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Garden furniture is made for relaxing outdoors, but not all types provide the same level of comfort. The material plays a big part in this, whether it’s rattan, wood, metal, or plastic. It’s also worth considering how you’ll use it and how much time you’ll spend using it. That way, you can choose what suits your needs and space best, along with any accessories you might need.
Rattan Garden Furniture
Rattan is a naturally flexible material, so you needn’t worry about it being too brittle or rigid to sit on. This also applies to synthetic rattan options, which are also UV-resistant. This added quality protects the fibres from fading and the overall framework from degrading.
The flexibility of rattan adapts to your body shape, which makes it more comfortable to sit on, even for longer stretches. Moreover, the open weave design allows air to flow through, helping to prevent heat buildup, especially in the summer.
This makes rattan garden furniture, whether it’s a sofa, corner set, or dining set, the top choice for comfort—whether you use garden cushions or not.
Wooden Garden Furniture
Like rattan, wood is a natural material that doesn’t absorb heat, so you’ll still be able to use your garden table and chairs comfortably on those hot summer days. Sweat doesn’t cling to timber either, so you won’t need to wipe it down after each use.
Some are even specifically shaped for comfort, like the BillyOh Tete a Tete, Jack and Jill Companion Love Seat. The seats are angled towards each other and slightly wider, making it easier to find a comfy position and helping to avoid stiffness after long chats. Between these two seats is a handy bench, complete with a parasol hole, so you and your companion can stay cool. Perfect for those long, sunny afternoons.
Just a heads up, though! Because the wood is so sturdy, the furniture might feel a bit hard or uncomfortable for longer sittings, especially without cushions or extra padding. It’s a good idea to add seat pads so comfort isn’t compromised.
Metal Garden Furniture
Today’s metal garden furniture is far from monotonous or boring. In fact, it’s much more interesting and inviting—just what you need to create a cosy and stylish outdoor space. Aluminium furniture options don’t rust either, so save yourself the worry of thinking of getting rust stains on your clothing after sitting down.
Oh, and did we mention aluminium sets are much lighter, too? This makes them easier to move around your patio whenever you need to. For instance, you can shift your metal bench to follow the sun or shade, ensuring you’re always in a pleasant spot.
But perhaps the biggest drawback of metal garden furniture is that it’s a bit of a heat trap. Unlike rattan and wood, it absorbs heat, so it can be pretty uncomfortable to sit on during hot days. Outdoor cushions are the way to go, or you could opt for sun loungers if you’re looking to enjoy the sun at the height of summer.
Plastic Garden Furniture
High-quality plastic furniture, like those made from resin or moulded plastic, can have a more comfortable feel and better durability than standard options. Many sets are also designed with ergonomic shapes to improve comfort. And, just like metal, plastic’s lightweight nature makes it easy to move around.
However, plastic on its own can be a bit rigid and might feel stiff if you’re sitting for a long time. That’s why most sets come with thicker cushions or padded seating to make things easier on the body.
Round-up
When it comes to comfort, rattan garden furniture takes the top spot, whether it’s cushioned or not. The rest are all a close second, as they can all be made comfy with waterproof outdoor cushions. But at the end of the day, it’s up to you which material and its perks best match what you’re after.
Here’s another guide to help you make the most of your investment once you’ve decided: How to Use Your Garden Furniture in Autumn
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