Whether you want garden furniture that will make outdoor entertaining a pleasure, or you’d prefer loungers to create a relaxing oasis just outside your back door, our buying guide will help you find – and maintain – the best furnishings for you.
But where do you start? Keep reading to discover the types and accessories you need, where to buy from and how to care for your new furniture, so you don’t need to buy replacements year after year.
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Types of garden furniture
Ensuring you choose the right material for your garden furniture is vital. We run through four common types, and list the pros and cons for each.
Rattan garden furniture
There are two types of rattan – natural and synthetic. Both offer a woven style effect that looks great in a variety of colours and suits all types of spaces.
While natural wicker rattan is strong and looks great, it’s not weather resistant, so the majority of outdoor options will be made from synthetic polyethylene resin.
High-quality resin is extremely weatherproof which makes it great for garden furniture all year round and it will be cheaper than natural options. But if you live in an area where you regularly get strong winds you might need a storage area as resin rattan is light and might be prone to blowing over.
If your heart's still set on natural wicker you’ll need to make sure you have somewhere to store it when it’s not being used so it doesn’t get damaged by the elements.
Pros
- Strong and durable
- Attractive
- Comes in a variety of styles and colours
Cons
- Not heavy enough to withstand strong winds
- Natural wicker isn’t weatherproof
- Can be expensive
Wooden garden furniture
Wood is a great option if you’ve got a natural theme. If you choose the right type it will be a sturdy and durable addition to your garden.
Softwoods, such as pine and cedar, will cost less but are more suited to indoor furnishings and would need constant protection from the elements.
More expensive hardwoods, such as teak and eucalyptus, will last a long time and if treated with oil and stain annually, should weather naturally.
Pros
- Durable
- Sturdy
- It doesn’t retain heat – no burnt legs on a sunny day
- Looks natural
- Can be painted or stained different colours
Cons
- Expensive
- Will need annual maintenance
Metal garden furniture
If you’re looking for something that’s low maintenance and durable, metal could be for you.
It’s sturdy and weatherproof – just make sure you opt for a rust-resistant set – and can be left outside all year round. However, most will come with cushions that will need to be stored away when it’s wet or cold. You’ll also need to be careful not to burn yourself on the material in very hot weather.
Lots of sets are minimalist in design, while some will be foldable which is great if you have a smaller garden or balcony.
Costs differ depending on the type and size of set.
Pros
- Durable
- Low maintenance
- Great for smaller spaces
Cons
- Will get hot on sunny days
- You might need to buy cushions separately
Plastic garden furniture
Plastic garden furniture is great if you’re on a budget. You’ll find lots of different styles and shapes at low costs. However, they might not be as durable or sturdy as other materials.
Plastic is weather resistant so you shouldn’t need to store away in the winter. However, extreme heat can sometimes make it warp.
Most plastic options will also come assembled.
If you’re short on space, try to choose a set that is stackable to make stowing away much easier.
Pros
- Budget options
- Stackable sets
- Weather resistant
- Low maintenance
- Minimal assembly
Cons
- Not eco-friendly
- Not as durable or sturdy as other materials
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Cheap garden furniture
The cheapest garden furniture will typically made from plastic, steel, aluminium and softwoods, such as pine. You can pick up a basic two-seater dining set for as little as £30.
Big stores such as Argos, Ikea and the Range stock a wide range of affordable options.
Sets made from cheaper materials such as plastic are great if you want to save money but try to remember it won’t be as durable as pricier hardwood or rattan options - nor is it eco-friendly. So, if you’re looking for a long-term investment, you’ll need to spend a little more.
Or you could try looking for quality second-hand sets on sites such as Ebay and Gumtree instead.
Where to buy cheap garden furniture
If you're shopping for affordable garden furniture, you'll be pleased to hear there are plenty of high street stores and online retailers with a healthy selection to choose from. Wherever you shop, make sure you pay attention to the returns policy.
Popular online retailers that stock cheap garden furniture include:
- Argos sells patio sets, sun loungers, hammocks, rugs and more. If it's a patio set you're after, expect to spend at least £120 for a bundle consisting of four seats and a table.
- George at Asda has a selection of chairs to finish off your garden. One of its best sellers is the £149 Miami Patio Set, which consists of four chairs, a table and a parasol.
- B&Q offers a selection of garden furniture pieces, including seating, gazebos, home bars and outdoor rugs. Its rattan dining sets start at around £240.
- Homebase sells two-seat bistro sets starting at around £80 – they're available in a selection of colours to match your style.
- Aldi has a range of patio furniture, with everything from seating pillows to recliners, stools, loungers and gazebos. Their cheaper bistro sets consisting of two chairs and a small table start at around £150.
- Ikea could be worth a visit if you want to deck out your garden but keep costs low. The retailer's two-seat garden sets start at around £50.
Find out which retailers are rated highly by Which? members with our expert guide on thebest and worst shops.
Second-hand garden furniture
If you're looking to spruce up your garden or patio but don't want to fork out a small fortune on brand-new furniture sets, or want to turn the furniture you've got for a tidy profit, shopping second hand could be right for you.
Second hand buying also stops more unwanted garden furniture going to waste in landfill, so it's good for the planet as well as your wallet.
You can buy and sell patio furniture online or at in-person second hand stores. Depending on the size and quantity of the furniture you're selling, you may want to call ahead to the store you're looking to sell at to ensure they have an appropriate amount of space and are willing to take it.
To buy or sell garden furniture online, you may want to head to an online marketplace such as Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, eBay or Freecycle. You can browse what's available in your local area, talk to buyers and sellers, and find good-quality products for a fraction of their retail price.
Safety is key when buying second hand to ensure you avoid getting scammed. Some good tips to keep in mind when shopping for garden furniture on e-marketplaces are:
- Look to see if the seller has sold products before and if they have good reviews
- If it's too good to be true, it probably is - be wary of expensive items being listed very cheaply
- Check the images and reverse-search images if you think they may be fraudulent
- See if the marketplace offers any type of buyer protection
- Think carefully about how you want to pay - different payment methods come with different protections, though these may not apply when buying privately
Alternatively, if you want to shop more eco-consciously, some retailers sell garden furniture such as full dining sets, benches, and tables which are made out of recycled plastic or other materials.
These recycled plastic patio pieces tend to be very durable and long-lasting, plus they help keep plastic out of landfill and the environment.
For more information on safely shopping second-hand and the top marketplaces to look out for, head to our guide on thebest and worst places to shop second hand online.
Caring for your garden furniture
Keep your garden furniture in tip-top condition and avoid having to replace it every year by following our maintenance advice below.
Rattan garden furniture
Natural wicker furniture ideally shouldn’t be left outside. But if it is, you’ll need to clean the grooves regularly with a brush, keep it covered and store it away when it’s not in use. And even if you follow all these steps there’s still a chance it will get damaged.
Synthetic rattan however is much easier. It can be left outside all year round, but if possible, store it away or keep it covered in extreme weather conditions. It doesn’t need any specific maintenance but regularly cleaning it down with soapy water will keep it looking fresh.
Avoid sitting on the arms of chairs, and wash and store away any accompanying cushions.
Wooden garden furniture
Softwoods will need to be washed down with a wood-cleaning product once a year before being treated with a stain or paint.
Hardwoods will need a wash down each year with soapy water, but they will weather naturally. However, if you prefer your furniture to stay looking new, you can use an oil or a stain on these, too. Don’t paint hardwood though as the oil content will make the paint dry unevenly.
Ideally you should keep your wooden furniture covered in cold or wet weather.
Metal garden furniture
Most metal garden furniture will already come with a protective sealant that prevents rusting so all you should need to do is clean it with soapy water every now and then.
If you notice the sealant bubbling or cracking, you can always buff it down and cover it with a fresh slick of protective treatment.
Keeping it out of the elements will also help prolong its life.
Plastic garden furniture
Plastic is one of the easiest types to care for. All you need do is wash grime off with warm, soapy water. White plastics can start to go a little yellow with time. To freshen it up you could wash with an abrasive solution.
In extreme heat some plastics may also warp so you might want to store in the shade when it’s sunny.
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Garden furniture accessories
We run through the most popular types of garden accessories and how to care for them.
Parasols and bases
There are two types of parasols: a traditional parasol and a freestanding cantilever parasol.
Traditional parasols stand upwards and typically go through a hole in the middle of a table. While cantilever parasols are freestanding, with a curved arm that hovers over your furniture. They can also normally be manoeuvred into different positions.
Some shops also do parasols that attach to an outdoor wall. These are great if you’re short on space.
A base is what keeps the parasol stable and on the ground. Some parasols will come with a base, but for most you’ll need to buy one separately. Your base weight will all depend on the size and type of your parasol. For example, a traditional parasol of around 2m will need a base weight of at least 15kg. But a 4m cantilever parasol will need a 50kg base. Check with the supplier for the recommended base weight.
Always make sure your parasol is tightly screwed to the base, and take it down and store in a safe place during high winds. If your parasol gets wet, let it dry out completely before folding it down.
Garden furniture covers
Garden furniture covers come in all different ready-made shapes and sizes or you can opt for a bespoke option.
Your first step should always be to measure the furniture, so you get a cover that fits it properly. For example, when measuring a garden table, you should push all the chairs under the table tightly before using a tape measure to find the length, width and height.
Next, you’ll need to choose the type of protection you need. Most should opt for a waterproof option, but you can also find covers that protect from UV rays, too.
Garden furniture cushions
Cushions should not only look good, but also provide comfort and stability when relaxing outside.
Make sure they are the correct size for your furniture – cushions that slip around or don’t cover the entire seat won’t make for a relaxing experience. Cushion ties are a great, easy way to stop cushions moving around.
Most cushions are best off being taken inside in cold or wet weather to avoid mould and mildew. Ensuring cushions are kept under shade during the summer will prevent fading.
You can also opt for fabrics that are waterproof and resistant to fading. Sunbrella fabric is well-known for its protective benefits but can be very expensive.
The filling is also important. Polyester fill is cheap but will flatten over time and won’t provide comfort long-term. Foam is slightly better but will also depend on the density – the higher density, the better.
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Who sells garden furniture?
We don’t test garden furniture yet, but the following brands are among those rated by consumers in our furniture survey.
- Ikea - supplies a full range of garden furniture, from the £10 Tarno folding metal and wooden chair, to the £1,059 Solleron synthetic rattan corner sofa set. Dining sets cost between £400 and £800. Ikea garden furniture can be bought from around 20 stores across the UK, ordered online or by order and collection points at Aberdeen, Norwich and Stratford, east London.
- Kettler - is one of the most widely stocked garden furniture brands, with more than 400 stockists across the UK, including garden centres and John Lewis, as well as online retailers. Kettler produces a large range of outdoor furniture and accessories in wood, metal, weatherproof fabric and woven synthetics, from £20 chair pads up to the £2,009 Palma round dining set. Dining sets predominate, though, and they include a partnership with the RHS to produce wooden and weatherproof wicker dining sets named after RHS gardens.
- Hartman - furniture is widely stocked in garden centres across the UK and the brand is best known for its robust-looking collections of cast-aluminium dining sets. There are also more contemporary metal ranges, including the Jamie Oliver range of dining sets with barbecue grills built into the tables. Prices range from just £128 for a cast-aluminium side table right up to £2,940 for the Atlas dining set with a gas fire pit.
- B&Q - was one of the most popular places to buy garden furniture with our survey respondents. Most garden furniture at B&Q is now sold under its Blooma brand name, which is a seasonal offering, with new ranges arriving in store each spring and being cleared at the end of the summer. Current prices range from the £24 Vernon Nimbus cloud metal chair to the £419 Denia wooden coffee set.
- Alexander Rose - garden furniture is widely available in garden centres across the UK. It has a very extensive catalogue of wooden, metal and woven synthetic furniture sold under its 19 named ranges. These include a particularly wide selection of wooden benches made in five types of softwood or hardwood. Prices range from £100 up to a few thousand pounds.
For more details on shopping online safely and arranging refunds for faulty products, see ouronline shopping advice.
FAQs
What is the best brand of garden furniture? ›
- B&Q Maevea Rattan-effect 4 Seater Coffee Set. ...
- Garden Trading Rive Droite Bistro Set. ...
- VonHaus 4 Seater Grey Rattan Rope Garden Sofa and Table Set. ...
- Habitat 4 Seater Bamboo Effect Garden Sofa Set. ...
- Homebase Florence 6 Seater Garden Dining Set. ...
- Habitat Mini Corner Sofa Set with Storage.
Wrought Iron is one of the most durable and longest lasting type of outdoor furniture available, many times lasting decades. Truly an investment that keeps on giving, wrought iron furniture is also the heaviest frame.
How do I know if my rattan furniture is good quality? ›The best quality rattan furniture is UV treated, has powder coated framework, and is hand woven to a high standard. The tighter the weave, the more durable and longer lasting the set.
What should I look for in rattan furniture? ›- Make sure it is UV stabilised, so it withstands the sun's glare.
- Choose cushions that complement the furniture. ...
- PE or HDPE Rattan are the best types of rattan as they have an eco-friendly manufacturing process, they're recyclable, weather-proof, and tougher than PU or PVC.
The Annual Garden Furniture Sale Cycle
With this in mind, it's highly likely that consumers will see more sales prices and offers during the out of season period. This usually means any time between October and January.
- Teak Furniture. Teak is a water warrior. ...
- Polypropylene Furniture. Polypropylene is virtually impenetrable. ...
- Resin Wicker Furniture. Organic rattan is charming and earthy, but also a tad vulnerable.
Wrought iron and stainless steel are popular choices for outdoor furniture for their durability and ease of maintenance. In most cases, metal patio furniture will easily return to “like new” condition by using a sponge or brush to clean surfaces with a quarter cup of mild dish soap added to a gallon of warm water.
Whats better wicker or rattan? ›Wicker furniture is popular for outdoor use because it's lightweight and easy to move around. While rattan is durable and has traditionally been used for patio furniture, it's not actually the best choice for outdoor use because it isn't water resistant.
Is it worth buying expensive garden furniture? ›In choosing to invest in quality garden furniture, you can be sure you won't have to replace your pieces every other year. While premium furniture might be a little more expensive , in the long run you will actually save money as you won't need to spend more money on new furniture just a year or two down the line.
Is rattan better than wood? ›In conclusion, while wood is stronger, outdoor synthetic rattan furniture performs better in terms of weather resistance. Cost differences are variable and usually, wicker is cheapler than wood. Each type of material has different styles to go for and the choice is up to you!
Does rattan furniture last? ›
PU rattan furniture can easily last for more than 5 years. If you take proper care, it can last even longer. Eventually, all rattan furniture will start to fade due to exposure to UV rays. However, how soon the furniture will begin to fade depends on the material.
Are there different grades of rattan? ›Rattan stems are graded in A, B, or C. Grading is deter- mined by uniformity of shape and color. The A grade surface is extremely smooth and uniform in color.
What is the difference between rattan and poly rattan? ›Poly rattan furniture requires low maintenance during the time of use. Unlike natural rattan that needs to have treatment with dedicated oil and preservatives, poly wicker lasts for an remarkable amount of time without maintenance.
What is the difference between rattan and synthetic rattan? ›Natural rattan is made of organic, quality fibres found in nature, while artificial materials like like plastic and resin are used to make synthetic rattan furniture. Natural rattan is extremely durable and will last for a long time. Synthetic rattan can be easier to break or damage.
What is the best rattan outdoor furniture? ›- Monaco Six-Seater Rattan Effect Dining Set.
- Corsica Four-Seater Garden Table and Chairs Lounging Set, Cream.
- Orlando Two-Seater Vase Set.
- Walderton Corner Sofa Set.
- Monaco Five-Piece Bistro Set.
- Tavira Four-Seater Sofa Set with Coffee Table.
PE rattan, also known as polyethylene rattan, plastic rattan, synthetic rattan, faux rattan, or artificial rattan, is a man-made material mainly used in outdoor furniture, such as outdoor loungers, benches, sofa sets, dining sets, etc.
Is rattan wicker good quality? ›Because of its strong, fibrous qualities, rattan garden furniture is a very popular choice. Rattan is flexible, durable, lightweight, and most importantly, attractive. These qualities have made rattan a very hot commodity for both businesses and consumers alike.
What time of year is patio furniture cheapest? ›Stores typically lower their outdoor furniture prices in the autumn to make room for their fall and winter stock. Take advantage of these sales by bringing home the hammocks, porch swings and outdoor sofas you want for the next summer season.
When should I remove garden furniture UK? ›Enjoy the widest choice of patio furniture
'In our opinion, the best time to purchase garden furniture is early spring when garden centres and home stores have a wide range of stock available,' says Jilly Firman of UK furniture designers Firmans Direct (opens in new tab).
Aluminum may be affordable and durable, but it overheats more in the sun than a wood or HDPE lumber chair would.
What patio material does not rust? ›
Cast aluminum won't corrode, rust or fade, so you can enjoy your furniture outdoors all year long.
Can outdoor furniture be left out in the rain? ›Can you leave patio furniture outside in the rain without a cover? Technically, you can, but if you know heavy downpours are on the way, you should apply a cover to reduce the risk of rust and avoid overly soaked outdoor cushions.
How much should I spend on patio furniture? ›It can be tricky to figure it all out. Generally speaking, a quality cushioned chair will cost between $800 and $2,000. A quality sofa will cost $1,800 to $3,000. Look for dining tables between $900 and $2,000 or more.
Is teak outdoor furniture worth it? ›Strong, weather-resistant, and elegant — teak is one of the best choices for outdoor furniture, whether you have a small Seattle balcony or a large patio in Bellevue. it can weather nearly any storm. Thanks to its durable nature, teak has long been prized by the maritime industry.
Which wood is best for outdoor furniture? ›Cypress, redwood, and cedar are three softwoods that have natural moisture-wicking properties and make fine choices for outdoor furniture. But in our opinion, the best wood for outdoor furniture comes from top-of-the-line hardwoods such as ipe, mahogany, and teak.
Can rattan furniture be left outside? ›Rattan garden furniture is perhaps the best garden furniture for leaving outside all year round. Its synthetic material is UV- and weather-resistant, meaning it will withstand weather conditions.
How do you weatherproof rattan furniture? ›Weatherproofing Furniture: Wicker
Give your piece two coats of the paint of your choice, then top it with a layer of spray marine varnish, such as Minwax Helmsman Indoor/Outdoor Spar Urethane (from $10; Amazon). Wicker traps moisture easily; if it gets under the finish, it will damage the fibers from the inside out.
Wicker. Wicker furniture should not be left outside in the winter. Water can easily get inside wicker furniture, and when that water freezes, it expands. This expansion may cause cracking and breakage of the wicker.
Why rattan is so expensive? ›Why Is Rattan So Expensive? Natural rattan is usually more expensive than artificial, but it also lasts longer and provides a more rustic appearance to your home. What makes natural rattan furniture so expensive is what's involved in the manufacturing process.
Why are garden furniture sets so expensive? ›There are a few reasons for the price tag, which we will investigate in more depth, but it really comes down to construction and materials. You want furniture that has been made to survive long-term outdoors. You want materials are made to withstand all types of weather – snow, rain, humidity, sun, and more.
What is the best material for an outdoor table top? ›
Galvanized or stainless steel are the best options for outdoor furniture, as regular steel rusts and corrodes very easily when exposed to outside elements.
Which is more expensive wicker or rattan? ›Rattan furniture is typically more expensive than wicker furniture because it is a more difficult material to work with. Furthermore, rattan is also not as durable as some of the other materials used in wicker furniture, so it may not last as long.
Are wicker and rattan the same? ›“The difference is that rattan is a material, whereas wicker is the style and method of weaving,” Zoe explains. “Wicker can be woven from rattan as well as many other natural or synthetic materials, which is where the confusion often lies.”
Is rattan waterproof? ›Is Rattan Furniture Waterproof? In short, no. Rattan furniture is not waterproof it's a synthetic material, that when wet can become damaged so you will need to protect the set with a cover when it is in your garden.
Does rattan go Mouldy? ›One of the biggest problems with natural rattan is its tendency to mold or mildew if you live in a damp climate with lots of rain. Even keeping it on the porch will not save it if the humidity is high and the area rarely dries out.
Why is my rattan furniture splitting? ›Long-term exposure of natural rattan to sunny weather may result in splitting and cracking of the furniture.
Does rattan break easily? ›In short, no. Natural rattan furniture should not be used outdoors, the wooden material when wet and cold will become brittle and break. The sun can also damage these natural wicker sets so under no circumstances should they be left outdoors.
What is one of Moda furnishings range names? ›- Belgravia.
- Henley.
- Ledbury.
- Primo.
- Sky.
- Turnbury.
- Windsor.
- Salone.
Polyethylene (PE) resin rattan, also known as resin wicker, polyrattan, synthetic resin, is a manmade material, rather than a natural wicker rattan. This is a key benefit for garden furniture because the material does not degrade as quickly as natural wicker.
Does aluminum outdoor furniture get hot in the sun? ›Aluminum may be affordable and durable, but it overheats more in the sun than a wood or HDPE lumber chair would.
Who makes Dakota fields garden furniture? ›
Dakota Range - Fairmont Furniture - Brands |First Furniture.
Who owns Moda furnishing? ›The business is operated by Jonathan Brierley and Vallan McCarthy who will continue to lead the business and drive its growth plans with Endless' backing.
Is Maze Rattan Waterproof? ›The cushion covers are coated internally with a water-resistant liner to prevent water permeation. Whilst the outer covers will retain water, they quickly dry in warm weather so you won't need to hurriedly collect them in any unexpected April showers.
Which is better for outdoor furniture wicker or rattan? ›Wicker furniture is popular for outdoor use because it's lightweight and easy to move around. While rattan is durable and has traditionally been used for patio furniture, it's not actually the best choice for outdoor use because it isn't water resistant.
Which is more expensive wicker or rattan? ›Rattan furniture is typically more expensive than wicker furniture because it is a more difficult material to work with. Furthermore, rattan is also not as durable as some of the other materials used in wicker furniture, so it may not last as long.
Does rattan break easily? ›In short, no. Natural rattan furniture should not be used outdoors, the wooden material when wet and cold will become brittle and break. The sun can also damage these natural wicker sets so under no circumstances should they be left outdoors.
How long does aluminum outdoor furniture last? ›It can also endure all the harsh elements. On average, your cast aluminum patio furniture would last you, at the very least, 15 to 20 years.
Is aluminum or cast aluminum better? ›Cast aluminum outperforms other common materials in several areas, including versatility, strength, weight and the level of maintenance required.
Is aluminum a good choice for outdoor furniture? ›Aluminum is the most popular metal for outdoor furniture. Despite its lightweight, it is strong, durable and can easily be worked into a variety of intricate shapes. Aluminum is relatively inexpensive, low maintenance and never rusts.