When furnishing a rooftop terrace, the weight of your outdoor furniture becomes a crucial consideration. Heavy furniture, typically made from materials like teak, wrought iron, or stone, offers excellent stability against strong winds and generally provides superior durability. These pieces are less likely to blow over during storms and often feature weather-resistant properties that withstand years of exposure. However, they're difficult to move for cleaning or rearranging, and may require reinforced structural support for your rooftop.
Lightweight furniture, constructed from aluminum, resin wicker, or plastic, offers greater flexibility and easier portability. You can quickly rearrange your layout for different occasions or move pieces to sheltered areas when severe weather approaches. Modern lightweight materials have significantly improved in durability and weather resistance, though they may still be more susceptible to tipping in windy conditions unless properly secured.
The ideal choice depends on your specific rooftop environment. In consistently windy areas, heavy furniture or properly anchored lightweight pieces work best. For multi-purpose spaces where flexibility is key, lightweight furniture provides practical advantages. Many homeowners find a mixed approach optimal—investing in heavy anchor pieces like dining tables while incorporating lighter accent chairs and stools that can be easily stored when not in use.