Hardwood, softwood, natural rattan, synthetic rattan, aluminium, wrought iron – the possibilities for garden furniture can present a daunting range of choices. Let’s briefly look at the advantages and disadvantages of lightweight coated aluminium.
Longevity and durability
Powder-coated aluminium is a popular choice for garden furniture because of its ability to withstand adverse weather conditions. The metal is treated to protect against corrosion and water damage, and it can cope with extremes of temperature. Lifestyle garden furniture, for example, uses DuraCoat, a scratch-resistant, colour-fast coating that makes for products that are robust, yet low maintenance.
Lightweight and easy to reconfigure
If your garden furniture often needs moving, perhaps because you store it indoors in the winter, powder-coated aluminium is an excellent choice because it is lightweight and easy to move around. This is a real advantage in most gardens, although if you’re in a particularly windy spot, you may need something heavier, like the solidity of teak or wrought iron.
Subtlety against a garden backdrop
Aluminium garden furniture tends to be less intrusive – the inherent strength of the material means that frames are narrower and make less of a bold statement in your garden. If you want your planting and greenery to sing louder than your furniture, this is the material for you. If, however, you’re wanting to make your garden furniture the primary focus, then hardwood or rattan may suit your better.
Finally, bear in mind that aluminium garden furniture comes fully assembled, so no DIY skills are required – perfect if screwdrivers make you break out in a cold sweat!
