Summer is almost upon us, and with that comes longer days and improved weather conditions. And while many of us have been happily hibernating indoors during the winter months, it's time to start thinking about how we can take full advantage of the outdoors again, and particularly our own gardens, patios, balconies and porches!

At this time of year, a garden or patio can be anything you want it to be and the ultimate area of relaxation. Any outdoor living space can be easily transformed into an area specifically tailored to your wants and needs. Whether you are planning on sunbathing on a sun lounger for hours on end or even shading yourself from the sun, the sky's the limit. But, without the appropriate items of garden furniture, none of these activities are possible. Luckily, there are lots of outdoor furniture options for all types of gardens and all types of budgets. So, there is no need to worry if you have a huge garden that needs filling with big garden sets or a tiny apartment balcony that can barely hold a tiny garden chair. It is important to take into consideration your specific requirements before you rush out and buy the cheapest option available.

EZ Living Furniture has created this complete outdoor living furniture guide for your convenience. Here, you will learn about different kinds of outdoor and weatherproof materials in addition to adding those finishing touches to your space. We are also excited to welcome back our hugely popular range of garden furniture this week, along with some brand-new items that have never been seen before. You will get to enjoy the first sneak peek! So that has already answered one question you may have had…. where can I buy patio furniture online? With EZ Living Furniture, of course.

Lagos Set Of 2 Teak Folding Chairs & Table

The Lagos 3 Piece Bistro Set from EZ Living Furniture is ideal for smaller gardens and balconies.

1. Choose Appropriate Pieces For Your Garden's Size

Firstly, you need to consider the size of your garden. If you have a smaller lawn or balcony, then focus on compact outdoor furniture. Circular garden tables can help to maximise tight spaces without compromising on space. Foldable garden chairs, like those featured in the Lagos Set above, are as handy as a small pot and can be folded back up and stored elsewhere for when the rain returns. With all these delightful options available, you can forget about balancing food and drink on your lap. It is a shame too; I was just starting to get the hang of it.

With sprawling gardens and acres of land, there is, of course, more flexibility with size. I really envy you all. Pick from rectangular, square, or even circular garden tables; the sky really is the limit. Family gatherings and events can be catered for with ease by adding multiple garden chairs. The only question you now need to bother yourself with is…what type of garden set is the most durable?

2. Choose A Material That Allows For All Weather Conditions

Before you buy, you must first ask yourself - Can I leave this set outside? What is the best material for doing so? Is wicker or rattan better? How will it stand the test of time? Below you will find answers to all of these questions as we navigate through the different types of garden furniture materials together.

wood

Wood

Wood has a vulnerability to moisture and sunlight…normally. It requires regular upkeep, including sanding and varnishing, to help retain its colour. My 14-year-old self still has nightmares of having to sand and varnish a wooden playhouse (not an easy task)! Still, if you prefer the appearance of wooden outdoor furniture but want the most durable kind, then look for teak. Teak is the best choice for durability, and we know this because rowing boats are typically made from teak, and they live permanently on the water. Of course, this particular material doesn't come cheap usually, but its weatherproofing capabilities more than make up for that.

Metal.

Metal

We won't lie to you; metal isn't the most appealing material to look at. Cast-iron patio furniture looks incredibly uncomfortable at first glance, even with the addition of padded cushions. Rusting is also a huge concern for metal, whether left indoors or outdoors. Still, a huge benefit of this material is its strength. Metal can support bigger weights, so if you happen to overindulge during the holidays, you know exactly which material to turn to.

Wicker.

Wicker

Natural wicker furniture is hand-woven, making it incredibly durable for indoor areas, but for gardens and poor weather? Not so much. Natural wicker has a beautiful appearance, but unless you opt for a synthetic version (polyethylene wicker), it is not suitable for outdoor use. If you like the appearance of wicker but want to be able to use and leave your outdoor set outdoors, we suggest opting for the synthetic kind. Speaking of which....

Marbella Corner Rattan Dining Set from EZ Living Furniture.

An example of Rattan furniture is pictured here, The EZ Living Furniture Marbella Dining Set.

Rattan

Synthetic Rattan outdoor furniture is stylish, light and long-lasting. Popular because of its affordability and low-maintenance vibe, it’s hard to argue with such an appealing finish. Unlike me, it is unaffected by the sun, rain and UV rays, which also makes it completely weatherproof.

Still a little uneasy about wear and tear? You can either cover your rattan garden table and chairs, or if you are feeling active (not sure what that could feel like), you could easily move and store each piece away after use. They are also the most affordable garden sets on the market and are ideal for those on tight budgets.

3. Choose Your Budget

Price points for garden sets vary wildly. The best way to avoid overspending or underspending is to first understand how much you can reasonably spend without breaking the bank.

However, higher-priced garden sets tend to last longer. You know what they say, buy cheap, buy twice.

Bordeaux Extendable Garden Dining Set from EZ Living Furniture.

EZ Living Furniture's newest addition - The Bordeaux Extendable Table & Chairs Set will be the envy of all your neighbours.

4. Add Finishing Touches

Finishing touches such as cushions or throws can add an extra dimension to your garden design. Even though these items will need to be taken in and stored after each use, it is worth it for the luxury and comfort they can bring.

And there you have it, all the knowledge needed to purchase the most appropriate furniture for your garden. Now, it’s time to start shopping!

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