Planning Your Outdoor Space
Before you buy, it helps to think about how you actually use your garden. If you mostly eat outside, a dining set should come first. If it's more about relaxing with a coffee or a glass of wine, a sofa set or a pair of loungers will get more use.
Measure the space and mark out the footprint on the ground with string or garden canes. Around a dining table, allow roughly 75-90cm behind each chair so people can sit down and get up without squeezing past. For small patios and balconies, bistro sets and folding chairs give you seating without taking over.
Choosing the Right Material
PE rattan is a synthetic weave that copes far better with rain than natural rattan. It's the go-to for sofa sets and corner sofas, and it's easy to wipe clean.
Aluminium doesn't rust and is light enough to move around easily. The downside is that lighter pieces can shift in strong wind, so it's worth tucking them away or covering them in stormy weather.
Steel is strong and usually powder coated for protection. Touch up any chips or scratches quickly to stop rust getting a hold.
Wood such as acacia gives a warm, natural look. Treating it with oil once or twice a year keeps it looking good and helps it last.
Plastic and resin are light, low cost and very easy to clean, making them a good choice for family gardens and extra seating.
Getting Shade Right
A parasol should cover your table with some room to spare. Cantilever parasols hang from the side, which means no pole in the middle of the table, and you can angle the canopy as the sun moves. Whichever you choose, the base matters as much as the parasol. Always check the recommended base weight on the product page, as an underweight base is the most common reason parasols blow over.
Looking After Your Garden Furniture
Bring cushions indoors when they're not in use, especially overnight, as damp is what causes mould and fading. Over winter, either store furniture in a shed or garage or use fitted covers. A quick wash with warm soapy water at the start and end of the season keeps most materials in good condition.
Sheds and Greenhouses
Sheds and greenhouses need a flat, level base to sit square and keep doors opening properly. Paving slabs, a concrete pad or a timber base all work. Some of our sheds include a foundation kit, so check the product description to see what's included.
Delivery and Returns
Delivery is free to all UK mainland addresses, and most orders arrive within 3-5 working days. There are no hidden fees at checkout. If you change your mind, you can return your item, but the return postage will be at your own cost. If something arrives damaged or faulty, please contact our customer service team and we'll arrange the next steps.
