Outdoor furniture buying guide: Choose the right garden furniture

Whether you have a new patio to furnish or you're updating the old one, outdoor furniture is essential. What type of outdoor furniture you should choose depends primarily on how you want to use the outdoor space. The materials the furniture is made of impacts other factors, such as style and maintenance needs.

When choosing outdoor furniture, it can be helpful to get inspired by others. Look at pictures, read about different styles, and find out what you think is nice. For example, if you are going to furnish a gazebo at the cabin by the sea, a classic dining group in wood might be suitable. If, instead, it is a pavilion with climbing plants that is to be furnished, perhaps a cast iron café set is something to consider?

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• Style
  What style and feel are you looking to create? Classic white wooden furniture gives a completely different impression on the patio than modern rattan furniture, for example. Do you want lots of colors and vibrancy, or do you want to base your design on a calm color scale in natural tones? Both materials and surface treatments have a lot to say for the finished result. You can of course choose a little from both worlds, for example neutral and muted outdoor furniture in combination cushions and textiles in all kinds of colors and patterns.
• Patio Size
  Measure your patio so you know what furniture fits and how you can furnish it. A dining table with six chairs usually takes up 3x4.5 m of space.
• Number of Seats
  Consider how many seats you need. Two factors are crucial here; the size of the patio and how you want to use it. Do you often have visits from friends and acquaintances, or do you intend to use the space as a secluded place to relax alone or with the family?
• Type of Outdoor Furniture
  The type of furniture you should choose also depends on how you want to use the space. If you want to catch the sun's rays, chaise lounges and sunbeds are interesting. If it's barbecuing and good company you prefer, you might rather have a sofa, armchairs and a table. And if you want to relax, a hammock and a hammock are worth considering.
• Functions
  Outdoor furniture can have smart functions in addition to the main function. Some outdoor furniture, for example, can be stacked, which is practical if you have a little space - for example on a balcony. Outdoor furniture can also have functions such as built-in storage or adjustable backrest.
• Winter Storage
  Do you have space to store the outdoor furniture under cover when winter comes? If the outdoor furniture is to stand in a winter garden or glazed balcony, it may not be so important, but if they are to stand outside in the open air, it may be worth considering. Many materials wear out faster if they stand outside in all weathers all year round. If you can move them under cover, or cover them, it is usually preferable. However, this depends on what materials the furniture is made of.
• Materials
  You can read more about different materials further down in the article, but in general you should consider which materials are suitable for the style you are looking for, how much time you want to spend on maintenance and whether you have the opportunity to store the outdoor furniture in a way that suits the material.

The material the outdoor furniture is made of affects how long the furniture lasts and the maintenance needs, but also the style of the patio is greatly influenced by the choice of material. Below we go through important facts about different materials.

Rattan outdoor furniture can be made of either natural materials (usually palm trees) or plastic (so-called artificial rattan). Garden furniture made of artificial rattan has become very popular, mostly because it lasts a very long time, is easy to move, and is virtually maintenance-free.

• Durability
  Garden furniture made of natural rattan is sensitive to moisture and should be placed in a glazed winter garden or at least under a roof. Garden furniture made of artificial rattan, on the other hand, usually withstands both rain and sun, as most are made of UV-protected plastic. However, there are exceptions; artificial rattan can be made of various plastic materials, which, for example, may be more or less resistant to sunlight. Also, remember that the material the frame is made of plays a role in how long the furniture lasts. A frame made of wood will be less durable than a frame made of steel.
• Care and Maintenance
  Cleaning is the key word for maintenance of rattan, whether it is natural rattan or artificial rattan. Wipe with a cloth when needed. Natural rattan furniture may also need to be oiled or repainted, depending on the original treatment. Artificial rattan, on the other hand, does not require annual maintenance.
• Storage
  Furniture made of natural materials, such as natural rattan, should be stored dry and cool when the season is over. Furniture made of artificial rattan can be left outdoors all year round, but it is wise to protect the furniture from snow and UV light in the winter, for example by placing them under a roof or using furniture covers.

The Hvaler furniture series, consisting of durable artificial rattan with a woven pattern, has a timeless and elegant look and requires minimal maintenance.

'Plastic is plastic' is a truth with modification. Plastic is actually a collective name for a wide range of different plastic materials. Many outdoor furniture pieces are made of polyethylene (PE plastic) and PVC (polyvinyl chloride), for example. Furniture that falls under the category of artificial rattan is also made of plastic. The advantage of plastic furniture is that it is cheap, maintenance-free, and easy to lift and move around.

• Durability
  Outdoor furniture made of plastic can be more or less durable depending on the type of plastic, the treatment it has received, and how thin it is. Some types of plastic, for example, may be less resistant to sunlight (UV rays), becoming more brittle and losing color. Thin plastic can, in the worst case, crack if exposed to the forces of ice. But usually, plastic furniture has good durability, especially in relation to the price. They also withstand rain.
• Care and Maintenance
  Wipe with a damp cloth when needed. It's not worse than that.
• Storage
  Store the furniture under a roof, or cover with a protective cover, when the season is over. This is wise even if the plastic is treated with UV protection.

Outdoor furniture made of wood is a classic choice. They come in a variety of colors and shapes, and have the advantage that you can refurbish them yourself if they get worn, or spruce them up if you, for example, get tired of the color. Feel free to look for wooden furniture that is FSC-certified (Forest Stewardship Council®) to support sustainability and the environment.

• Durability
  There are many different types of wood to choose from, all with their advantages and disadvantages. One of the more durable types of wood is teak, which has a high natural oil content – teak furniture really only needs to be oiled to maintain its appearance, not for the sake of durability. Other hard woods that can be recommended are, for example, acacia and oak. Acacia wood is very resistant to mold, but unlike teak, acacia wood must be oiled annually to maintain its good properties. There are also many outdoor furniture made of the significantly softer wood species pine. Pine is cheaper than oak, but also more sensitive to moisture. Therefore, outdoor furniture in pine is often painted to better withstand rain and rough weather.
• Care and Maintenance
  The maintenance of wooden furniture largely depends on how the furniture is treated. The treatment also affects how often you need to maintain the furniture. Painted outdoor furniture made of wood must be sanded and repainted when the paint begins to peel, but it can take several years before that happens. The same also applies to varnished furniture. Wooden outdoor furniture that is oiled or waxed does not need to be sanded, but must be re-oiled regularly. Maintenance of outdoor furniture made of wood is, in other words, something that must be taken into account, and the furniture should both be cleaned and checked routinely.
• Storage
  Outdoor furniture made of wood should be stored dry and cool when the season is over.

Kinsley is stylish furniture in FSC-certified acacia wood. The series combines timeless elegance with environmental friendliness.

Outdoor furniture in steel is often light and durable, as it is treated. Many outdoor furniture pieces made of steel are powder-coated, others are made of stainless steel.

• Durability
  Powder-coated steel withstands weather and wind well as long as the surface is intact. In places near the sea, the salty air can lead to corrosion, but overall the durability is still good. Stainless steel is also resistant to weather and wind. However, rust can form on the surface over time, especially around screws and the like, but it can usually be polished away quite easily.
• Care and Maintenance
  Outdoor furniture made of steel, like all other outdoor furniture, must be wiped with a damp cloth from time to time. If you live near the sea and have lacquered steel furniture, this is especially important.
• Storage
  Steel furniture is, as mentioned, very durable, but to reduce the need for maintenance, it is wise to place the furniture under cover in the winter – then it will be easier to wash and get the furniture ready for the season when spring comes.

The Osaka dining group in powder-coated steel is foldable and a perfect choice for flexible patios. Easy to pack away and easy to maintain.

Outdoor furniture made of aluminum is both maintenance-free and light, and thus easy to move around. Many outdoor furniture pieces that are mainly made of other materials have a frame in aluminum, precisely because the material is both durable and light.

• Durability
  Furniture with aluminum in the construction withstands weather and wind very well. However, they weigh less than steel furniture, so they are more likely to tip over if the wind catches them.
• Care and Maintenance
  Cleaned with a cloth and water when needed.
• Storage
  Furniture in aluminum can be left outdoors all year round, but to avoid major cleaning in the spring, they can advantageously be stored under cover anyway.

The furniture in the Oslo series has a solid aluminum frame and comfortable cushions with removable covers. The furniture is designed to stand the test of time and give a modern touch to your outdoor space.

Furniture made with Quick Dry Foam has cushions with soft foam plastic as filling. It lets the water straight through and therefore dries quickly. At Plantasjen, the frame on these types of outdoor furniture is made of aluminum and the cover of polyester. This means that you do not need to bring in the cushions when it rains. Luxury!

• Durability
  Quick Dry Foam is a durable material that withstands both rain and sunlight well.
• Care and Maintenance
  Brush away leaves and other debris if necessary, and wipe with a cloth. Hand wash the cushions with soap and water if necessary. It is important to note that the cushions on these types of furniture should not be impregnated! By impregnation, you risk that the water does not run through as it should.
• Storage
  The furniture in Quick Dry Foam should be stored in a dry place when the season is over. If it is not heated where you are going to store them, it is important that they are completely dry before you put them away.

The furniture in the Lysekil series from Skanden has cushions made of premium Olefin fabric with Quick Dry Foam. They are both water-repellent and quick-drying – no impregnation needed.

Bamboo furniture is the shortcut to a tropical style on the patio, and the material has roughly the same advantages and disadvantages as furniture in natural rattan.

• Durability
  Bamboo furniture can withstand some weather and wind, but the technical lifespan is shortened quite a bit if they are not under a roof, protected from rain. It is also an advantage if the furniture is placed in a place where the temperature does not fluctuate so much, for example in a winter garden.
• Care and Maintenance
  Outdoor furniture made of bamboo needs to be wiped clean with a cloth from time to time, just like other types of outdoor furniture. In addition, the bamboo furniture must be oiled.
• Storage
  Furniture made of bamboo should be stored in a shed or in a closed winter garden, protected from both temperature fluctuations and other natural forces.

Bamboo is both durable and lightweight, making the furniture easy to move while also withstanding all types of weather and wind. The Manila series creates a tropical atmosphere on your outdoor patio!

Cast iron furniture gives a rustic and strong impression. They have the advantage of being robust and durable. Remember that they weigh quite a bit, so it can be heavy to rearrange.

• Durability
  Outdoor furniture made of cast iron is very durable, both against the forces of weather and against wear and tear. They also stand steady in strong winds thanks to their weight.
• Care and Maintenance
  If necessary, wipe with a cloth and water.
• Storage
  Outdoor furniture in cast iron can be left outside all year round, but if you want to avoid massive cleaning in the spring, you can cover it over the winter.

Morocco café set in powder-coated, sturdy iron with mosaic tiles on the tabletop.

Concrete is mainly used for countertops and tabletops. For example, there are concrete tables with steel frames. But these are very heavy products and can therefore be tough to transport and assemble yourself. You can of course also cast a concrete slab on site.

• Durability
  Concrete withstands rain and moisture well but is quite porous and can therefore get stains from food and drink if it is not treated. There are also natural cracks and color differences in the material, this should be appreciated if you want to be satisfied over time, because it is not really something that affects the technical lifespan, it is mostly an aesthetic matter. You can always repair the cracks with cement, but be prepared that it may not be exactly the same shade.
• Care and Maintenance
  If you are worried about the concrete slab getting stains, you can wax it. This is done as needed when you notice that the treatment has expired. If you want to make it easy for yourself, you can instead put on a cloth as protection when the plate is in use. Other maintenance is cleaning as needed and then with soap and water.
• Storage
  Because concrete is heavy and durable, it can stand all year round, but can advantageously be covered in the winter season to reduce the risk of cracks and discoloration.

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