How to Choose Outdoor Furniture for Coastal Climates
Designing an outdoor living space near the coast presents a unique challenge: how to balance beauty, comfort, and durability in an environment defined by salt air, moisture, wind, and intense sun.
The right materials, craftsmanship and performance textiles make it possible to create outdoor spaces that are as comfortable and refined as interior rooms—while standing up to the elements.
McKinnon and Harris President Kenneth Dail shares his advice for outfitting the coastal escape of your dreams, whether it’s a poolside paradise in Palm Beach or a Nantucket cottage.
This article was originally featured on FredericMagazine.com.
Hero Image: Photo by Richard Powers. Interior Design by Ferrer. Architecture by Kilgerman Architecture and Design.
Choose Durable Materials Designed for Coastal Conditions
Salt air and moisture can quickly corrode poorly made outdoor furniture. For coastal environments, material selection is the most important factor.
“When it comes to high-performance materials, aluminum is the strongest, yet it’s lighter weight than other metals like wrought iron,” says Dail. However, not all aluminum furniture is created equal: McKinnon and Harris uses the highest-grade aluminum bar stock, which is three times thicker than the standard.
Expert construction is essential to the longevity of outdoor furniture. McKinnon and Harris builds aluminum frames with welded, reinforced joints, creating a stronger, seamless structure designed to withstand years of outdoor exposure. This meticulous construction allows us to warranty our aluminum frames for life.
Equally important is a finish that can withstand harsh coastal conditions, such as salt air and water. McKinnon and Harris uses Henkel Bonderite EC², a protective treatment traditionally used on submarines and yachts to prevent moisture from penetrating the finish. This undercoat is one of twelve steps in our finishing process, creating a durable finish that protects the aluminum frame while preserving its color and beauty over time.
OPT FOR Performance Fabrics Designed for Indoor and Outdoor Use
With the right performance fabric, outdoor furniture can be as comfortable and tactile as your living room sofa, says Dail.
When choosing outdoor fabrics, consider how exposed the furniture will be:
Fully exposed environments
Acrylic fabrics resist fading and UV damage.
Mid-tone colors tend to show wear less than very light shades. Many of the colorways in our La Dolce Vita collection feature these versatile mid-tone hues.
Covered outdoor spaces
Textured performance fabrics like bouclé or jacquard–such as our Jardin and Etruscan Stripe styles–can add a more luxurious indoor feel.
For low‑maintenance outdoor seating, Batyline® offers an exceptional solution. This open‑weave mesh textile, coated with PVC, is designed to resist UV fading and mildew, making it ideal for chaises, chairs, and heavily used outdoor spaces.
McKinnon and Harris also offers AquaLeather®–soft and supple like traditional leather, but far more durable, fade-resistant, and able to withstand the challenges of sun, moisture, and frequent use.
Look Beyond Fabric: Cushion Construction Matters
The internal construction of outdoor cushions plays a major role in long-term comfort and durability.
Polyfill foam can trap moisture, which leads to mildew and premature wear. McKinnon and Harris uses reticulated foam, a quick-draining material designed to allow airflow and prevent water retention.
Fine details also make a difference: “Our cushions are sewn using extra-durable Gore Tenara thread with hidden seams,” says Dail, making them resistant to saltwater, UV light, and chemicals. Together, these features help outdoor cushions maintain their shape and comfort even in demanding environments.
Elevate with Outdoor Accessories
Elevating outdoor spaces is in the details. Thoughtful accents—contrast welting, custom fringes or tape trims, sewn stripes, bolster and throw pillows—bring your own style to alfresco living.
Our Leggett Lanterns and outdoor Deck Blankets add a layered, curated feel, transforming the outdoors to be as inviting and comfortable as an interior room.
Maintain Your Furniture For Long-Term Enjoyment
Even durable outdoor furniture benefits from regular care, but McKinnon and Harris ensures upkeep is simple, keeping your furnishings in pristine condition with minimal effort.
Fortunately, maintenance is simple:
Rinse fabrics and cushions with a garden hose
Vacuum occasionally to remove debris
Use protective covers when furniture will be unused for long periods
If your furniture ever starts to lose its luster, Dail suggests our Spa Treatment program. We take the time to strip your furniture to bare bones, repair any imperfections and resculpt it, replace hardware as needed, apply our ceramic titanium coating, and recoat with your choice of our High Performance Finish colors. Through this meticulous process, McKinnon and Harris brings your furniture up to the latest standards of durability and performance. When it returns, it looks and feels just as it did the day it first left our workshop—ready for years of continued enjoyment.
