Emma's Expert Guide To Buying High Quality Garden Furniture
Looking to invest in new, high quality garden furniture but don't know where to start? I have personally written this expert guide to help you understand why it is worth investing when transforming your garden space into an oasis!
1. Find the right place to buy from - Online vs The Bum Test!
Firstly, I recommend that you really do your research on garden furniture websites and read their Trustpilot and Google reviews. Also, check that the company are easy to contact by chat, email, and most importantly, phone. Ensure that the furniture is in stock for immediate delivery and preferably delivered by their own handpicked delivery team.
After browsing their website to gather inspiration, measure your space to decide how big your furniture footprint will be. Remember to take into consideration any other objects which you will have in your garden such as BBQs, parasols, firepits. You may also want to allow space for a storage box for cushions and covers when not in use.
Next, and most importantly visit a garden furniture showroom to test and try the garden furniture. Give yourself plenty of time to look around, feel the fabric and test the frames. The bum test is essential! I can never understand how people can buy a car without test driving it, or buy a bed without laying on it. Garden furniture is no different. Visiting a showroom will also allow you to compare the different brands of garden furniture; like cars, there are so many brands with different qualities.
Buying from a garden furniture specialist, rather than a garden centre means not only will you will have a huge choice from a wider range, you will also receive expert advice from trained garden furniture specialists. In a specialist showroom, you will have the chance to gather inspiration from beautiful displays, expertly put together by professionals. You will also be able to buy those show stopping, finishing touches with garden accessories. By accessories, I mean the big items like pergolas and colourful parasols as well as the fun bits which will make your garden unique, like throws, bright outdoor cushions and lights.
Finally, buying from a garden furniture specialist rather than an online-only store guarantees that you will be well looked after both during and after your buying experience.
2. Find what is comfortable for you:
It is important that when you invest in luxury outdoor furniture, you find a set that is extremely comfortable. Everyone has a different idea when it comes to comfort. High backed, being low down, reclining, rocking, feet up, feet down, sinking in to the cushion or a firm pad? Being able to test them out and compare is an essential part of buying.
3. Find what is practical for you and your space:
What is the purpose for the new garden furniture? Are you wanting to relax and enjoy a morning coffee, then a bistro set might be perfect for you. Do you like to host parties or have a large family? A large corner set, dining set or a mesmerizing fire pit set could be what you are looking for.
Some sets can give you the best of both worlds like height adjustable and extendable tables. Bench seating is versatile and feels more sociable, whereas dining chairs will allow everyone to sit back and relax comfortably after a delicious meal. Choose bar furniture to keep the party going from food to cocktails.
Or are you simply dreaming of the ultimate sunbathing space? Then large sofas, sun loungers or chaise lounge would suit you better.
4. Find the right style for you:
Finding the right style is simply just down to preference! A useful place to start is by deciding whether you want your garden furniture to complement or contrast with your home. If you live in a very modern house, you might choose furniture with minimalist lines and aluminium frames. Alternatively, traditional rattan furniture provides a cosy and comfy feel. There are so many options available on the market: rattan, aluminium, teak, rope, fabric, cast aluminium and new, innovative designs coming every year! It can be tricky to know which is best for your needs and which is most durable. Below, I’ve outlined some of the most important points.
Knowing the difference between budget friendly and high quality garden furniture
Steel vs aluminium
Aluminium and steel are the two most widely used materials for metal outdoor furniture. Steel is cheaper, but has it's issues: it's very heavy and, as a ferrous metal, will eventually rust.
For these reasons, aluminium is a more popular choice. Aluminium furniture is lightweight, rust-free and easy to maintain. With aluminium, it is vital that the frame should have fully welded joints and be finished with multiple coatings of high-quality paint to ensure longevity and durability. Aluminium is also the eco-friendly choice as it is infinitely recyclable, making it one of the most sustainable resources there is.
Recycled vs quality rattan
Often, cheaper rattan sets are made using recycled plastic, an exercise that cuts costs down massively, but PVC and PU synthetic rattan won’t stand the test of time and will start to break down and crack. As a general rule, if a garden furniture set only comes with a 1 year warranty, avoid it.
PE synthetic rattan is the best quality rattan, it’s fully weatherproof so it can be left outside all year round. Although it’s a more expensive option, it won’t crack or go brittle over time. Synthetic rattan comes in different weaves. Flat and half-round weave can be used for the main panels on a piece of furniture as it's not very comfortable to sit on a full round weave. However, a full round weave on the edge of tales and chairs is highly recommended to give a more premium feel and will increase the longevity of the product.
Glass:
For safety, it’s important to look for 8mm toughened safety glass to ensure product longevity.
Wood:
Wooden can require a fair amount of maintenance and as it is natural it requires cleaning, protecting and oiling to maintain its appearance.
5. Consider how you will look after your furniture.
When you buy quality garden furniture, you will want to look after. So you should choose garden furniture that works with the level of maintenance that you’re realistically able - or willing - to provide.
Rattan- Aluminium framed, rattan furniture can be left out all year round. I advise to take cushions in after use (unless stated that the cushions are weatherproof). You can leave the furniture uncovered if you wish, it will look more attractive and you can clean down with warm, soapy water before use! If you would like to cover your furniture up, the cover protects the furniture but doesn't always keep it bone dry. Read our cover guidelines here.
Aluminium (Metal look)- Aluminium framed metal look furniture can also be left out all year round. I advise to take cushions in after use (unless stated that the cushions are weatherproof). You can leave the furniture uncovered if you wish but a cover may protect the garden furniture from getting scratched! Remember to read our cover guidelines.
Storage boxes - Having a weatherproof storage box next to your garden furniture is the perfect solution to storing cushions when you are not using them. That way, it only takes a minute to pull them out when our lovely British weather permits! If you don't want to be lifting cushions in and out, I recommend all-weather fabric.
All weather fabric- If you choose an all-weather-fabric garden furniture set then you can leave it and the cushions out all year round! If you do need to clean it down, 4 Seasons Outdoor recommend that you simply use a small solution of car shampoo and water or specialised care products. This range of furniture is becoming increasingly popular and is extremely stylish.
Teak garden furniture- Teak will last many years to come. Untreated it will gradually turn silver grey as it releases oil. If you would prefer to maintain its original colour, use care products to clean and treat the teak.
6. Decide on a budget.
Choosing premium furniture guarantees durability, comfort, and quality that is quite obviously apparent. You really do get what you pay for. Although less expensive furniture may appear the same on the surface, it will show signs of wear and tear much faster and will need replacing far sooner. I advise spending a little more; it will certainly save you money in the long run.
