Various models of garden furniture are available on the market. Depending on your tastes, needs, and budget, you can choose the garden furniture of your dreams in different materials, such as wrought iron or stainless steel,
Wrought iron
Wrought iron is a great classic in garden furniture, offering a style that is at once country, romantic and retro. This material has the advantage of being solid, corrosion-resistant (provided it has been treated), aesthetic and durable. On the downside, note that it must be maintained annually to prevent corrosion. Wrought iron garden furniture is heavy and therefore perfectly suited to windy regions. On the other hand, they are constraining to move, especially if they are imposing pieces such as benches.
For wrought iron garden furniture consisting of a table, two armchairs, and a bench, count between 350 and 850 dollars.
Stainless steel
Lovers of design or contemporary furniture will appreciate this style of garden furniture which has the particularity of being resistant to UV, to bad weather, composed of chairs and armchairs easily stackable for a minimum of space, proposed in different colors and affordable. However, one drawback is that this material is easily scratched, making it susceptible to rust. It is therefore advisable to handle it with care and protect the tabletops with placemats, tablecloths or table runners. The price range for a stainless steel garden furniture set is between 400 and 1,200 dollars (one table, two armchairs, and a bench seat).
Aluminum
Modern and stylish, the aluminum garden furniture is lightweight, non-corrosive, weatherproof and recyclable. Because of its lightweight, aluminum garden furniture is not recommended for use in windy areas unless it is placed in a well-sheltered location. Its price is often high for quality garden furniture: from 450 to 1,200 dollars (a table, two armchairs, and a bench).
PVC
PVC garden furniture is available in different colors and can be made in all sorts of shapes: from the most classic to the most original. Very light, they are easily transportable (but beware of strong winds!), stackable and rather economical to buy. While they can withstand rain well, they are relatively resistant to sunlight (possible discoloration) and high temperatures (possible deformation). The cost of a PVC garden set is affordable: between 100 and 300 dollars (a table, two armchairs, and a bench).
Wood
This is the star material for garden furniture. Country style, romantic, exotic or contemporary, all atmospheres are possible. The garden furniture can be made in different species such as eucalyptus, pine, bamboo, teak and other exotic woods. The disadvantage of wood is its maintenance. If it is not naturally rot-proof, it will need to be treated regularly. A saturator should also be applied annually to prevent the wood from graying and to preserve the original color. Depending on the species chosen, its cost can be high: from 280 to 1,900 dollars and more, for a high-quality set (a table, two armchairs, and a bench).
Braided resin
Very trendy, the garden furniture in woven resin (synthetic resin or synthetic rattan) brings a decorative touch to the outdoor space and harmonizes to delight with glass. In fact, many models of woven resin garden furniture have a beveled glass tabletop. This material has many advantages: it does not discolor over time, is weatherproof and UV-resistant. Its chairs and armchairs are easy to stack but often take up a lot of space. Note that the thickness of the resin and the quality of the weave are essential. A poorly made material is prone to irreparable breakage. It is, therefore, preferable to opt for a top-of-the-range resin garden furniture for optimum durability. Count between 500 and 1,400 dollars for a set consisting of a table, two armchairs, and a bench.
Textilène
It is a polyester fiber coated with PVC. These garden furniture are available in several colors and design. They can be exposed to the sun for a long time without their coating fading. However, they are fragile and fear bad weather, especially humidity. Whichever garden furniture you wish to buy, it is strongly recommended that you consult a specialist beforehand about its maintenance. The price range is quite wide: from 150 to 600 dollars (a table, two armchairs, and a bench).
HPL
HPL (High-Pressure Laminate) is a new material in the world of garden furniture. Long used by kitchen designers for its many qualities, it is now used in the design of outdoor table tops, to which it provides exceptional resistance and durability. Usually associated with aluminum structures, HPL tops ensure optimal longevity, without any particular maintenance. The only disadvantage is its price, which is still very high. It costs about 800 dollars for a tray that can hold up to six people.
Good to know: Regardless of the material used for the garden furniture, it is advisable to store it in a dry place in winter. Ideally, it should also be protected under a cover for garden furniture.
This year, all the spring-summer decoration trends agree that wood is back! Its appearance and aestheticism sublimate the furniture, in rough, ribbed or waxed style. If you want to be at the forefront of the trend in your garden, opt for eucalyptus wood. This species can be maintained with a special oil for exotic woods to preserve its color. You can also let it age naturally and it will turn gray like teak.
Hope this post helps you choose which garden furniture material is best for your garden construction.