Garden furniture buying guide

Most of us enjoy eating al fresco during the hot summer months. Depending on your style, needs and budget we have a range of furniture designs in wood, aluminium and wrought iron. Below are a few hints on choosing the right outdoor furniture for your garden.

Features to consider

• Cost

  As with most furniture, the more you spend, generally, the better the quality. If you are on a budget, look out for plastic and tubular settings that imitate other materials at a fraction of the price.

• Maintenance

  It's important to look after your garden furniture to retain its appearance and durability. Look at the furniture's care instructions to find out if you're going to need to stain, re-paint, clean or move your furniture undercover during bad weather.

• Size and shape

  Before you select your furniture, consider how many people you will need to seat and the space you have available, as you don't want your guests to feel cramped or to end up swamping your outdoor area. Consider the table shape that suits your needs best, Tesco stocks a range of square, rectangular, round and oval garden tables.

Types of outdoor furniture

• Aluminium

  Similar in style to wrought iron or metal, aluminium outdoor furniture is lighter in weight and really practical. It doesn't rust, it's easy to maintain and is really durable. However, it does retain the heat when it's in full sun so a parasol is well worth having. Tubular ranges are lightweight so they're not ideal in exposed windy areas. Aluminium is also prone to discolour over time so consider a powder coated range.

• Wrought iron

  Wrought-iron furniture is normally highly detailed with intricate designs. They're heavy in weight so make a good choice in windy areas, however this makes them hard to move around. Wrought iron can be cleaned with soap and water but over time it's prone to rust so look for furniture that's rust retardant or has a powder finish.

• Timber/Wooden

  Timber combines the best of both worlds in terms of appearance and practicality. A popular material, it blends naturally into an outdoor setting and comes in all manner of timbers and styles. Enjoy the individuality of wood with the convenience of being able to keep it clean with simple soap and water. It doesn't absorb heat like some metals and it's weight makes it a stable choice in exposed windy weather. Remember that wood will require treatment every 6-12 months to keep it in tip top condition, especially if you're leaving it outside all year round.

  Tesco is committed to purchasing timber only from legal and responsible sources, so be assured that in buying Tesco garden furniture, you will be helping to support the environment.

  As a further guarantee, where possible Tesco wooden garden furniture comes from sources who work with leading independent organisations committed to supporting responsible forestry such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) - look out for the FSC logo on individual products and packaging.

  You can help save our environment by purchasing from our FSC product range. For more information about the Forest Stewardship Council, visit their website.

• Plastic

  Ideal if you're on a budget and you want something really practical. Choose from a huge range of colours and designs. It's easy to clean and is extremely durable, and can even be left outside during the winter. Plastic furniture is lightweight so it's not as stable in windy conditions.

• Rattan and wicker effect furniture

  Providing a natural look, rattan and wicker will add a touch of sophistication to any outdoor space with its distinctive appearance. It's lightweight and easy to manoeuvre, however this does make it less practical in wet or windy weather and it can be damaged in direct sunlight or if it's not treated properly.