As the weather gradually warms up, you may be considering the purchase of that stylish Lifestyle Garden furniture you spotted last summer. Buying furniture for the garden involves many of the considerations of buying interior pieces, but there are additional factors to bear in mind too.
1. The space
Perhaps the primary consideration is space. How much outdoor square footage do you have? What is the shape of the patio, balcony or deck? Remember that you cannot completely fill the area, as you must leave enough room to pull out dining chairs and walk around. Space for storing the furniture during winter may also be required.
2. The surface
What the ground is made from can also be a factor. If you do plan to place a table or seating on grass, then bear in mind that the moisture may cause wood to rot or metal to rust over time. If possible, a hard, level surface is best.
3. The weather
What is the climate like where you live? Does it rain a lot? Like moisture from the grass, water that falls as rain is likely to make a difference to your furniture’s finish over time. Wood can develop cracks and wicker may not tolerate too much moisture, while lightweight aluminium furniture might struggle with strong winds.
4. The material
You need to select furniture that can cope with the weather conditions, and comfort is also a key factor. Some materials also require regular maintenance. Frames made from resin, wrought iron, teak and aluminium are generally low maintenance, while cushions should ideally be resistant to mildew, mould and fading.
