How to Choose The Right Garden Furniture

By Jane Grimshaw

At one time, although some garden furniture was made of wood, the majority was made of plastic. Nowadays, there is such a large choice of garden furniture to choose from that you will probably find yourself spoilt for choice. You can choose from products made of various types of wood: oak, mahogany, cedar and teak, aluminium, iron, wicker, rattan, resin, vinyl or even a combination of different materials. These products come in a wide variety of styles to suit all tastes and budgets.

What to Consider

Before purchasing garden furniture you need to think very carefully about the design of your garden – including what patio or decking areas you have available – and the style and size of your house. Some houses will suit very modern styles in the form of vinyl, metal and vinyl, or wood and metal constructions, while other more period reproduction furniture is available to suit the older property. Wood is particularly popular, as it is considered to convey a more natural look in the garden.

Most people think only of tables and chairs when they think about garden furniture, but there is much more on offer than this such as, parasols, benches, hammocks, swinging chairs, chaise lounges and poolside furniture. Again, think carefully about your available space before purchasing anything too big, or in the wrong style. Hammocks are very easy to install and do not have to be positioned between two trees, they can be anchored or mounted in other ways and can be a great addition to your garden.

Most garden furniture nowadays is well constructed and treated to withstand the elements all-year-round, including good UV protection. Cushions also come in treated materials, which are easy to clean, dry quickly and offer UV and chlorine protection – this is particularly important if you have young children or you are using covers around a swimming pool. It is always best to check these points before you buy.

When to Buy Garden Furniture

It is a good idea to begin looking at garden furniture out of season, as this is often when they are offered at lower prices – so you may be able to pick up a bargain! It also means that you can browse round at your leisure and have your furniture installed in your garden well before the warm weather arrives.

Customizing Your Garden Furniture

If you would rather have furniture that is completely individual and you have good DIY skills, then you could consider making your own outdoor furniture. You could buy good quality wood and stain it accordingly or use a combination of other products, such as slate, marble, tiles, metal etc. Alternatively, you could take a trip down to the junkyard and have a look round for anything unusual, or there may even be materials lying around the house that you could use.

Always try to aim for a good combination of furniture to suit all your outdoor needs and think about the number of chairs you will need too. If you entertain regularly it might be an idea to invest in a few cheaper chairs, which will contrast with your other furniture - these will be particularly useful for large gatherings and parties. Don’t forget to consider the weight of the furniture; if you need to move it around regularly, some can be very heavy.

Enjoying your outdoor living to the full can be much more relaxing and enjoyable with the right furniture, which is comfortable to sit on for long periods of time. So, always test out your furniture first and consider buying the most expensive set that you can afford. This will ensure that you get many enjoyable years out of your purchase.

© Doityourself.com 2006