The Ultimate Guide to Garden Furniture
Is it time to spruce up your garden? Whether your current outdoor furniture’s looking a bit tired, you need extra seating for that family BBQ you accidentally organised, or you just want something to cover the weeds sprouting up through your patio, a new garden furniture set is surely the answer.
But which one to choose? What style and material are best, what do you need to consider before purchasing, and how do you maintain your outdoor furniture once you’ve got it?
For the answers to all these questions and more, read on for our ultimate guide to garden furniture. We’re here to tell you everything you need to know about bringing the indoors out – so get comfy, and dig in!
Style
Before you go any further, the first thing you need to decide is what style of garden furniture you want. For this, consider the size of the space available and how you intend to use it. Will you be eating outside regularly in the summer? In this case, you might want a dining set. Are you all about relaxing in the sun with a good book? Then you might prefer an outdoor sofa or sun lounger. Below are some of the most popular styles of garden furniture:
- Bistro Sets
The perfect choice for two people, bistro sets originated outside Parisian cafés, and consist of a small table and two chairs. These conversational sets are ideal for smaller gardens and households.
- Table and Chairs
If a bistro set isn’t large enough to accommodate your brood, consider a garden coffee table and chairs set with more seating. Choosing wide, padded armchairs will ensure you can relax in comfort and style.
- Sofas
A garden sofa is the ultimate way to bring indoor living outside. A corner style creates an excellent environment for socialising and allows you to put your feet up once everyone’s (finally!) gone home.
- Benches
A bench is the epitome of classic garden furniture, especially wooden ones. They can range in size from compact 2-seaters to large dining benches but are characterised by their long seats and backrests. Some even come with a built-in table!
- Egg Chairs
Want an outdoor sanctuary to escape everyday life? Then add an egg chair to your garden. These cocooning garden chairs can be freestanding or hanging and are perfect for cosying up at the end of a long day!
- Dining Sets
If eating outside under the stars is your idea of the perfect evening, then you should consider an outdoor dining set. This style of garden furniture consists of a dining table and chairs – choose comfy, cushioned ones so you can keep the party going all night!
- Bar Sets
Similar to a dining set, a bar set features a higher table and bar stools instead of dining chairs. Some options might also incorporate an ice bucket and parasol. This style of furniture is perfect for enjoying drinks alfresco.
- Sun Loungers
And if you’re more about catching the rays than entertaining the masses, a garden sun lounger could be your perfect match. Fetch your sunglasses, hat and a Piña Colada, and you could be on the Costa Del Sol (weather depending!)
Material
Once you know what style you want, it’s time to choose the material for your garden furniture, and you’ll be pleased to know there are several great options. Here are some of the most popular choices:
- Rattan
Rattan is the material of the moment in garden furniture. Although traditionally natural rattan would have been used, these days it’s much more common to find poly-rattan strips woven around a metal frame, to make attractive, weatherproof and durable garden furniture.
- Metal
Metal provides a base for many rattan and upholstered garden furniture sets, thanks to its strength and durability. It’s also a popular choice on its own and can bring a modern, industrial look to your garden – especially when painted in bright colours. The downside of metal is that some types can rust. Aluminium is a good option if you want to avoid this.
- Wood
Wood is the traditional choice for garden furniture and has many great benefits: it’s natural, stylish, tough and hardwearing. This is particularly true of hardwoods such as teak and acacia. Softwoods such as pine can be a little less durable, although more abundant and affordable. Whichever wood you choose, it will need to be regularly oiled to maintain it.
- Plastic
In addition to poly-rattan outdoor furniture, you can also find solid plastic furniture. This tends to be cheap, lightweight and easy to move around your garden. However, this can also be a drawback, as, during a storm or high winds, you might find your plastic furniture pops over to your neighbour’s garden for a visit!
Comfort
However great it looks, you won’t end up using your garden furniture if it’s not comfortable! A bare wood or metal bench might appear beautifully rustic, but after a few hours perched on one, your numb bum will be craving some padding. Make sure your chosen furniture either comes with cushions or that you can add your own without ruining the look.
Additional features such as a built-in fire pit in the table can also offer additional comfort, keeping you warm and cosy after the sun sets.
FAQs
How long will my garden furniture last?
This depends on the material and build of your furniture, as well as maintenance and your climate. Hardwoods that are treated regularly might easily last 20+ years. Softwoods, meanwhile, might need replacing after 5 – 10 years. A good-quality, rust-resistant metal furniture set can also last for decades. PU rattan is generally very hardwearing and will last much longer outside than natural rattan, which is less durable.
Can I leave my garden furniture outside all year round?
You should always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on this, as it varies depending on the material, construction and weight of your furniture (as to whether it’s likely to fly away!). As a rule, durable materials such as wood, metal and PU rattan are ok to be left outside year-round, but you may want to cover them to prolong their life. Cushions should usually be brought inside to prevent mildew. No one wants mouldy cushions!
How much maintenance does garden furniture need?
Again, this depends on the material. Plastic and poly-rattan are very low maintenance, and can usually be brushed or wiped clean with a cloth. Wood is a needier option, and will most likely require an annual weatherproofing treatment to keep it looking ‘tree-mendous’. Metal furniture may also require an application of mineral oil or anti-rust treatment over time.
Is expensive garden furniture worth it?
Cost is an important consideration when making any purchase. Higher prices can mean better quality and improved durability, so your garden furniture will last longer. However, you should always check the materials used, the reputation of the company, and any reviews from previous customers to get a more accurate idea of how your furniture might age, and whether it’s worth the extra investment.
Found Your Forever Outdoor Furniture?
Hopefully, you’re now ready to furnish your outside space as thoroughly as if it were indoors. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call us on +44 (0) 1305 231231 or email customerservice@cuckooland.com. We love to chat about all things garden furniture!
