The sun is shining, the flowers are in bloom, and outdoor living is calling us to the garden. But while you're enjoying being outside, you might wonder: "Which garden furniture can actually stay outside all year round?" After all, nobody wants to lug heavy furniture around every season or worry about rainstorms ruining your favourite seating spot. In this blog post, we dive deeper into the world of durable garden furniture that can take a beating, so you can relax and enjoy your garden without worry, regardless of the weather. Discover the best materials and tips for furnishing your outdoor space in style and weather resistance!
Material plays an important role
Garden sets come in all sorts of shapes, styles and configurations, but did you know that the material they're made from also plays a big role in how well they withstand the elements? Whether a garden set can stay outside all year round depends mainly on the material!
A garden set usually consists of a table with chairs, often furnished with comfortable cushions. Although most cushions are water and dirt repellent—handy for when a drink gets spilled—they are not fully resistant to rain. That's why it's wise to store your cushions somewhere dry during wet weather or in winter. A storage cover is ideal for this! But there's good news: cushions from the brand 4 Seasons Outdoor are fully weather resistant. They effortlessly withstand all four seasons, from summer downpours to winter snowfall.
Because the material of your garden set determines whether it can stay outside, we discuss the properties of the most common materials and their weather resistance below. That way you'll know exactly which garden set is best suited to your outdoor space and climate!
Aluminium
Aluminium is a popular material for garden furniture, and for good reason! This low-maintenance material is perfect for outdoor use. It doesn't rust and is easy to dry with a clean, dry cloth after a rainfall. Whether it's tables or chairs, you can safely leave aluminium outside all year round without worrying. That way you have more time to enjoy your garden, without any fuss! Note: Although aluminium doesn't rust, it can develop corrosion if it comes into prolonged contact with salt water or extremely damp conditions. Fortunately, this rarely happens, but it's good to be aware of this if you live in a coastal area or place your garden furniture near a swimming pool. In that case, it may be wise to check your aluminium furniture occasionally and clean it to prevent any corrosion.
Textilene
Textilene is a favourite material for garden chairs, and it's no wonder! This material is ideal for outdoors. Thanks to the fine holes in the fabric, rainwater can easily drain through, so it dries quickly. You can simply wipe away any remaining water with a cloth. This means you can safely leave your chairs outside, even when the weather isn't cooperating. Perfect for those who love comfort without fuss, no matter what the weather!
Granite
Granite is a popular material for garden tables, and for good reason! This robust natural stone is excellent for outdoor use and can easily withstand all weather conditions. Whether it rains, snows or the sun is shining brightly, a granite table will always look beautiful. You barely have to worry about it: a simple wipe with a cloth is enough to dry the table and make it ready for use. Ideal for anyone who loves a stylish and low-maintenance outdoor space!
Polywood
Polywood is a commonly used material for garden tables, and it's no coincidence! This low-maintenance plastic is ideal for outdoors. Thanks to the dirt and water-repellent coating, which also contains a UV filter, your table will always look as good as new. Whether it rains or the sun shines brightly, Polywood garden furniture can handle it all. So you can safely leave it outside all year round without worrying about maintenance. Perfect for anyone who loves convenience and style in the garden!
Rope
Rope is a trendy material that you often see in garden chairs, and it's no wonder! This synthetic material is coloured throughout, so it doesn't lose its vibrant shades, even in bright sunlight. Plus, it's water and dirt repellent, which means it can withstand all sorts of weather conditions. With a little maintenance, you can safely leave your rope chairs outside all year round. Perfect for anyone who enjoys a worry-free, stylish garden! Curious how to best maintain your garden furniture? Then read our article: how to maintain rope/twine garden furniture
Wicker
Wicker is a classic in the world of garden furniture, and there's good reason for that! This material, which has been popular for years, is widely used for both tables and chairs in your garden set. Wicker is low-maintenance and therefore ideal to leave outside all year round. Moreover, it's coloured throughout, which means it retains its fresh appearance even after many sun-filled days. A perfect choice for those who love a timeless, worry-free garden! Curious how to best maintain your wicker garden furniture? Check out our comprehensive article here: how to maintain wicker garden furniture
Teak wood
Wood is a beloved material for garden tables and chairs, and teak wood is a real standout! This vibrant material has a natural charm and develops a beautiful silvery-grey patina over time. Although small hairline cracks can develop through these natural processes, you can easily prevent this with the right maintenance. Teak wood is also extremely weather-resistant, making it perfect for leaving outside all year round. A beautiful choice for those who love character and durability in the garden! For a comprehensive article on how to best maintain teak wood garden furniture, we'd like to refer you to our article: maintaining teak wood garden furniture
Need help?
As you've read, there are many materials used to make garden sets, and each of these materials has its own advantages. Now that you know more about the different options, you can choose exactly which material best suits your wishes. Do you have any questions about a specific material? Then don't hesitate to contact our online advisers. Our sales advisers are always ready to provide you with honest and expert advice!
Also read: Which garden furniture is weather-resistant? and Which garden set can stay outside
