What types of garden furniture are suitable for year-round outdoor use?

Year-Round Garden Furniture: The Best Options for All-Weather Durability

Fed up with furniture that doesn’t last or a patio set that can’t withstand extreme weather conditions?

We explore what affects garden furniture, why weather resistance is crucial, and which materials to choose or avoid for year-round durability. Discover which types of garden furniture can be left outside all year and check out our Top 5 picks for the best all-weather outdoor furniture.

Understanding what factors impact the durability of garden furniture left outdoors?

All garden furniture left outside will be exposed to the elements. With British weather changing over the seasons, a garden set must be robust enough to withstand varying temperatures, moisture levels, strong winds, and more.

Therefore, it’s crucial to consider the weather resistance of garden furniture, from rust-proof frames to cushions that can endure damp conditions, and whether the set includes a protective cover.

The location of your garden furniture is also important, as it should be placed in a convenient spot for you and your guests to easily access and enjoy. As the sun moves from east to west, it’s beneficial to consider how much sun and shade you require throughout the day.

Additionally, consider the surrounding environment – whether you have a tall boundary hedge, wall, or fence that could cast shade, or trees that provide dappled light.

In summary, three factors impact the durability of garden furniture: Weather, Location, and Environment:

Weather

• Garden furniture needs to be able to stand up to changeable British weather each season. Being able to withstand extreme heat, wind, rain, snow and hale is key to surviving the seasons.
• If a garden set is to be left in full sun year-round, it needs to be resistant to strong UV rays to prevent fading, and an exposed location also makes furniture more vulnerable to strong gusts of wind and rain.
• Outdoor furniture needs to be sturdy enough not to be blown around the garden and weatherproof enough to not rot or rust.
• Rainwater needs to be able to drain away fast, as this will help to prevent mildew and water from pooling, so cushions should be breathable and able to dry quickly. So whatever the weather, your garden furniture should be ready to use whenever you want.

Location

• Choosing the right location for a garden set is key, especially if it needs to be left outside all year round. It needs to be in a convenient, safe and secure place.
• Patio, decking, paved terracing or artificial grass are great places for garden furniture as they generally provide a flat level surface for a table and seating. Leaving garden furniture on a lawn is only recommended during a dry summer. A grass lawn is not a good long term solution, as this can cause furniture legs to sink into the grass and make frames muddy, especially during wetter months.
• Some wood or composite decking may come with weight restrictions, this is something to bear in mind, particularly if choosing a solid cast aluminium garden set.
• Lastly, think about the orientation of your garden set, check it will be easy to access and is it in the best position to make the most of a view or focal point in the garden.

Environment

• The surroundings of your garden set can greatly affect its durability and maintenance needs.
• If your garden is in an open and exposed location, it may be subject to prevailing winds, so avoid flimsy furniture that might blow away.
• For gardens with large mature trees that produce sap in spring and early summer, consider protecting your outdoor furniture to prevent it from becoming sticky. Using a fitted outdoor cover can also protect garden furniture from bird droppings left by birds passing by or perching on tree branches.
• In coastal locations, some metals are susceptible to corrosion due to the high salt content in moist sea air. If you live by the sea, opt for garden furniture that won’t rust, such as aluminium or timber garden furniture.
• Aluminium has a protective oxide layer to resist corrosion and hardwood won’t rot if it comes pre-treated and maintained over the years.
• For town or city dwellers, pollution can leave a grimy residue on furniture frames. Choosing simple furniture frames that can be easily wiped down will make maintenance much easier.

Why is it important to have weather-resistant garden furniture?

Since weather, location, and environment can all impact garden furniture, resistance to British weather is essential for the following reasons:

Durability: Weather-resistant materials will ensure outdoor furniture remains in a good condition over time, reducing the need to replace it.

Comfort: Weather-resistant materials often provide better comfort. For example, they may stay cooler in direct sunlight or dry quickly after a rain shower, making the furniture more enjoyable to use throughout the seasons.

Safety: Weather-resistant furniture is less likely to become structurally unsound with exposure to the elements, keeping furniture safe to use.

Aesthetics: Furniture that resists weather damage retains its appearance better over time. It won’t fade, crack, or peel easily, maintaining its ‘like new’ look. outdoor space.

Maintenance: Weather-resistant furniture will require less maintenance without deterioration, which means you spend less time and effort on upkeep and repairs.

Value for money: Investing in weather-resistant furniture can be more cost-effective in the long run, reducing the need for costly repairs or a replacement.

Environmentally friendly: Durable, weather-resistant furniture has a longer lifespan, reducing the frequency of disposal and replacement. And some weather resistant fabric is made with recycled products, thus contributing to less waste and a smaller environmental footprint.

Versatility: Weather-resistant furniture can be left outdoors year-round, providing flexibility in how you use your outdoor space. You don’t have to worry about moving or storing it in a summer house, shed or garage during adverse weather conditions, as packing it away is not always an option.

Overall, weather-resistant garden furniture will improve the usability, safety, and the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space while offering practical and financial benefits. Garden furniture is an investment, regardless of your budget, so it’s essential to choose pieces that are built to endure for many seasons.

Which garden furniture materials to look out for and which to avoid?

To guide you on what materials are best suited for outdoor garden furniture and which to avoid, we’ve compiled a short list of recommended and non-recommended materials for outdoor use:

Recommended weather-resistant garden furniture materials:

• Traditional cast aluminium and powder-coated aluminium frames – these are resistant to rust and can be left outside in all temperatures

• Quality synthetic rattan – Resistant to UV, frost and can be left outside uncovered all year round

• Pre-treated hardwood garden furniture can last for decades outside – can be easily maintained with the right products

• Water-resistant cushions – can be left outside (store to keep grime free)

• Weather-resistant tabletops – tempered glass and ceramic are safe in all weathers

• Marine-grade faux leather – highly weatherproof and stain proof

• For added protection, optional fitted furniture covers can help keep frames clean and free from grime

Garden furniture materials to avoid:

• Plastic frames can go brittle when exposed to extreme cold or heat – always check manufacturer guarantees

• Unpainted iron and steel frames can be prone to corrosion and rust – we would not recommend leaving them outside all year

• Softwood garden furniture might be less expensive, but it is more susceptible to rot, insects, and mildew – instead we recommend durable hardwoods like Teak for year round use outside

• Cushion textiles without weather resistance – may be prone to mildew

• Untreated softwood and metal tabletops – these could crack, rot or rust over time

Which types of garden furniture can be left outside all year?

Choosing any combination of our recommended weather-resistant materials (shown in the tick list above) will ensure garden furniture can withstand year-round exposure to the elements.

Our collection of metal, wood, and rattan garden furniture consists of high-quality brands that use weather-resistant materials, ensuring durability and suitability for year-round outdoor use. We also partner with high quality outdoor furniture manufacturers that offer generous warranties and guarantees. Look out for trusted garden furniture brands like Bramblecrest, Hartman, and LIFE. Most of these outdoor furniture specialists design their collections in the UK, so have a good understanding of the challenges of British weather and designs include sun loungers, bistro sets, corner sofa sets, lounge sets, and firepit sets, for year-round outdoor use (unless otherwise stated).

Selecting the right garden furniture that can withstand all weather conditions is crucial for creating a lasting and comfortable outdoor space. Our top 5 picks offer a blend of durability, style, and functionality, ensuring that your garden remains inviting year-round. From robust aluminum frames to weather-resistant wicker and innovative synthetic materials, each piece has been chosen for its ability to endure the elements while providing comfort and aesthetic appeal. Whether you prefer a classic design or a more contemporary look, our collections cater to various tastes, making it easier to find the perfect fit for your garden. Investing in high-quality, all-weather garden furniture will not only enhance the beauty of your outdoor area but also provide a reliable setting for relaxation and entertainment for years to come.