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Landscaping & Garden Design

How to Choose Garden Furniture

April 30, 2021

Garden furniture is often the last purchase for a newly refurbished garden, and it's tempting to buy the cheapest. But you get what you pay for. We don't sell garden furniture but, with so many of our customers buying it, we look at how to choose the best furniture for your patio.

Choosing the right outdoor furniture is key to your enjoyment of your patio, as here in this project by Living Landscapes, using Tumbled Black sandstone paving.

What to look for when buying garden furniture

The best time to buy recliners and other garden furniture may be winter, but whatever time you want to replace your garden furniture, these handy tips will help you make the perfect choice.

Choose the right furniture for your lifestyle

With so much choice available in furniture, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. Think about how you intend to use your garden and how you like to live; this is key. Your outdoor furniture should suit your lifestyle.

For entertaining

If your garden is going to be a place for your family to enjoy evening meals or games night, then you should consider something with comfortable seats, enough room for everyone and a parasol to offer shade and shelter. Large modular sets are perfect. There is plenty of room for everyone to gather around comfortably to enjoy alfresco dining and good conversation. An adjustable table is worth considering, especially for small spaces as it can change to meet your needs throughout the day. During the day, keep the table low as a coffee table. In the evening, adjust the table to the upper height and gather friends and family around for dinner or board games.

Small and cosy

A bistro dining set was made for these types of gardens! It’s the perfect space-saving option to allow those with even the smallest of gardens to enjoy the tranquillity of alfresco dining. Its compact size means that you can make the most of your existing space without having to compromise on attractive outdoor furniture. Garden egg chairs are smaller than other types of furniture which also makes them worth considering. You can put the chair in a corner and use the space, without making it feel crowded. Modular furniture can be surprisingly compact. Look for a sofa with side-tables fitted either end, to save on table space. Foot stools can double up as additional seating. Or an ottoman can provide hidden storage space under the seat.

Maintenance requirements

Garden furniture is often left outside to fend off the changing weather conditions. For this reason, you should consider how much maintenance may be required. Different materials require different levels of maintenance. Read about the best materials to leave outside.

Storage

A lot of furniture is designed to be left outdoors all year round. If your furniture is not winter-proof, it will need storage, or at least protection. Sheds, garages, or even a conservatory are ideal storage spaces. But if you don't have space, consider investing in furniture covers to keep the harsher weather from affecting condition.

Seating position

Wherever you put your furniture - patio, decking, inside a conservatory or on the lawn - it will transform the space. When you are looking for your perfect garden set, take time to consider how you plan to arrange your space, and the views you would like to enjoy while seated.

Why is garden furniture so expensive?

Not all garden furniture is expensive, but price usually reflects the construction and materials used. For most of us, it pays to invest in good quality, as spending a little more upfront brings benefits later down the line. A more expensive set should last year after year, while cheaper items might be lightweight and look appealing but are likely to lack the qualities needed to withstand outdoor conditions and will need replacing much sooner. It's also worth checking your furniture comes with a guarantee. This gives you peace of mind that the manufacturer is happy to stand by their products.

The frame

A durable frame is essential as, without it, your table and chairs will soon become wobbly and less rigid. Look at the construction, wherever possible - at how firmly joints have been created and at the bracing employed. Most frames are made of powder-coated aluminium for lightness and strength. Ask about the grade of aluminium. Some frames are double powder-coated for extra durability.

The seat

Look for seats that are deep enough for you to sit comfortably and well-supported under the legs. Curved arms can add to comfort and the amount of space within the chair.

The cushions

Look out for bull-nosed edge cushions. These are seamless where the seat joins the front of the cushion, and so can be more comfortable when seated for longer periods. Consider weather- or season-proof cushions. These vary in texture and not everyone likes the feel. However, high-quality ones are now difficult to distinguish from normal material. Water-repellant and UV-resistant to prevent fading, some contain a free-draining, ventilated core that allows water to pass through easily, giving you a dry seat within hours of a downpour. Forgetting to bring in non weather-proof cushions means long hours waiting for them to dry out and the danger of their being put away while still damp, which induces mould. Cushions should also have easy-to-remove zip covers, for quick and easy cleaning as and when it is needed.

What's the best material for garden furniture?

Synthetic rattan

Synthetic rattan is popular for good reason. Good quality rattan can be expected to last a minimum of 10 years, but the furniture's durability is affected by how it is made. The weave should be bound tightly to the frame.

What is synthetic rattan?

Synthetic rattan is made from man-made fibres. The fibres are woven in the same way as real rattan, to give it the same classic wicker feel and appearance. For the best effect, look for a synthetic rattan weave with a variety of tones for a more realistic appearance. Although real rattan is one of the strongest materials and a good choice for furniture because it is flexible and widely available, it does not suit the British climate. It tends to rot when exposed to the damp conditions that are so familiar to us. This makes leaving it outside a headache. Synthetic rattan, or rattan effect, is a much better choice of furniture for the UK. The waterproof fibres are coated with UV additives that prevent fading over the years, as well as giving protection from general wear and tear. You may even find weaves with the eco-credentials of being made from partially recycled material.

Metal furniture

Metal furniture usually offers a more modern vibe than rattan, with a sleek, minimalist profile. For this reason, it can look particularly good with the precise lines of porcelain paving.

Aluminium

One of the best choices you can make is powder-coated aluminium. This material is rust-proof as well lightweight, so easy to move around. It's also easy to maintain, just requiring a quick clean-up to keep it looking its best. Modern technology has made it easier to incorporate metal throughout an outdoor furniture design, making it practical, while retaining an attractive appearance. Wood-effect aluminium table-tops and side-tables, are increasingly common in metal outdoor furniture sets. These have been hand-brushed and slatted for a super-realistic effect, are easy to care for.

Iron

You'll also find furniture made of iron. Iron furniture is often ornate in design, for a traditional look. If powder-coated, it will be protected from rusting. Otherwise, you'll need to keep an eye out for rust and apply a rust protector. Iron furniture can be extremely heavy to lift and manoeuvre; this can be an issue if you need to move the furniture to safely store it. If the iron is not powder-coated, you'll need to apply a rust inhibitor. So, there you have it. Plenty to think about. Once you've bought your new additions, see our tips on looking after your new outdoor furniture. Post updated: March 2024