A garden furniture set is usually the centrepiece of your outdoor space, creating an ideal place to get together with friends and family to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Because outdoor furniture is used frequently, making the right choice is essential.One of the most important considerations when buying garden furniture is the type of material. Wood, metal, plastic, and woven rattan – each material has its unique characteristics and charm. There are many different garden sets, but which material should you choose for your garden furniture set?
Various materials for garden furniture sets
1. Wood
Advantages
- Attractive: Wooden garden sets have a natural look, adding warmth and charm to your garden or balcony. In addition to being visually appealing, they are also comfortable to use, with wooden chairs and benches often usable without cushions.
- Durable: As wood is a natural material, it is resistant to various weather conditions, ensuring longevity. Consider a garden set made of teak, oak, or cedar for extended durability.
- Customizable: Wooden furniture is easy to customise, self-assemble, and can be painted or stained. This allows you to add a personal touch to even the most standard wooden chair, table, or bench.
Disadvantages
- Maintenance: Wooden garden sets require regular maintenance, such as sanding, staining, or oiling, to prevent greying or rotting. It’s also wise to provide extra protection during autumn and winter months to prolong its life and reduce maintenance needs.
- Cost and weight: Quality wooden garden sets can be pricey due to the nature of the material. Additionally, wood is relatively heavy, increasing transportation costs compared to, for example, plastic.
- Susceptible to insects: Wooden furniture may be susceptible to insects or pests, such as woodworms.
2. Metal
Advantages
- Low maintenance: Metal garden sets generally require minimal maintenance, and stains can be easily wiped off. Cleaning is straightforward, making metal furniture low-maintenance and durable.
- Modern: Metal garden furniture complements modern garden designs.
- Lightweight: Aluminum garden sets are light and easy to move. If you get bored with a layout in the garden, you can quickly relocate the furniture.
Disadvantages
- Less comfortable: Metal can become hot in the sun, making it less comfortable to sit on without cushions.
- Prone to rust: Some metals, like iron, can be prone to rust if not adequately protected during autumn and winter. It might be necessary to store the furniture under a cover or in a garden shed.
3. Woven rattan or wicker
Advantages
- Attractive: Woven garden furniture has a luxurious appearance and complements various interior styles. From Japandi to bohemian, rattan and wicker suit different aesthetics, allowing you to extend your interior style outdoors.
- UV and rain resistant: High-quality woven materials resist moisture and sunlight.
- Comfortable: Woven rattan or wicker can adapt to the contours of your body, providing comfortable seating without the need for cushions.
Disadvantages
- Expensive: High-quality woven furniture can be expensive due to the labor-intensive manufacturing process.
- Maintenance: Rattan or wicker furniture requires some maintenance to preserve its appearance. Occasional cleaning and protection during autumn and winter are necessary to prevent damage from the cold. Sitting on wicker furniture during freezing temperatures may cause it to crack, so consider protecting or moving it to a sheltered area.
4. Plastic
Advantages
- Budget-friendly: Plastic garden sets are generally affordable as the material is inexpensive.
- Weather resistant: Plastic is resistant to weather conditions and requires little to no maintenance. A quick wipe-down after winter, and you can use it again in spring.
- Lightweight: Easy to move and stack for storage. If you want to rearrange your garden furniture, the lightweight material is convenient.
Disadvantages
- Less durable: Plastic furniture is generally less durable than wood or metal and may fade, discolour, or even break over time.
- Less stylish: Plastic furniture may lack the aesthetic appeal of a wooden garden set. However, you can enhance the look by using warm cushions.
When choosing a garden furniture set, consider your budget, style preferences, and how much maintenance you are willing to undertake. Each type of material has its unique qualities, and the choice of furniture for your garden depends on your specific needs and preferences.
