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28 de October de 2025
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When choosing garden furniture, we must ensure that it is suitable to withstand outdoor weather conditions. Of all the materials available, aluminium and stainless steel are two of the best options. But which is better: aluminium or stainless steel for outdoors?
Both have characteristics that make them ideal for outdoors, but they also have differences to evaluate before choosing one or the other.
In this post, we tell you the difference between aluminium and stainless steel for outdoors, so that you can know the properties of each material and determine which is better, aluminium or stainless steel.
First of all, aluminium stands out for being the most abundant metal in the crust of our planet, accounting for around 8% of it. It is the second most widely used metal in the world, after steel.
It is also a very light metal, with an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, which makes it a perfect material for outdoor furniture, as it is very easy to transport.
As for the strength of aluminium, it is very high. In fact, aluminium is resistant to weather conditions such as extreme temperatures, rain or wind.
On the other hand, if you are wondering whether aluminium oxidises with water or with the passage of time, the answer is no. Aluminium is corrosion-proof. Aluminium is corrosion-resistant; in fact, when exposed to oxygen and humidity, aluminium acquires a thin surface layer of colourless oxide that protects the metal from further oxidation.
Finally, aluminium is distinguished by its good value for money, as it is a fairly inexpensive material. In addition, it requires very little maintenance and is 100% recyclable.
On the other hand, stainless steel is an alloy of several metals, usually iron, chromium, carbon and sometimes some others such as nickel or molybdenum. This makes it more expensive to manufacture and therefore increases the price of stainless steel furniture.
Outdoor steel is a heavy metal, which is characterised by its firmness and solidity. In fact, it has a very high resistance to high temperatures, as well as to bad weather in general.
In terms of its resistance to corrosion, stainless steel stands out precisely for this characteristic, which it achieves thanks to the presence of chromium in the alloy. This, together with its resistance to outdoor conditions, allows this material to have a long useful life while preserving good aesthetic conditions.
In addition, it is also an easily recyclable material and does not require much maintenance.
We have already seen that both materials are suitable for our sun and water resistant garden furniture. But let’s now take a look at their main differences:
– Although aluminium and stainless steel are both resistant to corrosion, stainless steel is more resistant to corrosion because it is non-porous and has a protective coating.
– Outdoor steel is somewhat more resistant, as it is able to withstand weight and temperature changes better, deforming less over time. This gives it a longer service life.
– Aluminium is lighter and easier to transport, offering a better strength-to-weight ratio than stainless steel.
– Aluminium is more malleable and easier to work with. This, together with its status as a natural metal abundant in the earth’s crust, makes it a more economical material than stainless steel.
– As we have seen, steel and aluminium are both resistant to outdoor conditions, but the former withstands high temperatures somewhat better, while the latter withstands cold, wet and windy conditions better.
Ultimately, there is no simple answer to the question of whether aluminium or steel is better for outdoor use, as it will always depend on your particular needs.
However, aluminium tends to be a more popular choice for home terraces. Its light weight makes it perfect for garden furniture that tends to be moved frequently. It is also cheaper and easier to find in a variety of models and styles.
Similarly, although stainless steel is more resistant to high temperatures, the difference is only noticeable at very extreme temperatures – for example, those reached by a kitchen oven – but for summer outdoor temperatures both offer good resistance.
In addition, you can also combine your aluminium or stainless steel furniture with other materials that are equally resistant to outdoor weather conditions, for example:
– Synthetic rattan: With a natural and elegant touch, it withstands the inclemency of the weather without problems.
– Polypropylene: An economical and simple material, very practical and available in a multitude of models.
– Ceramic and glass: Waterproof materials perfect for combining with aluminium or stainless steel for outdoor tables.
Still not sure which material to choose for your outdoor furniture? Contact us and tell us your doubts. At Home Zentrum we will help you choose the perfect furniture for your terrace or garden.
