It can be hard to know what type of furniture to choose for your garden. Here’s a simple guide to some of the materials and their benefits:
Wood
Garden furniture made from hardwood like teak and acacia provide a beautifully natural look, and they can be stunning focal points in your garden. Wood is an excellent choice in terms of durability and longevity, but wood does need regular maintenance and protecting in winter. Usually at a higher price point, wood furniture is an investment that will last decades.
Rattan
Synthetic rattan is lightweight and resistant to rain, sunlight and mould. Ideal for pieces you may wish to move around in your garden, rattan is easy to clean and surprisingly robust. If you want to create more of an outdoor room, the addition of glass table tops and comfortable cushions in a Lifestyle Garden Aruba dining set, for example, creates a more curated look.
Aluminium
Aluminium furniture can be very budget friendly, and for a smaller space, this super lightweight, recyclable material can be a real winner. The Norfolk Leisure LIFE garden furniture range, for example, features modular units for adaptability. You may want to anchor with weighted covers or store furniture indoors during the winter, however, as aluminium can be more susceptible to movement in high winds.
Wrought iron and stainless steel
Sturdy and classic, wrought iron pieces can be extremely decorative, and the open pattern work allows pieces to blend into their garden setting. Although most items come pre-treated, regular painting can help avoid rust. Just be mindful that metal conducts heat, so a shady position is preferable.
With so many options to choose from, there’s a perfect garden furniture range for everyone.