Retail and catalog furniture brands manufacture hundreds, if not thousands, of identical pieces. Particleboard, MDF, hollow plastic, and PU leather are examples of affordable materials that keep per-unit costs down across a large run. Now, envision these materials outdoors. Following constant exposure to the blazing sun, heavy rain, salty coastal air, spilled wine, sunscreen, pool water, and weekend get-togethers, fading, warping, rusting, or deterioration would be in their imminent future.
Then why does some outdoor furniture last longer than others?
Luxury custom outdoor furniture, such as those featured on Architectural Digest and Elle Decor, was designed with components that most consumers rarely encounter in retail showrooms. Furniture makers source marine-grade metals, architectural surfaces, performance fabrics, and commercial-grade hardware because these materials withstand conditions that quickly degrade ordinary furniture. Many also require specialized fabrication methods or direct partnerships with manufacturers, which explains why they’re rarely available in mass-produced collections.
What Materials Are Almost Exclusive to Custom Outdoor Furniture?
Commissioning custom outdoor furniture gives property owners access to premium materials. At CC Patio, our clients can customize their furniture and maximize its longevity with:
1. Double Powder-Coated Steel and Aluminum Frames
Most manufacturers build mass-produced furniture with single-coated or painted metal frames. Unfortunately, these components can break, discolor, or corrode within a couple of seasons.
Our custom frame builders apply a double powder coat to steel and aluminum, a two-layer finish that resists chipping and corrosion, even after years outdoors. The double coating also expands the available color palette, since builders can match any finish to a home’s architecture.
2. Sunbrella and Ultraleather Upholstery
Sunbrella fabric consists of solution-dyed acrylic fibers. The dye penetrates each fiber, resulting in an exceptionally fade-resistant, stain-repellent, mildew-proof, durable, and weatherproof textile.
Ultraleather is a high-performance synthetic fabric engineered to overcome the vulnerabilities of traditional faux and genuine leathers. Ultraleather Coast and Summit are the primary collections for outdoor and marine environments. Both offer EPA-registered antimicrobial protection, UV resistance, and climate-control properties. And unlike materials that flake, peel, or warp within 6 to 12 months outdoors, such as PVC or polyurethane, Ultraleather can last 10 to 15+ years with basic maintenance.
Sunbrella and Ultraleather come with manufacturer warranties. Considering the established high quality, performance, and longevity of these premium furniture materials, they cost far more per yard than the polyester blends found in most retail cushions, which is also why budget brands avoid them.
3. Dekton Surfaces
Dekton is a carbon-neutral, ultra-compact surface made from a raw blend of quartz, porcelain materials, and glass. Manufacturing experts use high heat and 25,000 tons of pressure to create this dense, highly durable material that resists scratches, stains, and UV damage.
Because Dekton requires specialized cutting and polishing equipment, very few furniture brands invest in the tooling needed to fabricate it into tabletops and surfaces.
At CC Patio, we source raw Dekton slabs directly from Cosentino, then cut, polish, and fabricate each piece in-house. Clients can choose from over 60 colors and designs across multiple signature series, including Kraftizen, Pietra Edition, Onirika, and Stonika.
How Long Do Weatherproof Furniture Materials Last?
The weatherproof materials mentioned above last 10 to 25 years, and even longer with maintenance. They outmatch mass-produced furniture, which typically lasts 1 to 5 years, by leaps and bounds.
In addition, CC Patio offers some of the longest warranties in the industry, including but not limited to 10 years against structural failure on steel and aluminum frames, 25 years on Dekton surfaces, and 5 years on Sunbrella fabrics. Most retail brands include coverage of a year or two, if they include a warranty at all, since their materials degrade faster and cost less to replace.
Can These Materials Handle Extreme Climates Like Coastal Salt Air or Desert Heat?
This is one area where custom weatherproof materials outperform standard alternatives by the widest margin. Coastal properties expose patio furniture to salt air, which accelerates corrosion on lower-grade materials. Desert climates, meanwhile, subject furniture to intense UV rays and extreme heat day and night. Both conditions hasten the deterioration of budget furniture.
Double powder-coated frames withstand the corrosive effects of salt air, while Dekton retains its strength and color despite intense heat and constant UV exposure. Sunbrella fabric, engineered specifically for outdoor environments, maintains its color and integrity through coastal humidity and relentless desert sun.
If you’re unsure which of these materials is best for your location, don’t worry; the CC Patio team will take your climate into account before recommending materials and finishes.
How Do You Choose the Right Materials for Your Outdoor Space?
Consider the following factors before saying ‘yes’ to the material:
- Climate. In coastal environments, stainless steel and aluminum frames provide superior resistance against salt-air corrosion. In desert environments, Dekton surfaces maintain their structural integrity and appearance under prolonged UV exposure and high heat.
- Use case. Commercial properties with heavy foot traffic, such as hotels, restaurants, and resorts, benefit from commercial-grade Sunbrella fabrics.
- Aesthetic goals. Sunbrella comes in over 1000 unique colors and patterns, while Dekton is available in six stunning finishes and over 60 colors and designs. With so many options, clients can mix and match materials to existing architecture and design themes.
A design consultation, covered in our commission guide, addresses these factors in depth.
Where Can You See These Materials in Person?
Since photos and website descriptions can differ from reality, we invite you to our showroom in Scottsdale or Solana Beach, where you can see and feel fabric swatches, compare frame finishes, and review Dekton samples under natural light.
If you live out of state, you can schedule a virtual consultation. We also offer nationwide white-glove delivery, making it possible to customize and perfect your space wherever it may be in the US.
We look forward to helping you create outdoor furniture that’s uniquely yours.
FAQs About Custom Outdoor Furniture Materials
Are premium materials like Dekton and Sunbrella worth the added cost?
For most consumers, premium materials justify the higher upfront cost. A single weatherproof commission with a multi-year warranty typically costs less over a decade than replacing budget furniture every couple of seasons.
Can Dekton surfaces be near a pool?
Absolutely. Dekton’s near-zero porosity prevents moisture and pool chemicals from penetrating the surface. Your piece won’t crack or discolor, even with repeated exposure.
How do I start choosing materials for my own commission?
Schedule a consultation with the CC Patio design team. Tell us about your climate, budget, and design goals, and we’ll recommend materials suited to your commission.
