We all know what the great British summertime can be like, and when choosing outdoor furniture for our garden, it’s important to think of what will happen when it gets wet.
If you have waterproof garden furniture, you won’t need to run around like a headless chicken to cover it or put it away every time a few drops fall. Here are a few tips for choosing the best waterproof garden furniture and our pick of the best pieces for your space.
The best waterproof furniture for your garden
Unless you reside in the Dry Valleys, your outdoor furniture will definitely get a few soakings. If you want your furniture to last, you need to consider how waterproof the material it’s made from is.
Here’s a list of the most waterproof materials for garden furniture and a few of our favourite pieces.
Aluminium waterproof garden furniture
Aluminium is the most durable material for outdoor furniture. It’s lightweight, rust-resistant and can be used in all seasons. You don’t need to worry about this metal getting wet.
If you like the look of metal outdoor furniture, consider the following aluminium products for your garden:
1. Palma 6 Seat Oval Dining Set, Harbour Lifestyle
This beautifully designed oval dining set is sure to transform your outdoor space into a comfortable, outdoor dining spot. Crafted from high-quality, rust-proof aluminium, the set is lightweight, weatherproof and practically maintenance-free. The table is topped with ceramic glass, making cleaning a breeze.
The chairs feature a water-repelling, thick rope weave and are UV resistant, making this one of the most practical options for outdoor dining in the changeable Great British climate. The set also comes with a furniture cover which can be used over the winter months.
2. Blue Elephant Cast Aluminium Garden Bench, Wayfair
If you enjoy sitting out in your garden, then this elegant bench is for you. Made from powder-coated aluminium, it’s rust-resistant, waterproof, lightweight and easy to maintain. The hollowed rose design gives it a traditional look that will fit into just about any garden.
Due to being weatherproof and durable, you can use this bench all year round. Its light weight makes it easy to move onto your patio or even indoors if the weather is too miserable to use it outside.
Check out the current price on Wayfair.
3. Cast Aluminium Bistro Set, BillyOh
This funky-looking aluminium bistro set from BillyOh is great for anyone that enjoys spending time outdoors with a friend. It comes in bronze, white or black. You won’t need to worry about rust since the cast aluminium is rust-resistant.
It is also easy to clean, cheap to maintain, won’t fade and will look great in just about any garden. The comfortable backrest also makes it possible to sit and relax here for hours on end.
You will need to assemble this set but don’t worry, it comes with easy-to-follow instructions. If you are into this style check our full list of funky garden furniture.
Check out the current price on BillyOh.
4. Cosivista 120 Black Fire Pit, Harbour Lifestyle
Keep warm when you’re entertaining with this stylish aluminium fire pit from Harbour Lifestyle. As it’s made from high-quality, powder-coated aluminium, you won’t need to worry about rust or fading in the sun. The gas canister is neatly concealed, resulting in a stylish and functional piece for your patio.
Plastic all-weather garden furniture
Plastic is another very durable material. Unlike aluminium, however, plastic outdoor furniture might fade over time and become brittle. Fortunately, this takes a very long time. Here are a few fabulous and functional plastic furniture finds for your garden.
5. Sölback Black Bistro Set, BillyOh
Perfect for smaller gardens and balconies, this durable plastic bistro set is designed to fit perfectly into compact spaces. The tabletop is made from Polywood which makes it easy to clean, as well as being scratch and fade resistant.
This set is also stain-resistant, so you won’t need to worry about bird poo or spillages damaging the plastic. It folds flat for easy storage too.
Check out the current price on BillyOh.
6. Oxford Royal U-Shaped Sofa Set with Fire Pit Table, Harbour Lifestyle
If you like the look of rattan furniture then this fabulously comfortable sofa set is for you. Constructed from polyurethane rattan woven around an aluminium frame, it’s durable, easy to keep clean and great for year-round outdoor use. Luxurious, deep-filled cushions up the comfort factor and the fire pit table will keep you warm on cooler nights.
7. Europa Roma Rectangular Table Dining Set, First Furniture
This sleek, modern dining set is great value for money and incredibly practical. Easy to assemble, the furniture is super lightweight so can be moved around as needed. The bench seats store neatly under the table when not in use.
As it’s constructed from polypropylene, it’s easy to wipe clean and can be left outdoors all year round.
8. Fiji Bistro Set, Garden Furniture Centre
This beautifully realistic bistro set is made to look and feel like natural rattan and is perfect for both in and outdoor use. The material is UV and colour stabilised so it won’t fade or crack and it’s easy to clean with a quick spray of the hose.
The materials used to create the synthetic rattan are 100% recyclable and there is little waste created during production, important points to consider when buying furniture for your garden.
You can choose cushion fabric in a range of colours and prints to suit your style.
Check out the current price on Garden Furniture Centre.
Hardwood weatherproof garden furniture
Hardwood is the most natural weather-resistant material for garden furniture. Even though this type of wood is very durable, you will need to do a bit of maintenance and take a few extra steps to ensure your wooden garden furniture is protected. Here are a few hardwood recommendations for your outdoor space.
9. Greenhurst Lutyens Style Bench, Keen Gardener
Garden benches are undoubtedly the most traditional furniture for gardens. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, then you will enjoy this stunning wooden bench. It’s made from sturdy acacia and will comfortably seat 2 people.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to assemble this bench when you first get it. Don’t fret, however, the assembly is pretty straightforward and you’ll be sitting back, relaxing on your new bench in no time.
Check out the current price on Keen Gardener.
10. Lincombe Adirondack Teak Garden Rocking Chair, BillyOh
If you’re a fan of rocking chairs, you won’t be disappointed with this beautiful design from BillyOh.
The teak chair has a smooth rocking action and is waterproof and weather resistant. With a 12-month warranty, you can rest assured and enjoy your rocking chair without worry.
Teak is a naturally oily wood and will repel both water and pests. To keep the wood looking its best, you will need to oil it every few months. It’s also best to cover the furniture when not in use. This will give it further protection and it will require less maintenance in the long run.
The golden tones of the wood will compliment your garden and brighten up the atmosphere. Once the colour does fade, you will be left with stunning silver wood. The fading actually increases the magnificence of the wood making it a long-lasting item of furniture that can be enjoyed for years to come.
Check out the current price on BillyOh.
11. Teak Swing Sun Lounger, made in design
If spending time out in the sun is one of your favourite pastimes, then you’ll definitely fall in love with this beautiful teak lounger. The curved teak slats are held in place by a wired steel support.
The chair is made from certified grade A-category solid teak and it’s naturally weather and pest resistant. The golden colour will fade to silver over time, but this will only improve the look of your furniture in the long run.
12. Rowlinson Bali 8 Seater Extending Dining Set, First Furniture
Ideal for entertaining and larger families, this extending dining set is made from FSC hardwood. The 1.8m long table extends to a generous 2.1m and the set comes with 6 foldable chairs and 2 foldable reclining chairs. The chairs include a comfortable waterproof weave fabric for the seat and backrest.
For sunnier days, the set comes with a large parasol, perfect for those long, lazy summer lunches.
How to choose the best waterproof garden furniture
Space
When buying garden furniture, one of the most important things you need to consider is space. It would be wise to measure the area before purchasing your furniture. It would be terrible if you find the set of your dreams just to find out you can’t use it.
Waterproof or water-resistant?
The next thing you need to consider is where you’ll be placing your furniture set. If it’ll simply be left outdoors exposed to the elements, you might want to get something durable made from weather-resistant material. This means sun, wind and rain won’t have an effect on your furniture.
The best materials to choose are aluminium, plastic and hardwoods like teak.
Maintenance
You also need to consider how much maintenance you’re willing to undertake. The type of material your furniture is made of will determine the amount of maintenance required.
The most labour-intensive furniture would be anything made from softwood. Those degrade pretty fast and need constant maintenance to keep them looking great. You will also need to protect the wood from rain, either storing the furniture inside, covering it or sealing it with varnish.
Storage
If your furniture is made from aluminium, plastic or hardwood, you might not even need storage. Only the hardwood would really benefit from being out of the elements when not in use. The other materials can handle all seasons without protection.
Furniture covers will help to keep the furniture dry and clean. That means no bird poo, tree sap and dust cleaning when you just want to sit and relax outside.
Budget
It’s very important to set a budget before you start shopping. This will give you an idea of what furniture you can and can’t afford.
Setting a budget will also help you to find furniture in your price range. This will help you to avoid disappointment since you will most likely immediately discard anything outside of the budget.
You can also consider spreading the payments with different finance options.
Comfort
Comfort is another very important aspect. Make sure to sit on the chairs and try the tables to make sure you’ll enjoy yourself before you buy. Uncomfortable chairs might cost you a fortune just to never be used again.
Conclusion
Now that you know a bit more about waterproof materials for garden furniture, you can make an informed decision when buying yours.
Happy garden furniture shopping!