Outdoor Nook Buying Guide

Wicker vs. Aluminum Outdoor Recliners: Which Is Right for Your Backyard?

Choosing outdoor furniture is an investment in how you'll relax, entertain, and enjoy your outdoor space.

Wicker vs. Aluminum

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.

Malibu II wicker sectional with two recliners

Traditional Warmth

Handwoven wicker brings texture, depth, and a natural, collected-over-time feel — at home on brick patios, wood decks, and gardens.

Shoreline aluminum 5-seat reclining sofa conversation set

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.

Built-in all-weather cover on an Outdoor Nook recliner, step 1
Built-in all-weather cover on an Outdoor Nook recliner, step 2
Built-in all-weather cover on an Outdoor Nook recliner, step 3

04 — Find Your Fit

Which Outdoor Nook collection fits you?

I prefer wicker

Keywest reclining loveseat conversation set in Dove Grey

Keywest

Premium light brown wicker with an easygoing, coastal-casual feel.

Explore Keywest →
Newport console reclining loveseat set

Newport

Our most versatile wicker recliner, with matching sofas and loveseats.

Explore Newport →
Malibu II 5-piece patio modular sofa set

Malibu II

Handwoven wicker over rust-proof aluminum, in Portland Stone.

Explore Malibu II →

I prefer modern aluminum

Shoreline 5-seat reclining sofa conversation set

Shoreline

Sleek aluminum frames paired with plush Indigo Azure fabric — a coastal-inspired take on modern outdoor seating.

Explore Shoreline →
Huntington 5-seat aluminum reclining sofa conversation set

Huntington

Rust-resistant aluminum with plush Light Oat fabric — refined and effortlessly versatile.

Explore Huntington →

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, 5–7 days

— 14-day risk-free trial and no-hassle returns

Shoreline aluminum reclining sofa beside a pool

06 — Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions?

Does aluminum get hot in the summer sun?
Powder-coated aluminum can warm up under direct sun, but you'll rarely notice — the frame is covered by cushioning at every contact point, and the finish stays cool to the touch faster than bare metal furniture once shaded.
Is all-weather wicker really waterproof?
The HDPE weave itself won't absorb water or rot, and it's handwoven onto a rust-proof aluminum frame underneath. Cushions are the part that benefits from cover — which is why every piece ships with one built in.
Which is better for coastal climates?
Both hold up well near salt air thanks to rust-proof aluminum frames. Aluminum's simpler surface makes rinsing salt residue slightly faster, but wicker performs well too as long as it's rinsed regularly.
Which one lasts longer?
With the same rust-proof frame underneath both, longevity comes down to care more than material. Regular rinsing and using the built-in cover during off-season are the biggest factors either way.
Which is easier to clean?
Aluminum is the lower-maintenance of the two — a wipe-down is usually enough. Wicker needs an occasional rinse with a hose, and pressure washers should be avoided on the weave.
Which is better if I leave furniture outside year-round?
Either works well year-round given the shared rust-proof frame — deploy the built-in all-weather cover during extended stretches of rain, snow, or intense sun to protect the cushions.
How do I choose between a modern and a traditional look?
Look at your home's exterior lines first. Clean, contemporary architecture generally pairs with aluminum's streamlined silhouette; brick, wood, and more traditional exteriors tend to feel most complete with wicker's texture.

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.