Best Outdoor Furniture for Coastal Homes in Australia: 5 Picks That Handle Salt Air

GUIDE / COASTAL LIVING

Salt air is hard on outdoor furniture. Choose the right materials and a coastal deck setting can stay out all year with nothing more than a rinse.

Outdoor Furniture Ideas · 6 min read

The best outdoor furniture for a coastal home is powder coated aluminium, UV resistant resin, or a mix of the two, with a solution dyed fabric such as Sunbrella where you want cushions. None of these rust or rot, and none of them need oiling. Avoid bare steel frames that can rust once salt gets in, and plan on rinsing everything with fresh water more often than you would inland.

Below are the materials that hold up best near the sea, five pieces worth buying, and the simple routine that keeps them looking new.

What survives salt air, and what does not

Powder coated aluminium

Aluminium does not rust, so it is the frame material to choose near the coast or a pool. A powder coated finish adds colour and protection. Look for furniture that is aluminium throughout, not an aluminium look over a steel frame. Browse aluminium outdoor furniture.

UV resistant resin

Polypropylene resin does not rust, rot or absorb water, and when the colour runs through the material, scuffs do not show a different shade underneath. It is light, it usually stacks, and it needs no oiling. See resin outdoor furniture.

Solution dyed fabric

Sunbrella is solution dyed, which means the colour goes into the fibre before it is woven rather than being printed on the surface. That is why it holds its colour in strong sun, and it drains and dries quickly after rain. Cushions still need to dry fully before you cover or store them.

Ceramic tabletops

A ceramic top does not need sealing or oiling and wipes clean, which makes it a good match for an aluminium base on a coastal terrace. Rinse the base more often to clear salt spray.

For a longer comparison of the two main frame materials, read aluminium vs resin outdoor furniture.

No. 01

Pebl Sunset Side Chair: Nothing to Bring Inside

The Pebl Sunset Aluminium Outdoor Side Chair is Tiger powder coated aluminium throughout, so there is nothing to rust, rot or re-oil. The seat and back are one moulded shell, it weighs 4.2 kg, it stacks, and clear footcaps stop it scraping tiles and pavers. At 53.5 cm wide with no arms, more chairs fit around the same table.

Choose it if you want a dining chair that can stay on a coastal deck through winter. Think twice if you want a cushioned seat. It comes in Charcoal, Mocha and Green. The armchair version features in our best outdoor chairs in Australia guide.

No. 02

Horizon Resin Armchair: Light, Stackable, No Upkeep

The Horizon Outdoor Resin Armchair is moulded from UV resistant polypropylene, which does not rust, rot or need oiling. The colour runs through the material, so everyday scuffs do not show as a different colour. It weighs 5.1 kg, stacks, and has a 46 cm seat height that suits tables around 72 to 75 cm.

Choose it if you want the simplest care of all: rinse the salt off and leave it out. Think twice if you prefer the look of rope or fabric. It comes in five colours.

No. 03

Allure Sun Lounger: Built for the Pool and the Beach House

The Allure Outdoor Sun Lounger sits on a powder coated aluminium frame that will not rust in chlorine or salt air. The light grey and charcoal versions are upholstered in Sunbrella with a 5 year fabric warranty; the pebble version uses a high quality outdoor fabric with a 2 year warranty. It is 208 cm long, weighs 18 kg so one person can move it with the shade, and arrives fully assembled.

Choose it if you want a full length lounger that dries quickly after a swim or a shower of rain. Think twice if the 5 year fabric warranty matters to you: choose light grey or charcoal, because pebble is a different fabric. More options in outdoor pool furniture.

No. 04

Roma 3 Seat Rope Sofa: The Soft Option That Will Not Rust

The Roma 3 Seat Outdoor Rope Sofa is outdoor rope hand wrapped over a powder coated aluminium frame, and the aluminium is what makes it usable on a coastal deck, because it will not rust. The rope flexes, drains after rain and does not trap heat. It is 202 cm wide and 89.5 cm deep, so three people sit comfortably, and at 43 kg it stays put in the wind.

Choose it if you want a proper lounge setting by the water. Think twice if you want zero upkeep. The Roma range care notes say to rinse more often near the coast and to let any cushions dry fully after rain before covering them. It comes in light grey or pebble.

No. 05

Eclipse V4 Cantilever Umbrella: Shade for Exposed Sites

The Eclipse V4 3m Square Cantilever Umbrella has an extruded marine grade anodised aluminium mast, built for exposed positions such as pool surrounds, high decks and coastal gardens. A 316 stainless steel spigot comes as standard for fixing to concrete. The canopy is UPF80 and blocks 98.75% of UV, and it carries a 65 km/h installed wind rating, or 30 km/h on the 900 freestanding base. As with any umbrella, close it in unsuitable weather.

Choose it if you want 9 square metres of shade with no centre pole in the way. Think twice if you have a small balcony; a centre post umbrella will suit better. See all cantilever umbrellas.

How to care for outdoor furniture near the coast

• Rinse with fresh water often. Salt spray builds up faster near the sea, so rinse frames more often than you would inland.
• Wash gently. Use a soft cloth and mild soapy water. Avoid solvents, bleach and abrasive pads, which dull a powder coated finish.
• Dry cushions before covering. Let cushions dry fully after rain, and only fit a cover once the furniture is clean and dry.
• Store soft items in long breaks. If you are away for weeks, bring cushions inside or store them somewhere dry.

For a full step by step, read how to clean outdoor furniture.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best outdoor furniture material for coastal areas?

Powder coated aluminium and UV resistant resin are the two best choices. Neither rusts or rots, and neither needs oiling. Add a solution dyed fabric such as Sunbrella if you want cushions.

Does aluminium outdoor furniture rust near the beach?

No. Aluminium does not rust, which is why it is the frame material to choose for coastal and poolside settings. Rinse it with fresh water regularly to clear salt spray and keep the finish looking its best.

Can outdoor furniture stay outside all year at the coast?

Aluminium and resin pieces with no cushions, such as the Pebl Sunset and Horizon chairs, can stay out all year. Pieces with cushions can too, as long as the cushions are dried after rain and stored during long periods of non use.

How often should I clean outdoor furniture near the sea?

More often than inland. A regular fresh water rinse clears salt spray before it builds up, with a wash in mild soapy water when the furniture looks dull.

Is rope outdoor furniture suitable for coastal homes?

Yes, when the rope is wrapped over an aluminium frame, as on the Roma range. The aluminium will not rust, and the rope drains after rain. Rinse the frame more often near the coast.