Ever wondered how your Garden Furniture goes from a raw plank of wood, shiny metal bar, or coil of rattan into the table you gather around for barbecues? Short answer: it’s a clever mix of design, craftsmanship, and rigorous testing. Stick with me, you’ll discover how every chair, bench, or table is built to survive both sunshine and downpours.
It all starts with the right wood. Teak is the gold standard, packed with natural oils that shrug off moisture. Acacia is the practical choice: affordable yet full of character. Pine, meanwhile, gives budget-friendly designs a warm, rustic feel. But none of it goes near a saw until it’s been dried, either in a kiln or naturally in the air. This step is vital, without it, the furniture could twist, warp, or split the moment it meets the outdoors.
Once the timber’s ready, the magic begins. Craftsmen (and often CNC machines) cut each section to size before shaping it into legs, slats, or frames. The pieces are joined using techniques that haven’t changed for centuries, like mortise and tenon joints, combined with modern screws or dowels for extra strength. Think of it like building a puzzle, only this one needs to hold your family for Sunday lunch.
After assembly, the surfaces are sanded smooth. From here, some makers choose a natural finish with protective teak oil, others apply paint or sealants designed to fend off rain and UV rays. The finish isn’t just about looks, it’s the armour that keeps your bench or table looking good year after year. Without proper finishing, wooden garden furniture wouldn’t stand a chance against Britain’s unpredictable weather.
Aluminium is the go-to for modern, lightweight designs. Long heated bars are pushed through moulds in a process called extrusion, creating frames and legs with precise shapes. The parts are welded together, then powder-coated with a durable coloured finish. The result? Sleek, rust-proof furniture that you can move easily yet trust to handle wet winters.
Steel and iron take a more traditional path. Molten metal is poured into moulds (casting) or hammered into shape (forging) before being welded into strong frames. These heavyweights are then sanded and given protective paint or powder coatings. The result is the classic round iron garden table or ornate chair that looks elegant but could probably outlive you if looked after.
Underneath every rattan chair or sofa is an aluminium frame. Makers use it because it’s lightweight, won’t rust, and can be shaped into everything from single loungers to garden furniture 4 seater sets. Each frame is welded and tested before the weaving begins.
This is where patience and skill come in. Strips of synthetic rattan, made from durable polyethylene, are woven by hand around the frame. No machines here, just hours of interlacing patterns by experienced weavers. That’s why a hand-woven garden furniture round table looks so natural and feels so sturdy.
If you see tiny variations in the weave, that’s not a flaw, it’s proof it was done by hand. Machine-woven rattan looks uniform but doesn’t hold up as well under stress. Hand-woven rattan lasts longer, feels firmer, and instantly adds authenticity to your garden table and chairs with umbrella.
Plastic furniture is born in seconds. Heated plastic is injected into a mould under intense pressure, filling every corner to form chairs, benches, or tables. Once cooled, the mould opens and, voilà! You’ve got a finished piece. It’s fast, efficient, and perfect for mass production.
These days, many makers use recycled plastic. Bottles and packaging are cleaned, shredded, melted, and given new life as durable outdoor chairs and tables. The beauty is that it reduces waste while creating waterproof garden furniture that stands up to rain without rotting or rusting.
Before any furniture hits the shop floor, it’s tested. Machines simulate years of weight, sunlight, and rain. Moisture resistance chambers, UV light tests, and load-bearing rigs push each design to its limits. Only the pieces that survive this mini torture chamber make it to your patio.
The last stage is about comfort and protection. Cushions are added, often using weatherproof fabrics, and everything is packed securely to survive transport. When your garden furniture 4 seater or round table arrives, it’s already passed every test and is ready to take pride of place in your garden.
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