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 type of garden furniture lasts the longest? ›
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 can you tell if the rattan furniture has a high 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 is the best low maintenance garden furniture? ›Cast Aluminium is a very strong choice for patio furniture, especially if it has been coated with a powder coated finish, as it will not fade or rust. Aluminium furniture requires very little maintenance in comparison with other metal furniture, as well as being much lighter and easier to move around.
What is the best weatherproof outdoor furniture? ›Furniture made of weather-resistant materials and accents that you can easily clean are a must. Look for metals like aluminum and steel, woods like teak and cedar, and all-weather wicker rattan. They're durable, rust-resistant, and can last for years with the right care.
Is wicker or rattan better for outdoor furniture? ›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.
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.
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.
What is the difference between bamboo and rattan? ›Bamboo is hollow inside, whereas rattan has a solid internal structure. Bamboo is a type of grass and grows vertically like a tree. On the other hand, Rattan is a vine and has a creeping vine structure. Bamboo can be grown with ease and is found worldwide, especially in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America.
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!
What is the most durable fabric for outdoor furniture? ›
The best fabric the use for outdoor furniture is polypropylene fabric. Polypropylene was one of the first marine fabrics due to the fact it had superior UV resistance compared to other fibers. Polypropylene is the best choice for outdoor cushions because it dries quickly when wet and has no dye sites.
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.
Of all the hardwoods, teak is the hardest and most durable, and most teak furniture can absolutely be left outside during the winter. Aluminum and some steel pieces are surprisingly durable options for patio furniture. It doesn't hurt to double down during the colder months with a furniture cover.
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 it OK to leave patio furniture 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 long does IKEA outdoor furniture last? ›So, let's take a look at how long you might expect your items to last and what you can do to extend their lifespan. IKEA furniture generally lasts 4-8 years. This differs according to material, use, care, and construction. Solid wood is more durable than particleboard and might last 20-30 years with proper care.
What lasts longer wicker or rattan? ›Wicker Furniture
Synthetic wicker materials give the same appearance as natural rattan fibers but they last much better outside. For this reason, polyethylene wicker is great for outdoor furniture because of its ability to withstand the elements of mother nature.
If taken care of properly, rattan furniture can last up to 10 years. On top of being waterproof, resin weave rattan furniture is also resistant to UV rays so you shouldn't expect to see much fading or wear and tear in warmer weather.
What are the four benefits of using rattan? ›- Easily repairable. Rattan is resistant to any kind of wear and tear. ...
- Stain resistant. Rattan is stain resistant. ...
- Resilient. ...
- Range of different colors and textures available. ...
- Weather resistant. ...
- Non-Corrosive nature. ...
- UV-resistant. ...
- Perfect material for the garden.
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. Plus, they are even mould-resistant!
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 PE rattan? ›What is the difference between PE rattan and wicker? 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.
How can you tell the quality of wicker furniture? ›A good quality wicker set should come with a thick aluminum frame, preferably powder-coated to prevent rust and for aesthetic appeal. The aluminum frame provides support to the seating area while maintaining its light weight construction that makes it easy for you to rearrange your patio furniture easily.
How do I know if my rattan is real? ›High quality wicker furniture has a Matte (flat) finish that isn't shiny. This is a tell-tale sign of a cheap vinyl material so you can distinguish low quality from high quality with one look.
How can you tell the difference between wicker and rattan? ›The defining difference between the two is that rattan is a material whereas wicker is a style of weave. For example, there are many choices of garden furniture that use a wicker rattan weave. That simply means the physical material the furniture is composed of is rattan, and the weave style is wicker.
How can I tell if my furniture is rattan or bamboo? ›Rattan is a solid while bamboo is hollow. Despite being one of the world's strongest woods, rattan is flexible and can be shaped into intricately designed furniture. Therefore an easy way to check if your furniture is rattan or bamboo is to see if any of the canes are curved or bent and if so, your furniture is rattan.
Which is more durable rattan or bamboo? ›As they are two different materials, they also do not have the same strength abilities. Bamboo is stronger than rattan. Some bamboo is known even to have a higher tensile strength than steel; this is why bamboo is used as scaffolding in construction in many parts of Asia.
Can bamboo furniture get wet? ›Even the warmest climates can experience changeable weather, so it's important to remember that should your bamboo garden furniture get wet in the rain or damp due to condensation, it will need to be dried off. In addition, you should clean natural furniture properly at least twice a year with a cloth and soapy water.
What material lasts the longest for patio furniture? ›HDPE plastic is the longest-lasting type of outdoor furniture material. It retains good-as-new shape and appearance over time. It requires minimal cleaning and doesn't fade. It's resistant to mold and mildew, so it works in any type of weather or environment.
Is wicker furniture long lasting? ›Wicker furniture is crafted to be sturdy and durable and designed to be attractive and long lasting. With wicker furniture, not only will you have a furniture set that lasts, but you will also have pieces in your home or outdoors that look good no matter the time of year or trend going on.
What is the best outdoor wood 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.
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.
What is the easiest patio furniture to keep clean? ›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.
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.
How long will teak furniture last? ›In fact, Teak is probably the most impressive material on this list. This tropical hardwood is extremely resistant to the elements, requires little to no maintenance, and can last up to 75+ years.
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.
Can you leave wicker furniture outside in the rain? ›Natural wicker is not intended to be used outdoors and no amount of “water-proofing” spray-on's will protect natural wicker from the sun, moisture, mold, and mildew.
What is the difference between rattan and resin? ›Resin wicker is made with a realistic appearance of natural wicker and both of them can be used in furniture and basket weaving, but they are significantly different to some extent. Natural rattan is more inclined to weave indoor furniture, while plastic rattan is typically apt to weave various outdoor furniture.
What wood lasts the longest outdoors? ›Teak. Teak is the king of durable, outdoor woods. It's extremely rot resistant, reasonably dense and straight-grained, will not warp or crack over time, and has an attractive appearance. Teak is chiefly associated with boatbuilding.
What wood is most weather resistant? ›- Ipe.
- Cumaru.
- Jatoba.
- Garapa.
- Teak.
- Cypress.
- California red wood.
- Cedar.
Why is hardwood better for outdoor furniture? ›
Hardwood garden furniture is significantly more expensive than softwood but it's also more durable, which means it can work out more cost-efficient over time.
Is stainless steel or aluminum better for outdoors? ›Aluminum is a better metal to use for outdoor signs because it has better weather resistance than steel. Steel, however, has superior strength. So, if you're comfortable with rust developing on your sign overtime in favor of something stronger, steel is your best option.
Is aluminum or iron better for outdoor furniture? ›Outdoor aluminum furniture is the better choice for unique design and style. Aluminum pieces are made from liquid material poured into sand casts, which are molded into new designs. The freedom to create new molds allows for intricate detailing, which often is not found in wrought iron.
Is aluminum or cast aluminum better? ›For this process, aluminum gets poured into a mold and solidifies in place. Products made using the permanent mold casting technique are typically stronger and more durable than those crafted using die casting or sand casting.