Wicker furniture, hanging chairs, lounge seating areas, or wrought-iron chairs – there are many ways to create beautiful and comfortable seating in the garden. What are the pros and cons of the different types of furniture, and what are their capabilities and limitations?
Fragrant fruit trees provide shade, a wicker chair with cushions invites you to linger. Next to it stands a small table with homemade lemonade, a good book is ready… In fact, there are numerous stylish and comfortable alternatives to the simple plastic chairs that one sees all too often. The garden dining table must not be missing, of course!
In focus: What do I actually want from seating in the garden?
Sometimes a bench is enough to let your gaze wander into the distance and relax. However, those who want to enjoy Sunday breakfast in the garden need chairs and a garden table. For an afternoon nap and relaxed reading or relaxing in the greenery, loungers and armchairs must be in the garden. Whether the dining table and chairs are made of light and, above all, low-maintenance plastic or solid wood depends on various factors.
Wood and bamboo: Natural, sustainable, maintenance-intensive
Like bamboo, wood is a renewable raw material and therefore ecologically sensible. Unlike bamboo, however, domestic woods do not have to travel halfway around the globe to stand as a piece of furniture in the garden here. That is what makes wooden garden furniture so interesting. Both materials blend subtly and naturally into the garden; they emphasize the natural atmosphere and also fit well into the natural environment in terms of color.
However, wood always looks a bit rustic and is also maintenance-intensive. Heavy solid wood garden furniture should not be left outside all year round, but rather stored in a protected place in the basement or garden shed during the cold season. Organic materials work; they react to temperature fluctuations as well as changes in humidity. They do not forgive wetness and, above all, frost. However, well-maintained wooden furniture in the garden is a joy for many decades! Wood is divided in durability classes according to DIN EN 350-2. Teak, Cumaru, and Guarapa are very durable; the furniture has a lifespan of at least 25 years. However, these are only rough guidelines – with good care, the furniture lasts significantly longer; with poor or no care, the times are shortened.
Garden furniture made of plastics: Low-maintenance and inexpensive
Anyone who doesn't want to keep transporting the heavy wooden reclining chair for the garden opts for garden furniture made of plastics. These are even available in deceptively real wood imitations, as so-called polyrattan, and in very attractive designs. Although plastics do not require maintenance, they age under the influence of heat and strong sunlight. If the seating is only placed in the garden when in use, they can reach a lifespan of a decade or more.
It gets really cozy with a hammock
However, if you want a South Sea island flair in the garden, you can't avoid hammocks under palm trees in pots! And, of course, it doesn't stay outside in all weather conditions, but must always be stored away. Hanging chairs and real rattan furniture are similarly elaborate. Such seating is simply better placed in the covered area of the terrace.
It is important that the seating matches the garden design. Don't forget matching cushions and blankets! Without upholstery, it's only half as comfortable, and in the evening, even in summer, it can get uncomfortably cool without a blanket.
