Choosing your outdoor furniture

1. Sofa
2. Coffee table
3. Back cushion
4. Seat cushion
5. Ottoman

1. Table
2. Tabletop
3. Chair

Chairs included in a dining set are often straight-back chairs that replicate the chairs used for indoor dining sets. Armchairs usually have deeper seats.

Features to consider:

• With or without armrests;
• Seat height;
• Reclining positions and adjustments;
• Seat depth, either standard or extra deep;
• Pivoting, rocking or straight base;
• Storage options with chairs you can stack or fold away;
• Hardware, either copper or stainless steel.

The lounge chair has been integral to traditional garden decor for a very long time. Still a buyer’s favourite, lounge chairs have evolved over time and are now made of a larger range of materials.

Features to consider:

• Number of seats, single or double;
• With or without arm support;
• Slide out or fold out tray;
• Adjustable reclining positions;
• Adjustable footrest;
• Wheels on legs to facilitate moving.

Sofas are just as popular as outdoor chairs and armchairs.

Features to consider:

• Number of seats, usually two or three;
• With or without a swing mechanism;
• With or without armrests;
• Seat depth, regular or extra deep;
• Seat height.

Tables are both practical and decorative, from the traditional rectangular table with tempered glass top to the charming bistro table.

Features to consider:

• Shape of the tabletop: round, square or rectangular;
• Space for guests;
• With or without a leaf;
• Location of the legs, either in the corners or in the centre;
• Composition of the tabletop, which can be tempered glass, tiles, or the same material as the frame;
• Possibility of inserting a table umbrella.

Wood furniture

Whatever wood species is used, wood furniture is a perennial favourite.

• The harder the wood, the longer it will last.
• Teak, one of the most popular species for garden furniture, is a fine-grained hardwood;
• Teak doesn’t rot, and it’s very resistant to changes in temperature.

Composite furniture

A combination of wood and resin goes into furniture made of composite materials.

• Lightweight and durable, this type of material is used more and more for building decks, fences, and outdoor furniture.
• No need for new tools; you can use your traditional building tools when working with composite.
• Composite materials are mould and mildew-resistant and won’t crack or splinter.
• Is a good alternative to wood.

Consult the table below for benefits, drawbacks and maintenance advice.

Synthetic resin furniture

A popular choice, offering new combinations, styles, textures and attractive colours. When you’re choosing your furniture, opt for the thickest and heaviest resin available; it will last longer. Coloured resin materials are more resistant to water marks left by the rain, which is a problem with white resin furniture.

Synthetic rattan, PVC wicker, and Petan fibre

Especially well-liked because they combine the beauty of natural rattan with easy maintenance, these materials also harmonize with all sorts of decors, from rustic to classic or modern.

If you choose this solution, it is best not to compromise on the quality of the frames, usually made of metal.

Consult the table below for benefits, drawbacks and maintenance advice.