Garden Furniture Buying Guide: What to Look for Before You Buy

May 27, 2026

Summer is here and your garden deserves as much attention as your interiors. But with so many garden furniture sets on the market, knowing what to look for before you buy can save you time, money, and disappointment. Here's everything you need to know.

1. Choose the right material for the UK climate

The UK weather is unpredictable, so durability and weather resistance should be your first consideration:

Rattan (synthetic) — the most popular choice for UK gardens. Synthetic rattan is UV-resistant, weatherproof, and easy to clean.
Rope weave — a premium alternative to rattan with a more textured, contemporary look. Our Beige L-Shaped Garden Sofa Set features rope weave construction with a glass-topped table.
Powder-coated metal frames — rust-resistant and sturdy, ideal as a base for sofa sets and dining sets.
Solid wood — beautiful but requires annual treatment to withstand rain and frost.

2. Think about how you use your garden

Before choosing a set, consider how you actually use your outdoor space:

For dining and entertaining — a garden dining set is ideal. Our 4 Seater Garden Dining Set includes an umbrella hole — essential for sunny UK days.
For lounging and relaxing — a corner sofa or lounge set gives you the most flexibility. Our Grey L-Shaped Corner Garden Sofa Set seats 4 comfortably with thick cushions and a wooden table.
For both — a modular set lets you reconfigure the layout. Our Modular Garden Sofa Set works as a 2 or 4 seater corner lounge depending on your needs.

3. Measure your space first

This is the step most people skip — and regret. Before ordering:

Measure the usable area of your patio or decking
Leave at least 60–90cm around the furniture for comfortable movement
Consider how the furniture will look from inside the house — garden furniture is often visible from living rooms and kitchens

4. Check the cushions

Cushions make or break outdoor comfort. Look for:

High-density foam — holds its shape over time and doesn't flatten after a season
Water-resistant fabric — won't go mouldy after a shower
Removable covers — makes cleaning much easier

All OFIA HOME garden sets include thick, high-density cushions as standard.

5. Consider storage and covers

Even the most weather-resistant furniture benefits from being covered or stored during winter. Before buying, think about:

Do you have space to store cushions indoors over winter?
Is there room in a shed or garage for the furniture itself, or will you need covers?
Does the set fold or stack for easier storage?

6. How many seats do you actually need?

A common mistake is buying too small. Think about your largest gathering — a birthday, a summer barbecue — and buy for that, not your average Tuesday evening. Our 5-6 Seater Rope Woven Garden Lounge Set with corner sofa, armchair and nesting coffee tables is ideal for households that love to entertain.