You spend a good amount of money on outdoor furniture. It looks perfect in your backyard. But next season? It’s sun-bleached, rusted, or broken. You’re not alone. Due to the rise of cheap furniture, 85% of furniture materials end up in a few years, some after only one season. 

But why does most outdoor furniture fail after one season? It’s due to the reasons, including:

• Steel frame rusting
• Plastic materials cracking
• Wood swells and splinters
• Cushion fading
• Natural rattan breaking, and more. 

Let’s break down the reasons behind outdoor furniture failing in Australia and what you should buy instead.

The Real Reason Outdoor Furniture Doesn’t Last

Most outdoor furniture fails because it’s made cheaply and quickly. It’s built to sell, not to last.

Many brands prioritise showroom appeal over outdoor survival. So, the furniture looks great at first, but quickly breaks down.

That’s because it’s not really weather-resistant patio furniture. It can’t handle full sun, harsh rain, or humidity. And in Australia, that’s a problem.

Here are the common patio furniture problems. 

• Thin steel frames rust when exposed to rain or morning dew. Also, approximately 90% of steel is made of carbon steel. Carbon steel rusts without protective layers or coatings. Many outdoor furniture producers may not use proper coating to reduce costs, and rust may occur. Once the rust starts, it spreads fast. Alongside, salt air in coastal areas carries chloride ions, which also cause rust on metal furniture frames. 
• Plastic furniture cracks in the heat, especially under direct sunlight. It also becomes brittle with age.
• Untreated wood swells, splinters, and warps. Moisture gets in, and the damage becomes permanent.
• Cheap cushions fade, get mouldy, and smell bad. Most are made from absorbent foam and low-quality fabric.
• Natural rattan breaks down in rain and humidity. It might look beautiful, but it’s not built for the weather.

The worst part? You don’t always notice until the second season. And you’re either stuck using it or spending more to replace it.

Signs Your Furniture Won’t Survive a Second Season

Look out for these early red flags:

• Light, hollow frames that wobble
• Cushions that soak water instead of repelling it
• Materials that feel thin or brittle
• Finishes that peel after rain
• No mention of UV-resistant materials or warranties

If you’re seeing these, chances are you’re buying short-term furniture.

What You Should Buy Instead to Prolong Your Outdoor Furniture’s Lifespan

Now let’s talk about what works best when you buy your desired outdoor furniture to stay solid for years in your outdoor spaces. 

Go for Materials That Last

Choose the following UV-resistant materials.

• Teak: Naturally oil-rich. It doesn’t rot and ages beautifully. Teak is considered the gold standard for outdoor furniture. It has a natural durability rating of Class 1, which is the highest possible for any wood, and can withstand outdoor environments without treatment. 
• Aluminium: Aluminium is lightweight, strong, and produces one of the most rust-proof metal frames. With a corrosion rate of 0.03 to 4 µm per year, it is one of the best metals for outdoor furniture, lasting for years. 
• Powder-coated steel: Go for powder-coated stainless steel. Stainless steel has 10.5–30% chromium, which is highly corrosion-resistant and becomes one of the best materials for outdoor furniture. 
• Synthetic Wicker vs Natural Rattan: Go for synthetic wicker. It looks like rattan but survives rain, sun, and mould.
• Fade-resistant cushions: Choose cushions like open-cell polyurethane and fabrics such as Sunbrella® or Olefin. These resist UV, water, and mildew.

All these materials ensure outdoor furniture durability. 

Look for Low-Maintenance Garden Furniture 

You will not want to clean and upkeep your furniture daily. Look for low-maintenance garden furniture that needs only a quick wipe-down now and then. Low-maintenance furniture means less stress. 

Avoid:

• Cushions you can’t remove or wash
• Unsealed wood
• Pieces that trap water or dirt

Want something easy? Go modular– stackable and foldable furniture. They save space and store well between seasons. With proper storage, they stay safe when not in use, and you can use them without any damage for years. 

Stick with Trusted Brands and Solid Warranties

Choose high-quality outdoor furniture brands with a solid track record. A trusted name means better materials, reliable craftsmanship, and real customer support. 

Also, check the warranty—at least 3–5 years is ideal. It shows the brand stands behind its products and gives you peace of mind. If anything fails early, you’re covered without hassle.

How to Protect Patio Furniture– the Maintenance Tips

Even the best gear needs care. Here are the easiest steps on how to keep your outdoor furniture looking good:

• Use covers when not in use
• Store cushions indoors during heavy rain
• Hose off the dust and bird droppings on the furniture
• Don’t let water pool under the legs of the furniture

Following basic seasonal outdoor furniture care routines can add years to your setup.

It’s simple stuff, but most people forget until it’s too late. So, don’t skip these care steps to ensure your outdoor furniture lasts for years. 

Final Thought

Replacing outdoor furniture every year is a hassle– it costs money, takes time, and requires energy. Knowing the reasons for the failure of your outdoor furniture pieces and what to consider when buying them will save you from these hassles. 

Shop smarter with reputable brands. Outdoor Furniture Brisbane is one of the most trusted furniture brands in Australia. They offer furniture made for real Aussie weather—sun, salt, rain and all. Their collections use premium materials, smart designs, and finishes that last. Low maintenance. High quality. No gimmicks—just furniture that works for your space, season after season.