Patio furniture in New England has a harder job than patio furniture in Florida. It sits through humid Julys, nor'easters, freeze/thaw cycles, and, if you live near the coast, salt air all year. A set that looks great in a catalog can be rusted, cracked, or faded after two winters here. This guide covers what actually holds up in Massachusetts, how to care for it, and how to plan your purchase.
Start with the frame: four materials that work here
The frame decides how long your outdoor furniture lasts. Cushions can be replaced. A rusted or split frame usually cannot.
Aluminum
Aluminum does not rust, which makes it one of the safest picks for Massachusetts. Look for powder-coated aluminum so the finish resists chalking and scratches. The tradeoff is weight. Lightweight hollow aluminum chairs can slide or tip in a strong gust on an exposed deck. Cast aluminum is heavier and more stable, and it usually costs more. On a third-floor porch or an open deck, heavier frames are worth it.
Teak
Teak has natural oils that help it resist rot and insects. Left untreated, it weathers from honey brown to a silver gray in one or two seasons. That is normal and does not hurt the wood. If you want to keep the warm color, plan on cleaning and sealing it once or twice a year. Teak handles moisture well, but water that sits in joints and then freezes can open small cracks, so tilt pieces or cover them in winter.
Resin wicker
All-weather resin wicker (usually HDPE, a type of polyethylene) is woven over a frame. The weave itself shrugs off rain. Two things to check: the frame underneath should be aluminum, not plain steel, and the wicker should be HDPE rather than cheap PVC, which can turn brittle and crack after a few cold winters and strong summer sun.
Powder-coated steel
Steel is strong, heavy, and often lower in price. The powder coating is what keeps it from rusting. Once that coating chips, moisture gets in. Check welds and feet every spring and touch up any chips with outdoor metal paint. Steel is a good choice for a sheltered patio. For a spot a few blocks from the ocean, aluminum is the safer bet.
Cushions and fabrics
Most outdoor cushion problems in New England are mildew, not wear. What to look for:
- Solution-dyed acrylic or olefin fabric. The color goes through the fiber, so it fades much slower than printed polyester.
- Quick-dry foam or reticulated foam. Water drains through instead of sitting inside for days after a storm.
- Removable covers with zippers. You can wash them in spring and fall.
- Ties or non-slip backing. Wind on an open deck will move loose cushions into the yard.
Even with good fabric, bring cushions inside or into a deck box after heavy rain when you can. A cushion that dries fully between storms lasts much longer.
Freeze/thaw: the real winter enemy
Cold alone rarely damages patio furniture. The damage comes from water getting into a joint, a crack, or a hollow tube, then freezing and expanding. Repeat that 30 or 40 times between December and March and small gaps become real cracks. Simple habits help:
- Clean and dry every piece before winter. Dirt holds moisture.
- Tip chairs and tables so water drains off instead of pooling.
- Remove glass tabletops and store them upright indoors. Glass on a frozen frame can crack.
- Keep feet off the bare ground. A couple of pavers or furniture pads under the legs stops them from freezing into ice.
Winter storage and covers
The best option is a garage, basement, or shed. If you do not have the space, breathable covers are the next best thing. Look for covers with vents and a drawstring or buckle at the bottom. Avoid plain plastic tarps. They trap condensation, and trapped moisture causes more mildew and rust than rain does.
Brush heavy snow off covers after big storms. A foot of wet snow on a table cover can bend a lightweight frame or tear the fabric. Pull covers off on a dry, mild day in late winter to let everything air out.
Salt air on the North Shore
If you live in Lynn, Swampscott, Revere, Marblehead, Nahant, or anywhere close to the water, salt changes the math. Salt settles on metal and speeds up corrosion, especially at bolts, welds, and anywhere the finish is scratched. For coastal homes:
- Choose aluminum, teak, or HDPE resin over raw or lightly coated steel.
- Rinse frames with fresh water every few weeks in summer.
- Check hardware. Stainless steel bolts hold up much better than zinc-plated ones.
- Apply a coat of car wax to aluminum once a season for an extra barrier.
Our Saugus showroom is right on the North Shore, and our team can walk you through which sets suit a coastal yard.
Measure your space before you shop
A typical four-seat conversation set needs about 10 by 10 feet to feel comfortable. A dining set for six usually needs at least 12 by 12 feet so chairs can pull out without hitting a railing. Leave about 3 feet of walkway around furniture and at least 2 to 3 feet from a grill. Tape the footprint on your deck with painter's tape before you buy. It takes ten minutes and saves a lot of guesswork.
When to buy patio furniture in Massachusetts
Timing matters in a short season. Selection is usually widest in late winter and early spring, when stores bring in new outdoor sets. If you want a specific color, size, or a full matching set, shopping from March through May gives you the most choice before the first warm weekend. Later in summer, selection often thins out as popular pieces sell through. Stock and pricing change year to year, so the best move is to check what is in the showroom when you are ready and ask our team what is available now.
Planning a bigger set? We offer flexible financing, including no-credit-needed lease-to-own options. Ask our team or apply online for current programs.
Quick buying checklist
- Frame: aluminum, teak, HDPE resin over aluminum, or well-coated steel for sheltered spots.
- Weight: heavier frames for open decks and upper porches.
- Fabric: solution-dyed, with quick-dry foam and removable covers.
- Storage plan: garage or shed space, or breathable covers.
- Coastal home: stainless hardware and a rinse routine.
Browse our outdoor furniture and complete outdoor sets, then finish the space with an area rug.
See outdoor furniture in person
Sitting in a patio chair tells you more than any photo. Visit our Framingham showroom at 145 Concord St or our Saugus showroom at 1201 Broadway in Square One Mall. We are open Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 8 pm, and 7 days a week (see the store page for Sunday hours). Our team speaks English, Portuguese and Spanish. Call (508) 872-4100 or message us on WhatsApp at (508) 239-0502.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best patio furniture material for New England winters?
Powder-coated aluminum is one of the most reliable choices because it does not rust. Teak and HDPE resin wicker over an aluminum frame also hold up well. Steel works when it is sheltered and the coating is kept intact.
Can I leave outdoor furniture outside all winter in Massachusetts?
Some frames can stay out, but they last longer if you clean them, tip them to drain, and use breathable covers. Bring cushions and glass tabletops inside. A garage or shed is the best option when you have it.
How do I protect patio furniture from salt air near the ocean?
Pick aluminum, teak, or HDPE resin, check that bolts are stainless steel, and rinse frames with fresh water every few weeks in summer. A coat of car wax on aluminum adds another barrier.
Why do my outdoor cushions get mildew?
Water stays trapped in the foam. Look for quick-dry foam and solution-dyed fabric, store cushions in a deck box after heavy rain, and wash removable covers in spring and fall.
When is the best time to shop for patio furniture?
Selection is usually widest in late winter and spring when new outdoor sets arrive. Stock changes through the season, so check with our Framingham or Saugus team for what is available now.