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What Is The Most Hard-Wearing Garden Furniture?

What Is The Most Hard-Wearing Garden Furniture?

Luxury garden furniture is made from durable, innovative materials. But with so many high-end options on the market, it can be tough to choose the best pieces for your space.

As you're shopping for modern outdoor sofas, dining sets and accessories to enhance your outdoor area, you'll want to know which outdoor furniture brands are the most hard-wearing and weatherproof. 

That's where we come in. We've been supplying luxury furniture to the UK market for almost 40 years and we are experts in contemporary outdoor furniture brands. We explore the different styles of garden furniture available and identify which materials and brands are the most durable, so when you decide on your garden design, you can rest assured that your furniture will last for years. 

Wooden garden furniture

Luxury wooden garden furniture is made from durable hardwoods like teak and cedar. Not only are they naturally weatherproof, but they also offer a truly timeless appeal that adds a calming natural element to your outdoor space.

One of the primary reasons why wood is an excellent choice for outdoor furniture is its exceptional durability and resistance to the elements. Teak has natural oils and a dense grain structure, making it extremely resistant to rot and erosion from the elements. This inherent strength means that your wooden furniture will withstand harsh weather conditions including intense sunlight, heavy rain and fluctuating temperatures.

The Chelsea Folding Outdoor Chair by Unopiu is made from teak and is ideal for smaller gardens as it can fold up. The warm finish adds an inviting feel to your outdoor space. 

 

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Besides durability, wood has a distinct natural beauty that can be easily enhanced through regular maintenance. Most of our wooden outdoor furniture is finished with proper sealing, so all you'll need to do to maintain your collection is occasionally apply a protective oil coating. With the right care, wooden furniture will keep its original colour and finish for years.

Wooden furniture can be painted or stained to match any decor style. Perhaps your preference is for darker hues to contrast with the green of your garden. Or maybe you love bleached wood to create a beach house aesthetic.

Ultimately, the combination of durability, resistance to the elements and elegant aesthetic appeal makes luxury wooden garden furniture a top choice for your terrace, patio or garden area. For the best in luxury wooden furniture, take a look at Gloster, the outdoor brand that has mastered the art of gorgeous pieces made from sustainable teak. 

 

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Metal garden furniture

Luxury garden furniture made of metal, particularly aluminium, has a sleek and modern look while providing excellent durability and resistance to the elements. Metal outdoor furniture is known for its ability to withstand even the most extreme weather conditions.

Powder-coated aluminium is a particular favourite in the luxury outdoor furniture sector due to its peak resistance to rust and corrosion. It has a natural oxide layer that protects the metal, making it an ideal choice for outdoor areas that are exposed to high amounts of rain or moisture. An added bonus is that metal furniture is generally as lightweight as it is sturdy, making it easy to move and store during the winter months.

The Ludo Rocking Outdoor Sofa by Atmosphera displays the perfect blend of qualities that high-end metal outdoor furniture should have. It is strong yet comfortable and stylish, featuring an aluminium structure, a woven fibre thermoplastic acrylic Teflon seating frame and waterproof ergonomic cushions.

Wrought iron and cast iron are also good options for outdoor furniture, but as they tend to be heavier than their aluminium counterparts, they may not be suitable for all outdoor spaces.

Metal furniture usually has robust frames and reinforced joints, helping to ensure long-lasting performance. It can withstand harsh weather conditions without compromising its structural integrity. If durability and resistance to the elements are your primary considerations, luxury garden furniture made of metal, particularly aluminium, is an excellent choice for your garden or patio.

Metal garden furniture is relatively low-maintenance and easy to care for. In the unlikely event that it rusts, you can sand it down and repaint it to restore its appearance. Like with all outdoor furniture, we recommend covering it when not in use and if possible, storing it in a shed or garage.

What Is The Most Hard-Wearing Garden Furniture?

What Is The Most Hard-Wearing Garden Furniture?

Plastic composite garden furniture

In the past, garden furniture was often limited to heavy metal or wooden pieces that were difficult to move and maintain. But as brands have developed innovative materials and more intelligent designs, creating a stunning outdoor space has become easier and more accessible for everyone.

Many luxury outdoor brands now offer pieces made from plastic composites. These are comprised of a combination of materials in addition to plastic, including resin or wood fibres, that are moulded together to create a sturdy and weather-resistant product.

In addition to being low maintenance, many plastic composite furniture collections are made using recycled materials, so you're choosing sustainability as well as scoring with eye-catching designs. 

Wicker garden furniture

Wicker is a style of weaving and is often used when referring to materials such as rattan, bamboo or synthetic fibres which are woven in a wicker style. So while there is a distinction between wicker and rattan, they are frequently used interchangeably in modern furniture terminology. 

Wicker furniture is often bohemian in design and tends to exude a beach-house aesthetic. Wicker chairs, sofas, loveseats, chaise lounges, tables and light coverings are very popular in modern outdoor spaces, not only for their look but also for their easy maintenance and light weight. 

Skyline Design is the master of rattan wicker outdoor furniture, creating multiple collections that ooze beach club class. Their Strips Collection is a special favourite among our clients.

When considering which wicker garden furniture to choose, there are several factors to take into account.

Material

Wicker garden furniture can be made from natural materials like rattan or bamboo, or synthetic materials designed that look like the real thing but with additional durable properties. Natural rattan is durable and attractive but requires more maintenance than the more durable synthetic rattan.

Style

Wicker furniture is available in a variety of styles, including traditional, modern and coastal. Choose a style that complements your outdoor space and personal taste.

Comfort

Not all wicker furniture is designed the same way. They have the woven style in common, but there are many other aspects to consider such as the structure of the frame, the cushion thickness and the ergonomic design of the seat and back.

Durability

Wicker furniture is designed for outdoor use, but the quality of the materials and construction can vary. Look for furniture made from high-quality materials and with sturdy construction to ensure it lasts for several seasons. Skyline Design, Ethimo and Atmosphera all offer a wide range of gorgeous wicker pieces.

Weather resistance

Most modern wicker furniture is very weather-resistant, especially luxury brands which use coated synthetic fibres. If you live in a region with harsh weather conditions, check with your supplier whether your preferred furniture items are appropriate for that environment. Ask about UV protection and waterproof fabrics. 

Maintenance

Wicker furniture made with natural fibres may require more maintenance than synthetic fibres. Consider the amount of time and effort you are willing to put into maintaining your furniture.

Price

Wicker garden furniture can vary in price, depending on the quality of the materials and construction. Consider your budget and the factors listed above when choosing your furniture.

What Is The Most Hard-Wearing Garden Furniture?

What Is The Most Hard-Wearing Garden Furniture?

Rattan garden furniture

Rattan garden furniture is one of the most popular choices for outdoor spaces due to its durability, light weight and stylish designs. Made from the stems of palm trees, rattan is a natural material that is resistant to moisture, sunlight and extreme temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor use.

Rattan furniture also conjures up that island aesthetic, making it easy to imagine you're on a tropical beach instead of on your patio. If this is your preferred style, you can get an entire set in rattan, from a dining table and chairs to a sofa, daybed and sun loungers, all woven together with intricate designs to create a sophisticated and elegant look.

The natural beige/brown colour of rattan complements any outdoor design and adds a touch of warmth to your space.

Whether you're looking to create a cosy seating area on your patio or furnish a large outdoor living space, rattan garden furniture is a great option that is sure to impress your guests.

As previously mentioned, Skyline Design have a wide range of rattan and wicker collections, but one of our favourite brands that does not get enough recognition is Roberti Rattan. Their rattan outdoor furniture is chic and modern, and their Gravity 9881 Swing is a classic piece that we recommend to anyone wanting a hanging chair to soak up the late afternoon sunshine. 

FCI garden furniture picks

Here are some of our interior design team's favourite luxury garden furniture pieces. 

The Sunstripe Outdoor Chair by Unopiu is made from round, handwoven fibre stretched across a metal frame. It is durable and has weather-resistant cushions that are available in 30 different colours and finishes, so you can customise the style according to your colour palette and decor scheme.

The Journey Side Table by Skyline Design has a coated aluminium frame that is extremely durable and requires almost no maintenance. It is part of the extremely popular Journey Collection that boasts a range of matching rattan pieces with a distinct bohemian vibe.

In conclusion

While we can't tell you which material is best for your outdoor furniture, because so much of your choice depends on your design style and preferred aesthetic, we can make a comparison that breaks down the levels of durability to help you choose.

Metal furniture is sturdy, but it may be prone to rust and corrosion over time, particularly if the exterior coating erodes. Rattan is lightweight and looks fabulous, but overall it doesn't have the same level of longevity as hardwoods.

Wood, especially teak, possesses unique advantages and is, in our opinion, one of the soundest options for your luxury outdoor furniture collection. It strikes a balance by combining durability with an attractive appearance, adding a touch of sophistication while withstanding the most adverse of elements.

We’ve been designing contemporary interiors for almost 40 years, from gorgeous London residences to chic studio apartments. If you'd like to see some of our completed projects, including some of our contemporary outdoor area designs, take a look at our interior design project portfolio and find inspiration for your next design project.

We have carefully curated a range of high-end, durable garden furniture from some of the most exclusive brands in the world. Our collections combine durability, innovative technology and exquisite design. The brands we work with are committed to using premium quality materials and top-class craftsmanship to create pieces that are both functional and beautiful 

Get in touch today to learn more about our comprehensive range of outdoor furniture or visit our showroom to see some of our collections. You can also WhatsApp us with any questions. We’re open 7 days a week.

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