Whatever the time of year, being able to sit outside and enjoy the fresh air is something fewer of us take for granted nowadays, especially in light of the pandemic and all of those gruelling quarantine and isolation regulations.
Whether you’re basking in the glory of the summer sun, or wrapped up in a cosy blanket breathing in the crisp autumn air, having some quality garden furniture upon which to relish an outdoor space, is essential. But how do you know whether to shop with Rattan Furniture Suppliers, or go with wood, wrought iron, aluminium or stainless steel?
To help you decide what type of furniture would work best in your outdoor space, here is a list of the 5 most common garden furniture materials along with their pros and cons:
Aluminium garden furniture
Attractive and incredibly versatile, aluminium garden furniture is cost-effective for anyone on a budget, and can also be recycled. Durable and not prone to rusting, its lightweight design means it can be moved from place to place with ease, that said, it also means that it’s liable to being blown around in high winds.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Recyclable
- Durable
- Not prone to rusting
- Lightweight
Cons
- Strong winds can blow it around
- Can become compromised if damaged
Rattan garden furniture
Resistant to UV light, rattan garden furniture can be left outside in the summer sun, and not lose its colour or become bleached. Requiring minimal maintenance (if any at all), this material is ideal for use outdoors as its fantastically hardwearing and very durable. Looking as good as it functions, rattan continues to be a popular choice and can be found gracing the gardens of thousands of homes throughout the UK.
That said, it’s important that you closely inspect your rattan furniture before making a purchase, as poor weaving can compromise its strength and durability.
Pros
- Enduring aesthetic appeal
- Resistant to UV
- Low maintenance
- Customisable with cushions etc
- Recyclable
Cons
- Poor/loose weaves can compromise its strength
- A little costlier to buy upfront
Wrought iron garden furniture
Solid and sturdy, wrought iron garden furniture is far more likely to remain in place in the event of strong winds, unlike some other, lighter types of outdoor furniture. It can also look very beautiful, but to keep it looking as such, some degree of maintenance must be carried out on a regular basis.
Pros
- Heavy and strong
- Easy to store during colder months
- Attractive
Cons
- Needs maintenance on a routine basis
- Costlier
Stainless steel garden furniture
If you’re someone who gets a lot of use out of their garden furniture during the warmer months, buying items made from stainless steel could prove a good choice. But, although they are durable and wind-resistant, rust is always a concern, and you should check which grade of stainless steel the furniture is made of, as some grades are more corrosion-resistant than others.
Pros
- Strong and long-lasting
- Resistant to wind
- Retains its value
Cons
- Prone to rusting without regular maintenance
- Conducts heat if left in the sun
- Heavy and cumbersome to move
Wooden garden furniture
Among the three most popular types of wooden garden furniture are teak, pine and oak. Sharing similar properties, furniture made from these woods can help give a garden a more rustic appeal, but without regular maintenance, they may be prone to rotting.
Pros
- Gives a rustic, homely feel
- Long lasting if cared for appropriately
- Recyclable
- Easy to move around
Cons
- Needs regular maintenance
- Prone to moving around
While there are multiple options available when it comes to choosing items of furniture to use in your outdoor spaces, indoor and outdoor rattan furniture is a clear favourite. That said, every garden, patio and deck is unique, and you’ll need to consider your specific needs and what kind of look you’re going for, when making the right choice for you.
