Garden dining sets

Garden dining sets are all about kicking back and enjoying a meal in the garden or on the balcony. When it comes to materials, you have a wide range of choice including wood, resin, plastic or a combination of materials. You'll also have to consider the number of seats you need and the style, comfort and design of your set. On a practical note, be sure to think about how hardwearing the garden set is alongside any maintenance and winter care requirements. A good garden dining set is the ultimate ally for comfort and relaxation when the sun is shining. Made using a variety of materials, such as teak, resin, rattan or wrought iron, these garden table and chair sets form part of your outdoor décor. Garden dining sets differ primarily in terms of material and style: - resin sets are lightweight, feature modern designs and require limited maintenance – choose between resin wicker and wood-effect resin; - aluminium sets provide a range of streamlined designs and are highly weather resistant; - powder-coated steel models, whether contemporary or traditional in style, have been cured at high temperatures for enhanced rust resistance; - wrought iron models are favoured for their strength, but they are heavy; - teak furniture stands out for its natural charm and ability to withstand weathering, woodworm and rotting. An outdoor furniture set may be supplied with various accessories designed to maximise user comfort, including: - seats and backrests made from theUV- and moisture-resistant fabric Textilene; - cushions made of cotton or polyester (or a blend of both materials) – look out for the weight of the fabric in g/m² as an indicator of quality; - a clear or opaque glass tabletop with rounded or carved edgework. Your choice of garden dining set should also be guided by how it will be used, where it will be set up and the number of people it will have to accommodate: - compact, round sets are great for balconies or small patios; - a large sofa will work perfectly under a gazebo or alternatively, go for a modular sofa dining set; - a tall bar table accompanied by high stools is ideal for recreating a a bistro feel at home; - extra-large sets, designed to be set up on a terrace or around a swimming pool, are best for large families. They are also perfect for hosting barbecues; In summary, your choice of garden dining set depends on how much space you have, the look you're after – in terms of design and material – and the number of guests you plan to entertain.