Spending time outdoors is very good for your health. Nothing is more soothing than a quiet moment away from the hustle and bustle of the city, comfortably seated in your garden furniture. But the furniture should be comfortable. Fortunately, there is good outdoor furniture available, accessible to all budgets. The choice is wide enough for everyone to find something suitable. So, what type of garden furniture should you choose?
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Our selection
"Create an elegant space for relaxation with the Bahia set from Alice's Garden. Crafted from acacia wood, this set includes a loveseat, two armchairs and…"
"Dress up your outdoor space with this elegant bistro furniture that includes a table and two chairs. It is a stylish and solid set thanks…"
"In addition to the traditional look we love in a classic outdoor furniture set, the Bois Dessus Bois Dessous Oiled Teak Lounge also has the…"
"A must-have for family dinners in the sunset, backyard barbecues and more. This seven-piece garden furniture set includes a table and six chairs. It's sturdy…"
Create an elegant space for relaxation with the Bahia set from Alice's Garden. Crafted from acacia wood, this set includes a loveseat, two armchairs and a coffee table in a brushed bleached finish for a warm, approachable look.
See the priceThe brushed bleached wood finish on the Alice's Garden Bahia set gives it a chic, natural, warm and approachable look. The acacia wood is 100% FSC certified. The cushions are made of beige polyester, 12 cm thick. They are comfortable and durable. And they are easy to clean: a damp cloth is enough to get them clean.
The Bahia set perfectly combines attractive natural aesthetics with durability. This garden furniture is stable and very resistant to weather. You can count on this set to grace your garden or patio for many years.
The set needs to be assembled, but a clear instruction manual is delivered with the furniture.
Dress up your outdoor space with this elegant bistro furniture that includes a table and two chairs. It is a stylish and solid set thanks to its steel frame.
See the priceVidaxl's 3-piece bistro set with cushions is designed to easily fit small and large patios, balconies and decks. The chairs are compact, not bulky, but comfortable and relaxing.
Ultra-comfortable and stylish, this set will suit any style. Made of woven resin and a solid metal frame, the set is as strong as it is stable. The table has a glass top that gives the set a very chic look.
In addition to the traditional look we love in a classic outdoor furniture set, the Bois Dessus Bois Dessous Oiled Teak Lounge also has the advantage of excellent value.
See the priceWhen it comes to outdoor furniture, some woods are better than others. Oiled teak wood furniture like this set that seats 6-8 people is a solid choice.
Not only is the wood super dense, but it also has a high oil content that repels moisture. So you can enjoy this set for years to come, as long as you feed it with teak oil every year in preseason. Use a soft non-abrasive cloth to avoid damaging the surface.
Only the table is delivered unassembled: the legs must be assembled.
A must-have for family dinners in the sunset, backyard barbecues and more. This seven-piece garden furniture set includes a table and six chairs. It's sturdy and elegant.
See the priceThis set consists of a table and six chairs. The table is constructed of a weather resistant steel frame bathed in a solid color. This material is designed for year-round use. The table has a rectangular and elegant surface. The chairs are constructed of the same material as the table frame.
This 7-piece garden furniture set from Concept-Usine offers the ultimate family relaxation area. It is the perfect combination of elegance and functionality. It requires simple regular maintenance: clean regularly with a cloth (dry or simply soaked in water). Assembly is easy.
Any specific needs?
The best garden furniture in 2021
The best entry-level garden furniture
Your guide :
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| TOP OF THE TOP | CHEAP | EXCELLENT | VERY GOOD | |
In accordance with our commitment, this buying guide does not contain any sponsored products. |
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| OUR SELECTION |
Bahia Alice's Garden
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Mobilier bistro Vidaxl
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Wooden teak living room Top to Bottom
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Mica - Factory Concept
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Create an elegant space for relaxation with the Bahia set from Alice's Garden. Crafted from acacia wood, this set includes a loveseat, two armchairs and a coffee table in a brushed bleached finish for a warm, approachable look.
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Dress up your outdoor space with this elegant bistro furniture that includes a table and two chairs. It is a stylish and solid set thanks to its steel frame.
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In addition to the traditional look we love in a classic outdoor furniture set, the Bois Dessus Bois Dessous Oiled Teak Lounge also has the advantage of excellent value.
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A must-have for family dinners in the sunset, backyard barbecues and more. This seven-piece garden furniture set includes a table and six chairs. It's sturdy and elegant.
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Extremely decorative
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Easy care
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Aesthetically pleasing
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Very practical
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Strong and durable
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Resists heat and cold
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Strong and durable
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UV resistant
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Very weather resistant
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Recyclable
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Waterproof
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Waterproof
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From a renewable source
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Not 100% UV resistant
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Easy to move
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Ordable
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Fairly easy to maintain
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Can lose color fairly quickly
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Falls gray when not properly maintained
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Warm in the sun
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Choose materials and parts that are easy to maintain. Choose furniture made of natural wood, rattan and wicker, steel and wrought iron, or aluminum, plastic and PVC. Be aware that natural wood, rattan and wicker furniture require more maintenance than plastic or PVC furniture. Also be aware that they are much more aesthetically pleasing than plastic and PVC.
Pay particular attention to the quality of the furniture:
As when you buy indoor furniture, don't hesitate to try outdoor furniture before you buy. Try the comfort of the chairs, the practicality of the tables, etc.
Although garden furniture is generally easy to maintain, some are much easier to maintain than others, and this may also depend on your needs. It is therefore advisable to choose the furniture that best meets your needs in order to facilitate maintenance. For example, if you have an uncovered garden and will need to move your garden furniture during the winter, choose a material that is lightweight and can withstand more or less frequent movement.
Add years to the life of your garden furniture by storing it in a protected area, such as a garage or basement during the off-season. Even the toughest furniture, such as teak chairs or wrought-iron sofas, will last longer if stored when not in use. If your storage space is limited, look for furniture that folds or disassembles easily for compact storage. And if your furniture is heavy, plan for a storage space that's not too far from where it normally sits.
To enhance your outdoor furniture, choose cushions that are resistant to moisture, mildew and fading. A waterproof fabric would be ideal. However, you can also use covers to protect your furniture and cushions from the elements. In the latter case, don't forget to inspect your cushions after a rain or storm.
Keep your cushions clean by regularly shaking off pollen, pine needles, bird droppings and other dirt. Wipe up spilled food immediately, as it can stain and attract insects. Although the fabrics themselves are mold resistant, the debris and dirt that can accumulate are not and mold can grow on them.
Don't forget that the aesthetics of your garden room will also depend a lot on accessories like cushions.
All garden furniture will benefit from some maintenance. Perform this maintenance at the end of the summer season in dry weather. However, maintenance can be performed at any time when the furniture is dry. The care and maintenance for garden furniture depends on the materials it is made of:
Remember to do this maintenance work regularly, so you won't have to throw away your garden furniture after a few years.
In a store.
You can buy your garden furniture in brand stores or in department stores. But this may not give you enough information to make an informed choice about your investment. Especially if you have access to very few stores in your city.
Online.
Buying online, on the other hand, is much more convenient, since you can easily find and compare products from the biggest and lesser brands (Alice's Garden, Ikea, Fermob, etc.). And you will also have the buyers' reviews that will give you some idea of the quality of the garden furniture available. You will be able to make your choice more easily. If you decide to buy online, our favorite site for garden furniture is ManoMano which offers a good price/quality/customer service ratio.
Also, delivery is usually free for online purchases.
There are mainly five types of garden furniture according to the materials in which they are made: aluminum furniture, wrought iron, wood and finally polymer or plastic.
It is the most popular metal for outdoor furniture. Despite its light weight, it is strong, durable and can easily be worked into a variety of complex shapes. Aluminum is relatively inexpensive, requires little maintenance and never rusts. Choose cushions that you can easily replace, as the aluminum frame will likely outlive your cushions considerably.
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Aluminum is more resistant to rust and moisture than other metals, and its epoxy powder-coated finish will provide additional protection against the elements. Aluminum garden furniture is a great option for people who want lightweight but sturdy garden furniture. And for those living by the sea.
Solid metal (wrought iron, steel, etc) is generally the strongest and most durable material for outdoor garden furniture. Because of its strength, metal frames can be thinner and shaped into more complex designs than other options. They offer manufacturers greater styling flexibility. Metal is also an excellent choice when used in combination with other materials that have their own functional and aesthetic advantages. But don't plan to use this type of outdoor furniture if you need to move them regularly. They are heavy and will leave marks if you drag them.
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Metal is heavier than aluminum and, in its natural state, is more vulnerable to the elements. It is therefore suitable for people who live in an area where there is often wind. It will not be suitable for people who do not like to do too much regular maintenance on their garden furniture, especially if they live by the sea.
Like wrought iron, this metal alloy has the advantage of being sturdy and extremely strong, making it an excellent material option for large tables. Its high density helps prevent dents and other damage from frequent use. On the downside, it tends to heat up even faster than wrought iron, but it can handle extreme temperatures better than most metals.
Synthetic materials, such as resin and plastic, are becoming increasingly common in the world of outdoor furniture. New manufacturing processes and hybrid compositions allow these polymers to take on shapes and sizes previously unattainable. Synthetic furniture is generally lightweight, inexpensive and can be molded into any imaginable style of decor.
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Woven resin and plastic furniture is suitable for people who want durable, sturdy, easy-care furniture. However, they may not be suitable in windy climates: they are too light and can be easily blown away or knocked over.
Wood has been a popular raw material for furniture for thousands of years. It has a natural beauty, is generally easy to work with, and provides a sturdy frame for tables, chairs, benches and other furniture. However, not all woods are equal when it comes to outdoor use. Many softwoods, such as pressure-treated pine, cedar and fir are inexpensive and widely used for indoor furnishings, but do not stand up well to the elements and require constant protection when not in use. Hardwoods, on the other hand, are much stronger, weather resistant and can last for decades if treated properly.
Plastic is increasingly used in the manufacture of garden furniture. Indeed, this light and robust material does not require the use of paint or sealants. Plastic garden furniture is also more durable than other garden furniture made of other materials.
In addition, plastic garden furniture can be easily adapted to any garden style. The downside is that this material does not offer many design options, as plastics are mass produced. This can severely limit your choice of style. In addition, it can also be subject to scratching and can easily fall apart after a more or less violent blow.
Wood inspires conviviality and has a warm touch. Often, wooden garden furniture has clean lines and is incredibly sturdy. The advantage of choosing wood for your garden furniture is multiple. Indeed, it gives an authentic and rustic side to your garden. It is also very easy to maintain.
In addition, wooden garden furniture lasts a long time. But you should know that a garden furniture requires regular maintenance to keep its appearance. Moreover, it is susceptible to insect attack that will eat them away little by little if you don't treat them with a sealant.
Opt for a plastic garden furniture for its lightness, its price and if you plan to leave it outside all year long. For a more decorative side and to give the garden a touch of character, a wooden garden furniture is the most suitable.
Here are some of the benefits you could enjoy by buying garden furniture:
They are durable:
The materials that this kind of furniture is made from are very durable. In order to withstand rain, wind and sunlight, garden furniture should be made from materials that can withstand all types of situations. It will allow you to enjoy the sun and fresh air with ease. They are often beautiful too: they can even be a good alternative for your home if you have children or pets, for example.
They are affordable
It is possible to find beautiful complete garden furniture for only a few hundred euros.
It has a timeless look
If you choose your garden furniture carefully, you could keep it for decades without it ever looking old or out of fashion. All you have to do is update it by simply changing a few cushions and painting it from time to time. Garden furniture is often basic and easily modified to suit your taste. Strength, durability and comfort are combined with timeless elegance.
They are easy to maintain
Another important advantage of outdoor furniture is that it requires minimal maintenance. For example, aluminum and rattan outdoor furniture can be cleaned simply by washing them with water after using a soapy sponge. They do not require much maintenance effort.
They can be used indoors
The great thing about garden furniture is that it can perfectly replace indoor furniture if necessary. Some good quality garden furniture is elegant and beautifully designed.
In our opinion, the best brands of garden furniture in 2022 are :
Alice's Garden is a brand specialized in garden furniture and outdoor activities. It offers a wide range of products that will satisfy all budgets: with this brand, you can find entry-level, mid-range and high-end products with quality/price ratios that will defy all competition.
Outsunny is one of Aosom's best brands in garden and outdoor decoration. It is exceptional in its quality and design. From swing sets to garden furniture, the Outsunny brand offers products of the highest standard.
VidaXL is a growing international online retailer. Its success is based on its belief that things can always be better and cheaper. The brand is continually expanding its product range and offers the best products at the best price. Its garden furniture is particularly interesting in terms of its price/quality ratio.
The Happy Garden brand is dedicated to providing high quality indoor and outdoor furniture. Its garden furniture, for example, is highly appreciated for its design and durability. The brand also offers other outdoor products: parasols, deckchairs, arbours, garden lighting, etc.
Homcom is an Aosom brand specialising in the design and production of interior and garden furniture. Its garden furniture is highly appreciated for its design quality and durability.
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
Decorate your garden furniture with decorative objects
A table, chairs and cushions are nice and totally transform the look of your garden. But for even more style, think of embellishing your living room with a colorful vase, a designer lamp or other decorative objects. This will make your relaxing moments more enjoyable.
Set it up by the pool
If you have a pool at home, look no further for other locations for your garden furniture. The best place is definitely the edge of your pool. That way, you can make the most of your day outdoors between swimming and lounging on the couch, juice in hand. This will also allow you to keep a close eye on your children playing in the pool.
Remember to cover your garden furniture
To effectively protect your garden furniture from the sun's rays, dust and bad weather, it is best to cover it. You have a variety of accessories to choose from. If you're looking for a more sturdy and permanent cover, opt for a pergola or an arbor. Otherwise, you can just opt for a large umbrella.
Treat your wooden furniture with linseed oil
Think about treating your wooden furniture with linseed oil twice a year to preserve its aesthetics over the years. This natural product will saturate the pores of the wood and make it water repellent. It will also protect the furniture from UV rays.
Create your own relaxation area in the garden
In the absence of garden furniture, you can create a cozy and friendly little space in your garden yourself. Take cushions and blankets and stack them as you please to make your cozy little cocoon. Then set up a rug in the center to put food on, and all you have to do is put on your sunglasses!
Choose metal or hardwood. Metal is generally the strongest and most durable material for outdoor garden furniture. Exotic woods such as teak, jatoba as well as domestic species such as white oak are also resistant, especially to rot and decay.
There are three foolproof methods of waterproofing your wooden garden furniture for years to come:
- Use linseed oil to create a beautiful hand-rubbed finish.
- Seal the wood with a coat of varnish, polyurethane, or lacquer.
- Waterproof the wood easily by applying paint
A 100% latex paint is the most practical. This is because plastic furniture requires a high-quality paint such as latex components. For easy application, opt for a spray paint. This allows you to paint quickly and guarantees better results.
First, clean your rattan furniture with warm water and a clean cloth. Take a small amount of epoxy and cover the break in the strand. Next, sculpt the epoxy with a small device so that it is undetectable. Finally, let it cure for at least 48 hours. To hide the defect, don't forget to paint with a well-matched color.
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