Four Common Types of Outdoor Furniture
Whether you want outdoor furniture that makes outdoor living a pleasure or prefer a sun lounger to create a relaxing oasis right outside your back door, our buying guide will help you find and maintain the furniture that’s right for you.
But where to start? Read on to find out what types and accessories you need, where to buy them, and how to care for your new furniture so you don’t have to buy new furniture year after year. It is extremely important to choose the right material for garden furniture. We present four common types and list the pros and cons of each.
There are two types of rattan – natural and synthetic. Both offer a weave effect, look great in a variety of colors, and are suitable for all types of spaces. While natural wicker rattan is durable and looks great, it is not weather resistant, so most outdoor options will be made from synthetic polyethylene resin.
The high-quality resin is extremely weather resistant, making it ideal for year-round garden furniture and is less expensive than natural resin. However, if you live in an area with frequent strong winds, you may need storage space as resin rattan is very light and can be easily blown away by the wind.
If you have a natural theme, wood is a great choice. If you choose the right type, it will become a strong and durable element in your garden. Softer woods such as pine and cedar are less expensive but better suited for indoor furniture that needs constant weather protection. More expensive hardwoods such as teak and eucalyptus last longer. If oiled and stained every year, they should weather naturally.
It’s durable and weather resistant – just make sure you choose a stainless suit – and it can be left outside all year round. However, most will come with cushions that will need to be removed when wet or cold. You also need to be careful not to burn yourself on the metal on a hot day.
Plastic garden furniture is ideal if you are on a budget. You will find many different styles and shapes at a low price. However, they may not be as strong and durable as other materials. The plastic is weather resistant, so you won’t need to store it for the winter. However, extreme heat can sometimes deform it.
Many sets are minimalist in design, and some are fold-able, great if you have a small garden or balcony. If you’re short on space, consider opting for a stack-able set for easier storage.