When the British weather is on our side, our outdoor garden furniture takes centre stage in our outdoor living and has to withstand an enormous amount of wear and tear. But, when it comes to making this investment purchase, many of us are torn between wood or aluminium.
Aluminium Garden Furniture
Sometimes referred to as the ‘workhorse’ of garden furniture, aluminium garden furniture can be low maintenance but it can certainly be uncomfortable once you have been sitting on it for a while! Although it can be strong and durable, these qualities often come at the expense of comfort and style and are accompanied by a hefty price tag too.
Over time aluminium furniture can also become brittle and corrode, depending on its quality, while exposure to hot sunshine will make it extremely difficult to sit on without risk of burning! As aluminium is a difficult material to bond together, special attention should be paid to any welding and preferably, look for furniture featuring braces for support.
However, aluminium garden furniture can be recycled and it is lightweight, although that can be a mixed blessing. While it may be easy enough to move around the garden, your aluminium outdoor furniture will not withstand strong winds, particularly if it is hollow-framed – any dents resulting from being blown around your outdoor area could compromise the structure of the furniture, rendering it unsafe for use.
Wooden Garden Furniture
Wooden garden furniture sets add a natural and authentic look and feel to any outdoor space, retaining their good looks for many years, aging beautifully and remaining durable over time. While wooden furniture can be prone to movement, with correct, ongoing care and maintenance, well-constructed wooden garden furniture will endure for decades; an annual application of a protective wood stain will keep your furniture looking like new. To keep it in tip-top condition, simply wipe it down regularly with a damp cloth to remove any build up of dust and dirt.
Quality wooden garden furniture can be more expensive than its aluminium counterparts but off set against its life expectancy, wooden furniture represents a good investment, rewarding you with luxurious comfort and style. In extreme heat, wood also remains temperate, not absorbing heat, allowing you to sit comfortably whatever the temperature.
At Witham Timber, we offer over 40 years’ experience in the supply of timber garden products, manufactured from quality timber that you can trust. Our selection of garden furniture features heavy-duty, pressure treated softwood pieces and a range of hardwood chairs, benches and dining sets. Our hardwood garden furniture is manufactured from timber, sourced responsibly from sustainable forests, to give it an eco-friendly profile.
If your outdoor garden furniture has to withstand high frequency use or the rough and tumble of young children, our softwood range is very heavy duty. Sturdy enough to withstand large amounts of weight and to cope with constant use, this durable range of functional pieces has been pressure treated for protection against the elements. The pressure treatment applied to our timber products is harmless to children and animals, allowing you to enjoy your furniture knowing your loved ones are safe. Resistant to moisture and decay, our softwood outdoor furniture will withstand rot, mould and mildew.
If you are considering investing in new wooden garden furniture but need help to choose the right pieces for your space, our staff is on hand to offer help and advice. Simply call 01205 359188 or email us at sales@withamtimber.co.uk today.