Garden furniture spends its life outside, exposed to sun, rain, and frost. Some materials thrive on that; others need covering, storing, or regular treatment.
Choosing the right material for how you live matters more than choosing the right style.
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Hardwoods
Teak, iroko, and other dense hardwoods are naturally durable and weather to a silvery grey if left untreated. An annual clean and optional oiling keeps them looking fresh. Look for FSC-certified timber.
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Softwoods
Pine and other softwoods are cheaper but need regular treatment with preservative or paint, and typically have a shorter life outdoors.
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Metal
- ✿Aluminium: lightweight, rustproof, and low-maintenance, but can blow around in high winds
- ✿Steel: heavy and stable; needs a good powder coating to resist rust
- ✿Cast iron: very heavy and traditional, can rust where paint chips
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Synthetic rattan and plastics
Good-quality synthetic rattan woven over an aluminium frame resists the weather well, though cheap versions can crack and fade in strong sun. Furniture made from recycled plastic lumber is extremely low-maintenance and long-lasting.
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Cushions and storage
Even weatherproof cushions last much longer if they are brought in or stored in a ventilated box when not in use. Check that removable covers are machine-washable. If you have nowhere to store furniture, prioritise materials that can genuinely stay out all year.
This is general landscaping and garden information, not professional advice. Costs, regulations, and plant suitability vary by location. Call before you dig to locate buried utilities, and consult a licensed landscaper or engineer for retaining walls, drainage, and structural work.