Choosing the right garden furniture is one of the best investments you can make for your outdoor space. With so many materials, styles, and sizes available, it can be hard to know where to start especially when you want something that looks great and stands up to the elements whether you’re furnishing a small balcony, a patio, or a large garden, you’ll find honest advice and practical tips throughout. At Stakelums we stock a wide range of garden furniture sets to suit every outdoor space and budget and this guide will help you find exactly the right one.
Is Garden Furniture Worth the Investment?
Your outdoor space is an extension of your home. The right garden furniture set transforms a neglected patio into somewhere you genuinely want to spend time whether that’s a quiet morning coffee, a summer BBQ, or an evening with friends. Get it right and it adds real value to your home and daily life. Get it wrong and it’s an expensive lesson in buying in a hurry.
What Size Garden Furniture Set Do I Need?
Size is the first decision to get right before anything else. Measure your outdoor space before you browse and use these simple guidelines:
- Small balcony or patio — Bistro set is all you need. Two chairs and a compact table give you a usable outdoor spot without overwhelming a smaller space. The Cyprus Bistro Set is a great starting point, compact, practical and great value.
- Medium patio or decked area — 4-seater dining or lounge set is the sweet spot for most homes. It comfortably seats a family of four and leaves enough room to move around freely. The Hampton Rattan 4-Seater Set with Parasol is one of our most popular choices for a medium sized patio or decked area.
- Large garden or entertaining space — 6 or 8-seater dining set gives you the scale to host properly. Round and oval tables work particularly well for larger groups as there’s no awkward end seat. The Hartman Oakley Antique Moss 8-Seater Oval Set with Parasol & Base is a standout option for larger outdoor spaces.
Pro tip: Lay out the dimensions of the set on your patio using tape or garden canes before you buy. It takes five minutes and saves a lot of disappointment on delivery day. It’s also worth giving your lawn or patio area a good clean and tidy before your furniture arrives, our lawn care range to get your outdoor space looking its best before the season begins.
What is the Best Material for Garden Furniture?
Material choice is the most important decision you’ll make and in the Irish climate, it matters more than most people realise. Here’s an honest breakdown of every main option:
- Aluminium – Rust-proof, lightweight, and virtually maintenance-free. The most practical choice for Irish gardens. Modern powder-coated finishes come in a wide range of colours and styles to suit any outdoor space.
- Synthetic Rattan – The most popular garden furniture style in Ireland right now for good reason. Weather-resistant, comfortable, and easy to clean. Always choose synthetic over natural rattan for outdoor use natural rattan is best kept in covered or sheltered areas only.
- Cast Aluminium — Heavier and more ornate than standard aluminium, with a traditional look that suits classic garden styles beautifully. Extremely durable and completely rust-proof.
- Polywood — Made from recycled plastic engineered to look like wood. Completely weatherproof and maintenance-free with no oiling or treatment required. Not for everyone aesthetically but hard to beat for pure practicality.
Dining Sets vs Lounge Sets – Which is Right for You?
This is worth thinking about before you start browsing as it shapes everything else.
- Dining sets — Table with upright chairs are versatile, practical, and suit most gardens. If you want one set that does everything, a dining set is the safer and more flexible choice. The Hartman Eton Premium Round 6 Seater Set with Parasol & Base is a beautiful example of a dining set that works hard for any outdoor space.
- Lounge & Casual Dining sets — sofas, armchairs, and coffee tables — are designed for relaxing. Corner lounge sets have become hugely popular for creating an outdoor living room feel on a patio or decked area. The Brandon, Harlo & Eton Grand sets are a popular choice for those wanting a comfortable and stylish outdoor living space with an adjustable dining table.
How to Maintain and Care for Your Garden Furniture?
Looking after your garden furniture doesn’t have to be a big job. A few simple habits each season will keep your set looking great for years to come. Here are our top five tips:
- Cover Your Furniture When Not in Use This is the single most effective thing you can do to extend the life of your garden furniture. A good quality cover (sahara premium garden furniture covers) protects against rain, UV damage, bird droppings, and general dirt buildup.
- Clean at the Start and End of Every Season Give your furniture a thorough clean in spring before you start using it and again in autumn before you store or cover it. A warm damp cloth and mild washing-up liquid is all you need for aluminium and synthetic rattan.
- Store Cushions Indoors During Winter Even weatherproof cushions last significantly longer when stored indoors during the off-season. Remove covers where possible and wash according to the manufacturer’s instructions before storing. A dry shed or garage is ideal anywhere out of prolonged damp and cold. Vacuum bags are also great for winter storage
- Oil Wooden Furniture Every Year If you have a wooden garden set, annual oiling is non-negotiable. Skip it for a couple of seasons and the wood will begin to dry out, crack, and grey. Apply a quality wood oil or treatment in spring before the season begins it takes less than an hour and makes a significant difference to how your set looks and lasts.
Browse our full range of garden furniture sets at Stakelums and find the perfect set for your outdoor space this summer. Free click & collect from our Thurles store, delivery across Ireland.
FAQs
- What is the best low maintenance garden furniture?
Aluminium and synthetic rattan are the best low maintenance options. Both are rust-proof, weather-resistant, and easy to clean with just a damp cloth ideal for Irish gardens. Browse our garden furniture sets to find the right option for your space.
- How do I protect my garden furniture from rain?
The most effective way is to use a quality sahara outdoor furniture cover when your set is not in use. Store cushions indoors during prolonged wet weather and apply an annual wood treatment if you have a wooden set.
- Is it worth buying expensive garden furniture?
Yes, a quality set from a trusted brand like Hartman or Lifestyle Garden will last anywhere from 5 to 15 years with proper care. Buying quality once works out far better value than replacing a cheap set every couple of years.