In short, well-made wooden urban outdoor furniture often lasts around 8 to 15 years, while metal furniture typically lasts 10 to 20 years. But that range is broad, because material quality, coating, climate, public use, and maintenance matter just as much as whether the furniture is wood or metal.
Wooden outdoor furniture varies a lot by species. Softwoods such as pine or basic cedar may last about 5 to 10 years in exposed urban settings unless they are properly treated and maintained. Durable hardwoods like teak, iroko, robinia, or dense eucalyptus often last 15 to 25 years, and with regular oiling, cleaning, and repairs, some pieces can go longer. In cities, wooden benches and planters face rain, UV, pollution, and heavy public use, so poor drainage or neglected finishes can shorten their life quickly.
Metal furniture is similarly variable. Powder-coated steel may last around 10 to 15 years, while cheaper painted steel can fail in 5 to 10 years if rust starts at scratches or joints. Aluminum is a strong urban choice because it resists rust well and often lasts 15 to 20 years or more. Stainless steel can reach 20 to 30 years in many environments, and cast iron can last for decades, though it needs protection against corrosion and regular inspection. Coastal or polluted areas are harder on all metals, especially where salt and moisture are present.
For public spaces, the longest-lasting choices are usually durable hardwood, aluminum, stainless steel, or well-coated steel with replaceable parts. A realistic lifespan also depends on design: good drainage, capped legs, accessible fixings, and repairable slats or seats can add years. So a simple answer is that wood often ranges from 8 to 15 years and metal from 10 to 20 years, but high-quality materials with good maintenance can comfortably exceed those figures.