Wicker or Aluminum Outdoor Recliner? 5 Questions That Settle It
Outdoor seating guide · Published by Outdoor Nook, which makes and sells the recliners shown
Every recliner in this guide is built the same way underneath: an aluminum frame, high-resilience foam cushions, outdoor-rated fabric and a built-in cover. The choice between our wicker and aluminum recliners comes down to five questions about you, your house and your weather. Answer them in order and the choice is usually clear by the third.
1. What does your house look like?
Look at the exterior lines first. Brick, wood and traditional architecture tend to feel most complete with wicker's texture. Clean, contemporary lines, glass railings and poolside decks suit aluminum's streamlined look.
Both work in most settings. Wicker in lighter tones suits a modern house, and aluminum with softer fabrics sits well in a traditional one.
2. How much upkeep do you want?
Aluminum is the lower-maintenance of the two. A wipe-down is usually enough. Wicker needs an occasional rinse with a garden hose, and you should avoid pressure washers on the weave, which can damage the finish over time.
With the same aluminum frame under both, how long they last depends more on care than on material: rinse regularly, and use the built-in cover in the off-season.
“It is super comfortable, easy to take care of and still looks brand new even with daily use!”
3. Where will it sit: pool, coast, covered porch?
Both hold up in wet places, since they share a rust-resistant aluminum frame. Near a pool or the coast, aluminum's simpler surface makes rinsing off salt or chlorine residue slightly faster, and wicker does fine as long as it gets rinsed regularly.
Aluminum can warm up under direct sun. The cushions cover most of the contact points, but if the chair sits in full sun all afternoon, a shaded spot or the built-in cover between uses helps. On a covered porch or lanai it hardly matters. For how each part handles the elements, see Weatherproof Outdoor Recliners: What Survives Rain, Pollen and Wind.
“We love our Outdoor Nook wicker recliners. They are super comfortable, look amazing and make our porch so relaxing.”
4. Do you move your furniture around?
We don't publish assembled chair weights, so if you move chairs often, ask us before you order. Wicker has a more substantial, grounded feel. If you turn the patio over for parties or sweep the deck each week, that difference is worth thinking about; if the chairs stay put, it isn't.
Every model swivels and glides in place, so you often don't need to move a chair at all. Turn it toward the view, the conversation or the sun.
One Huntington owner bought a second recliner for a simple reason:
“we loved the first one so much that we bought another one because we were fighting over whose turn it was to sit in the recliner. … Very well made, quick shipping”
5. Which fabric and color do you want to look at?
| Model | Cushion | Width |
|---|---|---|
| Keywest (wicker) | Carolina Blue or Dove Grey | 27.55 in |
| Newport (wicker) | Pebble Brown | 30.7 in |
| Malibu II (wicker) | Portland Stone | 32.2 in |
| Huntington (aluminum) | Light Oat | 27.5 in |
| Shoreline (aluminum) | Indigo Azure | 28.9 in |
Sunbrella fabric is available on select models, so check the product page. Wicker's weave adds visual depth; aluminum lets the fabric take the lead.
One fit difference is worth knowing: seat depth. The Keywest and Malibu II wicker seats are 18.9 inches deep, while the Huntington and Shoreline aluminum seats are 22 inches, so shorter sitters usually find wicker easier and taller sitters prefer aluminum. Our fit guide for heights from 5'2" to 6'4" has the details.
What stays the same either way
- Rust-resistant aluminum frame, with a zinc-plated, e-coated steel recline mechanism.
- High-resilience foam cushions and a high back.
- Recline, swivel and glide, fully manual, no cord or battery.
- A patent-pending all-weather cover built into every recliner in this hub.
- The same delivery, returns and warranty terms.
“They are better than our recliners inside. … And the built in covers are great.”
Quick verdict
| If you want… | Choose |
|---|---|
| Warmth, texture, a layered outdoor room | Wicker: Keywest, Newport or Malibu II |
| Modern lines, the simplest upkeep | Aluminum: Huntington or Shoreline |
| The most compact chair | Huntington (27.5 in wide) or Keywest (27.55 in) |
| The roomiest wicker chair | Malibu II (32.2 in wide) |
Good to know before you order
- Delivery is free. We ship by FedEx to the 48 contiguous states, typically within 7 to 10 days. Assembly needs no tools: the back slides onto the base, and most people are done in under 5 minutes.
- You get a 14-day return window. Return an undamaged item in its original condition within 14 days of delivery for a full refund, with a free FedEx pickup. After that, returns are accepted up to 90 days with a 20% restocking fee. See our returns policy.
- The frame carries a 5-year limited warranty and the cushions 2 years, against defects in materials and workmanship, for the original buyer. Read the full warranty.
Choose your recliner
Start with the look you'll enjoy seeing every day. The comfort features are the same; seat depth is the one fit difference.
Comparing whole sets, sofas and loveseats included? See our Wicker vs. Aluminum Outdoor Furniture guide. Weighing ours against a cheaper chair? Read Box-Store vs. Premium Outdoor Recliner: What the Extra Money Buys, then run through 7 Things to Check Before You Buy an Outdoor Recliner. Every guide in the series is on our Recline & Relax hub.
Questions before you order? Call 1-800-296-0232 or email cs@outdoornook.com.
Quick answers
Does aluminum get hot in the sun?
Is wicker really weatherproof?
Which lasts longer?
Can I mix wicker and aluminum?
Sources. Wicker and aluminum care and construction notes are from our own product guidance. Reviews: Outdoor Nook product and company reviews on Reviews.io (4.8 average from 540+ reviews); review themes from our own analysis of 635 reviews, October 2026; quotes retrieved September 2026 and quoted as written; excerpts are marked. Prices and specifications are from our product pages as of September 2026.
