Teak, acacia and HDPE (high-density polyethylene, the plastic lumber used by brands such as POLYWOOD) are the three materials buyers most often weigh when they want a patio dining set that is not metal and not wicker. They differ in upkeep, look and how they age.
This guide explains the differences with listings we reviewed as examples. For picks, see Best Teak Patio Dining Sets, Best Acacia Wood Patio Dining Sets and Best Polywood Patio Dining Sets.
Teak
Teak is a dense hardwood with natural oils, which is why it is the traditional choice for outdoor furniture. Left untreated it weathers from golden brown to a silver gray. Some owners like that look, others oil or seal the wood to keep the color, following the maker's care instructions.
Example: a solid teak table
The Titan Great Outdoors Ash & Ember Luna is a table, not a full set. The listing describes Grade A teak, a 47.5 inch round drop-leaf top, a 2.5 inch umbrella hole and stainless steel hinges. It is listed at about 64 pounds with an unfinished surface.
Titan Great Outdoors Ash & Ember Luna 47-inch
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Read the word carefully. Many sets sold with “teak” in the title are teak-colored, not teak wood. In our research, several of them were plastic or HIPS tops on aluminum frames.
Example: a teak-look set
The YEFU seven-piece set lists an all-weather HIPS table and chairs on a metal aluminum frame in a teak color. The listing gives the seven pieces a combined weight of 288.7 pounds. It is a plastic and metal set, and the teak is only the color.
YEFU 7-Piece Patio Dining Set Review
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Acacia
Acacia is a hardwood that is easier to find in sets than solid teak. It looks like a warm wood table, and makers typically treat or finish it for outdoor use. It still wants periodic care, such as oiling or re-sealing, per the maker, and it is better kept out of constant standing water.
Example: acacia top with a steel frame
The Devoko seven-piece set lists a 35 x 59 inch acacia table top on a steel frame, with hand-woven rattan chairs and removable seat covers. The listing weight is 124 pounds. The maker says the acacia is treated, which is a claim to check against its care instructions.
DEVOKO 7-Piece Acacia Wood Patio Dining Set
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HDPE
HDPE is a plastic lumber. It does not need sealing or painting, wipes clean with soap and water, and has no grain to split. Makers say the color runs through the material, so scratches are less visible than on painted surfaces. The trade-offs are weight, a more uniform look, and a surface that can feel hot in direct sun.
Example: an HDPE dining set
The SERWALL seven-piece set lists an HDPE table measuring 66.9 inches long with an umbrella hole, and six chairs. The maker states the table holds up to 220 lb and each chair up to 330 lb.
SERWALL 7-Piece HDPE Dining Set Review
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Quick Comparison
| Material | Upkeep | Look | Watch for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teak | Oil or let it silver, per the maker | Natural wood grain | Teak-colored listings that are not teak |
| Acacia | Periodic oiling or sealing, per the maker | Warm wood, often paired with metal | Standing water, finish wear |
| HDPE | Wash with soap and water | Uniform, wood-look plastic | Weight, heat in direct sun |
- Want real hardwood and will maintain it: teak or acacia.
- Want the least upkeep: HDPE.
- Want a wood look with a metal frame: acacia top sets.
- Shopping for teak: confirm the material line says teak wood, not a teak color.
FAQ
Is teak better than acacia?
Teak is denser and naturally oily, so it is the traditional benchmark. Acacia can look similar and is easier to find in sets. Both want care, so compare the maker's finish and upkeep instructions.
Is HDPE the same as POLYWOOD?
POLYWOOD is a brand that makes furniture from HDPE lumber. Other makers also sell HDPE sets, so compare each maker's own material, frame and weight capacity.
Do I have to oil teak or acacia?
Only if you want to keep the original color or the maker requires it. Follow the care instructions that come with the piece.
Which handles rain best?
HDPE needs the least protection. Wood handles rain better when it is finished, dried after storms and kept out of standing water, as the maker advises.
The Bottom Line
Choose teak if you want the real hardwood and will care for it, acacia for a wood look in a complete set, and HDPE if low upkeep matters most. Check that a “teak” listing is actually teak, and treat all weight figures as the maker's.
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