With the summer nearly upon us, it may be time to think about spending time outdoors. If you live in Arizona, Nevada, or West Texas, you name it – you know how hot it can get. Finding the best outdoor furniture for hot climates may top your to-do list.
But finding the best outdoor furniture for hot climates takes some work. You want material and fabric that can withstand intense sun, dry air, and relentless heat. These conditions don’t just test your air conditioning unit—they also take a toll on anything left outside. Cheap materials crack, colors fade, and surfaces can get so hot they’re unusable by midday.
It’s not all bad news, though. So long as you know how to shop smarter, you will certainly get outdoor furniture that lasts in a desert climate.
In this article, we show you what constitutes the best outdoor furniture for hot climates and how to identify one in Arizona and beyond. Read along.
What constitutes the best outdoor furniture for hot climates?
The ideal outdoor furniture for Southwest living is heat-resistant, sun-safe, and low-maintenance in extreme conditions. Meanwhile, you don’t want to skimp on comfort and style in your selection. We’ll explain all this in a bit.
Arizona’s relentless sun, high temperatures, and dry weather can quickly degrade materials not designed for such conditions. Some may look good for one season, then fall apart by the next. Such losses can accumulate quickly regardless of the amount you spend on these pieces.
So, ensure you’re going for UV-resistant patio sets or heat-resistant outdoor furniture designed specifically for Southern living.
But how do you ensure that you have the right thing, you ask? Here is a detailed breakdown of what to look for when shopping for outdoor patio furniture for the Southern climate.
How to identify the best outdoor furniture for hot climates
When shopping for outdoor patio furniture, focus on materials, fabrics, and design features built to handle extreme weather.
While factors like the nature of the outdoor space you are trying to furnish will play a part, you will want to err on the side of caution nonetheless. In many climates, a sunny space would require a different type of furniture than a shady, sheltered patio. But in Arizona and its adjacent Southern states, the outdoors tends to be harsh and generally requires durable outdoor furniture resistant to the elements.
1. Go for heat-resistant materials
The right material is everything in a hot climate. You need heat-resistant outdoor furniture that can handle constant sun exposure without warping, cracking, or becoming too hot to touch—leave alone lounge on.
Here are our top picks and why:
a) Aluminum
While it is a metal, which makes it a good heat conductor and a likely candidate for overheating, furniture manufacturers have come up with an ingenious workaround: powder-coating. Powder-coated aluminum is lightweight, won’t rust, and stays cooler than steel or iron.
The powder coating adds a protective layer that resists UV damage and corrosion. It also reflects heat better than darker metals, making it ideal in climates where heat is the enemy.
b) Teak
You are likely familiar with teak if you are a wooden furniture enthusiast. The wood naturally contains oils that protect it from cracking, drying out, and warping. Teak boasts superior resistance to shrinking and splitting in dry air, which is a common phenomenon with softer woods. These characteristics make teak the best wood choice for outdoor furniture.
Teak can withstand the elements without any treatment. Notice, however, that it will take on a silver-gray patina as it weathers over time, but many homeowners like that look.
Still, if you prefer your teak furniture in its golden tone, occasional oiling will help you maintain it.
c) Wrought iron
A metal. But don’t judge just yet. When treated properly, wrought iron can work in hot climates like Arizona and beyond. It is incredibly durable and stable in windy conditions, which is an add.
Yes, the fact that metal heats up fast is a catch. But you can easily pair your wrought iron with cushions or seat pads to avoid the head. Also, make sure the frame has a UV-resistant coating to avoid rust or paint blistering.
d) High-density polyethylene (HDPE) wicker
If you like the classic look of rattan or wicker without their downsides, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) should be ideal. The material is made for sun exposure—it simply won’t crack, chip, or fade.
Furthermore, HDPE does not absorb moisture, which is helpful when the occasional Southern summer storm rolls in.
2. Choose UV-rated fabrics designed to withstand the sun
Once you have the right material figured out, half of the work is done, but not all of it. You must still think about comfort, which is where the fabrics come in.
This is one area where most outdoor furniture fails. Standard cushions can fade in a single season or trap heat so severely they’re uncomfortable by noon. In desert climates, you want textiles that are fade-resistant, breathable, and easy to clean.
a) Solution-dyed acrylics
We recommend solution-dyed acrylic fabrics, such as those from Sunbrella. These are considered the gold standard for a reason. The dye embedded in the fibers (not just printed on the surface) does wonders as far as longevity is concerned.
These fabrics resist UV damage, mold, and staining. They stay cool to the touch and will keep their color even after months in the sun.
b) Olefin
While Olefin is slightly less expensive than acrylics, don’t let the numbers mislead you. The fabric performs well under heat. It resists moisture and mildew and dries fast when it does get wet.
c) Textilene and mesh sling fabrics
If you are considering loungers or zero-gravity chairs, you may end up with textilene or mesh sling fabrics on your outdoor patio furniture. These are breathable, quick-drying, and typically framed with aluminum or steel.
They are a great choice if you want low-maintenance, cushion-free seating that holds up in the heat.
Avoid cotton blends, polyester, or anything without UV protection if you want the most durable outdoor furniture for hot climates. These fabrics fade fast, retain heat, and may even develop mildew in shaded areas with poor ventilation.
As far as the cushion colors are concerned, go for lighter tones like sand, beige, or light gray. These choices reflect heat better than their darker cousins. Darker tones can absorb lots of sunlight, making them uncomfortably hot.
3. Choose the right brands recommended for hot climates
The outdoor furniture market is teeming with manufacturers but not all brands build for extreme heat. Therefore, we recommend only the brands that we have seen to stand out for their products’ durability in sun-drenched climates
- Polywood: this brand uses HDPE lumber made from recycled plastics. They do not chip, crack, or fade.
- Tropitone: this brand is built for hospitality use—think resorts and pools. It boasts excellent resistance to heat.
- Ledge Lounger: This manufacturer designs products for poolside and in-water use; great for sun exposure.
Final Thoughts
In hot climates like Arizona, the best materials for outdoor furniture in sunny areas are key. So too are comfortable, UV-rated fabrics. While we all want something stylish, ensure you choose a survivor when it comes to outdoor patio furniture.