Honestly, there is no single number, but in a typical urban setting I would usually expect noticeable fading or cracking to start showing up somewhere around the 3–7 year mark. That estimate is for everyday municipal or commercial outdoor furniture—benches, chairs, tables, and planters—left outside year-round. Cheaper residential-grade pieces may start looking tired in 2–4 years, while well-made commercial-grade furniture with good powder coating, stainless hardware, and UV-stabilized materials can often go 7–10 years or more before the finish really begins to fail.
Material makes a huge difference. Powder-coated aluminum or steel might show color fade or chalking in about 5–8 years, and cracking or peeling usually starts after scratches, chips, or long exposure to pollution and moisture. Untreated wood such as teak or acacia can gray and develop small surface cracks within 1–3 years, though the structural wood may last much longer if it is maintained. Resin wicker often lasts around 5–8 years before sun damage makes it brittle, while fabric slings and cushions are usually the first to go—often after 2–5 years of strong UV exposure. High-density polyethylene furniture is one of the tougher options and may hold color for 8–12 years or more, depending on the quality.
Urban conditions speed things up. Intense sun, rain, freeze-thaw cycles, air pollution, salt near the coast, bird droppings, and lack of cleaning all wear down finishes. Furniture in shaded, covered areas will last longer than pieces on a hot, exposed plaza. Cleaning helps more than most people think: rinse off dirt, touch up chips quickly, oil wood when needed, and store cushions out of the weather. If you are buying for a public space, choose commercial-grade, UV-stabilized materials and check the warranty. A realistic rule of thumb is 3–7 years for visible fading or cracking in average urban use, with better materials and regular care pushing that closer to a decade.