Garden Furniture Buying Guide

As the days get longer and the sun arrives for the season, many of us find ourselves seeking new garden furniture sets to bask in the warmth of summer. Choosing the best material for outdoor furniture can feel overwhelming with the array of options available. But fear not—our experts are here to guide you. So, whether planning family gatherings or relaxing in the garden on your own this summer, you’ll know you’ve chosen the best garden furniture set for you.

What to Look for in Outdoor Furniture

Finding the perfect garden furniture to complement your outdoor area involves more than aesthetic appeal. It’s an extension of your interior styles to the great outdoors, so it requires careful consideration of the materials, durability and overall functionality. Before diving into the array of options available, it's essential to consider a few key factors that can influence your decision:

The great British weather can be unpredictable, so opting for long-lasting garden material that can withstand both the sun and rain without deteriorating is key. Aluminum and wooden garden furniture are both excellent choices for this. While they may need a deep clean after winter, they’ll last you for many summers. Get more expert tips on which garden furniture can stay out all year.

Garden furniture should complement your outdoor space. Following the latest garden trends can provide styling direction, but timeless traditional pieces will never let you down. Rattan furniture is a firm favourite due to the luxury appeal it offers, whereas wooden outdoor furniture is a timeless addition too. 

Consider the upkeep required to keep your furniture looking pristine. While some materials may require regular spruce-ups, others are more low-maintenance and easy to clean. To make cleaning your furniture a breeze, our caring for your garden furniture guide will be your saving grace.

If you’re short on space, you don’t necessarily need to buy a smaller patio set, thanks to the many multifunctional options that are available. Outdoor storage benches offer built-in storage to house garden accessories and cushions. Others are compact and stackable, letting you store the table within the chairs to save storage space.

The layout and flow of your garden is another important decision, as they can easily become overcrowded if you’re underutilising your space. Incorporating garden zones is perfect for busy families as it creates room for relaxing and focused gardening areas to grow fruit and vegetables from scratch. 

Understanding the Different Types of Garden Furniture 

From dining sets for al fresco meals to loungers for soaking up the sun, there's a wide array of garden furniture options to fit every garden space and preference.

Garden chairs are ideal for any sized outdoor space, as they offer a cosy yet inviting feel alongside larger sofa sets, or provide the perfect foundations for a reading nook. With various garden chair types, each offering its unique benefits and style, it can be difficult to decide on the best type for your area.

When it comes to selecting the right material for your garden furniture, several options stand out for their durability, aesthetics, and ease of maintenance:

The timeless traditional choice, wooden garden furniture always looks beautiful. It adds a natural charm to your outside space and available in various types. Common types of hardwood used are acacia, eucalyptus and teak, with the latter needing the least amount of upkeep. Boasting a straight grain, this dense wood has a high oil content, which means it won’t warp over time. It’s also more water-resistant than other woods, helping to prevent against rot. However, whatever type of wood your furniture is made from, it will have almost invariably been given a weather-resistant treatment to help prevent rot and lengthen its lifespan. To keep it in top condition, however, you'll need to treat it once a year.

It’s also good to know how the wood has been sourced. If it’s FSC-certified, it’s been sustainably sourced from well-managed forests and approved by the Forest Stewardship Council – an important factor to bear in mind for the protection of the planet.

Sturdy and easy to maintain, metal garden furniture can look both classic and contemporary, and comes in a variety of colours. The most common metals are aluminium and steel; the former is lightweight, easy to move around and doesn’t rust, whereas steel is stronger, heavier and can rust. It’s common for steel to have a powder coating, which is more resistant to chipping, fading and wearing than other finishes. It’s also rust-proof, though if it does get chipped it can rust in that area.

Lightweight and long-lasting, rattan garden furniture adds a charming appeal to any garden. Its naturally lightweight and weather-resistant features make it a firm favourite, as it’ll also withstand both rain and UV light without fading in colour. Caring for rattan furniture couldn’t be easier, as all it needs is a quick wipe down every so often or a deeper clean with warm soapy water after a harsh winter. 

Our experts recommend avoiding using jet washes or hoses to clean rattan furniture to avoid damaging the woven structure. Made of high-quality resin – a man-made material – it comes in two main types:

• Round/half round weave – This is the more luxurious option with a more traditional look.

• Flat weave – This type is more modern and tends to be cheaper.

Plastic garden furniture is hard-wearing and can be eco-friendly with our recycled garden furniture range - helping you to shop more sustainably. It’s also lightweight and easy to maintain, as it simply needs a wipe down with soapy water every so often to keep it looking as good as new, making it an ideal addition to any garden.

• Consider storage: If space is limited or you want to protect your furniture during the winter months, look for options that are easy to stack or fold for compact storage.
• Accessorise: Enhance the comfort and style of your outdoor space with accessories such as cushions, throws, and outdoor rugs that reflect your personality and create a welcoming atmosphere.
• Think long-term: Invest in quality furniture that will stand the test of time if you’re looking for garden furniture to use for many summers to come. Don’t always go for the cheapest option - think about value and ‘cost per summer’. 

With our expert tips and insights, you're well-equipped to find the perfect garden furniture for your outdoor sanctuary. Whether you're seeking durability, style or comfort, there's a wealth of options available to suit your needs and preferences. So go ahead, envision your ideal outdoor retreat, and let your garden furniture bring your vision to life. Shop garden furniture online and in-store.