Pet Friendly Outdoor Furniture That Looks Great
If you share your home with dogs or cats, you know that your outdoor space is their space too. A golden retriever who just dove into the lake does not care that your patio cushions are brand new. A cat with sharp claws sees your wicker chair as a scratching post with a great view. And every pet owner knows the frustration of fur clinging to every fabric surface.
The good news is that pet-friendly outdoor furniture does not mean settling for ugly or cheap. Today’s best outdoor furniture materials can handle everything your four-legged family members throw at them while still looking beautiful on your Charlotte patio. Here is how to choose wisely.
Best Materials for Pet Owners
Aluminum Furniture
Aluminum patio furniture is one of the best choices for pet owners. It has smooth surfaces that do not collect pet hair, it resists scratching far better than wood, and it is easy to wipe clean. Aluminum will not rust if a wet dog shakes off right next to it. It is also lightweight enough to rearrange when you need to clean underneath, which any pet owner knows is a regular necessity.
Cast Aluminum
Cast aluminum furniture shares the same pet-friendly benefits as tubular aluminum but with a more substantial, traditional look. The powder-coated finish is durable and easy to clean. Cast aluminum is heavier than tubular aluminum, which means a large dog bumping into it will not send it sliding across the patio.
Poly Lumber
Poly lumber is another excellent material for pet owners. The smooth, non-porous surface does not absorb odors, stains, or moisture. If your dog drools on it, if your cat gets sick on it, or if muddy paws track across it, poly lumber cleans up with soap and water. It is virtually scratch-proof under normal conditions, and it does not splinter, so it will not hurt your pet’s paws.
Resin Wicker
Synthetic resin wicker is more pet-resistant than natural wicker, though it is not entirely immune to determined scratchers. The tight weave of quality resin wicker holds up reasonably well against claws, and it does not collect pet hair the way fabric upholstery does. If a pet does manage to damage a strand, it is usually cosmetic rather than structural.
Choosing Pet-Friendly Fabrics
Fabric is where pet ownership and outdoor furniture really intersect, because most outdoor seating includes cushions. Here is what to look for.
Sunbrella Fabric
Sunbrella fabric is the gold standard for outdoor cushions, and it happens to be excellent for pet owners too. It resists staining, is solution-dyed so it will not fade even with frequent cleaning, and most spills and messes can be cleaned with a bleach-and-water solution without damaging the fabric. Pet hair brushes off Sunbrella more easily than off most indoor fabrics. For a deeper look at outdoor cushion options, read our custom outdoor cushions guide.
Choosing Colors and Patterns Strategically
If you have a light-colored pet, darker cushion fabrics will show hair more. If your pet is dark, light cushions will be a constant battle. The practical solution is to choose mid-tone fabrics or patterns that incorporate multiple colors. Heathered textures, tweeds, and multi-color patterns camouflage pet hair between cleanings. Save the solid white cushions for the pet-free zone, if such a thing exists in your home.
Furniture Styles That Work With Pets
Low-Profile Furniture
Dogs, especially older ones, appreciate furniture they can easily get on and off of. Low-profile seating with wide seat areas gives your dog room to curl up next to you. Elevated loungers and daybeds are also popular with dogs because they provide a comfortable spot off the hot patio surface.
Open-Frame Designs
Furniture with open bases rather than skirted designs makes cleanup much easier. Pet hair, dirt, and debris fall through or are visible for easy sweeping rather than getting trapped behind fabric panels. Dining tables and chairs with open leg designs allow you to hose down the entire patio without obstruction.
Removable Cushion Covers
Look for furniture with cushions that have removable, washable covers. This makes dealing with pet-related messes much simpler. Some Sunbrella cushion covers can go right in the washing machine, which is a tremendous advantage for pet owners.
Practical Tips for Pet Owners
- Keep a dedicated outdoor towel nearby to wipe paws and wet fur before pets climb on the furniture.
- Provide your pet with their own outdoor bed. If your dog has a comfortable designated spot, they may be less inclined to commandeer your lounge chair.
- Trim nails regularly. This single habit prevents the majority of furniture scratching.
- Hose down furniture weekly during heavy-use seasons to prevent buildup of hair, dander, and dirt.
- Store cushions when you are not using the patio for extended periods rather than leaving them out as a pet bed.
What to Avoid
A few materials and features are especially problematic for pet owners:
- Sling fabric furniture: While easy to clean, sling seats can be punctured by sharp claws.
- Delicate natural materials: Untreated wood furniture can absorb pet odors and stains that are difficult to remove.
- Glass tabletops: A wagging tail plus a glass tabletop equals anxiety. Consider stone or aluminum tops instead.
- Furniture with small gaps: Cats and small dogs can get paws stuck in certain furniture designs. Check for any openings that could be hazardous.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my dog’s claws scratch aluminum patio furniture?
Powder-coated aluminum is quite resistant to scratching from pet claws under normal circumstances. You may see minor surface marks over time from large dogs jumping on and off furniture, but these are typically superficial and do not affect the structural integrity or overall appearance. Cast aluminum with a textured finish hides minor wear even better than smooth finishes.
How do I get pet hair off outdoor cushions?
For Sunbrella and most outdoor fabrics, a lint roller works for light hair removal. For heavier accumulation, use a rubber brush or damp rubber glove to gather the hair, then vacuum or hose off the cushion. Regular cleaning prevents hair from becoming embedded in the fabric weave. Some pet owners keep a small handheld vacuum on the patio for quick cleanups.
Is teak furniture good for pet owners?
Teak is a hardwood that resists scratching better than softer woods like pine or cedar. It is also naturally resistant to moisture and does not absorb odors readily. However, untreated teak develops a gray patina that can make pet stains more visible until the entire surface weathers evenly. If you choose teak and have pets, applying a teak sealer helps protect the surface and makes cleaning easier.
Your pets deserve to enjoy the outdoors right alongside you, and Carolina Patio Furniture can help you find furniture that makes everyone in the family comfortable. Browse our selection of durable, easy-care outdoor furniture at our Charlotte-area showroom, or contact us to discuss the best options for your household.