Best metal garden furniture for all weathers

Invest in the best metal garden furniture and wave goodbye to waiting for seats to dry or faffing fetching cushions in and out of storage the second the sun appears. If you're looking for outdoor furniture that’s space-savvy, stylish and always weather-ready, these metal designs are always ready when you need a quick fresh-air mood boost with an outside cuppa or want to make the most of a nice day with an al fresco lunch with friends. Modern Gardens Magazine has found the best metal garden furniture.

Best metal garden furniture at a glance

• Best metal garden bench: Habitat Indu 2 Seater Bench, Green - View at Habitat
• Best metal garden dining set: Outsunny Dining Table Bench - View at B&Q
• Best metal garden furniture set: John Lewis Marlow 4-Seater Garden Lounge Set - View at John Lewis

Thanks to metal’s slim but strong nature, these latest furniture designs are streamlined, making them perfect for smaller areas. Look for stackable chairs and benches, slide-under-and-store dining sets, and curvy push-together bistro sets that all free up valuable floor space. Folding garden benches are relatively new on the scene and can be stashed away in seconds. Nesting side tables are also a must-have.

Steel and aluminium have long been star performers with the unpredictable UK weather but now there’s a wave of designer-look furniture that effortlessly blends practicality with on-trend simplicity and style. Offering subtle support and a surprising level of comfort alongside the obvious benefits of quick-dry surfaces, these stylish pieces will transform the way you enjoy your space in autumn and winter.

Best metal garden furniture

Verdict: Which is best?

Our favourite is the John Lewis Marlow 4-Seater Garden Lounge Set, which is durable - not to mention stylish - and comes with plenty of positive customer reviews.

Buyers Guide

What type of patio furniture is the most weather-resistant? Modern metal garden furniture is usually made from either aluminium or steel, with or without a painted finish. Each material has its characteristics, which can alter the overall look, performance and price of the product.

Aluminium

Aluminium is rust-resistant and tends to be light to move, durable and hardwearing. Production methods include casting, where molten metal is poured into individual moulds to form dense solid sections and extrusion when the metal is heated and pushed through an opening to create hollow but rigid tubes.

In both processes, the components are then either soldered or bolted together and it’s the quality of the finishing that can often be the difference between mass-produced, cheaper pieces and long-term investment buys. Look for fully sealed joins rather than those that are rapidly spot welded, as these will increase the item’s rigidity and performance.

Steel

Steel garden furniture is heavier than aluminium – handy if you live in a breezy or exposed spot, but not so useful if you like to change your layout regularly. This ferrous metal will rust and stain if left exposed to the elements so outdoor furniture is usually galvanised, stainless steel or plastic-coated.

Each process varies in time and complexity, which impacts the end price – stainless steel is the most expensive and plastic-coated is the most affordable.

PPC

One term that frequently crops up with metal outdoor furniture is ‘powder-coated’ but what exactly does it mean? This process is the secret behind the smooth and brightly coloured finish that gives the latest designs their Insta-ready credentials.

Polyester Powder Coating (PPC)is a dry colouring process that is applied using heat and electrostatic energy to form a tough stunningly smooth and seamless finish. Protecting the metal from the elements, it’s crucial that this coating stays chip and scratch-free, especially when used on steel, to prevent water from getting in. If it does, the finish can flake off and rust eventually sets in.

FAQs

What is the best low-maintenance garden furniture?

Not just for style and comfort, those subtly slanted seats, arms and chair backs are designed to let rain run off and help furniture dry quickly. Likewise, slatted, perforated and laser-cut designs work in the same way. Honestly, there are some fantastic garden armchairs out there for lounging, in all materials.

Some plastic- and powder-coated finishes are smoother than others and can affect how easy your furniture is to clean. Compare different products and designs and be wary of any pieces with scratches, chips or scrapes especially around the feet, joints and base as this can lead to the finish flaking, staining or even rust setting in.

Rubber-capped or sealed furniture feet are also a must. Not only does the capped or sealed furniture protect the furniture’s finish, but they’ll also limit any damage to flooring – vital if your seating spot is covered with wood or composite decking – and eliminate that noisy jaw-clenching scrape.

Just be sure to check that each plastic or rubber foot fits the leg securely.

What colour should garden furniture be?

Sleek and simple in shape and available in a huge range of eye-catching shades from ever-chic grey tones to sparky yellow, cinnamon and pink, you can mix and match your pieces to suit your individual space.

In 2023, copper furniture was a garden trend, which gave a rustic vibe to outdoor spaces.

Experiment with pepping up a neutral lounge set with a standout coffee table in this season’s hottest paprika shade or create a cosy vibe with armchairs and outdoor corner sofas in rich plum and burgundy. If you don’t want to splash out on a complete set then opt for a single hero buy in a standout colour such as a contemporary rocking chair or high-backed bench.

How do I keep garden furniture looking good?

Clean with warm soapy water and a non-abrasive cloth or powerwash on a low-pressure setting.

Always remove bird droppings immediately. Highly acidic, they attack the finish and leave permanent marks.

You can extend the life of metal garden furniture by applying a thin coat of car wax after cleaning.

Seal any chips or scratches in a powder-coated finish with clear nail varnish to prevent flaking and rust.

What to read next

Best garden deckchairs to lounge out in the sun

On-trend metal outdoor coffee tables for your garden

Garden hammocks: perfect for instant relaxation outdoors

Jill Morgan writes regularly for Modern Gardens, and loves everything to do with gardens, plants and outdoor living.