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Outdoor Furniture Guide for UK’s All-Weather Climate
Published: 09/11/2024
- Categories: Garden Furniture -
We all want to lounge on trendy outdoor furniture in our gardens, patios or balconies, soaking up the occasional sunrays that grace this fair isle. But dealing with the UK's famously fickle weather is no picnic.
Fortunately, there’s no need to let the forces of nature defeat you or your outdoor furniture budget.
In this guide we’ll equip you with all the insider info you need to confidently select comfortable and durable all-weather patio furniture that can withstand whatever mother nature decides to throw at it.
In this guide we’ll equip you with all the insider info you need to confidently select comfortable and durable all-weather patio furniture that can withstand whatever mother nature decides to throw at it.
Isn’t all outdoor furniture weatherproof?
You might assume that anything labelled for ‘outdoor use’ must be weatherproof. Unfortunately, labels can be misleading. Not all outdoor furniture is created equal when it comes to weather resistance, and the fact is that no furniture is 100% weatherproof.
The temperamental UK climate, in particular, presents some unique challenges—which means you’ll need to approach your outdoor furniture shopping with eyes wide open.
The main weather threats to be aware of in the UK are rain, wind, dampness, and sun exposure. Extended moisture can lead to mildew, warping, rusting, and general degradation over time. Meanwhile, extended UV exposure can start breaking down the integrity of many materials, causing brittleness and colour fading in untreated materials.
When shopping for weatherproof garden furniture, you’ll need to look for specifics like rust resistance, water-resistance, and UV-resistance, aside from knowing which materials offer the best natural durability.
With that, let’s dive into some of the best all-weather outdoor furniture materials to consider.
What is the best material for outdoor furniture?
As noted above, there’s no such thing as completely weather-proof furniture. But of course, various materials offer far superior inbuilt durability, whether that be natural or manmade.
In general, hardwoods, certain metals and other synthetic materials specially designed for outdoor use are a solid bet for durable outdoor furniture. Still, you’ll need to consider the specifics of your outdoor space in terms of exposure to the elements, as well as your style preferences and budget to figure out the best outdoor furniture to suit your needs.
With that in mind, here are our top five choices for the most weather-resistant and durable outdoor furniture:
- Teak wood
This tropical hardwood has oils that make it highly resistant to moisture, mildew, and rotting. Unfinished teak will develop a stylish silvery grey patina when exposed to the sun and rain. While it carries a higher price tag than many other popular outdoor materials, a teak dining set or chaise lounger are almost guaranteed to last for decades
- Aluminium
Aluminium is a budget-friendly metal that's lightweight yet strong enough for dining sets, bistro sets, and loungers. The right powder coating allows it to resist corrosion and rust, making it an ideal choice for poolside furniture. One downside is that aluminium dents more easily than other metals, and being lightweight means it can be in danger of being blown around during strong winds.
- HDPE rattan
High density polyethylene rattan is the premium choice for all-weather synthetic wicker furniture. Unlike natural rattan, it’s not prone to cracking or peeling when exposed to sun and moisture, and also does a good job of repelling dirt, keeping it low maintenance. PE rattan is generally woven over aluminium framing, which keeps it lightweight, durable and weatherproof inside and out.
- Powder-coated stainless steel or galvanised steel
Steel is a premium choice for Garden Dining Set and lounge sets thanks to its inherent strength and sleek modern appeal. While most metals are prone to rust in moist conditions, stainless steel and galvanised steel are highly resistant to rust and corrosion. The addition of high-quality powder-coating provides an extra layer of protection against corrosion if you’re using the furniture next to the pool or at a coastal location.
- Acacia, Eucalyptus & other hardwoods
Other hardwoods like Acacia, Eucalyptus and Cedar wood offer many of the same benefits of teak, with a slightly lower price tag. While their natural oil content is not quite as potent as teak, these hardwoods still offer impressive UV and water resistance. They do, however, require a little more regular maintenance and oiling to stay in optimum condition.
Weather-resistant fabrics for garden furniture
What about weather resistant fabrics for your outdoor furniture and cushions?
It’s always wise to stick with treated synthetic fabrics that offer moisture and UV-resistance. Polyester is a popular choice since it’s both comfortable and easy to clean, and comes in a wide range of colours and patterns.
Even with the best treatments, we recommend playing it safe by either covering or storing your upholstered furniture and cushions in wet weather, or when you won’t be using them for extended periods.
For the most convenient option, buy furniture and cushions with removable covers so you can easily wash them, and replace them if necessary.
Garden furniture trends: all-weather options for a stylish outdoor space
Of course, you don’t just want your outdoor furniture to be durable and easy to maintain. Your outdoor space should offer a comfortable and attractive setup that you love to spend time in (and show off to your guests!)
To that end, here are three of our favourite trends for all-weather garden furniture that’s both fashionable and practical:
All-weather Wicker Patio Furniture Sets
From boho chic to modern neutrals, the synthetic rattan (wicker) trend has long been a leader in the laid-back outdoor living game. Choose all-weather HDPE rattan to make your wicker affair a long-standing one.
Teak Dining Sets
Beautifully grained teak tabletops and curved or slatted dining chairs create a warmly inviting al fresco dining space and make an eco-friendly statement. Let your teak dining set age naturally into a wizened silver patina or choose a treated finish for extra sun and water protection to keep it looking young and tanned.
Modular Sofas for laid back patios
There’s nothing quite so inviting as a voluptuous corner sofa on a sunny patio. Mix and match deep-seated rattan or wood-framed sofa modules, corner units, ottomans and side tables with a low-set teak or acacia wood coffee table to create your ideal custom configuration.
Can you weatherproof garden furniture?
We’ve established that not all so-called ‘outdoor’ furniture is built for monsoon season. But are there some handy ways and means for weatherproofing outdoor furniture yourself?
Indeed, with some intuitive (and other not so obvious) hacks and hands-on precautions, there is plenty you can do to help your precious patio assets live a long and fulfilling outdoor life. Here are a few tips:
- Drill drainage holes in discreet parts of wooden furniture to prevent water from pooling and rotting inner frames. You can also use raised blocks or pallets to elevate furniture pieces slightly off the ground and prevent prolonged contact with wet surfaces.
- Allow for drainage channels between deck boards or pavers so rain can run off rather than pooling around furniture legs.
- Coat untreated woods with high quality varnish or oil treatments to shield against moisture and sun damage (check with the manufacturer to ensure you use the appropriate treatment).
- Choose loose cushions and upholstered cushioning with removable slip covers that can easily be cleaned, washed or aired out after a bout of damp weather.
- Lightweight furniture can be anchored with brackets and ties to prevent it getting blown over in strong winds, which might cause dents and damage to joints.
- Purchase a freestanding cantilever umbrella to help protect your furniture you’re your guests) from sun exposure. Sturdy weighted bases keep them from toppling over if it gets windy.
- Invest in high quality, waterproof outdoor furniture covers for pieces that stay outdoors year-round. Look for a snug custom fit.
How to arrange outdoor furniture for the best weather protection
Thinking about how to best place your furniture can also make a big difference in how well your outdoor setup withstands the UK weather.
Here are a few ideas to keep in mind:
- Avoid the wet – avoid placing furniture on low-level areas or below direct overhangs where water is likely to drip and pool. Ensure that the layout of your furniture doesn't obstruct the natural runoff paths for water. Also try to leave breathing space between furniture pieces, since good airflow prevents moisture buildup.
- Seek the shade – take note of which areas are exposed to the harshest sun hours during the day. Position seating under tree shade, gazebos, shade sails or use cantilever umbrellas for a versatile shading option to protect furniture from UV damage.
- Find a sheltered spot - aim to position furniture in more sheltered areas or corners protected by buildings, trees or outer walls.
- Rotate furniture – Periodically rotate the position of different furniture pieces. This ensures even wear and tear, and no single piece gets continuously exposed to harsh elements.
- Consider multi-functional furniture – outdoor furniture that can be folded, stacked, or transformed can be easily moved or stored when extreme weather is about to hit.
Where to buy high-quality all-weather patio furniture?
While the UK weather may be unpredictable, choosing your ideal outdoor furniture setup doesn’t have to be a dark and murky experience. Stick to tried and tested outdoor furniture options, and follow the tips we’ve provided to shop patio or garden furniture with confidence, knowing it will stick with you through thick and thin!
When you’re ready to start designing your ideal outdoor living space, why not have a browse through our extensive range of modern all-weather patio furniture designs combining the best in style, comfort and durability.
Visit Cielo online and find out how we can help inspire your outdoor space.