The Right Material Makes All the Difference
Choosing an outdoor dining setting is about more than just looks. The materials you select determine how your furniture performs in Brisbane's subtropical climate, how much maintenance you'll be doing (or not doing), and how long your investment will last. With so many options available, from classic teak to contemporary aluminium, how do you know which material is right for your lifestyle?
Let's break down the four main material categories for outdoor dining settings, exploring what makes each one special and who they're best suited for.
Aluminium Frames: Modern Durability
Aluminium has become the go-to choice for premium outdoor dining, and for good reason. This lightweight metal delivers serious performance without demanding constant attention.
Aluminium Advantages
Rust-Proof Performance: Aluminium naturally resists corrosion, making it perfect for Brisbane's humidity and coastal areas. Powder-coated finishes add an extra layer of protection and colour that won't fade or peel.
Featherlight Strength: Easy to move and rearrange, yet engineered to handle decades of daily use. Perfect for settings that need to be shifted for cleaning or repositioned as the sun moves.
Zero Maintenance: No oiling, no sealing, no special treatments. Just wipe clean with soapy water and you're done. Ideal for time-poor families who want beautiful furniture without the upkeep.
Contemporary Aesthetic: Clean lines and sleek finishes that complement modern Brisbane homes. Available in classic charcoal, crisp white, and sophisticated champagne tones.
Versatile Pairing: Aluminium frames work beautifully with any tabletop material, from ceramic and sintered stone to teak and concrete composite.
Best suited for: Coastal properties, low-maintenance lifestyles, modern aesthetics, and anyone who values lightweight furniture that's easy to rearrange.
Want to dive deeper? Read our complete guide to aluminium outdoor dining settings.
Teak: Timeless Natural Beauty
There's a reason teak has been the premium choice for outdoor furniture for generations. This remarkable hardwood brings warmth, character, and natural durability that only improves with age.
Teak Advantages
Natural Weather Resistance: Teak's high oil content makes it naturally resistant to rot, warping, and insect damage. It's one of the few woods that can handle outdoor conditions without chemical treatment.
Beautiful Aging Process: Starts as a warm honey-gold and develops a stunning silver-grey patina over time. Both looks are equally beautiful, you choose whether to maintain the original colour with occasional oiling or let nature take its course.
Exceptional Longevity: Quality plantation teak can last 50+ years outdoors. This is furniture you'll pass down to the next generation.
Warm, Organic Aesthetic: Brings natural texture and warmth that synthetic materials can't replicate. Perfect for creating inviting, lived-in outdoor spaces.
Tactile Comfort: Teak feels wonderful to touch and doesn't get scorching hot in direct sun like metal can.
Investment Value: Premium teak holds its value and adds significant appeal to your property.
Best suited for: Those who appreciate natural materials, classic aesthetics, and are happy with occasional maintenance (or love the silver patina). Perfect for creating warm, inviting outdoor rooms.
Resin: Commercial-Grade Performance
Don't let the budget-friendly price fool you. Quality resin outdoor furniture delivers commercial-grade durability that's proven in cafes and resorts across Australia.
Resin Advantages
Incredibly Lightweight: The lightest option available, making it effortless to move, stack, and rearrange. Perfect for balconies and spaces where furniture needs to be shifted regularly.
UV-Stabilised Durability: Quality resin is UV-stabilised and fade-resistant, built to handle Queensland's harsh sun without cracking or losing colour.
Absolute Zero Maintenance: Completely weatherproof and maintenance-free. Hose it down or wipe it clean, that's all it needs.
Commercial Testing: The same furniture used in high-traffic cafes and resorts. If it can handle hundreds of customers daily, it can handle your family.
Stackable Options: Many resin chairs stack for easy storage, perfect for smaller spaces or seasonal furniture rotation.
Colour Variety: Available in a wide range of contemporary colours, from classic white and charcoal to vibrant accent shades.
Budget-Friendly: Premium performance without the premium price tag. Great for young families or first-home buyers.
Best suited for: Budget-conscious buyers, rental properties, balconies and small spaces, families with young children, and anyone who wants truly zero-maintenance furniture.
Wicker on Aluminium: The Best of Both Worlds
Modern all-weather HDPE-wicker woven over aluminium frames combines the visual warmth and texture of traditional wicker with the durability of contemporary materials.
Wicker on Aluminium Advantages
Rust-Proof Core: Aluminium frames provide the structural strength and corrosion resistance, while the wicker adds comfort and style.
All-Weather Wicker: UV-resistant synthetic wicker that won't fade, crack, or unravel like natural wicker. Designed specifically for Australian outdoor conditions.
Visual Warmth: The woven texture adds depth and interest that solid materials can't match. Creates a relaxed, resort-style aesthetic.
Enhanced Comfort: The woven surface has natural give and flexibility, making chairs more comfortable even without cushions. Add cushions for ultimate luxury.
Quick-Dry Performance: Wicker weave allows water to drain quickly after rain. No pooling, no waiting hours before you can sit down.
Lightweight and Strong: Combines the light weight of aluminium with the visual substance of wicker weaving.
Low Maintenance: Hose down or wipe clean. The synthetic wicker doesn't require the treatments natural wicker needs.
Best suited for: Those who love the look of wicker but want modern durability, resort-style aesthetics, and anyone seeking comfortable seating with visual texture and warmth.
Still Not Sure Which Material Is Right for You?
Visit our Brisbane showroom to see, touch, and test all four material options. Our team can help you weigh the benefits based on your specific space, lifestyle, and aesthetic preferences.
Mixing Materials for Maximum Impact
Here's where it gets really interesting: you don't have to choose just one material. Many of our most stunning settings combine materials for the best of multiple worlds:
Aluminium frames with teak tops: Modern durability meets natural warmth
Aluminium frames with ceramic or sintered stone tops: Lightweight frames with indestructible surfaces
Teak tables with wicker chairs: Classic elegance with comfortable, textured seating
Aluminium tables with resin chairs: Cohesive modern look with budget-friendly flexibility
The beauty of our mix-and-match approach is that you can create a setting that's uniquely suited to your needs, combining the specific benefits that matter most to you.
Making Your Decision
The "best" material isn't the same for everyone. It depends on your priorities:
If maintenance-free is non-negotiable: Aluminium or resin
If natural beauty is paramount: Teak
If budget is a key consideration: Resin
If you want texture and comfort: Wicker on aluminium
If you're near the coast: Aluminium, resin, or wicker on aluminium
If you love classic style: Teak
If you want contemporary design: Aluminium
Remember, you're not just buying furniture, you're investing in countless future meals, celebrations, and quiet moments under the Queensland sky. Choose materials that support how you actually live, not just how you think you should live.
Ready to explore your options? Browse our outdoor dining settings collection or visit our showroom where you can experience the quality difference of each material firsthand.
