Whether installed on balconies, patios or large lawns, well-chosen furniture makes the garden both fun and functional.
When you buy new garden furniture, not only do you want it to enhance your garden, but also be practical and durable. Choosing dining sets, sofas, lounge chairs, coffee tables and more is an investment, so to ensure it lasts and lasts through rain, cold and sun, there are a few factors to take into account.
One big question is whether you’re able to store furniture over the winter. If so, less sturdy options are a possibility (especially if they fold away to save space). However, most people have no choice but to keep large items outside all year round, so it’s vital to consider what garden furniture is made from and how you need to look after it to prolong its life.
Broadly speaking, four materials are used to make garden furniture, each with pros and cons. So, before you can sit back with a glass of something cold and enjoy lounging in the sun, consider these key points.
Metal – the trick is to avoid rust or corrosion
Before buying any metal garden furniture, it’s important to establish what type of metal it’s made from. Both cast and wrought iron can rust and are usually given a painted or powder-coated finish to protect them. You’ll need to clean and repaint this very heavy, traditional-style furniture regularly, but look after it well, and it should last forever.
Steel furniture also needs to be sealed or painted, or left bare and galvanised. Stainless steel, on the other hand, should be more resistant to wear but keep an eye on it and be prepared to step in with rust remover as necessary. Cast aluminium is naturally rust-resistant. It can corrode, though, so is best when protected with a painted finish.
Finally, bear in mind that metal furniture is more comfortable with cushions, which, ideally, you will need to store away in bad weather.
Timber – choose a type that wears attractively
All timber garden furniture wears naturally over time, turning a mellow, silver-green shade. The cheaper the wood, the less likely it is to last – softwoods like pine and cedar, for example, need regular attention and are unlikely to be very durable. Solid oak is naturally long lasting, provided regular after-care is carried out, while teak and eucalyptus contain natural oils that enhance their durability.
The downside? You may need to oil and/or stain timber furniture each year; it will certainly need a clean and, if painted, perhaps a touch-up. Don’t paint hardwood, though – the oils will affect the paint. If possible, keep timber furniture covered when it’s cold or rainy but use a breathable cover so you don’t trap moisture and foster mould and rot.
Wicker – both natural and man-made
Natural rattan, woven in a wicker pattern, is beautiful but doesn’t stand up to the cold, wet British climate. It must also be stored over the winter if you don’t want it to deteriorate quickly.
A more popular choice these days is synthetic rattan, which has realistic variations of tone and texture, and can be woven onto a lightweight aluminium frame. Quality versions look and feel natural but are completely weatherproof, needing just a clean with soapy water now and then.
Plastic – practical and inexpensive (usually)
This can be a cheap option – but not always. Some designer versions come in sculptural shapes and cool colours, and are made from eco-friendly, recycled materials. Budget versions are more flimsy, tend to blow around in the wind and may even warp in hot weather. In general, good-quality plastic is very weather resistant and only needs the occasional clean with soapy water to keep it looking good, with no need for winter storage.
