When it comes to garden furniture, there is a lot to consider. From choosing the right set for your garden to properly cleaning and maintaining, you may have a question or two. We’ve got you covered as we answer the most popular garden furniture FAQ’s!
Garden furniture FAQ’s: Considering garden furniture
What are the benefits of buying garden furniture?
There are several benefits of buying garden furniture, including:
- It helps you connect with nature.
- Spending time outdoors can help improve your mental health.
- Host gatherings and outdoor parties.
- Create a relaxation space.
- Make spending time outdoors joyful.
- Help create an extension to your home with an outdoor ‘room’.
How do I choose the right size of garden furniture?
To ensure your garden furniture is the right size and suitable for your outdoor space, measure your outdoor space first. Taking measurements of where you want your garden furniture to go makes exploring your options much more straightforward.
Not sizing up your garden space is one of the most common mistakes to avoid when buying garden furniture.
Is having proper garden furniture important?
Yes, having proper garden furniture is important. Spending a little extra on quality garden furniture will be a long-term investment. Quality furniture will last much longer than a cheaper alternative.
What is the most comfortable outdoor garden furniture?
When looking for comfortable garden furniture, you should consider the material of the seats/cushions (such as texteline fabric and plush cushions), whether the seats are reclining or high back, and whether the seating area is spacious.
What are some current garden furniture trends?
Some of the top garden furniture summer trends include:
- Creating an outdoor dining space with dining sets
- Incorporating heating and lighting for spending longer outdoors
- Country gardens and rustic designs are experiencing a renaissance
- Contemporary furniture designs that look great both indoors and outdoors
- Holiday at home by incorporating garden designs from abroad
- Hanging chairs and lightweight furniture
- Rounded corners and curved lines
Buying garden furniture
How do I select the best garden furniture?
When buying garden furniture, here are some points to consider:
- Consider the size of the furniture and the space available.
- Choose a design that suits your garden space.
- Decide on the material that is best for your needs.
- Think how much long-term maintenance may be required.
- Will you require heating from a firepit?
- What other equipment will you need, such as parasols and covers?
- How will you store or protect the furniture over winter?
Check out more tips on choosing the right type of garden furniture.
What are some key factors to consider when buying garden furniture?
Some key factors to consider when buying garden furniture include your budget, size, accessories (cushions, parasols, etc.) and how you will use garden furniture (relaxing or outdoor entertaining).
What are the top brands of garden furniture?
There are many brands and manufacturers of garden furniture. Some top garden furniture brands include Innovators International, LeisureGrow, Harbo, Firmans, Grencrest, and Supremo Leisure.
What should I consider when buying outdoor benches?
When buying an outdoor bench, you should ensure it is sturdy and comfortable. Consider choosing a treated wood bench or a galvanised metal bench for extra protection.
Are there any specific furniture pieces that are ideal for small gardens or balconies?
Yes, there is garden furniture available for small spaces. Consider bistro and duo sets for smaller garden spaces and balconies. These are much smaller garden furniture sets ideally suited for small patios and balconies.
Are there any space-saving furniture options for small gardens?
The best space-saving furniture option for small gardens is folding furniture. Small folding furniture sets are available in plastic, wood, and metal. These can be easily folded after use to store away without taking up valuable garden space.
Which is the best outdoor corner sofa set for a garden?
Outdoor corner sofas provide an excellent way to relax or for alfresco dining. The best outdoor corner sofa set will depend on your design preferences, available space, how it will be used, and how comfortable it is.
Garden furniture materials
What are the best materials for outdoor garden furniture?
There are several materials that are commonly used for garden furniture. The best material will depend on your needs. For those wanting a durable and easy-to-maintain material, consider aluminium furniture. For those wanting a classic design, consider synthetic rattan.
Is aluminium garden furniture good?
Aluminium is a popular garden furniture material because it is weatherproofing and durable. Aluminium is also a light material that can be easily cleaned and maintained. It is also resistant to UV.
Does aluminium garden furniture get hot?
One benefit of using aluminium for furniture is that it does not get hot and uncomfortable in high temperatures. While aluminium has high thermal conductivity meaning it easily absorbs heat, the lightweight material quickly radiates the heat.
How to improve the comfort of my outdoor furniture?
If you want to improve the comfort of outdoor furniture, consider using seat cushions. Choosing deep cushions with a foam filling makes outdoor furniture more comfortable and provides better body support.
What are the pros and cons of aluminium garden furniture?
The pros of aluminium garden furniture include the following:
- Weatherproof and UV resistant
- Lightweight
- Durable and rust-resistant
- Stylish and modern
- Easy to maintain
The cons of aluminium garden furniture include the following:
- While durable, aluminium can still corrode (especially near salt water)
- Once the metal is damaged or bent, it will weaken the material
- Lightweight so vulnerable to very strong winds
What are the pros and cons of rattan weave garden furniture?
The pros of synthetic rattan weave garden furniture include the following:
- Weatherproof material
- Much longer lifespan than its natural counterpart
- Low maintenance
- Suitable for those with smaller budgets
The cons of synthetic rattan weave garden furniture include the following:
- Colour can fade with prolonged exposure to direct sunlight
- It can be difficult to repair if the material splits
- Excessive water or heat can cause damage
What are the pros and cons of wrought iron garden furniture?
The pros of wrought iron garden furniture include the following:
- Considered the most durable material that can last
- Sturdy
- Variety of designs and styles
- Easy to clean
The cons of wrought iron garden furniture include the following:
- Material can rust and will require maintaining
- It can be dearer than other furniture materials
- Wrought iron sets tend to be much smaller in size
What are the pros and cons of wooden garden furniture?
The pros of wooden garden furniture include the following:
- It helps create a rustic and traditional feel to a garden space
- With proper maintenance, solid wood furniture can last
- It can be painted or varnished according to your taste
The cons of wooden garden furniture include the following:
- Requires extensive maintenance to preserve the wood
- Not as robust as other alternative materials
- Will require storing during the winter months
Hanging chairs
Are hanging chairs worth the money?
Hanging chairs can be a stylish and affordable addition to your outside space. Not only are hanging chairs comfortable, but they provide a great way to relax. Hanging chairs are also versatile and create a great focal point.
What should you look for when buying a hanging chair?
Size is the most significant consideration when buying a hanging chair. You should check to see if the chair is a sufficient size for you. Other things to look for include the material and comfort.
Are hanging chairs comfortable?
Yes, hanging chairs are widely known for their comfort. The egg shape, padding, and cushions all help to make hanging chairs ideal for creating a relaxing haven in your garden.
Cleaning garden furniture
How do I clean aluminium garden furniture?
To clean and maintain aluminium garden furniture, use warm soapy water to clean any surface dirt. You should also consider using a coat of car wax or baby oil to provide additional protection against the elements.
How do I clean rattan weave garden furniture?
To clean rattan weave garden furniture use warm soapy water to remove dirt and debris, including in the corners to remove hidden dirt that can cause mould. Consider using an old toothbrush to remove dirt stuck between the weaves. Also, use a vacuum cleaner to remove any lingering dirt.
Find out more about cleaning rattan weave garden furniture.
How do I clean wooden garden furniture?
Wooden garden furniture, such as benches and arches, requires careful cleaning and maintenance to preserve the material. Use warm soapy water to remove any surface dirt. Afterwards, lightly sand down any stubborn marks before repainting or adding preservatives.
Maintaining garden furniture
What garden furniture can be left outside?
The material of your furniture will dictate whether garden furniture can be left outside:
- Aluminium furniture can be left outdoors in the rain due to its protective rust-proof properties.
- Rattan can be left outside with aluminium frames and strong weave material.
- Cast iron can be left outside all year round.
- Plastic furniture can be left outside but is susceptible to strong winds.
- Wood furniture should only be left outside with regular treatment and maintenance.
Storing or covering your garden furniture over the winter months, or when not in use, is recommended to prolong its life.
How do you restore weathered garden furniture?
The method for restoring weathered garden furniture will depend on the material:
- Wood can be restored by cleaning and sanding the wood before applying paint and preservatives.
- Wrought iron can be restored by removing any present rust, stripping old paint, and repainting using suitable paint.
- Plastic furniture is generally low maintenance and only requires warm, soapy water for
- Aluminium furniture is robust against the elements but can start weathering and show signs of rust (especially when near salt water). Consider using a white vinegar solution to dissolve and prevent corrosion before cleaning and covering it with an appropriate primer.
Should your outdoor patio furniture be covered?
Yes, outdoor patio furniture should be covered or stored away when not used for long periods.
How to treat wooden garden furniture?
To preserve the wooden furniture, it is recommended to treat the wood. To do this, apply protective outdoor paint or oil to clean sanded wood. Alternatively, coat the wood first using a preservative that helps prevent moisture seepage.
What should I do to protect wooden garden furniture?
The best way to protect wooden garden furniture is to cover it during periods it is not in use. Over the winter, you should store wooden garden furniture somewhere safely indoors. This will help prevent any rotting of the wood.
How do I protect my garden furniture from sun damage?
The best way to protect garden furniture from sun damage is to put it in the shade or use a cover. A pergola could also be used to provide some shelter from the sun. Certain garden furniture materials, such as synthetic rattan and aluminium, are UV resistant and do not damage from the sun.
How to refinish rusted metal patio furniture?
If metal patio furniture shows signs of rust, sand the rusty area down to the bare metal. Make sure to use low coarse grit sandpaper. Once the metal is sanded down, use suitable metal paint and spray over the metal, ensuring an even thin coat.
Leave to dry for a couple of hours before adding a second coat. Once the metal is painted, consider adding a protective layer using a suitable sealer. Make sure the sealer is ideal for the outdoors and provides UV protection.
How do I protect metal garden furniture?
The best way to protect metal garden furniture is to clean it regularly and cover it when not in use or during bad weather. Using preventive and protective methods is much better than curing and fixing. It would be best to keep metal garden furniture dry as this can pre-empt oxidation.
How do I paint cast aluminium garden furniture?
When painting cast aluminium garden furniture, it is best to follow these tips:
- Remove any debris and dirt from the surface.
- Use a small, stiff wire brush to remove tougher or harder-to-reach dirt.
- Use a non-abrasive scouring pad with aluminium cleaner around the frame.
- Rinse the cleaner with clean water and dry it with a cloth.
- Once dry, use a suitable metal paint and spray it over thinly and evenly.
- Leave to dry before applying a second layer.
- Avoid getting the furniture wet in future to prevent damage.
Storing garden furniture
Where do you keep garden furniture in the winter?
Over the winter, you should consider storing your garden away to prolong its life. You can store garden furniture anywhere that’s covered and dry. Places to consider include the garage, shed, using a protective cover, or using garden furniture indoors throughout the year.
Can my garden furniture be left outside during the winter?
Aluminium, wrought iron, plastic, and rattan furniture can be left outside during winter. However, you should use a cover for protection. Wood and other metal garden furniture should be kept inside, as the material can rot or rust.
Is rattan garden furniture year-round weatherproof?
Synthetic rattan is weatherproof, while natural rattan is not weatherproof. As synthetic rattan is weather-proof, it can withstand the typical British weather without any deterioration.
Is rattan garden furniture okay in the rain?
Synthetic rattan garden furniture is weather- and waterproof, meaning it will be okay left outside in the rain. Natural rattan garden furniture is not waterproof and will soak up water, potentially leading to mould and mildew.
There are lots to consider when choosing garden furniture. Hopefully, answering these common garden furniture FAQ’s will point you in the right direction. Also, following the advice for properly cleaning and maintaining can ensure your garden furniture looks good and last longer!
