How to choose a garden table and chairs

Use our expert tips to find the right garden furniture for you

What style of garden furniture to choose

* Plastic garden furniture is a low-cost option and is easy to maintain. It's also lightweight and easy to lift making it ideal for moving around to different positions.

*Aluminium or wrought iron garden furniture is heavy, making it ideal for windy positions. It's very hardwearing and can be left outside permanently. Metal furniture can be refreshed with a specialist paint. Before painting, rub off rust with wire wool and brush off any loose dirt that will otherwise pit the surface of the paint once it has dried.

* Wooden garden furniture is timeless and will suit both modern and traditional styles of garden. Although wooden furniture is durable, it will need re-staining or re-oiling and will need to be moved inside during winter.

* Rattan garden furniture will bring a modern look to your garden and as it's lightweight it can be moved around easily, however it can be damaged by sunlight.

Chosen by House to home