Buyer's Guide to Wooden Garden Furniture
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Time to read 4 min
Which wooden garden furniture to buy
Transform your garden into the perfect outdoor living space with wooden furniture for dining and relaxing
Wood is the automatic choice for many of us when we’re investing in designer garden furniture – and it’s no surprise. It can look classic or modern, complements every garden style, and high quality designs will last and last.
Types of wooden furniture
Woods used in the garden need to stand up to a lot of weather. The most highly prized is teak followed by keruing and then eucalyptus. Look out for reclaimed teak garden furniture, this premium grade teak is one of the most sought after materials for the garden for its originality and durability.
Fall for Reclaimed teak garden furniture
Teak contains natural oils and chemicals that stop it rotting, which is why it’s the perfect wood for outdoor furniture. You’ll discover designs made from both new and reclaimed teak (also known as recycled teak). When you’re buying, bear in mind the rule of thumb that wood will last as long as it took to grow. New teak which you can spot because it has an almost-white colour within it – grows fast and is of lesser quality.
For best performance and appearance, opt for teak that’s been reclaimed or recycled – the trees it came from are often up to 100 years old. You will need to invest a bit more, but it’ll more than pay by lasting a lifetime.
Try beautiful hardwood garden furniture
Eucalyptus is also a hardwood, and is naturally oily and rot-proof. It has an attractive finish, and is great value. Look out for fantastic sustainable Brazilian eucalyptus that’s FSC certified.
Choose both garden living furniture and outdoor dining furniture in wood for enduring style. Consider, too, useful pieces such as benches and loungers, coffee tables, recliners and deck chairs made from premium woods. You can also opt for dining sets that combine wood tables with wicker chairs.
Choose the right style and size
Wood can be used to create furniture that suits every type of outdoor space from a tiny balcony to a rolling lawn – with patios, terraces, decks in between.
In terms of balcony furniture, pick folding designs which are sleek and space-efficient when they’re in use and will tuck away neatly when summer’s over. Stacking designs are also a boon if you need to move the furniture out of the way to make the most of your outdoor space.
For designer style, choose pieces that mix materials. Teak and aluminium are combined in our Ion 4 Seater Garden Sofa and Armchair Set, which will create a fabulous contemporary statement.
How to pick high quality wooden garden furniture
Use our checklist to ensure you buy the best wood garden furniture – made from top quality raw materials and constructed to last.:
- Opt for designs with substantial wood components and visible hardware – a good indicator that chairs are solid and well constructed.
- If you’re picking armless chairs, be aware of how they’re made. With only one or two connections between legs and backrest tiny construction flaws can weaken the chair.
- Investing in recycled or reclaimed teak? Be aware of the distinction between an aged look – created for character – and premium quality older wood. If in doubt, ask your supplier.
- Look at the cushions. They should be well filled so you can sit outside for as long as you would on your indoor furniture. Thin cushions are a false economy as they’re uncomfortable, and won’t last.
- Check, too, that cushions are UV stabilised to maintain their good looks.
- Go for machine-washable cushion covers that can be zipped off and on so they always look their best.
- Pay attention to any furniture frames. If they’re metal, look for strong corrosion-free aluminium so your buys will last.
What colours and finishes are available on our eucalyptus hardwood garden furniture?
The most popular finish for wooden garden furniture is a standard linseed oil with a small amount of natural brown pigment to stabilise the variations in the colour of the wood grain. This finish is ideal for those looking for a simple, affordable and good value finish that requires basic maintenance.
This kind of finish can simply be sanded down each season and re-applied using standard linseed oil which can be purchased from any DIY store.
Why not opt for a vintage teak look finish exclusively at MINT Outdoor?
That's right, we were one of the first retailers in the UK to introduce a vintage teak look finish on FSC hardwood that looks and feels like vintage teak but comes with a much more modest and humble price tag. This finish will naturally turn silver grey like teak over time and we would recommend covering the furniture when not in use using one of our included fitted furniture covers for added longevity. If you want to re-apply the finish, you would need to sand down the furniture to the original wood grain and then purchase a "teak look" outdoor oil from any DIY store.
Maintaining wooden garden furniture
Reclaimed teak and natural teak are an easy-care option for garden furniture. Its natural properties will protect it, and the sun will create an ultra-desirable silver patina over time. If you do prefer to retain the golden finish of teak garden furniture, simply sand and re-oil with a teak oil.
Eucalyptus and Keruing wood garden furniture is equally simple to look after.
Eco credentials
Regulations prohibit the importation of illegally deforested wood, but look, too, for FSC accreditation. FSC wood comes from managed plantations, so you can be sure you’re not contributing to deforestation. FSC wood doesn’t cost more, so you won’t need to pay a premium for your furniture, either.
For inspiration for your outdoor living and dining spaces visit our Pinterest board or alternatively join us on Facebook and Instagram to get first pickings on our new collections with exclusive discounts as and when they arrive!
Written by:
The Undercover Furnisher
Welcome to The Undercover Furnisher by MINT Outdoor. In this blog series, an industry insider exposes the secrets big retailers don’t want you to know. With decades of experience—from design to manufacturing in the UK and overseas—they’ve seen it all. Now, they’re ready to share. Expect sharp insights and practical advice to help you make informed decisions when buying furniture.