What is the best material for UK garden furniture?

Teak and aluminium handle British weather without covers. Teak silvers naturally and lasts 25 years plus; aluminium with a powder coat needs winter cover for the cushions only. Rattan-effect resin weave is fine for 4 to 7 years before UV makes it brittle. Real rattan is indoor-only.

How do I protect garden furniture in winter?

Move cushions indoors or into a sealed storage box (damp ruins the inner foam in one season). Cover hardwood and metal frames with breathable polypropylene covers, not waterproof plastic, which traps condensation. A garden shed is better than a garage if there is any car drip.

Gas or charcoal BBQ for an average UK garden?

Gas heats in 10 minutes, dials to temperature and stops faster after dinner. Better for weeknight cooking. Charcoal delivers smoke flavour and higher sear temperatures (400C plus) for steaks and chops; needs 25 to 40 minutes to come up to heat. Kamado ceramic BBQs do both but start at £600.

What size BBQ do I need for a family of 4?

3-burner gas or a 57cm kettle handles 4 to 6 people comfortably. A 4-burner gas or 60cm-plus kettle steps up for regular entertaining. Below 3 burners and the cooking surface runs out of space the moment you add corn, halloumi or veg alongside the meat.

How long does rattan garden furniture last?

Mid-range resin weave on a steel frame lasts 4 to 7 years outdoors in the UK before strands brittle and snap at flex points. Aluminium-framed sets push that to 8 to 10. Marine-grade polyethylene (PE) rattan with a covered winter break can hit 12-plus years.

When should I buy garden furniture for the best price?

Late August through October sees end-of-season clearances at 30 to 50 percent off; stock is patchy but the buys are real. February pre-season collections launch at full RRP. The dead zone is May to mid-July, when demand peaks and discounts dry up.

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Garden & Outdoor

Updated 20 May 2026

The garden is the room that doubles in size between April and September. We've got over 33,000 pieces for it here from The Range, Robert Dyas, Very and other UK retailers, including sheds, dining sets, planters and parasols. read more…