Patio seating has become more elevated over the years, and deep seating collections have been popping up more as people want to turn their outdoor area into a living room-lookalike, with comfy furniture to boot!  

Deep seating is characterized by having an extended seat depth, creating a more laid back seat, and has become very popular. This seating will typically feature cushions to make sitters more comfortable. But what type of frame material is best for your outdoor space? 

There are a few factors to consider when you’re selecting between metal and poly lumber deep seating sets on the market, which will help you make the best decision for your patio! 

Durability  

Both metal and poly lumber are durable materials to be used on your patio, with the proper finishing. When looking at metal sets, you’ll want to make sure that the metal has a powder coat or e-coating that protects it from the elements. Without a protective coating, the metal will rust in any precipitation, so this is key. Poly lumber, on the other hand, will not absorb moisture or rust, and requires no extra finishing to keep it that way. Poly lumber is also ideal in ocean-adjacent environments where it can be hard to keep outdoor furniture looking good with the humidity and salt spray permeating the air.  

If you’re choosing deep seating for your home, metal and poly lumber are both good choices when used properly. However, if you’re looking for something for a commercial establishment, you may want to look into poly lumber for its longevity with heavy daily use.  

Movability 

Are you someone who likes to move around your patio furniture? If you’re planning on switching up your deep seating, moving it from one end of your backyard space to the other often, you may want a metal set. Metal, especially aluminum, frame deep seating is typically easier to move with its lightweight and streamlined shape. Although this can definitely also be a plus, poly lumber deep seating isn’t always as easy to move around with generally bulkier frames and heavier material overall.  

Both materials are possible to move, but one makes it way easier to do in a snap!  
 

Maintenance 

Metal (with the correct finishing) and poly lumber deep seating sets are a reliable option for outdoor use, but just how easy are they to take care of after sitting outdoors? 

Luckily both of these materials are pretty low maintenance and can be cleaned with soap and water. The biggest difference will be if your furniture gets a nick in the surface, which can be common if you are moving the furniture around a lot, stacking it in any way, or just hitting anything hard off its surface. If you get a nick in the powder coat of your metal seating, you’ll need to keep an eye on it and possibly treat it if corrosion sets in. This may also present a discrepancy in the area’s color. Getting a nick isn’t as big of an ordeal with a poly lumber frame as the color is throughout the boards and no finish is broken up.  

As with all outdoor furniture, you should also periodically check the hardware and retighten screws for standard upkeep. 
 

Color Selection 

If you’re pretty split down the middle for which material is better for your patio, color selection may be your deciding factor! With many metal deep seating collections, you’ll be working with a more neutral color palette or a rustic-inspired finish (like our Carmelle Collection) that’s easy to add to any outdoor space. Poly lumber sets are a little different and can range from black frames all the way to tropical colors to those that look and feel like real wood. If you’re on the hunt for a specific color combination that’s unique to your preferences, poly lumber may have more to offer.  

Durability, movability, maintenance, and the color selection are important factors to consider when you’re picking the right deep seating set material for your patio. With an overwhelming amount of deep seating sets on the market, selecting your deep seating material frame can help focus your decision.  

Have a question about adding a deep seating area to your patio? Our customer care team is ready to assist in whatever you need! Give them a call at 800-687-5086 or use the chat function on ECCBOutdoor.com.