If you're dealing with big-city winters—road salt, slush, freeze-thaw cycles, wind tunnels between buildings—you need to think less about looks first and more about materials and maintenance. The furniture that survives isn't just “outdoor”; it's specifically built to handle moisture, salt, and temperature swings.
My first pick is powder-coated aluminum. It's lightweight, won't rust like steel, and the coating protects it from salt and scratches. Look for a thick, marine-grade powder coat and check that joints and welds are sealed. If the coating chips, touch it up before winter. Pair it with sling or mesh seats so water doesn't pool.
Teak is another strong option. It's naturally oily and rot-resistant, so snow and rain won't destroy it. It will weather to a silver-gray unless you oil it, and that's normal. Just avoid teak that feels light or has thin slats; quality matters. For a lower-maintenance wood look, consider HDPE—high-density polyethylene. Recycled plastic furniture handles salt, ice, and UV without cracking, and it never needs painting. It can be heavy, but that's often a plus in windy city balconies.
Stainless steel can work, but only if it's 304 or 316 marine-grade. Cheaper steel will rust, especially near roads where salt is everywhere. Even marine-grade stainless should be rinsed occasionally. Concrete and fiber-cement pieces are great for permanent rooftops and parks because they resist freeze-thaw, but they're very heavy and should be sealed.
What to avoid? Mild steel and wrought iron unless they're galvanized and powder-coated. Untreated pine, natural rattan, and cheap “all-weather” wicker with a thin resin skin often fail after one or two harsh winters.
Cushions and covers matter as much as frames. Choose weatherproof cushions with solution-dyed acrylic or olefin fabrics, quick-dry foam, and removable covers. If you can, store cushions indoors during storms. If not, use breathable waterproof covers—not airtight plastic, which traps moisture and causes mold. Elevate furniture slightly so it doesn't sit in meltwater, and make sure tables and chairs have drainage holes or slatted surfaces.
For a practical city setup, I'd suggest a powder-coated aluminum or HDPE bench, a small teak side table, marine-grade stainless hardware, and a lockable storage box for cushions. Rinse off road salt in spring, tighten bolts in fall, and use furniture feet to prevent scratches and rust rings. With those choices, your outdoor space can look good all winter without becoming a renovation project every spring.