EcoCult Recos: Non-Toxic Outdoor Furniture

Let's talk about what you're putting next to your organic garden.

Jul 01, 2025

We’ve been chatting a lot about gardening, permaculture, and homesteading—but what about the other things you’re putting in your backyard? You know, the things for relaxing in?

Whether you’re a beginner gardener or an accomplished urban farmer, your little piece of the environment is probably precious to you. That’s why it’s important to think beyond what you’re spraying on your plants, and to be discerning about your outdoor furniture, too.

Water and weather proofing outdoor furniture is most often accomplished through PFAS, which you really don’t want running off into your garden. However, the furniture has to be able to withstand the elements, unless you want to have to stress about moving a table and chairs whenever it storms.

So you have some options! There’s poly furniture made of recycled plastic, teak wood furniture that’s naturally durable and weather resistant, and low-maintenance recycled aluminum.

But what about cushions? You’ll have to choose between longer-lasting synthetics and cotton, which can mold if left in the elements too long. As long as you’re up for covering the cushions up or pulling them inside when it rains, we recommend cotton canvas.

Here are our favorite solid, hand-crafted outdoor furniture brands, many of which are made and shipped in the U.S.

(Did we miss any good ones? What’s your strategy for low-key outdoor furniture maintenance? Let us know in the comments!)

a teak rocking chair with a woven back sits on mulch surrounded by cacti and a tree

MasayaCo

MasayaCo creates teak furniture from its own FSC-certified, sustainably managed forests. Its artisans design durable and timeless pieces made to last both physically and aesthetically. The brand’s outdoor collection includes lounge and rocking chairs, dining, and tables and benches. Its prices range from $168 to $2,000, and it ships from Tennessee.

a double sided lawn swing glider with canopy made of solid pine sits on a wooden deck with a surrounding railing against a blue sky with trees

DutchCrafters

DutchCrafters works with craftspeople and wood shops in Amish country to connect consumers with American-made solid wood furniture. It uses reclaimed, recycled, and responsibly sourced wood, as well as recycled plastic poly lumber. Its collection includes lounge, dining, and poolside pieces. Its outdoor furniture prices range from $135 to almost $11,000 for a giant outdoor sectional couch, and it ships from the U.S.

two chairs and a patio table in front of a teak partition with plants hanging from it

VivaTerra

VivaTerra sources its collection through artisan and Fair Trade organizations globally, and uses recycled, natural, and reclaimed materials in addition to sustainable wood. Its collection is unique, featuring handcrafted furniture sets, vertical planters, umbrellas, and swings. Its furniture prices range from $149-$2,000, and it ships from the U.S.

an outdoor dining set with a bench and four chairs arranged around a solid wood table. the table holds candles in glass jars with leather strap holders, a bowl of fruit, bowls and plates, and two glasses of wine next to a full bottle.

West Elm

West Elm collaborates with artisan collectives around the world. It carries sustainably sourced wood furniture and recycled materials (though many of its upholstered products are made with synthetics). Its outdoor collection includes seating, dining, shading, phthalate-free protective covers, and more. Its prices range from $149 to $8,500, and it ships from the U.S.

a teak outdoor furniture set on a rug in front of a pool. the l-shaped couch has gray cushions with accenting throw pillows and blankets, and stone pots accent the set.

Outer

Outer uses responsibly sourced teak, aluminum, recyclable polypropylene, and recycled PET to make outdoor furniture and textiles that will last for years. Its upholstery is UV resistant and Oeko-Tex certified, ensuring no dyes run off. Its prices range from $550 to $11,500, and it ships from the U.S.

a teak outdoor furniture set on gravel in front of a large cobblestone fireplace. there are two chairs with a table between them, across from a couch with a coffee table. the cushions are pale blue with accenting yellow, pink, and white throw cushions.

Yardbird

Yardbird designs and manufactures its furniture in-house using hand-woven recycled plastic wicker, teak, and aluminum, and Sunbrella fabrics. The brand uses recyclable materials and packaging whenever possible, and some of its furniture can be recycled at the end of its lifespan. Its furniture prices range from $500 to $7,400, and it ships from Minneapolis.