Designed to Last – Wooden Garden Furniture and Why You Should Look Closely Before You Buy

Wooden Garden Furniture in today's outdoor furniture market is a worldwide industry with more selection and choice available than ever before. If you love wooden garden furniture and are in the market to buy now there are 3 considerations which will help you make the right choice for a lasting addition to your outdoor environment. Good design, how the wood was processed, and what methods of assembly and hardware are used by the manufacturer will all be important considerations to ensure your satisfaction with your furniture over time.

People usually think of design as a visual preference. It is that- but it is so much more. Great design makes the piece function better and last longer. Design elements will guide you toward the best value as you search for different types of wooden garden furniture. If you are considering teak garden furniture, for example, is the shape cut into the wood or have straight pieces been bent into shape? The cut piece will last longer than the bent piece. Look at the chair back. Some makers will shorten the backs to shave costs resulting in a less comfortable design. The same thing applies to the arm height. Are there noticeably fewer slats in the back? This can affect the entire strength of the piece. Taking notice of these details, be it teak, mahogany, pine, or oak garden furniture will help determine a quality piece.

What are the properties of the materials being used in the construction of the furniture? Do you know if the manufacturer used first quality timber? How was it processed? If it is teak, kiln-dried timber is hands down the preferred method for top quality furniture. It will keep the furniture from warping, keeping joints tight for years to come. If it is pine garden furniture, pressure treating is a must to prevent insect infestations which could compromise the longevity of the piece. Environmental concerns can be addressed by looking for wood that has been responsibly grown and harvested to ensure sustainability. If you are looking for alternative materials, there are many large manufacturers and small cottage artisan shops offering unique lines in reclaimed teak garden furniture and recycled materials. Bamboo Garden Furniture is fast becoming a natural choice for those looking for eco-friendly materials. Rustic Garden Furniture, made from twigs, willow, and other natural materials is also a great green choice and perfect for the bohemian spirit. All of these materials are providing some of the most innovative and chic designs in outdoor furniture today.

After you have decided on the material of choice, take a look at how it is put together. Partially assembled pieces are not unusual, especially if it is to be shipped from the factory to the destination, but pieces which need to be completely assembled leave room for ill-fitting and loose joints as well as compromised strength. Always look for marine grade stainless steel bolts, screws, and hinges. This is the industry standard for the best hardware assembly. High quality brass fittings may be acceptable as well but do ask and check the quality. Poor quality hardware will rust and corrode with time. A well made piece of wooden outdoor furniture deserves hardware that will last too. Taking note of the above considerations will go a long way toward helping you make informed decisions as you search for the perfect garden furniture.