Wicker vs. Metal Patio Furniture: Which to Buy
The material your patio furniture is made from matters more than its style. Pick the wrong one for your climate and you are shopping again in three years. Pick the right one and the same set is still looking solid in year eight.
Resin wicker and aluminum or powder-coated steel dominate the mid-range outdoor furniture market. Both photograph well. They perform very differently once you factor in sun exposure, humidity, and how much hands-on maintenance you actually want to do.
This comparison covers five real products across both categories, with honest notes on where each material shines and where it falls short. By the end, you should know exactly which direction to go for your specific setup.
Best Resin Wicker Sectional for a Covered Porch
Resin wicker has earned a legitimate place in outdoor furniture because it genuinely looks better than aluminum in a lounge setting. The PHI VILLA 4-Piece Outdoor Wicker Sectional uses PE wicker woven over a steel inner frame, which gives it the warmth and texture of indoor furniture while handling rain, humidity, and temperature swings. On a covered porch or under a pergola, it will outlast a lot of aluminum sets because UV damage and standing water are controlled.
This set fits a 12x14 patio without crowding it. The L-shaped configuration seats five comfortably, and the cushions are thick enough that you do not feel the frame underneath. The steel inner frame does mean it is heavier than a comparable aluminum piece, so plan where you want it and leave it there. In a coastal or humid climate, bring the cushions in during extended rain weeks or invest in fitted covers.
PHI VILLA 4-Piece Outdoor Wicker Sectional Sofa Set
$449
3,200+ reviews
PE wicker over a steel frame with thick cushions, built for covered patios and shaded spaces where looks matter as much as durability.
Shop on Amazon →Best Steel Bistro Set for a Small Balcony or Side Patio
Powder-coated steel gets a bad reputation it does not fully deserve. Yes, if the coating gets chipped and you live somewhere rainy, rust becomes a real issue. But on a covered apartment balcony or a small side patio that does not take on standing water, a well-made steel bistro set is hard to beat for style per dollar. The Flash Furniture Charlestown 3-Piece Metal Bistro Set has a classic cafe look with a mesh seat and back that drains water without trapping debris.
On a 6x8 balcony this set fits without crowding the space. The latte powder-coat finish looks substantially more expensive than it is, and it holds up well when the coating is not getting scraped across pavers. If a chip develops, a quick hit with matching spray paint keeps it going. This is a two-person setup, not a dinner party solution. For anyone who wants something that looks intentional and polished for under $150, it is a genuinely good call.
Flash Furniture Charlestown 3-Piece Metal Bistro Set
$149
4,800+ reviews
Classic powder-coated steel bistro styling with a mesh seat design that drains instantly, ideal for small covered balconies and side patios.
Shop on Amazon →Best Resin Wicker Conversation Set for Casual Entertaining
A four-piece conversation set fills out a 10x12 patio in a way that a bistro set never will. The Tangkula 4-Piece Outdoor Wicker Patio Conversation Set includes a loveseat, two armchairs, and a glass-top coffee table, all built with PE wicker over a steel frame. It is a good example of where resin wicker wins on comfort and visual warmth without requiring a major investment.
The steel frame does add weight compared to aluminum, but the upside is that the set does not shift around in wind on an open patio, which is a real problem with lighter aluminum furniture in exposed areas. Cushion care is the ongoing task with any wicker set. Bring them in before a prolonged storm, spot clean with mild soap and water, and they will hold their color for several seasons.
Tangkula 4-Piece Outdoor Wicker Patio Conversation Set
$379
2,400+ reviews
A complete wicker conversation grouping with loveseat, two chairs, and coffee table that fits a 10x12 patio without feeling crowded.
Shop on Amazon →Best Aluminum Dining Chairs for Full-Sun Dining Areas
When your dining space sits in direct afternoon sun, aluminum earns its reputation. It does not absorb heat the way steel does, it will not rust, and the powder-coat finish on quality aluminum furniture holds its color for years without fading. The Hanover Traditions Outdoor Dining Chair uses cast aluminum construction with a slatted seat and back that drains water immediately after rain. These chairs are dry again within minutes.
Pair four of them with the matching Hanover Traditions 72-inch rectangular dining table and you have a setup that handles six adults for dinner without wobble or flex. Aluminum dining chairs feel harder than padded wicker seating, so they are better suited for an hour around the table than a three-hour lounge session. For serious outdoor dining in full sun or a coastal yard, this is exactly the material you want.
Hanover Traditions Outdoor Dining Chair
$249
1,600+ reviews
Cast aluminum dining chair with an instant-drain slatted design that handles full sun, salt air, and year-round outdoor conditions.
Shop on Amazon →Best Aluminum Chaise Lounge for Year-Round Outdoor Use
If you want something you can genuinely leave outside all year without thinking about it, the Telescope Casual Marine Grade Polymer Sling Chaise Lounge is one of the better options in the mid-range. The frame is extruded aluminum with no rust and no oxidation. The sling fabric is marine-grade, designed for boats and commercial pool decks, so it resists UV fading and mildew far better than standard outdoor fabric.
The trade-off compared to a cushioned wicker chaise is comfort for casual lounging. A sling does not have the plush feel of a thick cushion. But for a pool deck, a dock, or anywhere the furniture genuinely gets soaked regularly, a sling chaise is the practical choice. You can hose it down, leave it in the rain, and come back in the spring to find it exactly as you left it. For a covered porch where aesthetics matter more, wicker wins. For an exposed deck or pool area, this wins.
Telescope Casual Marine Grade Polymer Sling Chaise Lounge
$329
1,100+ reviews
Marine-grade sling over an extruded aluminum frame built to stay outside year-round, even in coastal and high-humidity climates.
Shop on Amazon →Quick Tips for Choosing Patio Furniture Material
- Check the inner frame, not just the weave. Most resin wicker furniture uses either a steel or aluminum inner frame. Aluminum frames cost more but will not rust if the wicker develops a gap and lets water through.
- In coastal areas, aluminum beats steel every time. Salt air corrodes powder-coated steel over time, especially along seams and cut edges. Aluminum is naturally corrosion-resistant and handles coastal conditions with no extra effort.
- Resin wicker in full sun fades faster than expected. UV exposure breaks down PE wicker over several seasons. A covered patio or a regular application of UV-protective furniture spray dramatically extends the lifespan.
- Light aluminum furniture shifts in wind. On an open, exposed patio, lightweight aluminum chairs can tip or slide in a strong gust. Heavier steel or wicker sets over steel frames stay put better in exposed conditions.
- Match the material to how you actually use the space. If you mostly dine outside, aluminum is the practical choice. If you mostly lounge and entertain casually, wicker with thick cushions will get used more and feel better.
- Budget for cushion storage from the start. The furniture frame usually outlasts the cushions by several years. A deck box or storage bench is not optional if you want the cushions to hold up more than a couple of seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does resin wicker hold up in the rain?
The wicker itself handles rain fine since it is synthetic. The real concern is the inner frame and the cushions. Steel-frame wicker sets can rust at joints if the wicker cracks and lets water sit. Aluminum-frame wicker avoids that problem entirely.
Is aluminum or steel better for outdoor patio furniture?
Aluminum is the better choice for most outdoor applications. It is naturally rust-resistant, lighter to move around, and holds up in coastal or humid climates without ongoing maintenance. Steel is more affordable and heavier but requires a quality powder coat to prevent corrosion over time.
How long does resin wicker patio furniture last?
A quality PE resin wicker set on a covered patio lasts 7 to 10 years. In full sun without any UV protection, expect 4 to 6 years before the weave starts to fade and become brittle. The inner frame typically outlasts the wicker itself.
Can wicker patio furniture stay outside year-round?
Resin wicker can stay outside year-round in mild climates. In areas with hard freezes or heavy snow, bring the cushions inside and use fitted covers for the frames. The wicker tolerates temperature changes reasonably well, but sustained snow load can stress the weave over time.