Tips for buying durable outdoor furniture

All it takes is an attractive table and chair set and your backyard can become the most beautiful room in the house. Anna Mickan from The Outdoor Furniture Specialists in Balgowlah shares her top tips for choosing outdoor furniture that is guaranteed to last you rain, hail or shine.

Heavy Metal
From an elegant wrought-iron setting to a cutting-edge contemporary bench, metal furniture will stand up to the harshest weather conditions. Mickan recommends aluminium as [it`s hard-wearing, rust-resistant plus it`s lightweight, which is great if you like to rearrange your garden furniture". Steel also makes a good choice; just make sure to buy marine-grade 316 stainless steel if you live in a coastal area as it offers superior oxidation and corrosion resistance opposed to the more common grade 304. If you are looking for painted furniture, select a UV-resistant powdercoated finish for extra protection.

Wonderful Wicker
Wicker makes for an elegant, Hamptons-inspired setting; just the place for iced-tea and sandwiches or an afternoon game of cards. While natural wicker can be painted and lacquered for outdoor use, it won`t last long, says Mickan. [Man-made wicker is a much more durable alternative plus it comes in a stylish range of shapes, styles and colours," he says. Always check that the frame underneath the wicker is made from aluminium and not low grade materials prone to rust.

Material World
Furniture made from fabric has a lovely, relaxed look and is often the most comfortable. The most weatherproof outdoor fabric is solution-dyed acrylic; otherwise treated polyester with a UV-protective coating makes for an economical alternative. Natural fibres such as cotton, linen, silk or wool will not hold up outside. Cushions should be filled with a weatherproof foam, polyfill or polyester to ensure they dry out quickly and won`t attract mould or mildew. Look for removable slipcovers which can be easily washed or replaced if damaged.