Which garden furniture can stay outside in winter? Tips for weather-resistant furniture

Winter can be harsh on your garden furniture, especially if it's exposed to cold, rain, frost, and snow. Are you looking to invest in durable, resistant, and attractive outdoor furniture?

Discover our tips for finding garden furniture that can stay outside all year round!

Why choose outdoor garden furniture?

Weather resistance

The weather resistance of your future garden furniture is paramount. Indeed, external climatic conditions, such as humidity, cold, frost, or UV rays, can damage outdoor furniture.

The first step before buying garden furniture is therefore to choose a weather-resistant material to guarantee its longevity and facilitate its maintenance.

Some materials, such as teak, aluminum or woven resin, are very resistant to rain, sun and frost.

Combining weather resistance and aesthetics

A garden furniture set should be as pleasing to the eye as it is comfortable for everyday use. Materials like wood or metal (especially aluminum) allow you to combine elegant style with long-lasting durability.

Whether you choose a sofa, chairs or a table for your garden, opt for furniture that can stay outside without compromising the aesthetics of your decor.

What material should I choose for garden furniture that will spend the winter without shelter?

Wooden garden furniture: between tradition and sustainability

Wood species such as teak or acacia are ideal for making garden furniture that can remain outdoors in winter. Teak, in particular, is prized for its natural resistance to humidity and temperature variations .

Wood is the ideal material for two reasons: it is generally the preferred material in terms of aesthetic appeal and style. The second reason is that certain species are highly resistant to weathering and insects.

The durability of teak garden tables

Teak tables are an excellent investment for a garden. This high-quality exotic wood contains natural oils that protect it against moisture and fungi. A simple tarp or cover may be enough to protect it in winter, although it's always better to store it indoors.

Maintaining a wooden garden furniture set

To keep wooden garden furniture outdoors without deteriorating, it requires regular maintenance. To maintain wooden garden furniture in good condition, you can use:

• Oil: it will nourish and protect the wood to restore its full shine.
• Wood stain and varnish: these products add a protective layer against UV rays, rain, and snow to the surface of the wood. Some of them also protect against mold, fungi, and wood-boring insects such as woodworms, longhorn beetles, and weevils.

Of course, the best solution to preserve your furniture will be to bring it inside under cover!

Good to know:

If you insulate the legs of your furniture from the floor, it will last much longer!

Aluminium, a strong and lightweight material for outdoor furniture

Lightweight and modern, aluminum furniture is ideal for outdoor spaces. This material is rustproof, meaning it's unaffected by rain or low temperatures . Aluminum garden furniture is easy to clean and requires very little maintenance.

However, its appearance is not necessarily to everyone's liking, and some people find aluminum furniture unsightly in a garden or on a terrace.

Resin or PVC garden furniture: a practical solution, but not very attractive

Woven resin is a very popular material for garden furniture. It imitates the look of rattan to varying degrees depending on the manufacturer and offers exceptional resistance to water and UV rays. Easy to maintain and lightweight, resin can be left outdoors, especially if you add a protective cover. Similarly, PVC (plastic) is completely weather-resistant.

However, although durable, both are synthetic materials derived from the petrochemical industry. Their appearance is unnatural and they have a cheap look. Furthermore, both braided resin and PVC can deform when subjected to regular heavy loads.

If you are looking for stylish garden furniture for your outdoor space, we advise you not to consider these plastic-based options.

Steel garden furniture: elegant, sturdy, and sensitive to humidity

Steel garden furniture is prized for its sturdiness and modern style. It blends easily with various types of outdoor décor.

However, to ensure its longevity, steel must be regularly treated with an epoxy or galvanized coating. Otherwise, the metal will oxidize and therefore be susceptible to water and temperature fluctuations. Without rust protection, steel garden furniture will rust in less than a year.

To avoid having to do it too often, you can use a cover during the wettest months of the year. Ideally, however, you should store your furniture under cover!

The selection criteria for a durable outdoor lounge area, year after year

To choose furniture that can withstand harsh weather conditions, consider the following factors:

• Material: opt for teak or aluminum for a living room that combines both robustness and aesthetics.
• Maintenance: choose your future furniture according to your willingness to do maintenance work.
• Protection: if possible, equip yourself with a tarpaulin, cover or shelter to protect your furniture in case of extreme conditions.
• Style: opt for a timeless design that will blend harmoniously into your terrace or garden.

Diversify the materials for an original and easier-to-maintain garden furniture set.

You can decide not to restrict yourself to just one material!

For example, you could choose to buy a wooden table and aluminum chairs. Chairs are more difficult to maintain than tables because they have many nooks and crannies. It's much easier to sand and stain an acacia table or oil a teak table than to do it with six chairs!

And for a bohemian style, don't hesitate to pair them with a pretty rattan sofa! Easy to move, rattan is a very lightweight material, so you can easily store your sofa away.

Protecting your garden furniture in winter: best practices

Even with the most durable materials, you can still extend the life of your outdoor furniture:

• Use a suitable protective cover to cover your furniture and limit the effects of humidity and sunlight.
• If possible, store your furniture under a shelter or in a garage to protect it.
• Clean your furniture regularly to remove dirt, mold and mildew that could accelerate wear and tear.

To find garden furniture that can stay outside during the winter, you must first select a material that withstands harsh weather (teak, aluminum, acacia). Take care to choose quality products that suit your needs and style.

To transform your patio or garden into a welcoming space in every season, protect your furniture and clean it regularly. This way, you can enjoy your furniture all year round for many years to come!

FAQ:

What material is best suited for garden furniture that stays outside all year round?

Opt for materials like metal (aluminum or treated steel) or treated wood, especially teak. These materials offer a good compromise between durability and aesthetics, perfect for elegant outdoor decor.

What are the advantages of metal garden furniture compared to plastic?

Metal patio furniture is sturdier than plastic. However, plastic has the advantage of being lightweight and economical. The choice will depend on your priorities in terms of durability, environmental impact, budget, and the desired decorative effect in your outdoor space.

What garden furniture should I choose for a space exposed to the sun?

If your outdoor space is heavily exposed to the sun, opt for materials that do not fade easily, such as aluminum, padauk, oak, or larch.