How To Pick Durable Garden Furniture That Lasts

Garden furniture needs to be a lot more durable than the interior furniture you have within the home. Why? Well, garden furniture is left open to the elements unless you have somewhere to store it indoors. A lot of people have outdoor storage, but it’s not the most insulated or protected outbuilding, when it’s likely just a shed.

Over time, the garden furniture will be subject to all weather conditions, and therefore, if it’s not made out of a durable material, chances are, it’s going to fall apart pretty quickly.

To pick out the right durable garden furniture, there are a number of considerations to make. While some furniture is cheaper and more affordable, you may be better suited to choosing something in the middle price point to help save some money in the future. 

Choose durable materials

The type of materials you use for the garden furniture is probably the most important thing to consider. The more durable the material, the longer it’s likely to last in your garden space. 

With that being said, look at what durable materials are most commonly used outside. These include:

Teak

Hardwood is naturally resistant to rot, moisture, and insects because of its high oil content. These durable features mean that such hardwood used as furniture in your garden is likely to last decades in comparison to other wood materials that will last a fraction of that time. 

Aluminum

Lightweight and rust-proof, aluminium is often considered to be the low-maintenance option when it comes to picking out furniture materials. Look for the power-coated versions as these will offer extra protection for your garden furniture. 

Rattan

Rattan is a durable and waterproof alternative to natural wicker. It’s easy to clean and often is built on a rust-proof aluminium frame for extra durability. A lot of rattan garden furniture is widely available on various online stores, as well as in your local hardware and garden stores. 

Rattan furniture is also often more affordable, making it a budget-friendly option for those who don’t want to fork out a fortune on their garden furniture. 

Stainless steel

Stainless steel is a strong and corrosion-resistant choice, especially when it comes to gardens that are located in coastal areas. 

The higher the quality of stainless steel you use, the more effective it’s going to be in its ability to prevent rust.

High-density polyethene

High-density polyethene is a durable plastic that can last over fifteen years. It’s resistant to UV rays and moisture and comes in many different styles, including options made from recycled materials, for example.

Quality construction and features 

Weather-resistant finishes are important to look at when it comes to the quality construction and features that you’re looking for when shopping for garden furniture.

You want powder-coated metals where possible to help prevent rust and offer a waterproof finish on synthetic materials.

When you’re purchasing synthetic rattan, for example, the frame is a crucial part of the furniture. If it’s made out of anything other than a rust-proof material like aluminium, you might find that it doesn’t do as well in environments where there’s a lot of rainfall.

It’s worthwhile to opt for outdoor-specific fabrics that are resistant to UV rays and water. Be prepared to store cushions during heavy rainfall and especially for the winter months, where possible. 

Top tips for extending furniture life 

Extending the life of the furniture is always a productive effort worth making so that you’re getting extra value from the money you’re spending on the garden furniture itself. 

Use protective covers

Protective covers are helpful when it comes to adding an extra layer of protection. This is particularly helpful during harsh winter weather, where the furniture is likely to be subject to more damage if it’s not covered up properly.

A lot of furniture will come with the option of covers for the furniture, so that you can keep it in good condition for years to come. It’s good to invest in this extra so that you can enjoy your garden furniture without it becoming damaged by a bad bout of weather in the winter.

Store any furniture indoors where possible

When the furniture isn’t being used, it’s always good to try and store your furniture indoors where possible. That way, you give your exterior furniture the best chance of surviving for multiple years, if not decades, rather than one or two. 

If you’ve only got space available in an outhouse like a garden shed, then try to insulate this building as much as possible to protect it from extreme weather.

Clean regularly 

Keeping your garden furniture nice and clean is another way of keeping it in good condition. A quick clean with soap and water can help to keep teak furniture looking good. 

Washing down your furniture regularly and drying it properly will all help to keep your outdoor furniture in good condition. It’s worth checking the instruction manual for guidance on what cleaning products you should and shouldn’t be using.

Maintain where necessary 

Not all furniture will require maintenance or upkeep beyond cleaning, but that depends on the type of material you’re investing in. Some materials might need to be waxed or sealed regularly to help keep them protected.

What to avoid when shopping for outdoor furniture

When it comes to shopping for outdoor furniture, there are a number of things to avoid. Cheap plastic is one of them, and while it might be more affordable to buy plastic like this for garden furniture, it’s not going to be durable enough over time.

Steel frames in natural rattan are also a big no-no. Opting for furniture with powder-coated aluminium frames instead is going to be a lot more effective and efficient in the long run.

PVC OR PU synthetic rattan is often less durable than HDPE or PE rattan, so try to go for the latter instead. 

Picking durable furniture for your garden is an important decision to make, so shop around and look for the best materials available.

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