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If you are lucky enough to have a beautiful garden or a roomy balcony, then you’re probably on the hunt for the best sustainable outdoor furniture. Take it from someone who has squeezed a full non-toxic patio set into a 4 feet balcony.
As soon as spring rolls around all we can think of is chilling outdoors with a glass of wine, with our favorite friend group!
To help you create the most amazing setting, we made a list of the most non toxic patio furniture for tiny and large spaces alike.
Luckily for us, there are many eco-friendly outdoor furniture brands ready to outfit our space with everything from reclaimed wood to recycled metal.
We made sure that they’ll meet all your comfy outdoor lounging needs without harming the planet or your health.
For more sustainable options, check out our full list of Non-Toxic Furniture Brands For A Safe And Healthy Home and the best Non-Toxic Couches And Sofas.
The Best Sustainable Outdoor Furniture Brands
Most of us want our patios (and balconies) to be comfortable, functional, and aesthetic areas where we can relax and entertain. After all, our outdoor space is a true extension of our homes.
But unlike our beds, sofas, and dining tables, eco-friendly outdoor furniture should be specifically designed to withstand the elements, whether it’s sun, rain, or wind.
Unfortunately, that durability comes hand in hand with a load of chemicals. Most patio furniture is enhanced with UV stabilizers to prevent damage from ultraviolet (UV) light.
They also carry water-repellent treatments as well as chemicals used to protect the wood from decay, insects, and fungi. While those substances definitely do what they promise, they also pose a risk to our health and the environment.
For example, silicones and acrylic resins, used as water repellents, can be harmful if they degrade into microplastics.
Paraffin, derived from petroleum, is not a renewable resource. Its extraction and refining contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation.
Copper-based preservatives, such as copper azole (CA) and alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ), are toxic to aquatic organisms.
Quaternary ammonium compounds (quats) and isothiazolinones used in anti-mildew treatments are known to cause skin irritation and can be toxic to aquatic life.
Another reason why I solely opt for non-toxic garden furniture is that I can be sure about the origin of the raw materials. Non-sustainably harvested wood in mass production comes from forests that are logged without regard for environmental, social, or economic sustainability.
This means that the forests are cut down at a rate faster than they can regenerate, leading to deforestation, habitat destruction, and loss of biodiversity.
If you want to have beautiful, durable furniture while also taking care of our planet and supporting sustainable livelihoods, take your pick from the 11 best eco-friendly patio furniture brands below.
Does outdoor furniture have PFAS?
Just like indoor furniture, outdoor furniture has PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals.” These substances are mostly used to make fabrics and materials water- and stain-resistant.
According to recent studies, a significant number of outdoor products labeled as stain- or water-resistant were found to contain PFAS.
For instance, Toxic-Free Future found that 34 out of 47 items tested contained these chemicals, which can pose risks to health and the environment.
The good news is that states like California and New York have enacted bans on PFAS in various consumer products, including outdoor gear, further pushing companies to find safer alternatives.
What are the most sustainable outdoor furniture materials?
If you want to find the absolute most eco-friendly outdoor furniture for your patio, it would be best to opt for:
Solid Wood
Sustainable wood outdoor furniture is my personal favorite choice! You can find an array of different options teak, cedar, maple, and eucalyptus. Solid wood is naturally durable and resistant to weather, making it ideal for outdoor use.
Teak, for example, contains natural oils that protect it from moisture and pests which adds to its longevity and requires minimal maintenance.
When sourced from sustainably managed forests, wood is a renewable resource. Just make sure that they bear the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) which proves that the wood is harvested responsibly, promoting reforestation and biodiversity.
Reclaimed Wood
There are many eco-friendly patio furniture made of an array of reclaimed wood, repurposed from old buildings, furniture, or other wooden structures.
Just like recycled textiles in clothing, reclaimed wood reduces the demand for new timber, helping to preserve forests and minimize waste.
It also decreases the carbon footprint associated with processing new wood. Plus, most folks love it because it has unique, weathered characteristics that add rustic charm to furniture pieces.
Bamboo
Bamboo is one of the best and safest materials for non toxic garden furniture. It’s a fast-growing grass that can be harvested sustainably without damaging the plant.
Unlike most materials, bamboo grows quickly (up to a meter per day), regenerates after harvesting, and requires minimal pesticides and water to grow.
As a bonus, it also has a natural resistance to moisture and insects, which is perfect for outdoor settings.
Recycled Metal
Over the last few years, more and more affordable sustainable outdoor furniture opt for recycled metals like aluminum and steel to create minimalist designs.
Recycled metal requires less energy compared to producing new metal from raw materials. It also helps reduce mining activities, conserving natural resources. Last, but not least, it’s incredibly durable, resistant to weather, and requires minimal maintenance.
Rattan & Wicker
If you are looking for boho-style non-toxic garden furniture, then rattan and wicker are the ideal choices. They are both natural materials, harvested responsibly from palm plants, and commonly used for weaving furniture.
They grow quickly and can be sustainably sourced with minimal environmental impact. What’s more rattan and wicker are lightweight, flexible, and stylish – if you ask me.
Low VOC & Zero VOC Finishes
Sustainable wood outdoor furniture more often than not requires some type of protection. That’s where finishes come in. They help maintain the natural look of the furniture while providing durability and protection against the elements.
However, they almost always contain VOCs – chemicals that have a high vapor pressure at ordinary room temperature.
The most eco-friendly alternative is low and zero VOC finishes that reduce the release of harmful chemicals into the air, improving indoor and outdoor air quality. They are safer for the environment and human health.
Keep in mind that all non toxic patio furniture brands are more than happy to share their low or zero-VOC certifications. If you don’t see them plastered on the website, they simply don’t exist – so avoid!
Can I use my non toxic patio furniture indoors?
Yes, you can use your patio furniture indoors. Patio furniture is designed to withstand the elements, so it’s typically more durable and resilient than some indoor furniture.
This makes it a great option for high-traffic areas in your home where durability is essential, such as kitchens, dining rooms, or kids’ playrooms.
The only issue is that most patio furniture might not be as cushioned or ergonomic as indoor furniture. Also, while materials like metal and treated wood are great outdoors, consider how they’ll look and feel indoors.
Does the sun damage eco-friendly outdoor furniture?
Yes, the sun can damage eco-friendly outdoor furniture, but the extent and nature of the damage depend on the material and the protective measures taken.
For example, when it comes to wooden furniture, prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause the color of wooden furniture to fade over time. The same is true for bamboo. Metal can fade and oxidize, leading to rust if not properly treated. Not to mention that they can also become very hot to the touch in direct sunlight.
11 Non-Toxic, Sustainable & Eco-friendly Outdoor Furniture Brands:
1. Burrow
The cult-favorite company Burrow recently launched a brand new sustainable outdoor furniture line – and it’s so darn beautiful.
You can find outdoor patio sets complete with modular seating, dining tables, coffee tables, and benches.
We mostly love the armless sofas and FSC-certified wooden loungers.
They are not just easy to assemble but also look and feel amazing.
The brand used rust-proof galvanized steel with an electrostatic powder coat to help them last through winter and summer.
Plus, all sofas are covered with all-weather mesh. Inside, you’ll find a quick-drying porous foam, covered in durable stain-repellant fabric.
You can complete the look with a sustainable outdoor rug.
And when it’s time for storage, simply lay the custom-fit water-repellant covers on top of your patio furniture. So chic!
Price Range: $459-$4999
Ethics: FSC Certified, sustainable materials, trace program
Location/Shipping: United States
Our Favorites from Burrow:
2. Urban Natural
Urban Natural is a top destination for beautiful sustainable wood outdoor furniture and recycled outdoor furniture from some of the most beloved brands in the ecosphere.
Here, you can find pieces by Ethnicraft featuring upholstery woven in Belgium.
For minimalists, Mater is ready to outfit your patio with sleek designs made from discarded beer kegs mixed with upcycled hard plastic.
No matter if you prefer solid wood dining and lounge furniture or durable recycled plastic options, Urban Natural has you covered.
Price Range: $595-$4707
Ethics: GREENGUARD Certified, CertiPUR-US® Certified, FSC Certified, sustainably made, ethically sourced, handcrafted, made with organic materials, zero-VOC, made in the USA
Location/Shipping: United States
Our Favorites from Urban Natural:
3. Outer
Outer is a premium non-toxic garden furniture brand that creates sofas, dining tables, umbrellas, lounge chairs, coffee tables, and even recycled rugs for your patio.
The entire lineup is clean, dry, and ready to use with the patented OuterShell®.
That’s a machine washable, fade-resistant, and DWR-finished fabric that can handle all weather elements.
For the frames, Outer opts for environmentally-minded handwoven polyethylene wicker and polished stainless ChromaSteel™ legs.
Not a fan of Wicker? Go for the aluminum set! Need something even more polished?
Have a look at the OuterStone outdoor furniture collection that is constructed from natural & recyclable materials.
Dozens of customers agree that durability and longevity are a given.
Price Range: $475-$11,300
Ethics: Warranty included, FSC Certified, Carbon Neutral Certified, sustainable materials, made-to-order, trade program
Location/Shipping: United States
Our Favorites from Outer:
4. Yardbird
With 12 different non toxic patio furniture collections to choose from, it’s safe to say that Yardbird offers the biggest variety for every taste and size.
As a direct-to-consumer brand, Yardbird takes the hassle out of furnishing your patio, delivering premium quality furniture directly to your door at lower costs.
The pieces are made from commercial-grade aluminum frames, sumptuous fabrics, and intricately handwoven wicker made from recycled ocean-bound plastics.
Whether you are going for a cozy vibe, a luxurious setting, or a minimalist aesthetic, there is something for you.
My favorite set is “Eden” because I love powder-coated aluminum frames!
This one is hand-painted to represent the look of weathered teak, and it’s so chic!
Our Favorites from Yardbird:
Price Range: $200-$6040
Ethics: Warranty included, FSC Certified, recyclable & biodegradable packaging, trade program
Location/Shipping: United States
5. Neighbor
Neighbor is an eco-friendly patio furniture brand that champions both modern aesthetics and durability.
Born from the collaborative spirit of three colleagues at Tuft & Needle, a brand renowned for comfort and quality in mattresses, Neighbor is on a mission to facilitate meaningful connections among families, friends, and neighbors.
Their contemporary designs and modular pieces are tailor-made for versatile outdoor living. Plus, you don’t have to commit!
You can take advantage of the 45-day trial period to ensure your garden furniture set fits your outdoor space like a glove. There are 8 collections to choose from.
The most popular option, “haven” is made from FSC-certified teak and fast-drying foam cushions wrapped in Sunbrella® fabric.
If you are a minimalist, go with the “XY” – it boasts steel and cast aluminum with a durable powder coat.
Our Favorites from Neighbor:
Price Range: $350-$11,150
Ethics: Warranty included, OEKO-TEX® Certified, FSC Certified, Fairtrade Certified, made in the USA, trade program
Location/Shipping: United States, ships to Canada
6. Vivaterra
Vivaterra might be the mecca of sustainable home goods, but they also offer one of the best sustainable wicker outdoor furniture sets we have on this list.
The kingwood modular 5-piece outdoor seating set will effortlessly fit into any space because you can arrange the components into a grand, semi-circular lounge or cozy, separate seating areas depending on your mood and patio size.
The set comes complete with weather-resistant seat cushions and eight tufted back cushions, all complemented by a chic round wicker coffee table.
To top it all off, Vivaterra uses sturdy steel frames with a powder-coated finish to make sure that all furniture is durable and oh-so-chic.
Our Favorites from Vivaterra:
Price Range: $99-$2599
Ethics: Recycled or natural materials, responsibly 7 sustainable harvested wood, handmade with care, made in the USA
Location/Shipping: United States
7. Emeco
Emeco is one of my favorite BIPOC-owned, eco-friendly outdoor furniture companies in 2024.
They are known for using all types of sustainable materials such as cork, wood, eco-concrete, plastic bottles, and endlessly recyclable aluminum to create furniture for every possible scenario.
Run is a collection of tables, benches, and shelves by Sam Hecht and Kim Colin – all entirely handmade in Hanover, Pennsylvania.
The clear anodized aluminum frame is topped with sustainable hardwood or recycled aluminum.
The tables are big enough to host parties or take advantage of yourself for some quiet time in the garden.
Our Favorites from Emeco:
Price Range: $289-$4190.50
Ethics: BIPOC-owned, sustainable & recycled materials, handcrafted, fair trade, vegan, made in the USA
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
8. Loll Designs
If you are in love with bold, fun, and always eco-friendly patio furniture, the Cradle to Cradle Certified company Loll Designs will be your next crush.
I want every single piece from this line. You can find recycled outdoor lounge chairs, benches, dining tables, rocking chairs, outdoor ottomans, cocktail tables, and even a porch swing.
Can you believe that the collection is made from recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE) primarily from milk jugs and shampoo bottles in the USA?
It doesn’t stop there! Each of Loll’s sofas, tables, chairs, and planters is intended to be recycled again at the end of its life.
Plus, the company already recycles over 88% of its manufacturing waste.
Take your pick from the 10+ gorgeous colors, including apple red, sunset orange, and leaf green, and relax comfortably and sustainably.
Our Favorites from Loll Designs:
Price Range: $245-$2395
Ethics: Cradle to Cradle Certified, local manufacturing, handcrafted, fair trade, sustainable materials, vegan, recycles over 88% of their manufacturing waste, 1% for the planet
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
9. Vermont Woods Studio
As the name suggests, the Vermont Woods Studio crafts some of the best recycled outdoor furniture in the USA.
The main material is recycled HDPE plastic that mimics the sturdiness and look of wood without all the chemical treatments.
They also added premium stainless steel hardware for durability.
Imagine how good it will look on your outdoor porch, deck, patio, garden, or lawn.
Another bonus is that HDPE plastic can withstand heat, below-freezing cold, salt air, and corrosive chemicals.
Plus, the chairs, dining tables, and coffee tables come in a slew of colors – from gray and teal to orange and yellow.
Price Range: $239-$3095
Ethics: Lifetime guarantee, responsibly sourced materials, local manufacturing, 1% for the planet, donations
Location/Shipping: United States
10. Masaya & Co
We have a soft spot for Masaya’s non toxic patio furniture!
The collection includes everything we need to turn our garden into a lounging oasis this summer.
Stools, side tables, dining tables, wooden chairs, loungers, benches, and the most beautiful eco-friendly dining tables we’ve seen in a while.
The top-rated brand uses 100% solid sustainably sourced hardwood and solution-dyed acrylic fabric to handcraft all eco-friendly outdoor furniture in Nicaragua.
My favorite piece from this line is the Masaya lounge chair.
Everything from its beautiful design to the highly durable, weather-resistant, fade-resistant material, it’s just perfect!
Price Range: $175-$2295
Ethics: 1-year warranty, FSC Certified, sustainably sourced hardwood, handcrafted
Location/Shipping: United States
11. The Old Grainery
Etsy is known for offering antiques, primitives, home decor and one-of-a-kind finds, and the sustainable outdoor furniture brand The Old Grainery fits this description perfectly.
You won’t find any shiny new things here. The vintage collection is old and breathtakingly beautiful.
You can opt for large garden gazebos, vintage wooden benches, metal stools, and so many more options.
Spoiler alert: You’ll browse the listings for hours – it’s that good!
Price Range: $169-$695
Ethics: Sustainable materials, extremely sturdy & stable, portable tables
Location/Shipping: Worldwide
Can outdoor furniture stay outside in the winter?
Absolutely! While it’s true that outdoor furniture can generally withstand the winter months, it’s a good idea to give them a little TLC before winter sets in.
For metal furniture, a coat of rust-resistant paint or sealant can work wonders. Wooden pieces might benefit from a protective sealant or cover to shield them from moisture and prevent warping or cracking.
And don’t forget to store any cushions or fabric components indoors to keep them dry and mildew-free.
How to store outdoor furniture in winter
If your furniture is collapsible or has removable parts, disassemble it for easier storage and to save space. Keep screws and small parts organized in a labeled bag to prevent loss.
Then, go ahead and store your furniture in a dry, sheltered location such as a garage, shed, or basement. Make sure to avoid storing directly on the ground to prevent moisture damage. Use furniture covers or tarps to protect your pieces from dust, moisture, and pests.
If storing outdoors, elevate your furniture off the ground using pallets or blocks to prevent moisture damage and allow proper airflow.
Can patio furniture get wet?
Yes, outdoor furniture is designed to withstand exposure to the elements, including rain and moisture.
Most outdoor furniture materials, such as metal, teak, plastic, and weather-resistant fabrics, are built to endure wet conditions without damage.
This was your full guide to the best sustainable & eco-friendly outdoor furniture!
When we choose sustainable outdoor furniture materials that are responsibly sourced and produced, we’re helping to conserve natural resources, reduce pollution, and minimize waste.
Plus, let’s not forget that many conventional outdoor furniture materials contain harmful chemicals and toxins that can leach into the air or soil over time.
On the other hand, non toxic patio furniture is made from eco-friendly materials, like solid wood, reclaimed wood, zero VOC, low VOC, metal, and recycled metal.
Because they are so durable, you won’t have to replace them often, which will save you lots of money in the long run.
So, whether you’re lounging in your backyard oasis or hosting a BBQ with friends, eco-friendly outdoor furniture will be with you for years.
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