Polywood makes really good stuff. Cast aluminum is another material that's great if it's always going to be exposed to weather.

We have a covered patio with Yardbird outdoor chairs and a couch and really like them. But with cushions I don't think I'd keep them in the elements.

People will recommend Polywood. I’ll tell you what I did - made a live edge slab bartop table and surrounded it with Emeco barstools. Love it 100%.

My parents got this metal set back in the 80s my aunt got the same one. Both sets still in use today. Every few years get some spray paint out.

I went with Nardi

Wrought iron can handle a lot of weather. As time goes on you can paint or powder coat it for a refresh or new look.

For me, teak is king. Elegant, sturdy, and withstands harsh weather. New high grade quality sets are very expensive, but I’ve bought several used sets that have sat outside for decades. After a couple weekend days of sanding and re-oiling, they look brand new and are often better quality than expensive sets you can buy today. Granted it’s a bit of a hobby of mine - Never sell, but often gift sets to friends and family. Heck, I’ve got two tables and more chairs than I can count sitting out back waiting to be refinished, that I haven’t got to in over a year.

Homecrest from the 60s.

Palissade collection from Hay

Polywood hands down. We have had a set for a few years now in the Boston area and no issues at all after leaving it in all kinds of weather. Whatever you end up getting, just don’t get anything black since it will get really hot under the sun.

Just ordered my my Polywood set this week! OP, I recommend going to their website to find dealers with the product on display. I was pleasantly surprised by the comfort of the curve back seats on their own without cushions.

Sunbrella or another brand of outdoor performance fabric should be used for all seating upholstry if you want them to last more than a season or two. Sunbrella is as close to bifl as fabric gets, imo. I have white Sunbrella cushions that have lasted for years and still look almost new.

Overstock and Wayfair both sell Sunbrella outdoor cushions and pillows if you cannot find them in your area.

+1 for Polywood

I recommend buying furniture covers and using them! Classic accessories Ravenna has some affordable covers that actually have a lifetime limited warranty. I essentially order new covers ever year because the covers do breakdown in the sun/weather. Never had any hassle getting covers replaced (other than delayed supply chain stock), just got a replacement grill cover that i bought almost 7 years ago.

Teak is really the way if you can afford it.

Cast aluminum is indestructible and can be left uncovered for the winter. We purchased two sets of tables and chairs in 2005 and they look almost brand new. A quick wash in the spring is all they need. Also, they don't get hot in direct sunlight, which is an issue with poly wood. Expensive for sure, but a one time purchase that puts time back into your pocket.

Daze Decor They make their furniture out of a polymer-based wood material. I don't know if it's the same as Polywood, as that's an actual name brand.

We traded our Sunbrella outdoor furniture for Daze a few years back.

Costco carries it online as well I’m on years 4-5 of various Adirondack sets and a dining table and chairs for our deck in Connecticut - set out all year round in direct sun subject to snow and everything else - they still look great

Would buy again in a heartbeat

Depending on where you're at in the northeast find an Amish community that does poly furniture. http://www.lancasterpolypatios.com/ for reference

There are temples on tropical islands that have been around centuries. Made of teak.