Start with how you use the garden, not with the photos. If you mostly eat outside, a dining set with upright chairs is easier to live with than a deep lounge sofa. If you mostly sit with a coffee or a book, a lounge set or a single hanging chair gives more comfort per square metre. Casual dining sets, with a lower table and sofa seating, sit between the two.
Then pick the frame material for your weather. Synthetic rattan (a woven plastic, usually polyethylene, over an aluminium or steel frame) and powder coated aluminium both cope with rain far better than untreated wood or steel. The real differences are weight, feel and how much space you have to store cushions and covers.
Finally, measure. A set that looks generous in a catalogue photo can leave no room to pull a chair out on a small patio.
Synthetic rattan, aluminium or something else
| Material | Good points | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Synthetic rattan (PE weave) | Comfortable, looks soft, light to move, many sofa and dining shapes | Weave can be damaged by freezing, pressure washers and harsh cleaners |
| Aluminium, powder coated | Light, does not rust, slim frames, easy to wipe down | Gets hot in strong sun; paint can chip if knocked |
| Cast aluminium | Heavier and more stable in wind, decorative patterns | Usually needs seat pads for comfort |
| Steel | Strong and often cheaper | Rusts where the coating is scratched |
| Hardwood such as teak | Natural look, sturdy | Turns silver grey unless oiled each season |
Most of the larger sets in the outdoor furniture range are synthetic rattan over aluminium frames, while bistro sets and many dining chairs are aluminium or cast aluminium. When you compare listings, check what the frame is made of, not only the weave on the outside, because the frame decides how well the piece copes with years of damp.
Rattan is not all the same
Good synthetic rattan is usually described as PE (polyethylene) weave. It stays flexible and is made to handle UV light better than cheaper PVC strands, which can become brittle and crack. A tight, even weave with no loose ends at the corners is a good sign. Flat weaves look more modern, round weaves more traditional; neither is stronger by default.
Dining, casual dining or lounge
- Dining set: a table at normal dining height (around 72 to 75 cm) with upright chairs. Best if you eat outside often. Round tables seat people more sociably and fit corners; rectangular tables seat more people.
- Casual dining set: a corner sofa or benches around a table that is a little lower than standard, often with height adjustment or a fire pit insert. Comfortable for long evenings, but less upright for meals.
- Lounge set: sofa, armchairs and a low coffee table. The most relaxed option, and the one that needs the most cushions stored.
- Single pieces: a hanging cocoon chair, a lounger or a bistro set for two can be enough for a balcony or a small yard. You will find these in garden chairs and garden tables.
Some sets in the armchairs category are complete garden dining or lounge sets, so it is worth browsing there too.
Measuring your space
Measure the area you can really use, then allow room around the furniture:
- Add about 60 to 75 cm behind every dining chair so people can pull it out and sit down.
- Leave a walkway of at least 60 to 90 cm past the set to doors, steps and the lawn.
- For a parasol, check the canopy diameter against the table and the space around it, and check whether the base is included and heavy enough for your spot.
- For a hanging chair, check the full footprint of the stand, not only the seat, and the height under any overhang.
- Check access: large corner sofas usually arrive in sections, but they still have to pass through a side gate or the house.
Mark the footprint on the ground with string or chalk before you order. It is the quickest way to see whether a six seat set really fits.
Cushions, covers and storage
Cushions are often the part that wears out first, and they decide how much storage you need. Look for removable, washable covers where possible and quick drying foam. Most outdoor cushions are not meant to stay out in heavy rain, so plan where they will live: a shed, a garage, or a dedicated cushion box such as the cushion storage boxes some garden ranges offer.
Furniture covers protect frames from dirt, bird droppings and leaves. Choose a breathable, waterproof cover made for the shape of your set, and only cover furniture that is clean and dry, otherwise trapped moisture leads to mould and marks. Take the cushions off before you cover the frame. Avoid wrapping cushions in polythene bags for winter, as they can sweat and go mouldy.
Cleaning and winter care
- Wipe synthetic rattan with a soft cloth or brush and mild soapy water every few months, then rinse and let it dry.
- Wash aluminium with warm soapy water and rinse well; strong detergents can damage the painted finish.
- Do not use a pressure washer on rattan weave or painted frames.
- Clean bird droppings off cushions and frames promptly so they do not stain.
- Most synthetic rattan can stay outside all year under a good cover, but bring it into a shed or garage in freezing weather or storms if you can, because frozen weave can crack and light pieces can blow over.
- Put trivets or mats under hot dishes on glass and ceramic tops.
If you are getting existing furniture ready for spring rather than buying new, the blog post on getting garden furniture ready for summer covers that side. For indoor pieces with a story, see the guide to buying vintage furniture.
Before you order from a UK shop
Many garden furniture shops listed here are based in Great Britain and show prices in pounds. Goods sent from Great Britain to Ireland can attract VAT and sometimes customs charges, and bulky furniture often has its own delivery terms. Check on the shop’s page whether it delivers to your address, what the delivery charge is, and whether duties are included before you pay.
Quick checklist
- How you use the garden: eating, lounging or both.
- Frame material, not only the weave.
- PE rattan rather than PVC where it is stated.
- Space measured with room behind chairs and a clear walkway.
- Parasol size and base checked.
- A plan for storing cushions over winter.
- A breathable cover that fits the set.
- Delivery area, charges and duties checked on the shop’s page.
Common questions
Can rattan garden furniture stay outside all winter?
Most synthetic rattan is made to be left outside, but it lasts longer if it is covered when dry and moved under shelter in hard frost or strong wind. Cushions should always come inside.
Is aluminium or rattan better for a windy garden?
Light aluminium and rattan chairs can both move in strong wind. Heavier cast aluminium, sets with a solid table, and covers strapped down properly cope better. Stack or store light chairs when storms are forecast.
How many seats do I need?
Count the people who usually sit outside together, then add two for visitors if space allows. A four seat round set suits most small patios; six seats need a noticeably bigger area once you allow room to pull chairs out.
