Garden Furniture Glossary
What is spuncrylic? What does a ground-mount parasol base do? What's the difference between rope and wicker? In our glossary we clearly explain the most important terms in the world of garden furniture — from A to Z.
A
- Acacia wood
- A tropical hardwood widely used in garden furniture. Acacia is hard, durable and warm in tone. Less expensive than teak, it requires regular treatment with hardwood oil to stay in top condition. → View acacia wood
- Aluminium frame
- An aluminium frame is lightweight, rust-proof and weather-resistant. Garden furniture with an aluminium frame is easy to move and requires very little maintenance. → View aluminium frame
- Aluminium powder coating
- Aluminium covered with a baked-on dry-paint layer — a hard coating that resists scratching, corrosion and UV yellowing. The standard finish on high-end garden furniture.
- Armchair (garden)
- A wide, comfortable garden chair with armrests — usually slightly deeper and wider than a standard dining chair. Popular as a standalone seat alongside a garden lounge set.
B
- Bar set (garden)
- A high-seating garden set (seat height approx. 65–80 cm) consisting of a tall table and bar stools. Garden bar sets are ideal for a sociable, informal feel on the patio. → View bar set (garden)
- Bench (garden)
- A wide outdoor bench for two or more people. Garden benches come in wood, aluminium, rattan and rope — either standalone or as part of a dining set. → View bench (garden)
- Bistro set
- A compact garden set consisting of a small round table and two chairs. Ideal for a balcony or small terrace, often with a French or Mediterranean design. → View bistro set
C
- Cantilever parasol
- A parasol with the pole to one side rather than in the centre. This leaves the space beneath completely free — perfect over a dining table or lounge set. Usually rotatable 360° and tiltable. → View cantilever parasol
- Canvas cover
- A waterproof cover that protects your garden furniture from rain, dirt and UV rays when not in use. Significantly extends the lifespan of your furniture. → View canvas cover
- Cantilever base (cross base)
- A cross-shaped parasol base, usually in steel or aluminium. Cross bases are weighted with paving slabs and are popular with cantilever parasols. → View cantilever base (cross base)
- Ceramic table top
- A table top made from fired ceramic clay. Ceramic tops are scratch-resistant, heat-resistant, UV-stable and very easy to clean. A premium material for outdoor tables. → View ceramic table top
- Centostone
- A composite table top that combines the look of natural stone with the properties of ceramic. Centostone is scratch-resistant, heat-resistant and UV-stable, and resembles real stone.
- Cold foam
- A high-quality foam used as filling in premium garden cushions. Cold foam provides more support than fibrefill, holds its shape better and dries relatively quickly.
- Cushion pack size
- Garden cushions are sold per pack: lounge cushions (seat + back) per 2, all other cushions (scatter, seat, high-back) per 4. The minimum order quantity matches the pack unit.
D
- Daybed
- A large, luxurious outdoor lounger on which two people can lie down. Daybeds often come with a canopy or awning and are the ultimate relaxation piece for the garden.
- Dining lounge set
- A lounge set at dining-table height. Combines the lounge comfort of low seating with the convenience of eating comfortably. Popular for its versatility. → View dining lounge set
- Dining chair (garden)
- A garden chair at standard table height (seat height approx. 45 cm). Suitable for an outdoor dining table, unlike a lounge chair which sits lower.
- Draining foam
- An open-cell foam that does not retain water but lets it drain straight through. Used in premium outdoor cushions so you can sit down again quickly after a rain shower.
E
- Egg chair (garden)
- A round, enveloping garden chair that "hugs" you. The pod shape provides plenty of comfort and shelter. Popular in rope and rattan weave versions.
- Eucalyptus wood
- A fast-growing hardwood increasingly used for garden furniture. Eucalyptus is durable, available FSC-certified, and its warm colour greys gracefully without treatment.
- Extending garden table
- A garden table with an extension mechanism that enlarges the top. Ideal if you regularly have guests but don't want a large table permanently. → View extending garden table
F
- Fibrefill
- A synthetic polyester filling widely used in garden cushions. Fibrefill is lightweight, springy and dries quickly after rain. A more affordable alternative to cold foam.
- FSC label
- Forest Stewardship Council — an international certification guaranteeing wood comes from responsibly managed forests. Look for the FSC logo on wooden garden furniture for a sustainable choice.
G
- Gas spring
- A mechanism in adjustable chairs and sun loungers that lets you set the backrest smoothly and continuously. Works on air pressure, similar to an office chair mechanism.
- Granite parasol base
- A parasol base in polished or rough granite. Very heavy (30–90 kg) and therefore extremely stable. Popular for its elegant, natural appearance. → View granite parasol base
- Greying
- The natural process by which untreated hardwood (especially teak) develops a silver-grey patina through UV exposure and weathering. Greying is purely aesthetic and does not affect the strength of the wood. Teak oil restores the original colour.
H
- HDPE
- High-density polyethylene — a dense plastic used for shade sails and weaving. HDPE is UV-resistant, lightweight and lets air and rain through (for shade sails).
- High-back cushion
- A long cushion (approx. 120–125 cm) that covers both the seat and the entire back of a high-back chair. Provides comfort from neck to base of spine in a single cushion.
- HPL table top
- High Pressure Laminate — a compressed laminate top that is scratch-resistant, UV-stable and easy to clean. Lighter than ceramic but equally durable.
- Hung parasol cover
- A specially designed protective cover for parasols. Protects the fabric and frame from dirt, rain and UV rays when the parasol is folded down. → View hung parasol cover
L
- L-shaped sofa (corner sofa)
- An outdoor sofa in an L- or U-shape that fits into a corner of the patio. Corner sofas often form the centrepiece of a lounge set and offer many seats in a compact footprint. → View l-shaped sofa (corner sofa)
- Load capacity
- The maximum weight a chair, sun lounger or hanging chair can safely support. Always check the load capacity when buying — the standard is 100–150 kg.
- Lounge cushion
- Thick, comfortable cushions specifically designed for garden lounge sets. Lounge cushions are typically 10–15 cm thick and come as a set (back + seat). → View lounge cushion
M
- Macramé
- A knotting technique used to create decorative patterns from thick cord or twine. Used for hanging chairs and garden accessories in a bohemian style.
- Modular lounge set
- A lounge set made up of individual elements (modules) that can be arranged in any configuration. Flexible and easy to adapt to your patio layout. → View modular lounge set
N
- Natural rattan
- A natural palm fibre traditionally woven into furniture. Natural rattan is NOT suitable for outdoor use — it rots and moulds in moisture. For outdoors, choose synthetic rattan (wicker).
- Non-slip feet
- Rubber or plastic caps under garden furniture legs. They prevent scratches on tiles and wood, dampen noise and stop chairs and tables sliding on smooth surfaces.
O
- Olefin
- A synthetic fabric widely used for parasol canopies and cushions. Olefin is UV-resistant, colour-fast, water-repellent and quick-drying. A durable alternative to polyester.
- Ottoman / footrest
- A low piece of furniture for resting your feet, providing extra comfort alongside a garden chair or lounge set. Some ottomans can also be used as extra seating or a side table.
- Outdoor rug
- A weather-resistant rug for outdoor use. Outdoor rugs are made from UV-stable, water-repellent synthetic materials. They add atmosphere to your patio or garden. → View outdoor rug
- Outdoor+ fabric
- A weather-resistant fabric by Madison, specially developed for intensive outdoor use. Outdoor+ is water-repellent, mould-resistant and very colour-fast — suitable for leaving outside.
P
- Palette cushion
- A cushion sized to a standard Euro pallet (120×80 cm). Used to make DIY pallet sofas comfortable.
- Parasol (standard)
- A parasol with a straight central pole that passes through the middle of the table. Standard parasols are compact, light and often have a tilt function. Suitable for smaller patios. → View parasol (standard)
- Parasol base
- The base that holds your parasol upright and stable. Available in granite, concrete, plastic or steel. Rule of thumb: 10–15 kg per metre of canopy diameter for standard parasols. → View parasol base
- Parasol with base (set)
- A complete parasol set including the matching base. No need to buy a base separately — place it outside and enjoy. → View parasol with base (set)
- Patio heater
- A freestanding or wall-mounted heater for outdoor use. Allows you to use your patio in spring and autumn. Available in electric, gas and infrared versions.
- Polyester
- The most widely used fabric for entry-level cushions and parasol canopies. Polyester is crease-resistant and affordable, but less UV-resistant than olefin or spuncrylic.
- Polyrattan
- See: wicker. A synthetic weave in polyethylene (PE) that mimics the look of natural rattan but is fully weather-resistant. → View polyrattan
- Powder coating
- A finishing technique where dry paint powder is sprayed onto metal and then oven-cured. The result is a hard layer that resists scratching and corrosion. Standard on aluminium garden furniture.
R
- Recliner / adjustable chair
- A garden chair whose backrest can be positioned at several incline angles. Easily switch from sitting upright to semi-reclined. → View recliner / adjustable chair
- Rope style
- A style of garden furniture where braided rope (usually polypropylene or polyester) is wound around an aluminium frame. Rope furniture is lightweight, comfortable and has a modern, Scandinavian look. → View rope style
- Rounded (weathered) finish
- A finish for garden furniture that mimics the look of aged, sun-bleached driftwood. Gives a natural, coastal style.
- Rocking chair (garden)
- A garden chair with curved runners under the legs that let it rock gently back and forth. Modern designs combine an aluminium frame with a rope or wicker seat.
S
- Scatter cushion
- A decorative cushion for your garden bench or lounge set. Scatter cushions add colour and atmosphere and are available in various patterns and sizes (typically 45×45 or 50×50 cm). → View scatter cushion
- Shade sail
- A triangular or rectangular canvas tensioned between posts or walls to create shade. A modern alternative to a parasol, often in HDPE or water-repellent polyester. → View shade sail
- Skirt / valance
- The decorative border or strip of fabric at the bottom edge of a parasol canopy. A skirt gives the parasol a classic, elegant look and provides extra protection from low sun.
- Spuncrylic
- A premium fabric for parasols, developed as an alternative to acrylic. Spuncrylic is extremely colour-fast, water-repellent and provides UPF 50+ protection. The most durable parasol canopy fabric on the market.
- Stackable chair
- A garden chair that can be stored by stacking. Stackable chairs save a great deal of storage space in winter and are ideal when you regularly need extra seats.
- Stainless steel
- Rust-proof steel used for hinges, bolts and sometimes full garden furniture frames. Corrosion-resistant and strong, but heavier and more expensive than aluminium.
- Sun lounger
- An adjustable outdoor recliner for lying on. Sun loungers are adjustable to several positions and often fitted with wheels for easy moving. → View sun lounger
- Sunbrella
- A premium brand for outdoor fabrics. Sunbrella fabric is extremely UV-resistant, colour-fast and water-repellent. Used in high-end garden cushions and parasol canopies.
- Suspension chair (hanging chair)
- A seat hung from a frame or ceiling hook that swings gently. Hanging chairs are popular as a lounge accent and available in rattan, rope and macramé.
- Swivel chair
- A garden chair with a 360° swivel mechanism in the base. Swivel chairs offer extra flexibility at the dining table and are popular with dining lounge sets.
T
- Table-top balcony table
- A compact table specifically designed for small outdoor spaces such as a balcony. Often foldable or semi-circular to place against a wall.
- Teak
- The gold standard for wooden garden furniture. Teak contains naturally high oil content, making it weather-resistant without treatment. Untreated teak develops a silver-grey patina. → View teak
- Textilene
- A woven fabric in PVC-coated polyester yarn, widely used for the seat and back of garden chairs. Textilene is weather-resistant, quick-drying and moulds to the shape of your body.
U
- UPF
- Ultraviolet Protection Factor — the measure of UV protection offered by a fabric. UPF 50+ means less than 2% of UV rays pass through the canopy. The highest classification for parasol fabrics.
W
- Water-repellent
- A treatment or property of a fabric that causes water to bead on the surface rather than soaking through. Note: water-repellent does not mean waterproof — in prolonged rain, moisture can still penetrate.
- Weather-resistant
- A property of garden furniture that means it withstands rain, sun, frost and wind without deteriorating. Aluminium, wicker, rope and teak are naturally weather-resistant — cushions and covers generally are not.
- Wicker
- A synthetic weave in polyethylene (PE) that mimics the look of natural rattan. Fully weather-resistant, UV-stable and easy to maintain. → View wicker