Garden furniture

[sunshineonarainyday6]

After a few years of old hand me down garden furniture we are probably in a position to get something decent of our own this year. What would people recommend please that is easy to maintain? I have been told that rattan stuff isn't great, is that correct? (I am unsure whether to go for a table and chairs or nice outdoor sofas and a little table but just looking for ideas and advice at this stage). Thanks

We have had our rattan set for about 5 years now and it's still lovely, barely any wear and tear. We cover it with tarpaulin during winter and don't leave the big soft cushions outside.

We have a big sofa and 2 big comfy chairs plus a table. Was about £350 from Asda living.

Think about where you’re going to store it in the winter before you buy.

I’d recommend rattan, it’s the easiest to maintain, you can leave it out all year and just give it a hose down and it’s good to go.

Wood requires treating annually really and is more painful

Rattan is so easy to maintain. I’ve had mine around 8 years now. I don’t bother covering it (breeding ground for spiders to get comfy!). Just give it a blast with the pressure watcher once spring arrives and that’s about it. I do store the two glass table tops in the shed from late autumn.

I did have a table and chairs, but ended up selling it. Replaced with a large corner sofa and table (plus a couple of footstools). Get much more us from it now as can use for dining and comfy lounging. Will try to find a photo.

Not great photos, but I’m really pleased with it. Has definitely had more use than just table and chairs.

Thanks all, that's really helpful. I will start looking at rattan furniture as an option. Love the idea of sofas/a corner sofa and little table.

Hi all, sorry for the delay on this but where can you recommend for rattan apart from Asda? Am hoping to get a corner sofa and table with some stools a bit like yours @Furries but can't see what I'm looking for on the Asda website so wondering where else to try that isn't extortionate? Thanks!

Aldi did some recently

I assume all the above references to rattan are talking about synthetic/fake rattan rather than the real thing. Real rattan will rot if left outside.

Thanks @Plantstrees. I guess I don't know what I was looking for but yes fake rattan sounds better if it will last longer.

I can unfortunately let you know that fake rattan does not last longer. The sun kills it, by fading and weakening it!!
We bought a set from Next and after a few years noticed a little hole appearing in the rattan underneath the glass table top, originally thought a mouse has nibbled at it, then quickly realised it was the weakened fake rattan. We just put a cover over the table and carry on.

We've had about 6 years use, but would not recommend fake rattan.

My fake rattan is still going strong after almost 8 years . Not covered during winter (spider breeding heaven). Pressure wash it once a year to get any muck off.

You obviously need to store the cushions when weather is rubbish.

I had wooden furniture for a number of years before - CBA with the upkeep!

@Furries did you know the blue plastic comes off the feet? Or are you keeping it on to protect it? 😊

We have the same as Furries, just without the blue feet!

It's comfy and we store it in the summer house in the winter. Take the cushions in to the conservatory every night.

One cushion did explode and the zip broke but I think one of the kids did it!

I hate rattan. We’ve got two sofa sets from made, they do the best outdoor furniture imo

😂 - I happen to like blue feet! Damn you eagle-eyed MN detectives. It’s been “one of those little jobs” that I keep meaning to do, but never get around to.

I'm looking for a nice new garden dining table! Ordered one last year that never materialised due to supplier issues but I'd already bought new chairs to go with it!

It was wood with a Mediterranean tiled top was so nice sigh!

This summer everything seems to be a set & not separate items! I'm not big on sets! 🙁

Just brought (fake ) rattan. Hope it lasts! We brought a Kettler range rather than a cheaper version. Most garden centres Sell garden furniture.

@leotardrock

I'm looking for a nice new garden dining table! Ordered one last year that never materialised due to supplier issues but I'd already bought new chairs to go with it!

It was wood with a Mediterranean tiled top was so nice sigh!

This summer everything seems to be a set & not separate items! I'm not big on sets! 🙁

Regarding sets, I posted. Something similar a few weeks ago. We only wanted the corner unit and not the table (although actually have room for it). Someone Pointed me in the direction of made.com, which has ‘separates’.

made.com

my earlier thread

We have a metal corner sofa set, I would have liked to find it in the wood but the metal weathers well. We store the cushions in the garage.

Thanks all. I've got my eye on this set. Silly question but is this real or fake rattan? www.laura-james.co.uk/products/9-seater-rattan-outdoor-corner-sofa-set-grey-weave

Ive just bought a corner sofa set with adjustable table so that we can also have lunch / dinner outside. It’s also fake rattan and cost £1300 at the range. Delivered yesterday, I’ll take a pic once it’s assembled.

My new garden lounge set. Just under a grand. Forgot I’d ordered a matching bench and trampoline for kids as well.