How to choose the best garden furniture for your garden

Should you choose rattan, wood, metal or stone/stone composites when buying chairs, tables and benches for your garden? What you need to know before setting out to buy garden furniture, with lots of pictures for inspiration. It took me three months to research new garden furniture options for my garden, but you can save time just by watching for 10 minutes!
00:00 Welcome
00:19 See more of this garden in this video: • How to link your indoo...
00:27 Find more of Pollyanna Wilkinson's garden design advice here: • How to design a garden...
01:00 Low maintenance garden by Posy Gentles: • 10 low maintenance pla...
01:11 Garden furniture by Dan Cooper Garden: www.dancoopergarden.com/
01:35 When is the best time to buy garden furniture?
02:11 Which garden furniture can be left outside?
03:04 Which style garden furniture to choose?
03:13 How to link your house and garden video: • How to link your indoo...
05:03 What's the difference between rattan and wicker?
06:30 Outdoor cushions tips
07:29 DIY garden furniture or built-in seating
08:08 Garden design tips from Charlotte Rowe Garden Design: • 5 top garden design ti...
08:14 Cottage garden mash-up video from The Digger's Club, Heronswood: • How to adapt English c...
08:30 Contemporary garden design ideas on the cheap video: • Contemporary garden de...
09:40 Should garden furniture match or can you mix it up?
10:23 Find your own garden style playlist: • Develop your own garde...
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[@patsymccarter685]

I was really enjoying that your channel did not add music. You don’t need it. You already have a winning formula for me.

[@jacksonpeterson6899]

Hi there! You've a gorgeous picture on your profile! I just decided to stop by and say hi! I hope my compliment is appreciated ☺️

[@ginaturner8176]

I agree about the music, it's louder than Alexandra's voice so was turning it up/ down, quite distracting

[@kathrynmettelka7216]

For those of us who are aging, all furniture (including garden furniture) needs to have solid arms that can be used for pushing us out of the chair or sofa.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Good point!

[@ringerheringa3052]

Another gem! Thank you, Alexandra, for showering us with all those wonderful videos.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@SpanishEclectic]

Thank you for summarizing so much good information so quickly! I thought I would add that cast aluminum is a good choice because it doesn't rust. I have a white 'gothic' cafe set (small round table and two chairs) that I bought in 1989. The finish was 'powder coat', which has chipped off, but it should be easy enough to strip (when I have time) and paint. I have two other sets in antique black with larger round tables and four chairs (separate cushions, which I keep inside when not in use). Those are about 8 years old, and are still in good condition and just need a 'hose off' due to spiders. :)

[@alice_rabbit8345]

Yes! I just bought a cast aluminum set. Can’t wait to put it outdoors!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Good point. 1989 is a definitely a good test of time for cast aluminium

[@FireflyOnTheMoon]

I boought my wooden garden table ten years ago and it's going strong. I spray it with teak oil each year and the table looks pretty new still. For a cheapo table bought for about £60 that seats four, it's been terrific value and I love the look of it. With wood it is certainly, totally worth looking after it. This very much going for wooden decking each year too. Take off algae and use wood preserver each year without fail and it should last 20 years plus.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

I so agree, I'm sure our table and chairs fell apart because we didn't carry out that maintenance.

[@mariedeyo7399]

Great video 👍 I always look for things when folks throw things out for the skip. Sometimes there are wonderful things to find. 🌻

[@alice_rabbit8345]

I love to add old chairs and small tables in my beds to hold potted plants. I’m always on the lookout on trash days!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

So true!

[@mariedeyo7399]

@@alice_rabbit8345 that is a great thing to do. Thank you for sharing. ❣

[@maryanna6302]

I've also bought a few garden items from IKEA, small tables of metal and wood and they are amazingly long lasting, I've left them outdoors for many years. My main concern with outdoor chairs is that they be sturdy for a guest who may be heavier, wood and metal are generally better for that I think. Great video Alexandra!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you - and that's what worried me about our old chairs. It was quite dangerous to wave your hands around when talking!

[@englishwithanerudite]

I garden on a budget so stylish furniture is at the end of my shopping list, after new plants, seeds, bulbs, manure, fertiliser and the like. I do admire classic, elegant furniture arrangements in gardens but I will probably never have anything of the sort. I have a "vintage" plastic bench, plastic chairs, a bargain metal table and one relatively pretty wooden bench from a DIY shop. Anyway, there's hardly any time to sit and enjoy the garden because there's always something to do :-) Cheers, Alexandra.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

I agree, not much time for sitting!

[@gardenjoy5223]

8: 17 is to my taste. Everyone gets a seat and it matches with the garden itself perfectly. For a bit more comfy sitting I'd add two metal folding chairs and a small metal folding table, which can easily be put in the shed, during wintertime.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Good idea

[@idreamtiwasbackatmanderley414]

Hello from France! My prefered garden chairs are those called « transatlantique » ie a wooden foldable structure with fabric for sitting & stretching your legs/feet. I like this style because you can choose to sit upright to read, drink, paint your toe nails which are right in front of you at the same level or put it low and nap, look at the sky... You can also choose the fabric from classic to modern or bohemian. These have to be brought back indoor or in a shed (to avoid moisture) at the end of the evening if you want to keep them long but they take no room at all. I only shop second hand because the indentations in the rear legs of the transat are sculpted into the wood and thus very robust. All the modern models have plastic things nailed to the rear legs (to orient your seating more or less vertically) which tend to break all too easily. As for chairs and tables, I like wood, painted or not, better than anything else except the occasional rattan armchair (with obligatory seating cushion otherwise tighs get marks). In France the local wood (as opposed to teak) which is water resistant is chestnut. There is also a kind of fence make out of chestnut, called « ganivelle » which I love.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Those chairs sound lovely!

[@ourlifeedited6441]

I’ve missed you this winter. Thanks for the video during these dark days. :)

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you. I took a break, but hope I'm back now.

[@patsyriggs3915]

I completely agree with enjoying the look of furniture all year round. Only need to take cushions in.

[@jacksonpeterson6899]

Hi there! You've a gorgeous picture on your profile! I just decided to stop by and say hi! I hope my compliment is appreciated ☺️

[@nadineweiler7747]

Super video...very informative as usual Alexandra!❤

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad you liked it!!

[@DeborahChapin]

I have wrought iron which I love it especially in Maine . Very simple to care for. Doesn't blow away in 80 mph winds. However For that reason I wouldn't use Aluminum. So I tried to find wrought iron but the only way I found it in craigslist locally. The closest would be stainless steel. But heavy is necessary. Stone will be cold. Great ideas. Thankyou.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@pamelap.123]

I've had luck finding mid-century pieces that have been put out for trash. I took rusty 1950s spring chairs to a shop that sand-blasted and powder-coated them for $60 (US) each and have sanded and painted other pieces myself.

[@thebastardgift]

What a timely viewing as it is still winter, but I am on the search in secondhand stores for garden furniture. I just love to view your videos, making my only regret not planting more trees, 20 years ago.💛

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you, and tree planting is certainly the best.

[@pansepot1490]

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” - Chinese Proverb

[@jefftaplin6544]

Another brilliant video and very good topic. Thank you!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@barbkenas5663]

Great info, love the French set you're sitting on.

[@canuckviolet3322]

You always have such good practical information that can be applied anywhere. Like here, in NC 😊

[@allenslater9234]

Wonderful ideas! Thanks.

[@seanjamescameron]

When I was Gardening Editor at the Daily Mail our most popular product, which sold out every time we stocked it, was Rattan Furniture.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

I can imagine!

[@TheJacey]

This is very useful as I will be looking for garden furniture for my new house. I love your style of furniture Alexandra. The chairs in your sheltered part remind me of ones I saw in a French text book from my school days!😅

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@DownButNotOutYet]

Good morning Alexander, what a lovely topic, also very important. Depending on your garden lifestyle, consider what would be most suitable for your needs. Nowadays there is quite a vast variety to choose from. The French table and chairs set is always nice, a heavy wire set is so long lasting and fun, wicker is beautiful, BUT they are best in a conservatory or covered patio! Second hand?, if a friend is tired of their set or down sizing, you will pick up a good bargain, here in S.A. the lifestyle is totally different, second hand, now ways, you might as well buy brand new :( so, at the end of the day, save and buy a good solid set, use it enjoy it, and take care of it. I do not like the all weather stuff, too boxy, and I cannot get my head around it for the reason why spend a fortune for the goods and leave it out in the weather? It does not make sense to me. I like to take care of my things, maybe because I do not have cash to throw around, maybe I am just old fashioned! What about buying a canvas beach chair and when you wish, take place it in the garden and enjoy reading a good book. So easy to fold and pack away. Buy what makes you happy. A lovely topic for discussing. Enjoy your coffee break out in your garden, enjoy life and be happy. Oh, do as you please :) Many blessings, kind regards, until next time. ❤☕

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you, and a canvas beach chair is a good suggestion!

[@yvonnehall544]

Nice clip as usual.Great tips and info

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@beckyscheller9358]

Lots of information. Love your vintage set

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad you like them!

[@dwoodbury]

Another wonderfully helpful video. Thank you!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad it was helpful!

[@flowerpixel]

Great idea for a video. I love your French chairs

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you! 😊

[@johnsantangelo7773]

excellent topic, not covered much on other sites, thank you so much

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@suetulloch2138]

I love the table you chose Alexandra. Very good advice as always.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@amyjones2490]

Your garden is looking really nice. Your videos are really getting sharp.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you very much!

[@EatingAnElephant]

Such a great and helpful video Alexandra. I love that set you are sitting on, great find! I’ve come to realize that if I buy the furniture I absolutely love it will all go together in some way. I found a table and chairs set on FB and after a fresh coat of paint by absolutely love it! Thank you again for another informative video! ❤

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

I agree, if you buy the furniture you love, it will all work together!

[@leebay6093]

Wonderful video - love the set your sitting on Alexandria, beautiful colour - thank you for making these videos, so informative ❤

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you so much!

[@cathybranly1839]

That was a fun video. My grandkids have out grown the playarea in my garden and I will be replacing it with seating and a table. This was very helpful.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@drawyrral]

I have a very natural looking garden and have yet to find a table and chairs to blend into it, but you have given me some ideas. Thank you.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

I'm glad to hear that.

[@andreabriem853]

Thank you for the video. I think it would be nice to see what the colour of furniture make with the seatplaces

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

It would!

[@jenniferwolford4646]

Thanks for posting, I haven't seen a video from you in awhile and I really appreciate your advice! Your cushions are beautiful but I'd turn the zippers to the back.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you, and absolutely what I realised once I saw the pix. It's extraordinary how things I might not notice in real life are just so obvious in photos or on screen! But I couldn't face doing a re-shoot just for the zippers. Good to know that you noticed, though.

[@jacksonpeterson6899]

Hi there! You've a gorgeous picture on your profile! I just decided to stop by and say hi! I hope my compliment is appreciated ☺️

[@Stettafire]

Wonderful video. Just an FYI that the music was a lot louder then your voice, which isn't the best for headphone users.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Sorry about that, I tried a few things and thought I'd got the volumes about right, but it obviously didn't quite work. Thanks for telling me, though.

[@e.m8784]

Thanks again for your wonderful work. I wonder if you could give some tips on pruning the roses given the current weather condition in Europe. Most of them have buds on them and I wonder if it is wise to prune them at this stage?

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

I'd leave it until the weather warms up. Pruning tends to stimulate new growth, which could be nipped by the weather, although roses in themselves are very resilient, so you would probably be fine just pruning the frost-damaged growth off again and more growth would come. But you might as well save yourself the effort and wait.

[@kathrineporter7845]

I SO agree... please stop the music Alexandra. It doesn't add a thing. I fact, quite the opposite

[@kevinjamesparr552]

Fibre glass 8 chairs big round glass top table bought in Englands Chelsea show 1991 . Keep in barn all rattan look needs cleaning .So storing is best even so . I also am building timber picnic table with fixed bench each side for days with my brick dome oven cooking for 10 friends to have a real Edwardian garden party .Sorry about storms back home in England.Then the Gulf Stream is leaving British isles so this accounts for the bad weather

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Sounds great.

[@heidis3993]

I was wondering whether, if you are making your own pillows for seating, you need to use a special stuffing, and whether the same is true for throw pillows. Thanks for a very informative video.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Yes, you do need a specialist filling - I think Emma used a foam stuffing made for outdoor cushions - google 'foam filling for outdoor cushions' to get suppliers near you.

[@erindewan6758]

Something to remember about concrete and stone is that they’re generally rather cold to sit on. Also hard. I love the look of stone benches but unless it’s one of the hottest days of the year I can’t enjoy sitting on them.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Good point! Though cushions can help.

[@janinewatt5375]

The music was a definite problem for me.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Quite a few people have not liked that part, thank you for the feedback.

[@growingcrazy4481]

I really regret buying an expensive garden furniture set made of a metal frame with soft cushions. We never use it because we have to bring out the cushions every time we want to sit in it.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

That is a pity.

[@ennasus5964]

Don't get metal chairs get too hot to sit on in summer? Even if you put a cushion on it you can burn yourself on the edges, don't you? One criterium that I find important is that afrer a shower the water should be able to drip away and dry up quickly. Also wood is so comfortable in sumner and winter temperaturwise.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

I think that probably the issue with metal chairs depends on how hot your summers are. In a very hot climate, that could be a problem, but doesn't tend to be in UK summers. But it's an interesting point.