Which material will you choose for your outdoor furniture, iron or aluminum?

In recent years, the overall market has not been very strong, and consumer downgrading has basically become a mainstream trend. This is also why iron furniture has regained popularity among consumers. However, today’s iron processing techniques are different from before, with significant improvements — for example, galvanized coating plus powder spraying has now become common. With this treatment, the lifespan of iron frame furniture has been greatly extended.

In this article, we take a closer look at the pros and cons of iron furniture versus aluminum furniture.

Galvanized Iron vs. Aluminum Outdoor Furniture: Key Differences 

When to Choose Which? 

Pick Galvanized Iron If: 

You need budget-friendly heavy-duty furniture (e.g., park benches) 

You prefer a vintage/industrial look (exposed bolts, wrought-iron aesthetic) 

The furniture will be under cover (minimizes rust risk) 

Pick Aluminum If: 

You’re near saltwater (marine-grade aluminum won’t corrode) 

You want lightweight pieces (e.g., poolside chairs you move often) 

You hate maintenance (no painting/oiling ever) 

Tips: 

For iron: Opt for powder-coated galvanized over plain zinc-dipped (lasts 2x longer). 

For aluminum: Choose cast aluminum (not extruded) for intricate designs. 

Hybrid fix: Use aluminum for frames + iron for decorative accents. 

So, with these numbers in mind, do you feel more confident about your choice now?