The Guide to Outdoor Materials

Investing in great outdoor pieces that will last you year over year starts with knowing your materials. 

When we first stepped into the world of product design with McGee & Co., we learned a lot about what goes into creating a single piece — from research to iteration after iteration of sketches to the finishing touches. Still, a beautiful and functional piece all starts with the materials. When it comes to outdoor furniture, the right materials can make all the difference in the longevity of your space. In this post, we’re sharing our guide to the best outdoor materials and what makes each of them investment worthy.  

Here are a few things to look for in the fine print when you’re furnishing your own forever outdoor oasis: 

No. 1: Sunbrella  

Chances are, this isn’t the first time you’ve heard about sunbrella fabric. Sunbrella is the ultimate all-weather material. It’s both stain-resistant and water-resistant but can still be soft to the touch for comfortable outdoor lounge seating. We use sunbrella fabrics on a lot of our fabric cushions for our outdoor pieces at McGee & Co., and the look and feel wins every time.  

No. 2: Teak Wood 

When it comes to outdoor wood materials, you really can’t beat Teak. UV resistant and highly durable, Teak is one of those materials that looks and ages well year after year when cared for correctly. 

No. 3: Poly Wicker 

We love Poly Wicker for outdoor furniture because it has a relaxed, coastal feel that looks like wicker but is much more durable. It’s outdoor performance rated with all-weather construction. Plus, it’s stain-resistant and water-resistant! 

No. 4: Fiber Cement

For a modern look and feel, fiber cement is one of our go-to outdoor materials. It’s easy to clean, wears well, and lends a rustic and sophisticated feeling to any outdoor environment. 

No. 5: Polyester  

No outdoor material guide would be complete without mentioning Polyester. Polyester is strong and flexible that can be used alone or blended to create outdoor fabrics and coverings. We love Polyester because it’s tear-resistant and dries quickly. When shopping for outdoor pieces, look for high-grade, treated Polyester to ensure a slower fade.

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