Rattan is the name given to around six hundred species of climbing palms native to tropical regions of Asia, Australasia and Africa. Rattan is an environmentally-friendly option and the use of rattan in the production of furniture will greatly assist in forest conservation, as the rattan can be quickly replaced and is more sustainable that wood.
Cut into sections, rattan can be used like wood to make furniture and so is widely used for making garden tables and chairs. It can be painted or stained so it is available in many colours; and it can be shaped into many styles. Rattan is extremely durable and can withstand extreme heat without splitting or drying out.
Untreated rattan is not suitable for outdoor use. However, it is treated with a synthetic resin during the production process to ensure it is hard-wearing and can be safely used outdoors.
How to choose your rattan garden table and chairs
The stem of the rattan should be at least 1.5 inches thick. The stem size will indicate the strength – rattan is graded A to C, and A is the top quality.
It should feel smooth to the touch without any hair-like strands. The colour should be even. Look at how the furniture is joined together. Is it with glue and screws or nails and staples? Screwed pieces will last longer, than nails or staples but the screws should be concealed.
How To Maintaining rattan furniture ?
- When new, seal the wood with a coat of lacquer or shellac. This should be repeated annually, after cleaning.
- Protection for the feet, such as rubber stoppers, will help.
- Clean it regularly, being careful not to get the wood too wet.
Choosing your garden table and chairs – by material
There are many woods used to make garden furniture including teak, oak, eucalyptus, acacia, deal and cedar. The most important thing is to choose furniture that is sustainably produced from legally managed and renewable forests. Slow-growing hardwoods like oak, eucalyptus and teak are perfect if you want durable natural looking furniture. Acacia timber is well-known for its durability and strength as well as its natural beauty. Some people think wood is the best material for garden furniture as it blends well with the garden.
Rattan-effect and wicker garden furniture is stylish, comfortable and contemporary. Rattan-effect is frost, water and UV resistant, so can be left out in all weathers. Wicker is generally used for chairs and sometimes as table leg panels. Rattan furniture.
Aluminium is a sturdy practical garden furniture option that gives good value for money. The least expensive will be the extruded aluminium which is hollow and very lightweight. Cast aluminium is generally a high quality product and one of the few materials resistant to virtually all weather conditions – it can be left outside all year round and requires very little maintenance.
Mixed materials such as wood, metal, and glass give a fresh and unusual look. Table tops can be made from slate, ceramic tiles, riven stone or marble.
Plastic is excellent if you are on a tight budget. It is fairly durable but can quickly look rather ‘tired’ if left outdoors.
Wrought iron is hand-crafted, so looks very individual. However, it weathers badly, as iron rusts unless coated with special paint to prevent this. Also, it is also hard and not very comfortable so you need cushions.
How To Choose sustainable wood for your garden furniture?
Wooden garden furniture is one of the most popular choices for gardens all over the country. It looks fantastic and as a natural product, it blends naturally into gardens of any design. However, with the growing concern regarding environmental issues and forestry management, industries where wood is used in large quantities are given a lot of attention as to whether they are managing these issues responsibly.
Did you know that it is estimated that up to a quarter of the wood imported into the UK is from illegal sources? Why does this matter? How can you make sure you are buying products from well-managed, sustainable sources?
The way that some wooden furniture is produced can cause damage to the environment, wildlife and people. The best way to be sure the products you buy come from legal, well-managed forests is to check the labels. Here are two reputable organisations that accredit products.
The Forest Stewardship Council ensures that:
- the wood used to make a product comes from a forest which is well managed according to strict environmental, social and economic standards.
- the forest of origin has been independently inspected and evaluated according to principles and criteria for forest management agreed and approved by the FSC.
- Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes certify that wood and paper products come from forests managed in a way that helps maintain them and reduce environmental damage.
You could also ask your retailer, or check the website of your chosen supplier to be sure they stock certified timber products. The Central Point of Expertise on Timber Procurement (CPET) lists reliable certification schemes and examples of labels on its website.
When buying wooden garden furniture you should be looking for products where the wood is sourced from sustainable managed forests. These are managed forest environments where new seeds or trees are planted in replacement for the trees taken down. This ensures that the forests continue to grow high quality natural wood for supply.
There is also a lot more care taken to ensure trees are felled in a controlled environment to avoid any harm to wildlife and the surrounding areas. Sustainable forests also supply materials for other purposes, such as card and paper, as well as outdoor furniture products.
Bear these points in mind:
- buy certified wood
- consider using reclaimed wood which saves energy and resources
- remember to look for the labels.
Can We Use Aluminium for your next garden table and chairs?
Aluminium is an excellent material for garden furniture. It is the most abundant metal in earth, and this means it is inexpensive. It is strong yet light and is extremely resistant to corrosion – this is due to the formation of a thin surface layer when metal is exposed to air which effectively prevents it from further oxidation. Available as tubular aluminium or cast aluminium, aluminium it is now becoming a very popular material for use in our gardens.
10919 300×300 Aluminium for your next garden table and chairs?
Neat aluminium garden furniture Aluminium can be powder coated – this adheres to aluminium better than paint and is a really durable product. Some manufacturers use steel fastenings with aluminium but these will rust in time. Stainless steel does not have this problem.
Though aluminium is lightweight, it is strong and durable. Garden furniture made from aluminium may be used for years without losing its original look. Often aluminium is combined with other materials to enhance the look and functionality of the furniture. For instance, a table may have an aluminium frame but a glass or wooden top. It needs little maintenance. A simple solution of water and mild soap and a soft bristle brush will keep it in good condition. You can also apply mineral oil or car wax to keep it shiny.
Aluminium can be formed to resemble cast iron and can be used in modern shapes, taking advantage of the properties of the material. Cast iron and cast aluminium tables, chairs and bench seating are available in a variety of scrollwork and patterns. Cast aluminium patio furniture is made by pouring a liquefied aluminium into a mould containing a hollow cavity of the desired shape or design and then leaving it to harden.
Frame aluminium garden chairs are a frame of aluminium combined with a mesh back and seat. The aluminium frames can either be hollow or solid. This type of metal outdoor furniture is less expensive than cast aluminium and so is ideal for your garden table and chairs.
Before Buying Furniture Here are some questions to consider before
What material will look best in your garden?
Whereabouts in the garden do you want the furniture?
Is it going to stand on a hard surface – decking or a patio?
How comfortable is it?
What are you going to use it for?
Are you prepared to take it in every night?
Are you prepared to spend time on maintenance?
Do you want to be able to move it around easily?
Where are you going to store it?
Decide which material is best for your garden and your needs. Do you have the time and skill to look after the furniture and keep it in best condition or do you prefer the minimum of effort to keep it?
Wooden garden furniture is popular and versatile but regular maintenance and treatment will be necessary. Metal garden furniture is also popular and easier to maintain.
Plastic is inexpensive, lightweight and durable but more limited when it comes to style.Look at the space you have available. If you are planning to site the furniture on a patio or other restricted space, do make sure that there will be enough room to circulate around the furniture and space for other equipment you want nearby such as the barbecue.
It is surprising how different in size garden furniture can look in the showroom from actually in situ in your garden – so get your tape measure out first!.You need to be able to relax in your garden, so comfort is a prime consideration. Some of the most attractive garden furniture can also be some of the most uncomfortable!
Wrought iron tables and chairs look great and are fine for a quick cup of coffee, but would you really want to sit on them for a long chatty meal with your friends?
Think about the style of your garden. Is it a contemporary city garden or a traditional cottage garden? Who uses the garden? Decide on the style of furniture will suit the overall theme of your garden and imagine how it will look in place. Take into account any furniture you may already have – will it blend in?
Think about storage. You can select from a huge range of covers, which are fine for protecting the furniture over the summer, but most types of furniture will need to be stored inside over the winter. Much of the furniture available can be folded, and chairs stacked to save space.
Large tables can often be taken apart, but this can be time-consuming, so check before you buy. Cushions, parasols etc will need to be stored in a dry place.
What Are Types Of Garden Furniture ?
- Cast iron furniture :Cast iron furniture will probably need to be left outside over winter, as the weight prohibits easy movement. For this reason, a good maintenance routine is essential to keep the furniture in tip-top condition.
- Your garden table and chairs should be regularly wiped with a damp cloth and checked over for rust. Any areas of rust need to be brushed off with a wire brush, sanded down and treated with a rust inhibiter, followed by undercoat and top coat of paint.
What Is Aluminium furniture ?
Aluminium furniture won’t rust, but if the coating is damaged it could peel, allowing rusting to start. To prevent this, touch up the surface with a matching car or metal paint as soon as possible.
What is Cast iron furniture?
Cast iron furniture will probably need to be left outside over winter, as the weight prohibits easy movement. For this reason, a good maintenance routine is essential to keep the furniture in tip-top condition. Your garden table and chairs should be regularly wiped with a damp cloth and checked over for rust. Any areas of rust need to be brushed off with a wire brush, sanded down and treated with a rust inhibiter, followed by undercoat and top coat of paint.
What Is Plastic furniture?
If maintained properly plastic furniture should last for many years. Its light weight means it is easy to take it indoors when necessary. Alternatively, there is a vast range of covers available. The sun can cause bleaching so covers will help.
An important aspect of any outdoor garden furniture care is keeping it clean, and this is easy with plastic. Mould can begin to appear on plastic furniture sets so simply cleaning with a soapy cloth and a tiny amount of bleach is all that you will need to keep plastic furniture clean – just a simple wipe over on a regular basis is all that is needed.
What Is Wooden furniture ?
Hardwoods require only an annual scrub or hosing down with soapy water to remove algae, dirt and air pollution. (I have tried using a pressure sprayer. It does remove all the algae etc but it can also damage the surface of the wood and would certainly not recommend it for quality furniture. ) This restores the surface of the timber.
It is quite usual for articles of wooden furniture to develop cracks along the grain after it has been exposed to sun and rain. If you prefer your furniture to look less weathered, you can apply oil or a sealant. After cleaning, the furniture must be allowed to dry out thoroughly before applying any oils or stains, this could take several days. Sand the furniture down to keep the smoothness – you wouldn’t want to snag your clothes as you sit down!
What Is Hardwood furniture ?
Hardwood Furniture such as iroko or teak is more expensive but is naturally very durable so it does not need any wood preservative to protect it from rot. Without treatment, teak will gradually take on a silvery patina. However, to keep it looking like new for as long as possible, you could rub in teak oil or apply water-based wood stain.
What Is Softwood Furniture ?
Softwoods such as pine are susceptible to rot, especially where the feet rest on the ground. Protect your table and chairs by placing each leg in a small pot of wood preservative overnight. You can also brush on a wood preservative to the other wooden parts but the chemical will not penetrate as well as it does when being drawn up the end-grain of the wood.
Avoid spillage. Coffee and other liquids can cause the tarnishing of your outdoor set. Consider some placemats every time you wish for a garden leisure. If possible, wipe off liquid spills at once since they can scrape off your set’s polished finish. Caked spills will also invite the thriving or insects all over your set.
What Is Painting Furniture ?
Painting your set will save it from rust and other corrosive materials. Wooden sets can be painted or varnished to protect it from chipping or cracking. Paints will enhance the appearance of your set and will prolong its life.
Garden umbrella
And don’t forget your garden umbrella! If your garden umbrella does get wet in one of those sudden showers, never put it away closed. Preferably, bring it indoors to dry thoroughly. Open your garden umbrella and wash it with a gallon of warm water, a few drops of bleach and a squirt of washing up liquid.
Try the solution on a small, inconspicuous area first. Make sure you rinse this off thoroughly and leave the umbrella open until it is completely dry. Insects love the folds of umbrellas, especially during the winter, so ideally, you should keep it wrapped. Be careful about using plastic though, because if there is any damp, this will encourage mould and mildew.
What Is Oak Garden Furniture ?
The Common Oak is the oak we see most frequently in the countryside, but there are many other varieties, including the Holm Oak, which is an evergreen. Oak has been widely used for centuries, so you can own furniture made from the same wood as used in many prestigious buildings, such as the debating chamber of the House of Commons.
Not all varieties produce good quality wood, so take care – wood from the Turkey Oak, for instance, is poorer quality. White Oak is impenetrable to liquids and therefore was valued for boat building – and naturally, for garden furniture. To maintain the stocks of these trees, it is essential to ensure your furniture comes from sustainable sources and properly managed forests.
Why Should You Buy oak Furniture?
Oak is a hardwood with a density of about 0.75 g/cm³ giving it great strength, hardness and durability, and is very resistant to insect and fungal attack because of its high tannin content. It has beautiful grain markings, especially when quarter-sawn.
Like teak, oak is durable under outdoor weather conditions but is a cheaper wood. It must be treated and maintained properly to give the maximum life and to make the most of the natural beauty of the wood. Initially, it is light brown in colour but it will darken with age.
Caring for oak
As there are so many different types of oak, it is essential to follow all the guidelines given by your furniture supplier. This will extend the life of your furniture making it cost effective when compared with some of the apparently cheaper options.
In many cases you will receive your furniture primed and stained; it may sometimes be varnished. Selecting raw timber garden furniture items enables you to choose the colour and type of stain you prefer, but is essential to ensure that you do treat the wood before leaving it in the garden, or it will deteriorate very quickly. For optimum results, use a penetrating stain product containing a wood preservative, as well as an ingredient to help slow the growth of mildew.
During the first summer, especially, regular applications of oil will help to keep your new furniture looking good, but do take care that it is allowed to dry thoroughly before use. Soaking the bottom few centimetres of your oak furniture legs in a wood preservative product for up to six hours will help extend the life, especially if your furniture is being used on a lawn. Regularly sponging the furniture clean will pay dividends as removing small amounts of fresh dirt is so much easier than letting it build up.
There is a wide range of timber treatments available, so take a look round your local garden centre or websites of online suppliers. Ideally, you should store the furniture inside over the winter.
Why You Should Choose your garden table and chairs – by material
There are many woods used to make garden furniture including teak, oak, eucalyptus, acacia, deal and cedar. The most important thing is to choose furniture that is sustainably produced from legally managed and renewable forests. Slow-growing hardwoods like oak, eucalyptus and teak are perfect if you want durable natural looking furniture. Acacia timber is well-known for its durability and strength as well as its natural beauty. Some people think wood is the best material for garden furniture as it blends well with the garden.
Rattan-effect and wicker garden furniture is stylish, comfortable and contemporary. Rattan-effect is frost, water and UV resistant, so can be left out in all weathers. Wicker is generally used for chairs and sometimes as table leg panels. Rattan furniture.
Aluminium is a sturdy practical garden furniture option that gives good value for money. The least expensive will be the extruded aluminium which is hollow and very lightweight. Cast aluminium is generally a high quality product and one of the few materials resistant to virtually all weather conditions – it can be left outside all year round and requires very little maintenance.
Mixed materials such as wood, metal, and glass give a fresh and unusual look. Table tops can be made from slate, ceramic tiles, riven stone or marble.
Plastic is excellent if you are on a tight budget. It is fairly durable but can quickly look rather ‘tired’ if left outdoors.
Wrought iron is hand-crafted, so looks very individual. However, it weathers badly, as iron rusts unless coated with special paint to prevent this. Also, it is also hard and not very comfortable so you need cushions.
