How to Choose the Best Outdoor Furniture for New Zealand’s Harsh Climate 

Last Friday, I received the following text, completely out of the blue, Here it is, word for word ( including typos): 

“Hey guys, 

My husband and I are just sitting on our outside couch, purchased from you guys almost 5 years ago and saying how amazing it is! 

It has been outside on our deck in rain hail and shine for all of those years and it honestly still looks brand new. 

We also purchased some wicker chairs for our outside table and learners for our gin bar – also still looks brand new! 

Thank you 🙏🏼 and well done!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

That made my day! But it also confirmed what I already knew; this customer was satisfied with her purchase, even 5 years after she bought from us, because she knew how to choose the best outdoor furniture for her needs. BTW, the image below is of her outdoor setting.

How did she do it? Here’s what to look for—and what to avoid—when choosing furniture built for New Zealand living. 

1. Prioritise UV-Resistant Materials and Fabrics

New Zealand experiences some of the highest UV levels in the world. That means any outdoor furniture fabric must be highly fade-resistant.

 ✅ Look for:

• Solution-dyed acrylics like Sunbrella® and Agora® — these are colourfast, mildew-resistant, and built for full sun.
• Powder-coated aluminium frames, which won’t warp or crack in sunlight.

🚫 Avoid:

• Polyester or olefin fabrics (more prone to fading and degradation)
• Painted steel or hardwoods that haven’t been kiln-dried or sealed

At Outside Space, all our cushions feature Sunbrella® or Agora® fabrics, backed by 5-year fade warranties, unmatched in the industry. We are also specialists in powdercoated aluminium outdoor furniture.  combining ageless beauty and braun!

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2. Choose Rustproof, Low-Maintenance Frames

 NZ’s salt air—especially in coastal areas—can wreak havoc on poorly treated metal.

✅ Best options:

• Marine-grade aluminium: lightweight, strong, and rustproof
• Stainless steel hardware
• Treated hardwoods like FSC®-certified teak, which naturally repel moisture and insects

Many of our customers prefer our aluminium lounge suites because they require zero maintenance, aside from cleaning, and won’t deteriorate like lower-grade timber or steel.

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3. Consider Wind & Rain Resilience

 High winds and downpours are part of Kiwi life. So go for:

• Heavier bases for dining and lounge sets and cantilever umbrellas
• Cushions with fast-drying foam
• Slatted tabletops for quick drainage

We offer custom options for high-wind zones—including weighted outdoor dining chairs and non-slip modular settings that stay in place even on blustery decks.

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4. Invest Once, Buy Well

This week I received an email asking if I can replace the canopy of an outdoor umbrella. I replied and explained that we have replacement canopies that will fit our umbrellas only.”.  Her reply was as follows:

“Hi. Thanks for your prompt reply. Bought from XXX (i  removed name of big box hardware store)   but they don’t seem to be able to help. Seems such a waste to not be able to use the perfectly good structure.”

I could not agree with her more.

You might be tempted by a cheap outdoor set or umbrella from a chain store—but in NZ conditions, it may only last a season or two and post-purchase service is poor.

A better approach?

✅ Buy from a trusted NZ retailer who understands our climate

✅ Choose furniture backed by real warranties (not just return policies)

✅ Ask about in-store support and replacement parts—because service matters

We only stock furniture we trust in our own backyards. Our showroom in Auckland is curated with timeless, tested pieces you can rely on.

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5. Bonus Tip: Match Design to Your Outdoor Lifestyle

 Whether you’re furnishing a compact urban balcony or a spacious coastal deck, form should follow function.  Our in-house team can help you plan your layout, recommend weatherproof pieces, and match colours that complement your home’s exterior. Our experience is invaluable- and chances are we have the outdoor setting you are looking at in our own homes.

In Summary

When you live in New Zealand, you quickly learn that not all outdoor furniture is created equal. From high UV exposure to salty coastal air and sudden downpours, our climate can be brutal on cheap, imported furniture that isn’t designed to last. So, how do you choose outdoor furniture that can stand up to NZ conditions and still look great? By focusing on these 5 key areas summarised above.

Outdoor furniture should never be “one size fits all”—especially in New Zealand. At Outside Space, we combine durability, design, and honest advice, so you get outdoor living that works year after year.

 At Outside Space NZ, we’ve been helping Auckland homeowners and design professionals furnish their outdoor areas for 8 seasons. We look forward to helping you, too! Visit Outside Space in Auckland or browse and buy online. 

📍 Visit our Auckland showroom

📦 NZ-wide delivery

💬 Ask us anything—our team knows what works (and what doesn’t!)

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✅ FAQ 

What is the best outdoor furniture material for NZ?

Aluminium and teak are the most reliable materials in New Zealand’s UV-heavy, coastal climate.

Does Sunbrella fade in NZ sun?

No—Sunbrella fabric is solution-dyed and built to withstand intense UV without fading.

How long should quality outdoor furniture last in NZ?

With the right materials, you can expect 7–15+ years of performance—even in full sun or near the coast.

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Kerry is the co-owner of OutsideSpace NZ, offering a range of contemporary outdoor furniture for coastal living kiwis seeking premium quality products and design at achievable prices.