Looking to buy patio furniture that can stand up to most (if not all) weather conditions?
It’s a question many Brits ask because the weather is so up and down. It can be rainy, sunny, windy… and even snowy all on the same day!
This is why it’s important to buy patio furniture that can withstand the elements so that your investment won’t rust or otherwise get damaged.
So join Lazy Susan as we take a look at the various types of outdoor furniture you can buy — as well as how weather-resistant they are.
Metal Patio Furniture
We think metal furniture - such as the high-grade cast aluminium furniture sold at Lazy Susan - is the most weather-resistant type of patio furniture and therefore best suited to our erratic climate.
It’s durable and long-lasting, and it complements your patio with beautiful aesthetics while standing up to the elements.
You can leave metal furniture outdoors for the best part of the year without worrying that it will rust, warp, or rot.
And because it’s made from strong and sturdy materials, it also won’t fall over in the wind.
What’s more, it’s easy to clean and requires very little extra maintenance over a year.
Synthetic Patio Rattan
There are two types of rattan furniture — synthetic and natural — but synthetic is by far the most popular sold in the UK.
Synthetic rattan furniture is more affordable than rattan furniture and it can be a real eye-catching sight on your patio.
Moreover, synthetic rattan is UV-resistant, which means that the sun’s rays won’t damage it.
And if you purchase top-quality synthetic rattan, you should also benefit from aluminium-based rust-proof frames. This means you can leave it outside in the rain without worrying that it will rust.
That all said, synthetic rattan is more lightweight than metal furniture and you might want to take it indoors when it’s windy.
It may also come with cushions that are not weatherproof. Rattan furniture will also require a degree of cleaning and maintenance throughout the year, too.
Wood Patio Furniture
Another popular type of outdoor furniture in the UK is wood patio furniture.
Wood furniture comes in different styles and price ranges. You can buy teak furniture, white oak furniture, cedar furniture, and others. Hardwood is more weather-resistant than softwood and will last longer — but it is more expensive, too.
Just like with synthetic rattan furniture, good quality wood furniture should be good to leave outdoors in most weather conditions. However, even good quality wood furniture is susceptible to the sun’s UV rays over the long term and you may notice that your furniture changes colour. At this point, it will need to be re-treated.
Not just that but wood furniture requires a bit more maintenance than metal furniture. A good idea is to apply outdoor varnish and weatherproof sealant each year as this will help to protect it from the sun’s rays.
Plastic Patio Furniture
Plastic patio outdoor furniture is perhaps the lightest of all outdoor furniture. It won’t hold up well in the wind — but on the flip side, it is incredibly stackable.
Plastic furniture is also affordable and makes sense if you’re planning to host a large party and need plenty of additional tables and chairs.
However, plastic furniture doesn’t withstand the sun’s UV rays too well and you might notice fading and cracking over time.
Plastic furniture also comes with sustainability issues but you can get around this by investing in recycled furniture for your outdoor space.
And while plastic furniture isn’t really known for its aesthetic qualities, it comes in a variety of different colours.
Final Thoughts
Because the British weather is so hard to pin down, with rain one minute and sun the next — it makes sense to invest in patio furniture that’s durable, strong, long-lasting, and weather-resistant.
That way you can leave it outdoors without worrying about rust or other kinds of damage.
Metal furniture comes out on top overall, thanks to it being UV-resistant and invulnerable to rusting and warping. What’s more, the aluminium furniture sold by Lazy Susan is also low maintenance and looks great in an outdoor setting, thanks to its stylish looks.
