So you are looking for your next luxurious garden furniture set but you’re stuck with a choice. You are on the fence about whether to buy plastic, wooden, or metal garden furniture, which is most durable, what styles are available at affordable prices, is there work involved? There’s a lot to consider.

Are you fed-up looking for the pros and cons of each material? Maybe you’re getting nowhere. There is no right or wrong decision, only your personal needs and desires.

You can relax, we’ve done the work for you.

By the end of this quick guide, you’ll know exactly which of these three options best suits your budget and landscaping needs. Let’s take a look.

Plastic - Function Over Form?

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Are you looking purely for convenience? With its low price and maintenance, plastic could be for you. Plastic is extremely cheap to manufacture meaning you pay less, though you may notice a lack of quality as a result. Don’t expect to add much of an aesthetic appeal to your garden, you may also disagree with the destructive environmental impact caused by non-biodegradable hard plastics.

Pros:

  • Extremely affordable. £100-£300 (all prices for standard 4 chair + table set).

  • Low/zero maintenance makes for a hassle-free experience.

  • Durable - can be left out year-round without rotting or rusting.

Cons:

  • Visually unappealing

  • Can break fairly easily, sometimes dangerously.

  • Can cause uncomfortable sweating when in the heat, not to mention those static shocks!

  • Physically unstable - common wobbling experience.

  • Easily blown away in strong winds.

  • Destructive environmental impact from production.

Affordability: 9/10

Comfort: 5/10

Durability: 7/10

Design: 2/10

Sustainability: 2/10

Overall: 5/10

Verdict: If you are looking for an affordable, convenient option for your garden then plastic is certainly an option. Keep in mind that it won’t be the most comfortable experience, you won’t be making the neighbours jealous with its beauty, and be careful for easy breakages.

Metal - The Workhorse of Garden Furniture

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And much like a workhorse, they can be strong and durable to maintain, but sitting on them for a long time can make you saddle-sore. Metal has earned its place as a common choice for outdoor furniture. It’s strong, durable and low maintenance, though at the expense of other important factors such as comfort and style.

Pros:

  • Possible to find more stylish designs, though expect to pay a premium for these. £300-£600.

  • Low maintenance.

  • Strong and rigid, though they can rust and become brittle after a few years depending on quality of materials.

Cons:

  • Can get uncomfortable within short periods of use due to their unforgiving rigidity and metallic skin feel.

  • Can get extremely hot with risk of burning when left in the sun.

  • You’ll need to spend extra on quality cushions to make up for the low comfort.

Affordability: 8/10

Comfort: 4/10

Durability: 8/10

Design: 7/10

Sustainability: 2/10

Overall: 6/10

Verdict: If you are looking for the benefits of plastic furniture -- low maintenance and high durability -- but with more aesthetic appeal, metal is an option. However don’t expect to be lounging in absolute comfort, and have a hose ready on those hot summer days to avoid scalding your entire family.

Wood - The Perfect Choice?

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If you are looking to achieve a perfect balance between sustainability, comfort and beauty in craftsmanship, a high-quality teak furniture set is your best bet. It is certainly worth the work.

Pros:

  • Visually stunning - extremely versatile in design due to the flexible nature of wood.

  • Comfortable - Doesn’t get too hot in the sun or sweaty with extended use.

  • Environmentally friendly if sourced correctly.

  • Ages beautifully without compromising durability.

Cons:

  • More expensive than plastic and metal, though you are paying for luxury. £350-£800.

  • Maintenance involved, but only usually requires teak care treatment once a year if you want to maintain the honey-brown colour.

  • Can be difficult to trust the wood quality promised by budget sellers.

Affordability: 7/10

Comfort: 9/10

Durability: 8/10

Design: 10/10

Sustainability: 10/10

Overall: 9/10

Verdict: If budget is less of an issue and you are looking to relax in luxurious comfort and style, a teak furniture set is for you. You can find a wide variety of designs and finishes to suit your tastes. Bear in mind there is more maintenance involved with wooden furniture, though if you buy a high-quality wood such as teak, maintenance is only required once a year. As they say, manual labour is good for the soul.

For beauty, durability, comfort and sustainability, take a look at our full range of teak garden furniture for quality you can trust, at affordable prices.