Outdoor Nook Buying Guide
Wicker vs. Aluminum Outdoor Furniture: Which Fits Your Backyard?
Choosing outdoor furniture is an investment in how you'll relax, entertain, and enjoy your outdoor space.
01 — At a Glance
Quick Comparison
| Factor | Wicker | Aluminum |
|---|---|---|
| Overall look | Warm, textured, traditional | Sleek, streamlined, modern |
| Maintenance | Rinse with water; avoid pressure washers | Wipe clean; virtually no upkeep |
| Rust resistance | Rust-proof aluminum frame, HDPE weave | Rust-proof, powder-coated aluminum |
| Weight | Moderate — substantial, grounded feel | Lighter — easier to reposition |
| Modern home fit | Good, in lighter tones | Excellent — natural match |
| Traditional home fit | Excellent — natural match | Good, with softer fabrics |
| Best for | Cozy, layered outdoor rooms | Clean-lined pool & patio spaces |
Choose Wicker If —
You like warmth and texture, or you prefer a traditional outdoor room that feels layered and lived-in.
Choose Aluminum If —
You like modern architecture, or you want the simplest maintenance routine possible.
02 — Design Style
Which one will actually look better in my backyard?
Both materials are built the same way underneath — rust-proof aluminum frames, high-resilience foam, outdoor-rated fabric. The visual language is where they part ways.
Traditional Warmth
Handwoven wicker brings texture, depth, and a natural, collected-over-time feel — at home on brick patios, wood decks, and gardens.
Modern Clarity
Powder-coated aluminum keeps lines clean and the silhouette light — a natural match for contemporary exteriors, glass railings, and poolside decks.
03 — Built to Last
Durability and maintenance
☔ Rain
Every frame is rust-proof aluminum. Even left uncovered, wicker and aluminum both shrug off a passing storm — though the built-in cover keeps cushions fully dry.
☀️ UV exposure
The weave carries UV protection to resist fading, and outdoor-rated fabrics are engineered to hold their color through direct sun.
🧽 Cleaning
Rinse with a garden hose — that's it. Avoid pressure washers on woven wicker to protect the finish over time.
Patent-Pending
The built-in all-weather cover
Every Outdoor Nook recliner, loveseat, and sofa ships with a cover built into the piece itself. Deploy it in seconds when you're done relaxing, and your cushions stay pristine — rain, shine, or salt air.
04 — Find Your Fit
Which Outdoor Nook collection fits you?
I prefer wicker
I prefer modern aluminum
Shoreline
Sleek aluminum frames paired with plush Indigo Azure fabric — a coastal-inspired take on modern outdoor seating.
Huntington
Rust-resistant aluminum with plush Light Oat fabric — refined and effortlessly versatile.
05 — Why Outdoor Nook
We only make one thing: outdoor motion furniture, done properly.
Outdoor Nook specializes in swivel glider recliners, matching loveseats, sofas, and tables — every piece designed to recline, swivel, and glide, and every piece built around the same patent-pending in-built all-weather cover.
— Rust-proof aluminum frames, powder coated
— High-resilience foam, outdoor-rated fabric, 300 lb capacity
— Free continental delivery, 7–10 days
— 14-day risk-free trial and no-hassle returns
06 — Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions?
Does aluminum get hot in the summer sun?
Is all-weather wicker really waterproof?
Which is better for coastal climates?
Which one lasts longer?
Which is easier to clean?
Which is better if I leave furniture outside year-round?
How do I choose between a modern and a traditional look?
07 — Next Step
Choosing outdoor furniture should feel comfortable too.
There's no wrong answer here — just the material that matches how you actually want your backyard to feel. Browse both collections, or take the guide with you.
Choosing a single recliner? See Wicker or Aluminum Outdoor Recliner? 5 Questions That Settle It →
Shop the pieces in this guide
