Many people don’t use their gardens as much as they intended to, or would like to. It’s mostly down to how you view it, if your garden furniture is rotting away or otherwise unpleasant then you’re less likely to ever use it. You need to make sure you buy the right style and type of furniture for you, so you’ll be more encouraged to spend time in your garden and maintain any furniture.
Choose a Style
It doesn’t matter how big or small your garden is, if you choose the right furniture and accessories for the space then you can almost transform it into another ‘room’. If you’re thinking about furnishing a smaller space like a balcony or patio then you’ll want to choose furniture that’s slim and designed with limited space in mind. You could even focus on fold away furniture to maximize space when they’re not needed. You need to determine if you’re just after a garden bench for that spot of the garden that catches the sun in the evening; or if you’re aiming for an outdoor ‘living room’ type of layout. You can really push the boundaries of your garden with outdoor sofas, tables and even daybeds.
Material
For the ultimate in long lasting and durability, teak is the go to option for an all-weather material. You can choose to preserve its beautiful honey brown color with sealants, or let it age naturally to a silver hue. Teak has a high oil content that allows it to survive through the intense temperature changes between summer and winter. Because of this, it can be left outdoors all year round with very little risk of rotting or damage since it’s highly water resistant. The best thing about teak garden furniture is that it requires very little maintenance, just a wash with soapy water and a soft brush annually and you’re good to go.
Metal is also a good choice if you’re looking for low maintenance and long lasting furniture. The main two options are wrought iron and steel. Wrought iron gives a solid weight which is ideal for windy and exposed areas; this material can be powder-coated to ensure it doesn’t rust. Steel is the best all rounder, especially after powder coating against the weather. It’s much more solid and durable vs aluminum and lighter than iron. It’s the best option for fold away furniture where space is already limited.
Accessories and Finishing Touches
Depending on where you live, it’s likely that at some parts in the year, the sun gets a little too intense. Parasols and Shade Sails can provide that much needed protection from damaging UV rays. Parasols are ideal in the center of a table or feature, while Shade Sails can be handy to maximize limited space. Pole based Parasols can be round, square or octagonal in shape, often with a metal or a wooden pole that sits in a solid base to support the parasol. You shouldn’t rely on the table supporting it, unless it’s weighted down with something. Cantilever parasols offer the best protection from the sun since they can be angled properly for the best possible shade. They contain a mechanical system that lifts the canopy and locks it securely into position.
If you’re planning on having outdoor sofas and chairs then you can give a custom touch to them in the form of fresh cushions in whichever color you desire.
