Outdoor Seating

Buying Guide

A good set of garden and outdoor chairs or a garden bench is one of those purchases that can genuinely change how much you use your garden. The difference between sitting outside on something comfortable and well-made versus something wobbly and slightly damp is the difference between a garden you actually use and one you look at through the window.

From a sustainability standpoint, outdoor seating needs to last. Materials that degrade quickly, rust, crack or fade within two or three seasons create replacement waste and cost more in the long run. FSC-certified teak, powder-coated recycled aluminium and FSC sourced eucalyptus are the materials with the longest track record for UK outdoor use.

For cushioned seating or for outdoor dining sets, the fabric matters as much as the frame. Look for solution-dyed acrylic, where colour is built into the fibre before weaving rather than printed on the surface. It fades far more slowly and handles outdoor conditions much better. Avoid cushion covers treated with PFAS-based water repellents. PFAS, sometimes called forever chemicals, do not break down in the environment and are increasingly being regulated out of use across the UK and Europe.

Every brand featured in our outdoor seating edit goes through our 8-lens sustainability review before it reaches this page. You can read the full breakdown for each brand over on our blog.

Technical and Sustainability FAQs

Q: Is rattan garden furniture sustainable?

A: Natural rattan is a fast-growing palm that is generally considered a renewable material. A misleading issue is that a lot of consumers think they are buying natural rattan outdoor furniture that turns out to be synthetic, not natural. Natural rattan is not weatherproof, but synthetic is and is made from HDPE plastic, which is durable and UV resistant, but is a petroleum derived material. The sustainability picture improves significantly if the HDPE is made from recycled content, such as post consumer plastic waste. When you are looking at rattan style garden furniture, it is worth asking the brand directly whether it is natural or synthetic and, if synthetic, whether it contains recycled HDPE. Not all brands are clear in their product specifications about this.

Q: What is the most low maintenance sustainable outdoor seating?

A: Powder coated recycled aluminium requires the least ongoing effort of any outdoor seating material. It does not rust, does not need oiling, and can generally be left outside through all but the harshest UK winters without any treatment. A wash with soapy water once or twice a season keeps it looking good. FSC-certified teak is the next best option if you prefer a natural wood look, but it does need annual oiling to maintain its golden colour, or you can leave it to silver naturally. Recycled HDPE garden chairs, made from material like old milk bottles, are also maintenance-free and fully weatherproof, only requiring a light clean with soapy water.

Q: How should I store outdoor seat cushions over winter?

A: Clean cushions thoroughly before putting them away, removing any organic debris that could encourage mould growth. Store them in breathable cotton or canvas bags rather than sealed plastic bags, as trapped moisture causes mildew even on outdoor-grade fabrics. A ventilated shed or indoor cupboard is ideal. If you do leave cushions outside under a garden furniture cover, make sure the cover breathes rather than seals completely, as condensation under an airtight cover does more damage than light rain. Bringing cushions in for winter is one of the simplest things you can do to extend their life by several years.