creating a bigger mess.

Pest Resistance

Living in the forest means some of your closest neighbors are woodland creatures. While they’re often exciting to see, animals don’t understand property lines and will roam into your backyard in search of food, shelter, or nest fodder. This can lead to extensive and expensive repairs that your home insurance policy may not cover.

Damages caused by large animals like bears are usually covered, but many insurance companies view small animal damages as “preventable situations” and typically don’t offer reimbursement in these cases.

Outdoor Furniture Materials for Cabins, Ranked

A POLYWOOD Braxton 5 Piece Farmhouse Dining Set with Benches in Green sits on a deck near a cabin in the woods.

High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

HDPE took the top spot because this durable plastic can handle just about any weather or environmental condition with minimal upkeep, making it ideal for cabin furniture.


  • Weather-, rust-, and corrosion-proof
  • Resistant to wind, fading, and stains
  • Requires minimal cleaning and upkeep
  • Can be more expensive than other materials
A woman and two children roast marshmallows over a fire pit while relaxing on POLYWOOD Classic Adirondack Chairs in Black.

Synthetic Wicker

Resin wicker is woven from man-made materials, resulting in durable cabin furniture with a rustic appeal.


  • Resistant to moisture, humidity, stains, and insects
  • Heavier than natural wicker yet easy to move
  • Higher durability than natural wicker
  • Cleaning the weave’s nooks and crannies is tedious

Hardwood

Hardwood received a respectable ranking as it needs more upkeep to protect it from the elements, but your efforts will be rewarded with beautiful, durable cabin furniture.


  • Easy to clean
  • Requires periodic refinishing to protect it against stains, moisture, and pests
  • Weather- and wind-resistant
  • Stays at a comfortable temperature in any climate

Injection-Molded Plastic

Though it cannot withstand the elements like HDPE or hardwood, injection-molded plastic is a budget-friendly option for cabin owners.


  • Warps and cracks in extreme temperatures
  • Water-, corrosion-, and rust-resistant
  • Low-maintenance, but stains easily from pollen, sap, and animal droppings
  • Susceptible to strong winds and fading

Aluminum

Aluminum furniture is durable and impervious to rust and pests. However, it received a lower ranking because it’s less resistant to wind, corrosion, and heat.


  • Light and easy to maneuver, but cannot stand up to strong winds
  • Naturally resistant to pests and rust, but needs treatment to resist corrosion and stains
  • Requires little upkeep or cleaning
  • Can overheat if left in the sun for prolonged periods

Wrought Iron

Wrought iron is a tempting choice for cabins because of its rustic appearance, but be prepared to work hard to protect your investment.


  • Needs regular maintenance to prevent rust
  • Pest-, corrosion-, and wind-resistant
  • Retains heat and cold, making it uncomfortable in hot and chilly climates
  • Its heft makes moving difficult

Softwood

Log cabins are often built from softwoods like pine or cedar, so having furniture made from the same material seems like a natural fit. However, softwoods have drawbacks and need a lot of maintenance to protect them from the elements.


  • Lighter than hardwood but heavy enough to resist wind
  • Stays comfortable in hot and cold weather
  • More affordable than hardwood
  • Needs regular upkeep to resist moisture, humidity, stains, and pests

Natural Wicker

Though beautiful, natural wicker furniture is not a good fit for cabin settings. It received the lowest rating because it requires too much upkeep to stave off the elements.


  • Lightweight and susceptible to strong winds
  • Does not get too hot or cold in extreme temperatures
  • Needs constant upkeep to prevent breakage and dirt buildup
  • Poor resistance to weather, fading, and stains
A POLYWOOD Presidential Rocking Chair in Green sits on a wooden front porch of a log cabin.

FAQs

What kind of patio furniture can stay out all year?

Outdoor patio furniture made from durable materials like HDPE plastic, teak wood, and powder-coated aluminum can stay outside all year long. These materials can handle inclement weather and harsh climates and don’t require a lot of upkeep to maintain their good looks. That being said, covering furniture when you aren’t using it is always a good idea. This prolongs its life and makes future cleanups quick and easy.

What is the best outdoor furniture for rainy weather?

Outdoor furniture made from non-porous materials works best in rainy weather. Since HDPE and other plastic materials can’t absorb moisture, they’re impervious to rust, corrosion, and water-induced warping.

A Martha Stewart by POLYWOOD Chinoiserie Rocking Chair in Sand sits on a stone patio in the rain.

What kind of furniture is best for a screened-in porch?

Screened-in porches offer more protection than other outdoor living spaces, so you can be more lenient in your furniture choices. However, you still have to deal with outdoor temperatures, and UV rays, wind, and humidity can sneak through screens. Knowing this, look for furniture pieces made from durable materials like HDPE or synthetic wicker. Choose rocking chairs and Adirondacks in these materials to get the classic look you love without the upkeep.

What fabric holds up the best outdoors?

The best outdoor fabric options are made from synthetic materials that can withstand the elements, such as solution-dyed acrylic and polyester. These fabrics are resistant to fading, mildew, and UV damage. They're also water-resistant and easy to clean, making them a good choice for outdoor furniture and cushions. Brands like Sunbrella® and Revolution Fabrics are known for their durable and high-performance outdoor fabrics.

Assorted POLYWOOD EDGE deep seating furniture in brown and green is situated on a covered porch with woods in the background.