Wood, Metal, and Plastic Garden Furniture: Here’s What You Need to Know

If your garden is in need of a refresh but you're torn between wood, metal, or plastic furniture, you're not alone. 

Choosing the right material for your outdoor furniture makes all the different, not just to how your space looks, but how durable it is and how much care it needs.

So, here's everything you need to know about how to choose garden furniture that suits your space and needs.

Wood: Timeless and natural

Wooden garden furniture has a natural warmth that's hard to beat, blending beautifully with greenery and gives your outside space that relaxed, lived-in feel.

Why we love it:

• Wood has a natural and grounding feel, it softens hard landscaping and naturally makes an outdoor space feel more inviting. 
• High-quality hard woods like teak, acacia, and eucalyptus are naturally weather-resistant and can last for years.
• It developed a beautiful patina (natural aging) over time if you let it weather.

What to keep in mind:

• Wood needs regular care, a light sand and coat of oil once or twice a year should help to keep things looking fresh.
• If left untreated, wood can fade and become damaged.
• It's generally more costly than metal or plastic. 

If you're into the idea of investing in one set and keeping it for the long haul, wood is worth the effort. Check out our outdoor furniture care guide for tips on how to look after garden furniture.

Metal: Sleek and durable

Metal is perfect if you're looking for durable outdoor furniture and want something low-maintenance but long-lasting. Aluminium and powder finish are strong choices for garden chairs and garden tables for good reason, they hold up well and don't rust in wet climates. 

Why we love it:

• It's super-durable and a good choice for year-round use.
• A powder-coated finish adds an extra layer of protection from rust and adds extra colour options beyond the usual black and grey.
• It works perfectly in modern outdoor spaces, especially when paired with greenery, soft cushions, and throws.

What to keep in mind:

• Metal can get hot in direct sunlight, so use cushions or keep your garden furniture set in the shade.
• Heavier pieces like wrought iron can be more difficult to move. Opt for lightweight aluminium if you're prone to a garden reset every now and then.
• If the coating chips, you'll have to touch it up to stop rust developing.

Metal is ideal if you're after a clean, modern, contemporary look that doesn't need much maintenance. 

Plastic: Lightweight and easy going

Plastic garden furniture gets a bad rap, but more modern designs have come a long way from the wheely sun loungers and plastic chairs of the 90s. 

Why we love it:

• Its affordable and super-easy to care for, just wipe clean and you're done. 
• The lightweight designs make cleaning and organising your garden effortless.
• Many pieces of plastic garden furniture are weather-resistant and wont fade in the sun. 
• If you're looking for outdoor furniture for small spaces, plastic garden furniture is stackable, streamlined, and versatile.

What to keep in mind:

• Cheaper plastics can become brittle or fade over time,
• It doesn't have the same 'luxury' look as metal or wood.
• Some types aren't recyclable, so check before buying.

Plastic is the perfect option for low-maintenance garden furniture, also if you're short on space and on a budget. 

How to choose the right one

Think about how you'll use your garden furniture day-to-day.

• Love to host? Go for durable metal dining sets that can handle regular use.
• Want something natural and long-lasting? Invest in a solid wood garden sofa set.
• Need something like and affordable? Opt for a plastic chair and table set, they're perfect for balconies and smaller spaces.
• Don't want to think about upkeep? Look for treated aluminium and weatherproof cushions. 

Remember, it's not all-or-nothing, there's plenty of room to mix materials. Pair metal garden sofas with a wooden coffee table, or plastic chairs with a metal ottoman to strike the perfect balance of style and practicality. 

Whether you want a timeless acacia outdoor dining set, a sleek aluminium garden lounge setup, or something low-effort and affordable, the right material will help you make the most of every sunny (or not so sunny) moment.