Balcony Furniture Materials Compared: Polyrattan, Wood, Aluminium & Fabric

Reading time: approx. 8 min.  ·  Last updated: 26 July 2026  ·  By Home Deluxe Editorial Team

Whether you are creating a cosy lounge corner or furnishing a space-saving balcony, it is worth taking a closer look at the material before buying new balcony furniture. The material determines how much maintenance your furniture needs, how well it withstands sun and rain and how comfortable it feels. In this guide, we compare the five most important materials for balcony furniture – including their advantages and disadvantages, care tips and suitable Home Deluxe furniture for each material.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Polyrattan & wood effect: extremely easy to maintain, weather-resistant and affordable – ideal if you want furniture that requires minimal care.
• Real wood (larch, acacia): warm, natural appearance – but it needs a little more care and occasional oiling.
• Aluminium: very lightweight, rust-resistant and durable – perfect if you regularly move your furniture around.
• Textilene & outdoor fabrics: provide greater seating comfort; covers and cushions are best stored somewhere dry.
• Rule of thumb: First decide how much maintenance you are willing to put in – then choose the material.

Why the Material Matters for Balcony Furniture

Balcony furniture is exposed to the elements throughout the year: strong sunlight, UV radiation, rain and changing temperatures. The material determines how well your furniture can cope with these conditions – and how much maintenance it will require. Three questions can help you choose:

• How much maintenance are you willing to do? Plastic and aluminium require hardly any care, while real wood benefits from occasional oiling.
• Will the furniture stay outside? If so, UV and weather resistance are particularly important. Fabric covers and cushions should still be stored somewhere protected.
• How often will you move the furniture? On smaller balconies, lightweight materials such as aluminium or polyrattan are more practical than heavy solid wood.

The Home Deluxe range includes all five material types – from easy-care woven furniture to a solid larch seating set. Let’s take a closer look at how they compare.

The 5 Materials at a Glance

More dots mean better or higher performance in terms of weather resistance, ease of maintenance, low weight and natural appearance. The price level is shown using € symbols.

Polyrattan: The Easy-Care All-Rounder

HDPE & Wood Effect: The Look of Wood Without the Maintenance

HDPE (high-density polyethylene) and similar wood-effect plastics combine the best of both worlds: the warm appearance of wood with the easy maintenance of plastic. The surface never needs to be painted, oiled or sanded, is resistant to UV light and moisture, and will not splinter.

A good example is the FAREA garden chair with footstool in an easy-care HDPE wood effect, featuring a deep seat and wide armrests that can also be used as practical surfaces for drinks or small items. If you prefer a larger setup, you can also find complete wood-effect seating sets in our balcony furniture range.

Easy-Care & Weather-Resistant: Polyrattan & Wood Effect

Real Wood: Natural Warmth for Your Balcony

Aluminium & Steel: Lightweight, Stable & Rust-Resistant

Textilene & Outdoor Fabrics: Comfort Comes First

It is not a frame material, but it makes a major difference to comfort: Textilene is a weather-resistant synthetic mesh used for the seating surfaces of chairs and loungers. It dries quickly, is tear-resistant and withstands UV exposure well. Coated outdoor fabrics are also commonly used for bean bags and cushions, helping to repel water.

The versatile HEAVEN outdoor bean bag can be transformed from a sofa into a bed, while the ARANI outdoor armchair combines lounge-style comfort with a weather-resistant cover. Even though these fabrics are designed for outdoor use, cushions and covers will last longer if you store them somewhere dry during prolonged rain and over winter.

Natural & Durable: Wood, Aluminium & Fabric

Care & Winter Storage: How to Keep Everything Looking Its Best

Every material has its own care routine. Follow these basic rules and your balcony furniture can stay looking good for many seasons:

• Polyrattan & HDPE: Wipe down with lukewarm water and a mild cleaning product. They can remain outdoors, although a cover will help keep them cleaner for longer.
• Real wood: Clean and oil once or twice per season. Cover or store it during winter to prevent the wood from remaining permanently damp.
• Aluminium & steel: Wipe clean with a damp cloth. On steel furniture, touch up any damage to the coating quickly to help prevent rust.
• Textilene & cushions: Brush off loose dirt, remove stains with soapy water and allow everything to dry thoroughly. Store cushions and covers somewhere dry and protected.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which material is easiest to maintain for balcony furniture?

Polyrattan, HDPE wood effect and aluminium are among the easiest materials to maintain. They are weather-resistant, UV-resistant and only need to be wiped down with a damp cloth from time to time – no oiling or painting is required. Real wood has a particularly natural appearance, but it does need a little more care.

Which balcony furniture material is the most weather-resistant?

Polyrattan, HDPE wood effect and aluminium are particularly weather-resistant and can remain outdoors throughout the year. Aluminium does not rust, while synthetic weaves are resistant to UV light and moisture. Fabric covers and cushions should still be stored somewhere dry to help keep them looking good for longer.

Is polyrattan or real wood better for a balcony?

That depends on your priorities. Polyrattan is easier to maintain, more affordable and can stay outside throughout the year. Real wood offers a warm, natural appearance, but it benefits from occasional oiling and should be protected during winter. If you want minimal maintenance, polyrattan is the more practical choice.

Do I need to bring balcony furniture indoors during winter?

Frames made from polyrattan, HDPE or aluminium can usually remain outdoors over winter under a suitable protective cover. Real wood and all textile parts – including cushions, seat pads and covers – should ideally be stored somewhere dry or well protected. This helps prevent moisture damage and mould.

Which material is best for small balconies?

Lightweight materials are practical for small balconies because the furniture can be moved around easily – aluminium and polyrattan are good examples. Folding wooden or fabric furniture can save even more space. Heavy solid wood is stable, but less flexible if you frequently rearrange your balcony.

Conclusion: The Right Material for Your Balcony

There is no single “best” material for balcony furniture – only the one that best suits your lifestyle. If you want as little maintenance as possible, polyrattan, wood-effect plastic or aluminium are excellent choices. If you love a natural look and do not mind a little extra care, real wood is a great option. Weather-resistant fabrics provide the finishing touch when it comes to seating comfort. Feel free to mix materials – the most important thing is creating a balcony you love spending time on.

Ready for new furniture? Discover the right garden & balcony furniture from Home Deluxe in a wide range of materials.

Discover Balcony Furniture Now

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