Spring is quickly approaching and we are dreaming of longer days, clear skies, and summer garden parties. The rush is on to make our outdoor space as attractive as possible for Al freco dining or evening drinks. As tempting as it may be, don't rush to buy your garden furniture and make sure you have taken into consideration the below before purchasing your desired patio furniture.
Available Space
It is very tempting when browsing online to see a model we like with a notice saying 'limited stock available' and we rush to add it to the cart and checkout as soon as possible. It is really important before doing this to measure up the space where you would like your new garden furniture to go. If you have a large space and you buy garden furniture that is too small, it may look very out of place in your garden. Also consider the dimensions and shape of your new patio furniture.
For example would you like an oval or circular garden set, would you like a rectangular table, do you even want a patio table?
You could very quickly order a garden set which has the wrong configuration, for example an L shaped rattan sofa set which fits the wrong way in your outdoor space. Or, a garden dining set which swamps your garden and is far too big. All of these issues can create a lot of headache with returning Garden furniture which due to the size can be costly.
Choosing based on price without doing research
Us Brits love to feel we are getting a bargain, but there can be huge differences in quality between rattan garden furniture sets. For example, it is really important to consider the frame material of your new patio set. Iron, although less frequently used can rust and will significantly reduce the life of your garden set. Although it may seem a bargain to begin with, when you have to replace it nearly every year, it becomes less appealing. A newer trend following on from Iron was rattan garden furniture made from Galvanised steel. Although this material does offer greater weather resistant properties vs Iron, it is still prone to rust. Aluminium garden furniture is the gold standard, although higher in price, they come with longer warranties and provide you with a rust-free solution, as it is build to withstand the rain of the British Climate.
Another consideration is the material of the rattan weave on your garden set. Typically now most manufacturers make the majority with PE rattan. Although you can get different textures and qualities with the material, it is a waterpoof material and provides excellent weather resistant garden furniture sets.
Ongoing maintenance of your set
This is another factor to consider when selecting furniture for your outdoor space. Galavanised steel rattan sets will require care to ensure they are as dry as possible at all times, to prevent rust, and often tops ups with an anti rust paint. Aluminium framed furniture is super easy, and less consideration needed for adverse weather in the typical UK climate. Wooden garden furniture, although it has become less popular over the years may need repainting and sanding down over the years. It also holds water, so after a brief shower it isn't the best to sit on.
Warrantys of Garden furniture sets
This is a really important consideration when purchasing your firepit sets. Often garden furniture is a significant investment for most of us, and we want to make sure we have that security if there is an issue with it.
Ask the retailer what the warranty is and what it covers. You will find that rust is often exluded from garden furniture warranties. Luxury aluminium patio furniture tends to have better warrantys, normally a minimum of 5 years.
Safety of the furniture
This applies more when you are considering dining sets or sofa sets with gas firepit tables. Consider the design first. A gas bottle tends to be under the table, is there enough space between the gas firepit and fuel source?
Also check the cushion material of your firepit rattan garden set. Are they UKFR cushions?
Lastly, another really important tip. Check the firepit of your firepit table is under CE marking not only this, but the whole table should be under this too.