Are you looking to update your garden furniture? Today’s guest post has lots of helpful tips to help you find the perfect option for your outdoor space.
Buying garden furniture is a long-term investment, and making the right choice can really help transform your garden space. However, planning is key. It’s not about buying a garden furniture set because it looks good, or because it’s in the sale; it has to fit and work with the space you have available.
Here are some helpful tips for buying the right garden furniture.
Photo credit: liatris / Shutterstock
Consider what you need – and remember to measure
When looking for new garden furniture, there are a number of things to consider, such as measuring just how much space you have. There is simply no point in buying a large table and chair set if your garden is small, as it will end up feeling cramped – the last thing you want.
Before purchasing, it is also important to consider the needs of your family and how you use the space on a daily basis. If you often have friends and family over, and want a space to entertain guests and lounge around in the sun, it may be worth looking at an outdoor sofa seating area or reclining chairs.
Photo credit: Matt Grant / Shutterstock
Quality is key
The British weather is a factor you can’t ignore. Outdoor furniture must be able to endure the British wind and rain – even snow in some cases. According to the RHS, the care and maintenance for garden furniture depends entirely on the materials they are made from.
As many of us know, rain can warp wood, make metal rust and turn fabrics mouldy, and frequent exposure to the sun can split timber and fade the colour on plastics or fabric. It’s perfectly possible to find a good quality discount patio furniture dining set, but before you start shopping it’s sensible to figure out what materials are right for you.
Photo credit: Syda Productions / Shutterstock
Explore different materials
When shopping for outdoor furniture, the most important decision you have to make is regarding which material is suitable for you. There are three main materials used in garden furniture – wood, plastic and metal – and they all have varying levels of upkeep.
Hardwood
Hardwood furniture is the most durable option and most appealing to many, particularly families, as it requires very little maintenance. It is advised to wash the furniture using a brush and soapy water at least once a year, as this will help to remove any growing algae.
It is often advisable to opt for furniture that is constructed from moisture-resistant hardwoods that contain high levels of natural oils. The most popular wood used for outdoor furniture is teak, as when it is new, it has a rich golden-brown colour that many find appealing. However, once teak garden furniture begins to weather it can turn a silvery-grey colour, although good quality teak can last for many years. If the original colour is preferred, a coat of teak protector can be applied, but it is worth noting that this can remove the natural sheen.
Photo credit: Carlos andre Santos / Shutterstock
Plastic
Plastic garden furniture is lightweight, reasonably sturdy and, for the most part, inexpensive – although there are many more visually-pleasing, high-end pieces on the market too. Plastic is a great option if you want a colourful, modern outdoor seating area. Thankfully, plastic won’t rust, need painting or rot from exposure to water, however you should check that the plastic polymer has UV-stabilizing pigments, otherwise bright colours will fade quickly.
To ensure plastic stays in good shape, it is worth cleaning regularly with soap and water, particularly if the pieces are light in colour. It’s always worth storing plastic garden furniture away in the garage or shed when winter comes, as furniture left exposed to strong sunshine or varying temperatures can become brittle over time.
Photo credit: Pinkyone / Shutterstock
Metal
Metal garden furniture is long-lasting and suits both contemporary and classic garden designs. It is also fairly low-maintenance; although like most furniture, a clean is needed every now and again.
Metal furniture can be prone to rust, especially if the furniture is plastic-coated and there are cracks. To treat this, apply UV-resistant powder-coated paint as this will prevent oxidation on the surface. In addition, if the furniture is painted, it is sensible to repaint every two to three years to ensure the barrier to weather is maintained.
Which type of garden furniture is the perfect option for your outdoor space?
Pin this for later:
Collaborative post
Leave a Reply