In simple terms, teak urban outdoor furniture usually costs more upfront than aluminum—often 30% to 80% more, and sometimes close to double depending on design, brand, and construction quality.
As a broad ballpark, a decent aluminum dining chair might run $150–$500, while a comparable teak chair often starts around $400 and can go past $1,000. Aluminum benches may sit around $300–$1,000, while teak benches often land in the $800–$2,500 range. For tables, powder-coated aluminum might be $500–$2,000, while teak tables commonly run $1,000–$4,000. Commercial-grade pieces and custom designs can push both materials much higher.
The gap comes down to material and production. Teak is a dense, naturally oily hardwood that resists weather well, feels warm, and ages to a silver-gray patina if left untreated. It is also heavier, more expensive to source, and more costly to craft. Aluminum is lighter, easier to ship, and usually cheaper to manufacture, especially when powder-coated for outdoor use.
Maintenance changes the math, but not always as much as people expect. Teak needs occasional cleaning and, if you want to keep the golden color, periodic oiling. Aluminum is very low-maintenance—usually just soap and water—but powder coatings can chip, and lightweight frames can dent. In urban settings such as cafés, rooftops, balconies, and public terraces, aluminum’s low weight and lower replacement cost are real advantages.
Long term, teak can last for decades and often holds its value better, while high-quality aluminum can also last many years if the coating and joints are solid. So the cheaper option upfront is usually aluminum, but the better value depends on how long you plan to keep the furniture, how much maintenance you will do, and how much visual warmth you want in the space.