It’s a classic summer dilemma: the sun’s out, the garden looks glorious, and you're ready to relax — but will that stylish metal garden chair scorch the back of your legs?
With heatwaves becoming more common in the UK, homeowners are rightly asking how different patio furniture materials hold up when temperatures rise. One of the most frequent concerns we hear is: Does your aluminium patio furniture get too hot in the sun?
The short answer? Not really — and certainly not compared to other metals. Aluminium is one of the most heat-smart choices you can make for your patio or garden.
Let’s explore how aluminium responds to sunlight and heat, how it compares to wood, plastic, and other patio furniture options, and share some practical tips to keep your outdoor setup cool, comfortable, and ready for long summer days.
Why Worry About Metal Garden Furniture and Heat?
As UK summers grow warmer and sunshine hours increase, many garden owners are left wondering if their aluminium garden furniture will get hot in the sun.
It’s a common concern — after all, metal garden furniture can heat up under direct sunlight. But the good news is, aluminium performs better than many other materials, making it a smart and comfortable choice for outdoor spaces in the UK.
Metal has an unfortunate reputation for heating up quickly — many think of a car parked in direct sunlight. So it’s no surprise that people are cautious about choosing metal furniture for outdoor use.
The concern is mostly about comfort. Will the chair or table surface become too hot to touch? Will it hold the heat all afternoon? Could it be unsafe for children or pets?
These are all valid questions — but when it comes to aluminium garden furniture, the reality is much more reassuring than you might expect.
How Our Cast Aluminium Patio Furniture Handles Heat
Aluminium, unlike iron or steel, is a highly thermally conductive material. That means while it absorbs heat, it also dissipates it very quickly. It may warm up under prolonged sun exposure, all outdoor furniture materials will, but it doesn’t retain that heat for long, especially if there’s even the slightest breeze.
This makes it ideal for outdoor use in the UK, where sunshine tends to come in bursts rather than relentless all-day heat. A cast aluminium chair might feel warm to the touch on a very hot afternoon, but it won’t burn or become uncomfortable after a short time in the shade.
It’s also worth noting that our cast aluminium patio furniture isn’t made from thin, flat panels like a car — it features thicker, sculpted frames with decorative cut-outs and airflow gaps that help reduce surface temperature and improve comfort.
Just as important is the protective powder coating we apply to every piece of aluminium furniture in our collection. This high-quality coating not only enhances the furniture’s colour and texture but also acts as a thermal buffer and UV barrier.
It helps prevent surfaces from overheating, fading, and corrosion — ensuring your aluminium furniture stays cooler to the touch, looking great, and performing brilliantly for many summers to come.
Aluminium vs Other Outdoor Furniture Materials
When choosing the best outdoor furniture materials for your outdoor space, it’s important to consider not just looks, but how each material performs under sun exposure, especially during the warmer months. So, how does aluminium garden furniture compare to other popular options when the heat is on?
1. Aluminium vs Steel and Iron
Traditional metal furniture made from steel or wrought iron may offer a classic, weighty presence — but in direct sunlight, these dense metals can become incredibly hot to the touch. Steel and iron absorb and retain heat far longer than aluminium, often making chairs and benches uncomfortable for outdoor use unless you add thick cushions or keep them in a shaded area.
They also require more ongoing care. Without a proper painted or powder-coated finish, both are vulnerable to rust and corrosion — especially in the damp UK climate.
Aluminium, on the other hand, doesn’t rust and cools rapidly once out of the sun. It offers all the elegance of metal with far less maintenance, making it a more practical and family-friendly choice for year-round outdoor living spaces.
2. Aluminium vs Plastic Furniture
Plastic furniture tends to be affordable and lightweight, but that comes with trade-offs. In sunny conditions, plastic can warp, soften, or become discoloured — especially if made from lower-quality materials. While it might not hold heat in the same way as metal, dark-coloured plastic chairs and tables can still become hot and sticky in direct sunlight.
UV rays are also a problem. Over time, UV exposure weakens plastic’s structural integrity, making it brittle and prone to cracking. And once it fades or splits, it’s usually beyond repair.
In comparison, aluminium garden furniture is built to withstand outdoor conditions without fading, bending, or becoming unstable in the heat. It offers a far longer lifespan and more consistent performance in the face of harmful sun rays.
3. Aluminium vs Wooden Furniture
There’s no denying the natural beauty of wooden garden furniture. Its tactile warmth and organic look appeal to many homeowners. And while wood generally stays cooler to the touch than metal, it’s not without its challenges in the sun.
Without regular oiling or sealing, wood fibres can dry out, crack, or warp due to prolonged exposure to the sun and rain. Even high-quality hardwoods need annual maintenance, and extreme weather conditions can shorten their lifespan if not stored properly.
Aluminium furniture, by contrast, requires very little regular maintenance to stay looking great. It won’t rot, warp, or demand seasonal upkeep — making it an ideal solution for those who want a low-maintenance, stylish set that can stay outside year-round with minimal fuss.
4. Aluminium vs Rattan Garden Furniture
Poly rattan garden furniture — also known as synthetic rattan or all-weather wicker — is a popular choice for UK outdoor spaces, prized for its lightweight design and relaxed, woven appearance.
It has largely replaced natural rattan, which is best suited to indoor or permanently covered spaces. But while poly rattans bring a casual, stylish charm to patios and balconies, their durability in strong sunlight can sometimes fall short.
Although poly rattan garden furniture is made for outdoor use, it’s still a plastic-based material. Over time, UV rays can degrade the synthetic fibres, causing them to fade, crack, or become brittle — particularly if the furniture is left uncovered during long periods of sunshine.
Aluminium outdoor furniture, by contrast, is naturally resistant to UV damage, corrosion, and moisture. It won’t unravel, warp, or lose its shape under prolonged sun exposure, and it handles sudden changes in weather with ease. It’s also easier to maintain; our finish is simple to wipe clean, whereas poly rattan’s intricate weave can trap dirt and moisture, requiring more effort to keep tidy.
If you're looking for garden furniture for your outdoor space that balances style with long-term durability, aluminium is a reliable choice. While poly rattan suits a softer aesthetic, aluminium outperforms it in heat resistance, ease of care, and all-weather reliability.
Tips to Keep Aluminium Garden Furniture Cool and Comfortable
Even with aluminium’s built-in advantages, a few smart additions can make your garden setup feel positively luxurious during the warmer months.
1. Add Outdoor Cushions in Hot Climates
Comfortable and stylish, outdoor cushions are a simple way to keep metal garden furniture surfaces cool and inviting. Look for UV-resistant fabrics that can withstand outdoor conditions without fading or degrading in the sun. Cushions also provide insulation between you and the seat, making even the warmest garden chair comfortable.
2. Use Parasols or Shade Structures
Positioning your aluminium outdoor furniture in a shaded area helps reduce heat build-up during long sunny afternoons. A well-placed parasol, gazebo, or pergola will not only help with temperature control but also protect against harmful sun rays.
3. Choose Patio Dining Sets Lighter Colours
Metal garden furniture in lighter finishes—like our cool white — reflects sunlight more effectively and absorbs less heat. When choosing new pieces, look for soft white tones paired with cream cushions; they tend to stay cooler and harmonise beautifully with your garden surroundings.
4. Keep Surfaces Cool with Accessories
Use table runners, placemats, or chair pads to keep metal table and chair surfaces cooler during outdoor dining. Not only do these soften the look, but they also act as a barrier between the metal and your skin — especially helpful on hotter days.
5. Regular Cleaning Makes a Difference
Dust, grime, and pollen can trap heat and cause outdoor furniture surfaces to feel warmer than they are. Regular cleaning with mild soap and water keeps your furniture looking fresh and helps it stay cool and comfortable.
Why Aluminium Is the Low-Maintenance Choice for UK Patios
Aluminium’s unique properties make it the ideal balance of durability and comfort. It’s incredibly durable, weather-resistant, and low-maintenance — and unlike some other outdoor furniture alternatives, it doesn’t rust, rot, or degrade under UV rays.
For families, aluminium patio furniture is a safe, smart choice. It cools quickly, doesn’t overheat easily, and is built to withstand outdoor conditions year after year. It’s the kind of furniture that encourages ultimate relaxation, rather than adding another item to your summer maintenance to-do list.
While no outdoor material is completely immune to the effects of the sun, aluminium furniture stands out for how well it handles heat.
In the UK, even on the hottest days, it’s not unusual for a sudden shower to sweep in. When materials that have been baking in the sun are hit with a burst of cool rain, the rapid temperature change can cause some to crack, split, or weaken over time. Aluminium, however, copes exceptionally well with this thermal shock thanks to its structural stability and resistance to stress from quick heating and cooling.
Its ability to resist warping, fading, and rust makes it a reliable choice for year-round use — whether under long spells of sunshine or during those unpredictable British downpours.
Combine that natural durability with our simple protective measures, such as well-fitted covers and UV-resistant cushions, and you’ll enjoy not just peace of mind, but a garden setup that looks great and performs beautifully with very little maintenance.
Quick Cast Aluminium Patio Furniture Q&A
Q: Does aluminium garden furniture get too hot to sit on?
Aluminium may warm up slightly under direct UV rays, but thanks to its excellent thermal conductivity and powder-coated finish, it cools quickly and remains comfortable—especially with cushions or in light shade. It’s a practical choice for sunny days in British gardens and hot climates alike.
Q: Is aluminium one of the best materials for garden furniture in the sun?
Yes. Aluminium is widely considered one of the best garden furniture materials for sunny or unpredictable climates. It’s naturally resistant to rust, highly UV resistant, and designed to withstand extreme temperatures without warping, fading, or losing structural integrity.
Q: How does aluminium compare to other metals like steel or iron?
Aluminium has several advantages over other metals like steel or iron: it’s lighter, doesn’t rust, and cools down more quickly. While steel is strong, it tends to retain more heat and requires extra coatings to ensure corrosion resistance. Aluminium’s powder coating offers long-term weather resistance with less maintenance.
Q: What about aluminium vs plastic or wood in hot weather?
Unlike some other materials, such as plastic, which can warp, or wood, which requires frequent treatment, aluminium offers a durable material that’s easy to care for. It also keeps its smooth surface and colour, even after prolonged exposure to UV rays and harsh weather conditions.
Q: Are aluminium frames durable enough for strong winds or high temperatures?
Absolutely. Aluminium frames are not only extremely strong, but they’re also rust-free, lightweight, and designed to endure high temperatures and strong winds. Combined with proper anchoring and cushions, they offer stable and stylish seating arrangements for any patio or balcony.
Q: Do aluminium dining sets include UV-resistant cushions?
Most of our dining sets come with UV-resistant cushions and cushion covers, helping them stay bright and comfortable even under direct sunlight. These removable covers are easy to clean with mild soap, making proper care simple and stress-free.
Q: What makes aluminium sun loungers a good investment?
Aluminium sun loungers combine modern design with weather-resistant construction. The metal frames won’t rust, the powder coating protects against fading, and they’re light enough to move in and out of the sun as needed—making them perfect for relaxing on a sunny day.
Q: Can I leave aluminium furniture outside year-round?
Yes. With its rust-free properties and tough powder-coated finish, aluminium furniture is built for long life even in inclement weather. Just add covers during high winds or harsh weather, and give everything a quick clean with mild soap to keep it looking fresh.
Q: Is aluminium suitable for a small garden or balcony?
Definitely. Our aluminium bistro sets and compact dining sets are ideal for smaller patios and balconies. Their minimalist design saves space without sacrificing comfort or weather resistance, and their lightweight frames make rearranging or storing easy.
Our Final Thoughts: Keep Your Cool This Summer
Aluminium garden furniture may be made from metal, but that doesn’t mean it’s too hot to handle.
Thanks to its unique thermal properties and protective powder-coated finish, it resists heat retention and stays cooler to the touch than many other outdoor furniture materials. Whether you’re soaking up a sunny afternoon or hosting a weekend gathering, aluminium offers a stylish and comfortable solution that’s built to perform.
Compared to other metals like iron or steel — which can become uncomfortably hot and prone to rust — aluminium frames remain lightweight, rust-free, and weather resistant. And unlike plastic furniture, which can warp or fade under UV rays, aluminium maintains its structure and appearance with very little upkeep. Even wood, while cooler to the touch, demands regular maintenance to prevent cracking or discolouration in hot climates.
That’s why if you're designing an outdoor area for dining sets, sun loungers, or casual entertaining, high-quality aluminium furniture strikes the perfect balance between durability, comfort, and modern design. It’s a practical choice for the ever-changing British weather, offering both long-term value and low maintenance.
With a few thoughtful finishing touches — like UV-resistant cushions, a bit of shade, or even a gentle breeze — your garden or patio becomes the ultimate setting for outdoor dining, unwinding with a book, or enjoying a quiet moment in nature. And with Lazy Susan’s timeless patio furniture designs and durable materials, you can be confident your garden will look great and feel cool season after season.
And when you’ve created your cool outdoor setting, don’t forget to share it with us! Tag @LazySusanFurniture on Instagram or Facebook, or join our Do Some Good campaign by uploading your summer 25 patio furniture photos.
