Outdoor Furniture

Our complete 2025 buying guide for outdoor furniture

Choosing the right furniture is key to creating a comfortable outdoor living space you'll enjoy all the time. In this complete buying guide, we'll walk you through finding the perfect outdoor furniture to suit your Kiwi lifestyle and budget—whether you're looking to add a new sofa to relax in the sunshine or a great dining table to create the perfect entertainment area for friends and family.

Durable materials for outdoor living

Durability, comfort, and style are essential for creating a relaxing space with outdoor furniture like chairs, dining tables, loungers, and sofas. Some of the most common outdoor furniture materials you'll find in NZ include:

• •Timber: Teak, eucalyptus, and acacia are all strong, sturdy choices for your outdoor living centrepiece, such as the coffee table or dining table.
• •Metal: Powder-coated aluminium resists rust and is lightweight, while stainless steel has high strength and provides a modern look.
• •Resin/Plastic: Resin is durable, lightweight, and easy to clean. Wicker-style resin and imitation timber (Envirowood) are designed to provide a traditional look while adding contemporary durability.

Consider just what conditions your furniture will face. Live near the beach? Buy chairs and tables made of rustproof metals like aluminium or high-grade stainless steel. In damp areas, avoid choosing untreated softwoods that will rot. If you get harsh afternoon sun, UV-resistant materials can ensure your chairs and tables stay in tip-top shape for their whole life.

Essential things to look out for in outdoor furniture

With a wide range of outdoor furniture to choose from, you have the freedom to decorate your space with your unique style. Just make sure to look out for these key features when buying your chairs and tables:

• •Weather-resistant materials
• •Sturdy, rustproof hardware
• •Well-engineered joinery and robust construction
• •Quick-dry cushions with removable, washable covers
• •Folding or stacking designs for simple storage

Think about how you will use the space and the furniture's function. Do you frequently host large family gatherings and need a big dining table and many chairs? Will the furniture always stay out, or can you easily keep it inside over winter? Is a modern coffee table more your style, or do you prefer a classic dining set? Measure your outdoor space carefully and check product dimensions before choosing your furniture.

Climate and usage guide

In most of NZ, you can use outdoor furniture year-round, but you may want to protect or store it over winter. Here are some seasonal and regional considerations:

• •Summer: Look for UV-resistant materials designed to last against harsh sunlight, especially in the upper North Island.
• •Winter: Store cushions inside or in a dry garden box. Use furniture covers for extra protection. In snowy areas, put away lightweight pieces to ensure they aren’t blown away.
• •Coastal North Island: Choose rust-resistant options that can withstand salty winds, like aluminium or resin.
• •Inland South Island: Opt for hardy materials that can handle big temperature swings, such as concrete or wood.
• •Windy areas like Wellington: Avoid lightweight plastics that will blow around. Pick heavier hardwood, concrete, or metal pieces designed to stay put.

If you plan to leave chairs and tables out year-round, check out our outdoor furniture covers. These are made of thick polyester fabric with TPU water-repellent coating, allowing them to withstand rain and snow. Investing in quality covers can significantly extend the life of your pieces.

Outdoor furniture pricing

Prices for outdoor furniture in NZ can vary greatly depending on the materials and size. At Trade Tested, we aim to provide you with a range of stylish furniture built to last and won't break the bank. Our lounge and dining sets range from $500-$1500 for smaller packages and $1500-$3000+ for larger settings. All Trade Tested furniture comes with a warranty so that you can relax with total peace of mind.

Expert recommendations

Want some inspo to help you enjoy your outdoor space to the max? Based on years of experience outfitting Kiwi homes with best-selling outdoor furniture, here are some of our top choices for different situations:

• •Small urban patio: Bean bags, small chair and coffee table set, storage boxes
• •Large rural backyard: Wooden dining sets, benches, picnic tables
• •Poolside: Resin sun loungers, cantilever umbrellas, cool bars
• •Covered outdoor area: Hanging chairs, small lounge sets, day beds

In general, we recommend buying the best quality your budget allows, especially for frequently used pieces like a central dining table or sofa. You'll appreciate the extra durability and comfort when it comes time for relaxation!

How to take care of your outdoor furniture

With proper care, your furniture will last for many years of outdoor relaxing with family and friends. You can clean any outdoor furniture with a microfibre cloth, warm water, and a small amount of dish soap. Make sure to dry the furniture with another clean cloth afterwards. Avoid using abrasive cleaners, as these can permanently damage surfaces. As with indoor dining tables, you should use coasters on outdoor tables to prevent food and drink marks. Things to consider for specific materials include:

• •Resin, imitation wood: We recommend storing your furniture indoors or covering it during winter to avoid freezing and cracking.
• •Wood: Oil hardwoods regularly to maintain colour and longevity. For tough stains, use a stiff brush on dry wood, followed by the damp cloth method. Make sure that the water doesn't pool up!
• •Metal: Be gentle with metallic surfaces, as any blemishes in the powder coating or galvanising can become susceptible to rust.
• •Glass: During rough weather, we suggest moving glass-top dining tables inside or tying down any backyard objects that could fly into them.
• •Concrete: Besides cleaning with a damp cloth, you can spray down concrete tables and seats with a medium-pressure garden nozzle. Avoid knocking hard objects into concrete furniture as it can chip and become scratched.
• •Fabric cushions: Spot clean with mild soapy water or a specialist outdoor fabric cleaner. Remove and wash covers with cold water on a delicate cycle. Store indoors or in a storage box over winter.

Check your tables, stools, and seats carefully each season and make any necessary repairs immediately. Tighten loose bolts, replace worn glides, and touch up scratches before they become bigger issues. If anything breaks, contact the manufacturer about replacement parts before attempting a repair.

Create your outdoor living haven with Trade Tested

At Trade Tested, we've been supplying top-quality outdoor furniture to Kiwis for over a decade. Our expert team has done the hard work of selecting pieces designed to meet the needs of NZ conditions—so you can relax knowing your stunning new outdoor furniture sets will last for years of fun with family and friends. We offer a wide range of options sourced from trusted manufacturers, backed with comprehensive warranties and a 30-day return policy.

Ordering outdoor furniture shouldn't be a chore. With Trade Tested, you can buy with freedom and confidence, knowing you're getting top-notch products and service every time. Contact us for knowledgeable customer support six days a week. We offer delivery nationwide, or you can click and collect your outdoor furniture from our Auckland store. Enjoy exploring our range of outdoor furniture today!

FAQs

What outdoor furniture material is best for coastal areas?

Powder-coated aluminium is the most rustproof option for coastal conditions. UV-stabilised resin is also designed to hold up well in salty air.

How can I update my old wooden outdoor furniture?

Sand weathered timber to expose fresh wood, then apply a coat of exterior-grade furniture oil to protect the surface and renew the natural colour. Add cushions and throw pillows in fresh colours and patterns to create a completely new look.

What's the best way to store outdoor furniture over winter?

Ideally, you should bring all chair cushions and fabric items indoors over winter. You could also store these in dedicated outdoor storage boxes or cushion bags. Depending on the material, you might want to move large pieces of furniture to a drier space (such as a covered patio) or shield them with an outdoor furniture cover.

How do I keep my outdoor furniture from blowing away?

Choose heavier hardwood or metal pieces over lightweight plastic. Use tie-downs or bungee cords to secure furniture to a structure or weigh it down with heavy potted plants. In very windy spots, consider bolting furniture to the patio or deck.

What size outdoor dining set do I need?

A 6 or 8-seater dining table is usually plenty for a family of 4, giving you room to host friends that come over. Go up to a 12-seater dining table if you enjoy entertaining larger crowds. For a cosy breakfast nook or small deck, a café-style 4-seater is just right. When in doubt, size up, it's better to have a bit of extra elbow room.

What's the difference between cheap and expensive outdoor furniture?

You'll see the biggest quality differences in the hardware and construction. Cheap sets often use lightweight, untreated screws and bolts that rust quickly. Joints may be weak or wobbly. More expensive sets feature rustproof stainless steel fittings and robust, precisely engineered joints that can take a beating. High-end hardwoods and UV-stabilised resins will last longer, too.