While the British weather may be extremely unpredictable, Summer is upon us and now is the best time to get ahead and choose outdoor furniture. Whether you have a large patio area, a quaint balcony or pergola, choosing the right garden furniture for your external space can feel like an impossible task.
As with any home related purchase, outdoor furniture is an investment for not only this year, but many years to come.
Our Complete Guide to Choosing Outdoor Furniture will help you narrow down your selection, so you know exactly what to look out for. It's important to understand the size of area you have for garden furniture, and also which material options are available too.
Let's take a look!
Elements to Consider
Before you can begin shopping around and choosing outdoor furniture styles, there are some important aspects to consider. Take some time to evaluate the following:
The Size of Outdoor Area
Firstly, it’s important to examine the overall size of your outdoor area. How big is your patio? What area is available on your balcony?
Answering these questions will allow you to form a good idea of how much outdoor furniture you need, and what type. For those with smaller spaces or narrow balconies, you may need to consider outdoor furniture that can easily fold and be stored away.
If you have a large patio area, you may want to create an outdoor dining and lounge area. Make sure to measure your available space and the furniture you consider ensuring everything fits well.
What Look Do You Like
Before you can properly shop around, have a think about what sort of style you like best. Do you prefer a contemporary and sleek look? Or something more traditional? It’s also a good time to think about the frame and upholstery materials that you like, and don’t like!
What is Your Budget
Some of the bigger outdoor furniture brands have steep price points. But don’t let this put you off! They are usually made with much higher quality materials which push their prices up. Before you start shopping for outdoor furniture, have a figure in mind that you can comfortably spend.
There are some great budget-friendly outdoor furniture options on the market too – take a look at our Pavilion Chic range of garden furniture and accessories!
Goals
Ultimately, your outdoor space needs to work for you and your family. What do you plan on using the space for? Will you be entertaining with guests or having smaller groups of people? Do you need furniture for lounging or dining, or both?
When you have responses to these questions you will be able to shop more efficiently.
Read our Garden Furniture Buyer’s Guide for more.
Frequently Asked Questions on Outdoor Furniture
Over the years we have spoken to hundreds of customers with similar concerns about garden furniture and their longevity, particularly with the British weather and harsh winters. Therefore, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions on outdoor furniture to help you choose the best pieces for your external space.
Outdoor furniture that is made from wood, steel, and synthetic rattan are the most durable. There are other outdoor furniture materials available, but they do require an extra level of maintenance.
In theory, all outdoor furniture that is weather-resistant can be left outside all year. We do recommend storing outdoor furniture in a sheltered area though where possible and keeping cushions indoors as a minimum during the winter. This is to provide longevity to the furniture so you can enjoy it every year.
Garden furniture prices vary greatly between brands for many reasons. Firstly, it’s where they are made and what materials are being used to make them. Outdoor furniture must be made from materials that can with-stand weather conditions, and therefore the materials are more expensive. For pieces with extra details and more weather protection, the price will be greater too.
4 Seasons Outdoor is designed for year-round outdoor use. However, we would always recommend covering outdoor furniture when not in use with a water-resistant cover. During the winter months, cushions should be stored inside to prevent mould.
Yes – most outdoor furniture ranges are waterproof. However, you should always check the care instructions before purchasing an item. Furniture covers are available with many items to keep them dry during colder months and overnight.
Synthetic rattan furniture is UV-resistant and therefore can be left outside without the fear of discolouring during the summer. This type of outdoor furniture is made with aluminium frames which doesn’t rust. Therefore, it can be left outside during the winter. However, to ensure you get the most life out of your outdoor furniture (no matter what material it’s made from) it should be covered with a water-resistant cover.
Read our Garden Furniture Care Guide for more details on caring for your new outdoor furniture.