Patio Furniture @ Greenfingers
Patio furniture for your garden including hardwood, metal and cane tables, benches, steamer chairs, hammocks and table and chair sets, together with accessories including tie on seat covers and cushions.

Patio and garden furniture - a buyer's guide

Patio furniture in your garden can really help you to enjoy the warmer summer days. There is a large variety of different types available in the UK today and this is a quick guide to help you decide what you want to buy.

Materials and styles

Patio and garden furniture is available in five main materials - aluminium, wood, iron, resin (plastic) and wicker, or partnerships of different materials such as a wood, glass or tiled tabletop on an aluminium base. Different materials have different maintenance requirements - for example, wood should be sealed every once in a while (see the article below) and iron has a tendency to rust so you will need to keep the paintwork in good condition, especially in coastal areas. However, well maintained iron furniture can last a lifetime. Aluminium, on the other hand, is pretty much maintenance free. It's a good idea to store garden furniture in a shed when not in use, or cover it with a purpose made cover or tarpaulin to prevent unnecessary weathering.

You can use ordinary cushions with the furniture, but for outdoor use, look out for cushions that are water-repellant and resistant to fading and mildew.

Hammocks have gained in popularity recently due to their comfort, and are now available in a range of shapes, styles and sizes including free standing, or attached to a tree or post.

How to restore wooden patio furniture

If you already own wooden patio furniture, but it is looking a little the worse for wear, it is possible to revive its appearance and make it look new again.

• Clean the wood first, using either soapy water and a sponge, or a pressure washer to remove particles of dirt.
• Allow the patio furniture to dry completely.
• Allow the furniture to dry completely.
• Apply a garden furniture restorer to the wood and leave to act (follow the instructions on whatever brand you buy - usually around 15 minutes. The restorer will reverse the "greying effect" (it removes the grey surface colour) and restores your furniture back to top condition quickly and easily. Wash off the excess and allow the furniture to dry.
• Gently sand along the grain of the wood and blow off the dust.
• Apply furniture oil to the wood. This will nourish the wood, enhance its colour and replace lost oils, thus protecting against future weathering.