Outdoor furniture: buying guide

In this article

1. Outdoor furniture: buying guide

In brief

• Quality is more important than cost. Consider DIY if you need to save money.
• Think about how many you are entertaining and the size of the space
• Furniture materials include timber, aluminium, PVC and more

What you should look out for when buying outdoor furniture and the pros and cons of different types.

Features to consider

Cost
As with most furniture, the more you spend, generally, the better the quality. If you are on a budget, look out for plastic and PVC settings that imitate other materials at a fraction of the price.

Quality
When you are in the shop, inspect the table and chairs closely. Don't be afraid to sit on the chairs and try moving the table around. If they seem rickety in the shop, steer clear. Selecting a setting that is slightly more expensive but better quality is a smart move.

Maintenance
Some outdoor furniture can be high maintenance. You may be required to re-stain, re-paint, re-upholster, steam-clean or move it undercover during bad weather. Before you buy your outdoor furniture make sure you familiarise yourself with the care instructions and decide if you are prepared to carry out the details.

DIY
Some outdoor furniture can be ordered over the internet or phone and comes in pieces for you to put together. If you are a keen DIYer this is an easy way to save yourself some money.

Size
Before you select your furniture consider how many people will be using it and the size of the space where the furniture will sit. If it's a particularly small area, measure the space before you go shopping. That way you won't end up with a setting that swamps your entertaining area.

Types of outdoor furniture

Aluminium
Aluminium is the biggest seller in outdoor furniture. It looks like wrought iron or metal but is not as heavy.

Pros Doesn't rust Easy to maintain Available in a range of prices Long life span

Cons Surface may retain heat in direct sunlight Tubular varieties are lightweight so not suitable in extreme weather Will discolour over time if not powder coated

Wrought iron
Wrought-iron table settings are the blueprint for other metal settings. They can be highly detailed with intricate designs.

Pros Heavy in weight so perfect for windy areas Can be cleaned with soap and water

Cons Prone to rust if not covered in rust retardant or a powder finish Hard to move around Expensive

Timber
Timber is one of the most popular choices for outdoor furniture. Timber outdoor settings generally come fully erected but there are DIY sets on the market as well.

Pros Looks natural in an outdoor environment Huge range of timber types and styles to match most settings Easy to clean with soap and water Doesn't absorb heat Heaviness keeps it stable

Cons Requires treatment every six to 12 months

PVC / plastic
Plastic furniture has evolved from white flimsy settings to convincing imitations of other materials including timber, wicker and aluminium.

Pros Cheap Easy to clean – a simple wipe down every now and then is all that’s required Available in a huge range of colours and textures

Cons Is only a replica of the real thing (for example, timber) Not suitable for high-wind areas

Rattan/wicker
Wicker furniture is made from tightly weaved vines. Rattan is a particular vine grown in South-East Asia.

Pros Distinctive appearance Lightweight – easy to move around Available in a range of prices

Cons Lightweight nature can be a problem during extreme weather Can be damaged by direct sunlight if not treated properly