Our easy garden furniture guide

The right garden furniture makes all the difference when it comes to spending time outdoors and enjoying the warmer weather.

If you’re thinking of getting some new pieces or replacing existing ones that are past their best, there’s lots to consider. To help, we’ve had a look at the pros and cons of some of the different materials commonly used, so you can decide what’s going to work best for you.

Rattan

Rattan is a popular material and is a regular feature in garden centre displays up and down the country. It’s waterproof and resistant to UV light, so it won’t bleach or fade over time. It’s also very low-maintenance – other than storing your cushions inside, there’s little to think about in that regard.

On the downside, it can be expensive, so it might not suit everyone’s budget. Loose weaves can also be problematic. Fixing these when you spot them will stop the strands unravelling further and prevent them compromising comfort or making the furniture look messy.

Wood

Wooden furniture has a lovely natural look and feel that suits garden settings perfectly. It’s rustic and recyclable, and there’s a huge range of options to suit different tastes and budgets.

Hard woods like teak and oak are more durable than soft woods such as pine, although they’re also more expensive. Even though wooden garden furniture tends to be treated to withstand the worst of the weather, it’s still prone to water damage over time. Keeping it in the best shape requires regular maintenance, so this is something to consider before making a purchase.

Aluminium

Aluminium is light and generally low cost, making it a potentially attractive option. It also looks good and stands up well to heavy use. But if it does get damaged, this can completely compromise its strength – meaning, for example, you may need to get a replacement to avoid a bent chair leg buckling the next time someone sits down.

The lightweight nature of aluminium furniture can also be a problem if your garden isn’t well sheltered. On windy days your tables and chairs could get blown about if they’re not secured or stored away.

Restore and refurbish

Just before you make a purchase, it’s worth checking if a bit of tender loving care would give your existing tables and chairs a new lease of life.

A pressure washer will quickly remove any grime and greenery from unloved aluminium. A quick sanding and a layer of restorative oil will give weathered wood a sleek new look. To spruce up your rattan furniture, give it a dry brush and then a light scrub with water and a non-foaming detergent.

You might be surprised by the results and you could save yourself some money.

Whatever furniture you decide is right for you, the good news is that it’s covered against theft and damage if you have home contents insurance from Co-op. Check out the full policy details and get a quote online.