On average, the UK suffers 154 days of rainfall a year, over 1100 millimetres. It is safe to say that the UK has a lot of poor weather, with cold, wet days overshadowing the occasional spots of sunshine. This is why it is important that garden furniture in the UK is weather proof; it needs to be able to get through stormy spells, April showers and sometimes even a surprise burst of snow. When people think of weather proof garden furniture they tend to imagine cheap, uncomfortable plastic chairs. However, this is not the case. There is a lot of durable, fashionable furniture available that not only withstands the British climate but is also affordable.

Teak furniture looks great both indoors and outdoors but, as it is weather proof, it makes ideal garden furniture. Teak is a tropical hardwood native to Indonesia, where it is often used to make doors because the wood resists termites and extreme weather conditions. While there are rarely extreme weather conditions in the UK, teak furniture will easily withstand the rain and wind that the British climate does offer. Teak chairs and tables are available to make the garden a comfortable place to sit and relax but other garden furniture such as teak planters and teak deck furniture can enhance an image and turn a garden into a stylish, safe haven.

Another popular type of contemporary garden furniture is wicker furniture, often made from rattan or cane. Rattan is a very durable type of palm leave that is easy to weave to create comfortable wicker furniture, whereas cane is a type of tall, perennial grass with woody stalks that are ideal for shaping furniture from. A lot of wicker furniture is made from both rattan and cane to create a strong structure that looks good and is durable. Both cane and rattan are weather proof materials and are lighter than teak, making them easier to move around in the garden. Wicker furniture is ideal for anyone who wants to move their furniture between the house and garden depending on the weather. However, wicker furniture can be left in the rain without becoming damaged.

Whether it is lightweight furniture that can be moved outdoors when the sun shines or more permanent garden features, there are a huge variety of styles of furniture available to any home maker. Teak and wicker furniture come in a variety of colours to match the style of the garden or home and will transform a simple outdoor space into a more relaxing area.