There are many factors to think about when deciding on what material you want for your new garden furniture. In this guide, we will help you decide on the best material options for you.

Types of Garden Furniture Materials

Our selection of garden furniture is very diverse in style, design and material. 

Suncast wicker plastic storage box and chairs

Plastic Garden Furniture

Characterized by impressive durability, plastic and resin furniture has benefited from advanced technology to become highly desirable. It is versatile and practical with leading manufacturer Suncast producing chairs and benches that are both comfortable and functional as they contain internal storage space that can be used for toys, cushions and other items.

The range is ergonomically designed and has a wicker or timber panel appearance, and you have a choice of colours that won't fade due to UV resistance. Separate storage units are also available, and if you want to create an informal bistro ambience, there are table and chairs sets from Gablemere that reference the ornate style of wrought iron.

4 Piece patio set with circular table, on decking beside a pool

Metal Garden Furniture 

Glinting and sparkling in the sunshine, chairs and tables from Westminster furniture which is made from high-grade corrosion-free stainless steel possess a thoroughly contemporary appearance. Other manufacturers that produce similar furniture ideal for a modern setting, such as Barlow Tyrie, apply a further protective scratch-resistant powder coating in a choice of colours.

All the fabrics used for seats, back and armrests are naturally hardwearing and weatherproof, their textures and colour combining attractively with the steel frame. Many of the chairs will stack when not in use and, to complete a stunning dining set, tables are fitted with beautiful ceramic, wooden or glass tops. 

Gloster Patio furniture beside a pool

Aluminium Garden Furniture

Because it is lightweight yet sturdy and corrosion resistant, aluminium is widely used for garden furniture of all types. Respected makers such as Westminster furnitureBarlow Tyrie and Alexander Rose produce an outstanding variety of chairs, tables, sofas and loungers that allow you to extend your living space outside to make full use of your garden.

The aluminium is powder-coated for protection and the manufacturers have developed a number of comfortable fabrics that are hardwearing and weatherproof, these are used for chair slings, cushion covers and upholstery. Much of this furniture can be easily transferred from the garden into the home due to its high quality and stylish design.

Childrens picnic table

Wooden Garden Furniture

Nothing blends into a garden landscape so effortlessly and naturally as timber furniture. Again, we have an outstanding selection from all the top makers including Alexander Rose who use wonderful woods such as roble, cornis and mahogany to such striking effect.

Gloster and Barlow Tyrie specialize in delightful teak furniture, the latter manufactured near to their own plantation. There are dining sets, benches, recliners, swings and picnic tables to suit every occasion, with some successfully mixing materials, perhaps stainless steel alongside teak. Zest and Rowlinson's children's furniture is particularly well regarded while Jagram's hanging chairs and loungers reflect an eye-catching contemporary style.

You can be assured that the suppliers of our timber furniture are all aware of the environmental and social damage caused by deforestation and the wood used to manufacture our furniture originates from FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified or FLEGT (Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade) licensed sources. This means that the timber originates from managed and sustainable forests and has been checked and tracked all the way through the supply chain from source to the manufacturer.

Kelkay Roma Bench
Haddonstone Raphael Bench

Stone Garden Furniture

No garden furniture looks more enduring than a bench, dining set or table made from granite or cast stone. The latter has been extensively used for many years by market leaders Haddonstone and Borderstone as an ideal alternative to quarried stone.

Whether ornate or plain, smooth or ruggedly cut to reflect its texture, stone furniture will slowly develop an attractive patina as it ages and weathers. There are many styles to choose from, some quite opulent, others less decorative for a more contemporary setting. Sandstone benches polished to show off a myriad of colours, are a lovely alternative from Eastern Connections.

Ocean Wave Relax Hut

Rattan Garden Furniture

The synthetic rattan weave which is used for today's garden furniture has a superb appearance and marvellous qualities. It brings to mind warm and exotic locations, and you'll be delighted with its hardwearing characteristics including UV resistance.

Fabulous modular furniture with accompanying tables features widely in Alexander Rose's handwoven range that complements the rattan with comfortable weatherproof cushioning. There are also single chairs, loungers and dining sets offered by Barlow Tyrie, Signature and other makers. Usually based on an aluminium frame, rattan is a traditional maintenance free material that has been brought right up to date by combining its fantastic natural qualities with superb design.