Garden Furniture

Before you buy garden furniture read about it. There are many styles of garden furniture along with many price differences.

1. Style
2. Size, Weight, Dimensions
3. Price
4. Materials
5. Shipping & Transport
6. Assembly (if required)
7. Maintenance

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[1] Style & Theme – There are many different styles of furniture made from various materials. Styles include: Modern, Victorian, Classical, and others. Look at your garden & yard to determine the look and feel you are after.

[2] Size, Weight, Dimensions – Consider the size & dimensions of your garden furniture as it relates to both your landscape as well as the number of people using it. You don’t want large and gaudy if you’re trying to fit into a smaller space. On the other hand, if 4-5 people will routinely use the furniture you’ll want more than a 2 seat set-up.

[3] Price – Pricing will vary depending on where you buy your garden furniture, materials, size, style, and the details incorporated into it. Decide on a style and size to accommodate enough people, and then shop around for the best pricing. Remember… Best price does not always equal best deal if what you purchase does not last.

[4] Materials – There are many different materials garden furniture can made from including Wrought Iron, Cast Aluminum, Various Woods, Wicker, and different plastics. They all have their advantages and differences including durability and pricing variances.

[5] Shipping & Transport – You might find a great deal somewhere and find the shipping cost, or cost to transport across town, more than eat up your savings. Consider this as well how you will physically move the furniture from your vehicle or doorstep to where you want it.

[6] Assembly – Do you want to go crazy? By trying to assemble some types of furniture you might achieve this level of frustration reserved for “assembling things”. If you are buying locally see if it can be delivered assembled. If not, or you are buying online, look for the words “easy to assemble” or at least make sure the directions are easy to understand. You can also get a friend or hired hand to do the assembly.

[7] Maintenance – Consider the maintenance of your garden furniture. Certain materials like wood and wicker are going to need routine maintenance especially if outside in the elements. Even metal garden furniture will occasionally have rust or paint scratching off and need some care. Plastic garden furniture does not have these wear and tear features but cleaning plastic can sometimes be a challenge in the outdoor environment.

Types of Materials used in Garden Furniture:

Wicker Style – Wicker style garden furniture is typically made from wicker, rattan, and water hyacinth. There are different styles including modern, vintage, and Victorian and they can be used nicely both indoors or outdoors. There is some modern wicker style garden furniture that is actually made from synthetic materials that will last and are easy to maintain.

Poly Resin Materials – Poly Resin is code for some type of plastic. These days there are very high quality resins that look great and can be made in every style, shape, color, and durability level. Many can even be mistaken for wood and come complete with grains and texture to mimic quality.

Wrought Iron – Wrought iron garden furniture can last for many years and several generations. It is very heavy duty but does require maintenance. The surface will need touched up every few years to keep rust under control, but it is well worth the effort.

Cast Aluminum – This is the king of “NO MAINTENANCE” garden furniture. It can be left outside all year long and still require very little maintenance.

Wood Styles – Wood garden furniture is popular and made from several types of woods including Cedar, Teak, Redwood, and less expensive woods as well. An advantage of teak wood is that it’s one of the hardest and most durable woods around. To give you an idea of its durability it is often used for boat decks, docks, and boardwalks. Note: If wood furniture is used outside, regular painting and refinishing will be needed.

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Cushions – If you let these go too long with dirt, grime, pollen, spills, etc, your cushions will be hard to clean. Vacuum them regularly if possible by using a battery operated vacuum or bringing them into your home for cleaning.

Use a sponge and mild soap and let dry completely before returning to the garden furniture. If the cushions are mildewed (not uncommon) you can use a very small amount of bleach but test first in a spot that will not be seen.

Wicker – You can use a soft brush or vacuum to regularly clean. Another quick ay is to spray it off with a hose.

Wood – If your garden furniture is a durable wood like teak you can get away laving it outside all year. If it is pine, oak, or cedar you should bring it in (or cover very well) during the winter to avoid costly damage.

Some manufactures recommend applying oil occasionally to help keep its good looks and prevent moisture damage. You can wash wood garden furniture with water and mild soaps.

Metal – To wash metal garden furniture use water and mild soaps. One tip is to apply car wax several times per year and use an oil spray lubricant on chair swivels and glides to keep them functioning properly and protect them.

Plastic / Poly Resins – These are relatively easy to clean by using soap and water. You may need to use a bleach mixture to get at extra tough stains including mildew.

Glass (tempered) – To clean garden furniture glass for table tops, etc, use glass cleaner and a soft rag. You can also just spray it off or ash with mild soap and water.

Umbrellas – The canvas part of the umbrella can be cleaned with soap and water and possibly a bleach mixture if there is mildew (test the bleach mix first in a small spot to verify it’s not too strong).

The wooden poles should be treated like your wood furniture with cleaning and wax. Metal poles need to be cleaned with water and soap and treated for rust if it appears.