What to buy: We think Marks and Spencer’s bistro set offering is particularly impressive.
What materials make the best garden furniture?
From wood to metal and everything in between, as can be seen from the selection above, garden furniture comes in all sorts of materials and finishes. The key things to consider when looking for durable garden furniture that will stand the test of time, are how weatherproof and UV-proof are the materials used.
Wood is one of the most popular garden furniture materials for a reason – it is hardwearing, heavy-duty (the last thing you want is your new garden chair blowing away in the wind), and the natural grain and brown tones will bring a sense of warmth to a garden. Teak is a brilliant option, as the natural oils of the wood make it especially resistant to weather, and the appearance of the wood will age well over time. However, there are severe ethical and environmental concerns about teak sourced in Myanmar, where a huge amount of this wood has historically come from.
Aluminium is very resilient and naturally rust-resistant, unlike some metals, so it is another solid choice for your garden furniture. It’s more lightweight than wood, but still sturdy. Opt for powder-coated aluminium, which has more resistance to the elements. It is also a more sustainable choice, as aluminium can be recycled at the end of the furniture’s life. Some of the potential downsides include the risk of the furniture blowing over if it is too lightweight, and getting very hot to the touch from the sun on the most sweltering days.
Resin wicker garden furniture is also a hardwearing, waterproof option: it is a man-made alternative to natural wicker, and won’t fade or twist over time outside. It’s a great way to achieve the quaint, retro wicker look with more durability. Resin wicker is plastic-like, and often is woven around a metal base, further enhancing it’s strength.
Wrought iron garden furniture is a classic for a reason, and an ideal choice for those wanting traditional style garden furniture. It’s incredibly weighty, so will stay put on blustery days – although this could make it a challenge to move larger pieces. If left out over a long time, rust will set in, so it is important to take proper care of the furniture. Wrought iron also tends to be more expensive than something like aluminium.
More garden furniture stores to browse:
Why we love it: As their name would suggest, Garden Trading have a whole range of garden furniture and accessories on offer. We’d head here for slightly more specialist products, like potting tables or wildlife friendly products. However, they also do a fine range of traditional garden furniture, fire pits and storage: including storage boxes, bin stores and garden sheds to keep your garden clutter-free.
Why we love it: Next may be best known as a fashion brand, but it transpires that they offer a whole host more than just clothes. Next garden furniture is defined by a signature neutral colour palette and fresh sets of garden tables and chairs. If you’re looking to fully furnish your patio or outdoor spaces, this is a great place to shop. Next’s rattan furniture is some of the best we’ve seen and is fully weatherproof for your peace of mind throughout the colder months.
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