How to Choose the Right Outdoor Furniture for Coastal Climates

We want it all: Even in the great outdoors, we can’t help but long for the luxurious comfort and style of indoor living, especially if we’re fortunate enough to live on the coast. But that same coveted seaside locale—with its salt air, wind, moisture, and sun—can take a heavy toll on furnishings. Luckily, with some well-earned advice from the outdoor living experts at McKinnon and Harris, it’s actually possible to have it all: comfort, durability, and style.

Founded more than 30 years ago by siblings Will and Anne Massie, McKinnon and Harris is a family-owned company that’s elevated outdoor furniture to an art form by combining high-performance materials and finishes with creative, ultra-comfortable designs. Every piece is handmade at the company’s Richmond, Virginia, atelier, producing elegant and remarkably strong pieces that will stand the test of time. We asked president Kenneth Dail to lend us his expert advice for outfitting the coastal escape of your dreams, whether it’s a poolside paradise in Palm Beach or a cozy cottage in Nantucket.

Know Your Materials

Durable materials are essential, Dail says, especially in coastal regions where salt and moisture can be highly corrosive. His advice? Choose aluminum. “When it comes to high-performance materials, aluminum is the strongest, yet it’s lighter weight than other metals like wrought iron,” he says. 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 also important: Impeccably-built frames with welded reinforced joints create a stronger, seamless piece, allowing the company to warranty the aluminum frames for life.

Dail also suggests looking for lasting finishes that won’t fade or be damaged by salt air and water. McKinnon and Harris uses Henkel Bonderite EC²—a process traditionally used to protect underwater gear on marine equipment ranging from submarines to yachts—to prevent moisture from penetrating and corroding or damaging the finish. This undercoat is one of 12 steps used to ensure a durable finish that retains its color and beauty over time.

Choose Textiles With Beauty and Brawn

Forget the plasticky, rough upholstery of yesteryear: With the right performance fabric, outdoor furniture can be as comfortable and tactile as your living room sofa, says Dail. Not sure where to start? Consider where you’ll be using the material: Will it be in a protected area, or fully exposed to the elements? If it’s the latter, consider acrylic textiles like McKinnon and Harris’s linen-look La Dolce Vita in forgiving mid-tone colors that are less likely to fade or show wear. (Acrylic, like a good sunscreen, has properties that naturally deflect the sun’s rays and holds its color for years of exposure.) For covered spaces where you want a particularly luxurious fabric, try the outdoor acrylic bouclés, chenilles, and velvets in the Toccare collection.

For extra low-maintenance chaises and chairs, consider Batyline®, an open-weave mesh textile with PVC coating that won’t fade in UV light and is mildew-resistant. McKinnon and Harris even offers its own wipeable, element-proof AquaLeather® in a pleasing neutral palette: It’s as soft and supple as leather, but far more durable and fade-resistant.

Indulge in Some Pillow Talk

When it comes to upholstery, what’s inside matters just as much as the fabric. Stay away from polyfill foam, which holds moisture like a sponge. McKinnon and Harris’s fill is made from a quick-draining reticulated foam, ensuring cushions hold their shape and facilitating airflow to prevent mildew. 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. The result is a comfy, cozy chair or sofa that can hold its own in every condition.

Show Off Your Style

Elevating the alfresco aesthetic is all in the details: contrast welts and custom fringes or tape trims, sewn stripes, bolster and throw pillows, outdoor blankets, and other accents that add an extra layer of style—and coziness. A crisp blue-and-white stripe like Barefoot or  Regatta lends a nautical feel to upholstered pieces, while a richly textured weave like Caterpillar is perfect for chillier coastal climates. And don’t be afraid to indulge in color: A drinks table in an unexpected hue (we love the sherbet shades of the del Palma Color Collection) adds an instant pop of personality to any scheme.

Take Good Care

While even the most durable furnishings need some TLC to stay in top-notch condition, McKinnon and Harris makes maintenance next to effortless. A quick wash with the garden hose cleans their fabrics and pillows; beyond that, an occasional vacuum is all that’s required. (If you’re planning to leave furniture unattended for long periods of time, custom protective covers provide extra security.) If your furniture ever starts to lose its luster, Dail suggests a custom tune-up: McKinnon and Harris offers a tip-to-toe revitalization service that includes stripping each piece down to the aluminum frame, repairing any nicks and scratches, replacing hardware, and applying a new 12-stage coating. The resulting pieces come back as good as new, ensuring your outdoor style stays fresh forever.