Patio Furniture for Melbourne FL: Best Materials for the Space Coast

Choosing the right patio furniture in Melbourne FL on the Space Coast means understanding what Brevard County’s unique coastal environment will do to whatever you put on your patio. Between the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the Indian River Lagoon to the west, and some of the highest humidity readings in the state, outdoor furniture here faces a double dose of moisture exposure that inland Florida homes never deal with. We’ve been furnishing Space Coast patios for decades, and this guide covers exactly which materials hold up — and which ones don’t.

Space Coast Climate Factors That Affect Patio Furniture in Melbourne FL

Melbourne sits on a narrow barrier between the Atlantic and the Indian River Lagoon, creating a moisture environment that’s more aggressive than what you’d find in Orlando or even Tampa. The ocean sends salt-laden air across the barrier islands into mainland Brevard County. The lagoon adds its own humidity layer from the west. The result is a corridor where metal corrodes faster, wood absorbs more moisture, and cheap materials fail sooner than their manufacturers predict.

Brevard County also sits squarely in Florida’s hurricane zone. The Space Coast has experienced direct hits and near-misses from major storms repeatedly over the past two decades. Outdoor furniture needs to be heavy enough to resist wind or light enough to move quickly into a garage. There’s no in-between when a tropical system enters the Atlantic.

Summer UV exposure on the Space Coast is intense. According to the EPA’s UV Index scale, Melbourne regularly hits UV Index 10-11 during June through August — classified as “very high” to “extreme.” This level of radiation degrades low-quality fabrics, plastics, and unprotected finishes rapidly.

Material Performance Comparison for Melbourne’s Coastal Environment

Not all patio furniture materials respond equally to the Space Coast’s conditions. Here’s how each option we carry performs in Melbourne’s specific environment:

Aluminum (powder-coated): Excellent choice for Melbourne. Aluminum doesn’t rust, and powder coating provides a UV-stable, salt-resistant barrier. Lightweight enough to move for storms, strong enough for daily use. This is our most popular material across all Brevard County showrooms.

Cast aluminum: Premium option with the same corrosion resistance as standard aluminum but with decorative detailing and heavier weight. The added mass provides wind stability — useful on exposed patios near the coast. Ideal for Melbourne homeowners who want both durability and elegance.

Resin wicker: Strong performer on the Space Coast. Modern resin wicker is woven from synthetic PE rattan over aluminum frames, making it impervious to moisture, salt, and UV. Unlike natural wicker, it won’t rot, crack, or grow mold in Brevard County’s humidity.

Poly lumber (HDPE): Completely moisture-proof and UV-stabilized. Poly lumber absorbs zero water, which makes it ideal for poolside, dock-side, and lagoon-facing patios where furniture is constantly exposed to splash and spray. Color runs through the entire material, so scratches don’t show.

PVC pipe: Lightweight, affordable, and resistant to salt and moisture. PVC furniture works well for casual Space Coast settings — pool decks, lanais, and beach house patios where low maintenance matters most.

For a comprehensive comparison of all these materials with construction details and use cases, our patio furniture guide has everything you need.

Why Resin Wicker Is So Popular on the Space Coast

Resin wicker has become the material of choice for many Melbourne-area homeowners, and the reasons go beyond aesthetics. The woven construction provides a comfortable, slightly flexible seating surface that breathes in Florida heat. The aluminum subframe won’t corrode. And the synthetic wicker strands are engineered to resist the specific wavelengths of UV light that cause fading and brittleness.

We see especially high demand for resin wicker from customers in Satellite Beach, Indialantic, and the beachside communities where the tropical aesthetic matches the architecture. Wicker deep-seating sets on screened lanais are practically a Space Coast standard at this point. The material also cleans easily — a hose-down removes the salt film that accumulates near the coast, and a soft brush handles any debris that collects in the weave.

Aluminum vs. Cast Aluminum for Coastal Brevard County

Choosing between standard aluminum and cast aluminum comes down to weight, style, and budget. Standard powder-coated aluminum is lighter, making it easy to rearrange or bring inside for storms. It’s also our most affordable metal option. Cast aluminum is heavier, more ornate, and carries a higher price point — but its weight provides natural wind resistance that lighter frames can’t match.

For exposed patios in Viera, Palm Bay, and mainland Melbourne where wind gusts sweep across open developments, cast aluminum’s stability is a practical advantage. For covered lanais and screened enclosures — common across the Space Coast — standard aluminum is often the better value because wind isn’t a factor.

Both materials offer the same fundamental corrosion resistance. Neither will rust in Melbourne’s coastal humidity, and both accept premium powder-coat finishes that handle salt air without degrading.

Frequently Asked Questions

What patio furniture material is best for oceanfront homes in Melbourne FL?

For direct oceanfront exposure on the Space Coast, poly lumber and resin wicker over aluminum frames are the top choices. Both are completely immune to salt corrosion and moisture damage. Cast aluminum with quality powder coating also performs well but benefits from regular freshwater rinsing to remove salt buildup. Avoid wrought iron and untreated wood — they’ll deteriorate quickly in direct ocean exposure.

How often should I clean patio furniture on the Space Coast?

We recommend a freshwater rinse at least once a month for furniture exposed to salt air, which includes most of Brevard County. A deeper cleaning with mild soap and water every 2-3 months keeps finishes looking new. Cushions and fabrics benefit from a brushing to remove pollen and salt residue every few weeks, especially during spring and summer.

Does Palm Casual deliver patio furniture to all of Brevard County?

Yes. We deliver throughout Brevard County, covering Melbourne, Palm Bay, Viera, Satellite Beach, Indialantic, Eau Gallie, Cocoa Beach, Merritt Island, Titusville, and all surrounding communities. Our Melbourne-area showroom makes it easy for Space Coast homeowners to browse in person and arrange convenient delivery.

Visit our Palm Casual Melbourne showroom to see the full range of patio furniture materials built for the Space Coast climate. Our team understands Brevard County’s unique conditions and can help you choose pieces that will look great and last for years — whether you’re furnishing a Viera patio, a Satellite Beach lanai, or an Indialantic poolside. Stop by today for factory-direct pricing on patio furniture Melbourne FL homeowners trust.

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