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For those lucky enough to have an outdoor space, getting the most out of it usually means having somewhere to sit. After all, it’s difficult to relax for very long in even the most beautiful space if you’re standing, and sitting on the grass might not be the best option in the long run.
This is a way of saying that no garden experience is complete without the right garden furniture, especially if you’re going to be entertaining guests. Here are some of the different types of garden furniture available to help you decide which one will work best for you and your guests.
Timber
Timber has the advantage of being affordable and flexible. It can be accommodated in a range of garden themes, and it’s very widely available. If you’re employed in a qualifying industry, then you might secure special discounts. Argos NHS discounts, for example, make furnishing a garden very affordable.
On the other hand, you might wish to build your own garden furniture. This will require some perseverance and some woodworking skill, but in the end you’ll have a few bespoke items that will match with your tastes, and the space available.
Rattan
Rattan furniture is attractive and lightweight, making it popular with many homeowners. Like timber, it’s versatile enough to match with a range of themes, but it isn’t always entirely weatherproof, so you’ll want to make sure that it’s covered during wet weather.
Rattan is, much like wicker, made from fast-growing climbing palms that grow in Asia and Africa. It’s capable of being woven into all manner of exotic shapes, and so you might think of it as a luxury option as well as a practical one. In some places, rattan is being overexploited, and so if you’re environmentally conscientious, you’ll want to ensure that the furniture has been sourced responsibly.
Metal
Metal furniture offers a unique aesthetic that, if employed in the right way, can create a truly eye-popping effect. There are, however, a few downsides. First, it might be vulnerable to rust, and so it should be properly cared for. Second, it might become hot if left in direct sunlight.
Plastic
Plastic furniture might not scream luxury, but it’s often extremely budget-friendly, as well as being sturdy and durable. If you need to accommodate guests, or you’d like to lounge in the sun on a whim, then you’ll be grateful that you kept a few plastic chairs in the garden shed. Best yet, plastic chairs tend to be very stackable, which means they’re space-efficient when they aren’t being used.
