Ever wondered what Garden Furniture is really made of, besides the promise of summer barbecues and damp British afternoons? Short answer: wood, metal, rattan, and plastic. Each one has its quirks, strengths, and care needs. Keep reading to find out which material fits your garden, your budget, and how much maintenance you’re actually willing to do.
Wooden furniture never goes out of style. It blends beautifully with greenery and has that timeless, cosy feel. But if you’re asking what wood garden furniture is best, the answer depends on whether you go for hardwoods or softwoods.
Teak is the heavyweight champion of outdoor wood. Thanks to its natural oils, it laughs in the face of rain, rot, and pests. That’s exactly why teak for outdoor furniture is so popular in the UK. It can last 20–30 years with little more than a wipe down.
Acacia is a more affordable alternative. It’s strong and stylish but does need sealing to handle the weather.
Oak is tough and traditional. Heavy as anything, but if you want something solid that doesn’t budge, it’s a classic pick.
When people ask which wood for outdoor furniture works on a budget, the answer is usually softwood.
Pine is the cheapest wood for outdoor furniture. Pressure-treated versions are resistant to rot, but they’ll still need regular care.
Cedar is naturally resistant to bugs and rain. It’s lighter than oak or teak, which makes it easier to move, but it won’t last quite as long.
Pros: Warm, natural look, strong and timeless.
Cons: Regular sealing or oiling needed, heavier, hardwoods can be pricey.
Tip: Clean gently, re-oil once a year, and cover it up during the winter.
If you want furniture that’s sleek and built to last, metal is hard to beat. Aluminium garden furniture and steel options are especially popular across the UK.
Aluminium is a no-brainer if you’re tired of hauling heavy chairs around. It’s light, modern-looking, and doesn’t rust. That’s why it’s often called the best outdoor furniture material for rain. With a good powder-coated finish, aluminium sets can last 15–20 years.
Steel and wrought iron are the “anchors” of the garden furniture world. They’re incredibly strong and won’t blow over in a storm. The trade-off? Without protective coatings, they’ll rust. Perfect for a traditional, heavyweight look, but they demand more attention than aluminium.
Pros: Super strong, stylish, long-lasting.
Cons: Can rust (except aluminium), gets hot in the sun, heavy to move.
Tip: Go for powder-coated finishes and apply rust-prevention spray when needed.
Ask most people what is rattan garden furniture and they’ll think of stylish woven sets perfect for patios. It’s comfy, versatile, and always in fashion. But here’s the thing, whether it’s natural or synthetic makes all the difference.
Natural rattan is gorgeous indoors but simply doesn’t survive outside in the UK. That’s why patio furniture is wicker in style but usually made from synthetic rattan instead.
Synthetic rattan looks the same but is built for the outdoors. It’s waterproof, UV-resistant, and far less hassle to care for.
When people ask what is rattan patio furniture, the answer today is nearly always synthetic. It’s lightweight, flexible, and holds up beautifully in the rain and sun. That’s why it’s a favourite for UK gardens, balconies, and patios.
Pros: Stylish, light, comfortable, weather-resistant (if synthetic).
Cons: Natural rattan won’t last outdoors, cheaper synthetic sets may sag or fade.
Tip: Wash with soapy water and stash cushions away when it rains.
If you’re curious about what is resin patio furniture or what is polywood outdoor furniture, it all falls under the plastic family. Once dismissed as cheap and cheerful, plastic has evolved into something far more durable and stylish.
Standard plastic is affordable, lightweight, and often stackable. Great for small budgets, but it can fade and crack over time.
Resin garden furniture is a stronger, UV-resistant version. It lasts longer and looks smarter than standard plastic.
Polywood outdoor furniture takes things a step further. Made from recycled plastic, it mimics the look of real wood while being sustainable, splinter-free, and weatherproof.
Pros: Low-cost, light, easy to clean, eco-friendly versions available.
Cons: Can look less premium, cheap ones may fade or crack.
Tip: Wipe clean with soapy water. No oils, sprays, or complicated care needed.
So now you know what are garden furniture made of wood, metal, rattan, and plastic. But which one’s right for you? It all comes down to your priorities.
Aluminium garden furniture or synthetic rattan. Both need minimal care and still look great.
Teak wood or high-quality aluminium. Teak’s natural oils keep it going for decades, while aluminium doesn’t rust.
Plastic or pressure-treated pine. Affordable, easy to find, and perfect if you don’t want to overspend.
Synthetic rattan or aluminium. Both thrive in the rain, wind, and rare bursts of sunshine.
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