Trying to find affordable garden furniture on a tight budget can be a challenge.
Yes, seeking a bargain is a smart way to save money, but we must avoid compromising on what we need and what will fit best in our outside spaces.
When we talk about value for money here at Lazy Susan, we are not necessarily referring to the cheapest set you can buy.
We are talking about getting the best balance between cost, quality, durability, and style when purchasing new garden furniture.
True value for money is about finding the right furniture that meets your needs and expectations for a reasonable price.
The old saying “if you buy cheap, you buy twice” often rings true too.
Investing in materials like the cast aluminium we utilise across our range might cost more upfront than other materials but it will last longer with less need to maintain.
For example, untreated timbers like pine or resin rattans are some of the most affordable materials but will they save you money in the long run?
Will they last as long or will they require significantly more protection and maintenance to keep them looking good when exposed to the elements?
Higher-priced furniture will generally offer better suitability to our climate and greater comfort.
Designs are more ergonomic and fit for purpose. They will improve your outdoor experience and the enjoyment of the time (often limited in the UK) you get to spend in your outside space.
Our cast aluminium furniture can last for decades, offering you longer-term value for money. A cheaper alternative will probably only need replacing more frequently.
Weather resistance and low maintenance are critical! They provide better value, even if the initial purchase price is higher, as you won’t have to won’t have to pay to re-stain or oil it every few months or so.
Of course, seeking value for money is always advisable too. However, what we are saying is that it is also important to recognise that it isn’t the only buying strategy or consideration when it comes to purchasing new outdoor furniture.
What we want is quality pieces or sets that offer good value for money. Outdoor furniture that reduces the need for frequent replacement and repair. Saving us money over time.
We often see those who seek only best value buy sets that don’t fit in terms of size and shape or with how they like to use their outside spaces. That only leads to unnecessary expense and the need to replace.
Often, if a bargain is too good to be true, then it isn't true. Make sure any "bargains" exported to the UK are legit. You run the risk of over-prioritising cost over other buying criteria when hunting for the cheapest options.
Focusing too much on getting a good deal can lead to choosing furniture that doesn’t fit with how you like to spend time outside, that doesn’t match your garden style and taste, or is simply the current popular buzz fad that will quickly go out of style.
What are the advantages of budget-friendly outdoor furniture?
That said, value for money is generally a good starting point when shopping for garden furniture but you have to ensure you get a product that balances cost with quality, durability, and functionality.
You have to align your purchase with a set budget, personal style, and actual needs and wants to avoid overspending or compromising on the key aspects that matter most to you.
If you pay more for a set that fits with how you like to use your patio, enhances the style of your home and garden, and encourages you to spend time outside, then we think that is extra money well spent.
However, good garden furniture does not have to be expensive too. Quality doesn't always equate to price.
Look for furniture with sturdy frames, well-secured joints, weather-resistant finishes, and positive customer reviews/feedback.
Affordable furniture will allow you to furnish your garden or outdoor space without breaking the bank, leaving more room in your budget for other outdoor elements that can further build your outdoor vision such as decor, planting, accessories like parasols, BBQ grills, etc.
Many budget-friendly options will still provide good value, whilst also offering quality at a lower price point. You can often find pieces that are durable and stylish at a fraction of the cost of high-end “designer” outdoor furniture.
Budget-friendly garden furniture is available in a wide range of different set sizes, styles, materials, and designs too, making it easier to find something that matches your taste and space, and they are usually more readily available, shipped from the UK, and in stock.
If you enjoy redecorating or changing the look of your outdoor area frequently, then more budget-friendly sets are easier to replace without feeling guilty about the expense. You can keep things modern, fresh and on-trend.
With our range, we have gone the opposite way though. We offer classically styled garden furniture in a durable material. It won’t go out of style and complements most UK home styles.
You could start with one of our more affordable smaller sets, and add additional items as and when you have the money to spend or the need. For example, start with a 2-seater bistro, and add additional chairs or pieces like our coordinating benches and side tables.
If you only need garden furniture for certain times of the year, such as the often short British summertime, then affordable options make it feasible to have seasonal furniture that you can pull onto the patio as when you need it without significant investment.
If renting or you don't plan to stay in your current home long-term, then investing in expensive or large sets might not make sense. Budget-friendly options can also meet your short-term patio needs without a big financial commitment.
Things to consider when buying budget-friendly garden chairs and tables?
Where you need to be careful with budget-friendly garden furniture, both online and in large home improvement stores, is that it's often made from less durable materials, such as cheaper plastics, lower-grade metals, or softwoods such as pressure-treated pine and cedar.
They may not last as long as higher-end options, especially when exposed to the elements. They will often show signs of wear and tear more quickly and require more frequent upkeep or even replacement.
Lower-cost furniture might not be as comfortable as a more expensive option too, with less attention to ergonomics or padding, etc.
You often find with budget poly-rattans for example that the sofa-style seating can be a little boxy. It has a clean contemporary look but it can be a little uncomfortable to sit on.
While budget furniture comes in a variety of styles, it may also lack the refined details or unique designs that you would find in say the intricate trademark metalwork and high-grade cast aluminium of our collection.
Of course, shopping for affordable, budget-friendly garden furniture can be a smart choice if you're looking for cost savings, flexibility, and a wide variety of options.
However, you have to weigh the potential disadvantages, such as lower durability and comfort, against your specific needs and how you plan to use the furniture.
If you're okay with possibly replacing the furniture sooner or compromising on certain design/specification features, then budget-friendly options can be a great solution.
However, our advice would be to push your budget to get a quality material. We are a dedicated garden furniture company and our cast aluminium is perfectly suited to the UK climate.
Maybe compromise on set size instead? Get something smaller such as a 4-seater instead of a 6. The quality and durability are the same. You can always add additional seating or pieces at a later date to build your outdoor living space in terms of look and function.
Can you purchase affordable garden furniture sets at Lazy Susan?
Our larger sets can be expensive but you can still certainly find affordable garden furniture at Lazy Susan.
What will work best - in terms of set type and size - will depend on what you're looking for and how you like to spend time on your patio.
While our prices could be a shade higher for some items compared to the budget end of the market, there are still many opportunities to size down or save through our bundle deals and seasonal sales.
For example, we often have sales where you can get discounts of up to 30% on selected items such as our end-of-season sale, and bundle deals where you can add additional pieces like parasols, cushions, side tables, garden benches, etc to our garden dining sets at a reduced price.
The furniture we sell is built to last, with a focus on high-quality, weather-resistant cast aluminium.
This means that while the upfront cost might be higher than some of the budget-friendly options, the long-term value is greater since the furniture is designed to withstand the elements and remain durable over time.
If you're strictly looking for the lowest possible price, then we might not be the best option though.
Our focus is more on quality and durability rather than budget pricing. However, sign up for our newsletter and keep an eye on our social media for the latest sales as this can help you find a great deal on our higher-end sets.
Our favourite budget-friendly sets
Alternatively, you could purchase one of our smaller sets or furniture combinations to get you started on creating your dream patio.
As we’ve already highlighted, if you’re on a budget but looking for good value for money, then we think it’s a better idea to purchase a smaller set. Quality over quantity, as they say. Then add additional complementary sets or zones for different functions such as a lounging and dining area.
A smaller, higher-quality set will last longer and provide more enjoyment than a larger, lower-quality one.
Plus, with our range, we use coordinated styling so it is easy to add complimentary pieces or sets at a later date and keep cohesion across your outside space.
Our 2-seater and 4-seater sets are a great example of this.
Many come with a larger-sized table so that additional seats can be added to take them to 4 and 6-seater sets. The materials and style are of the same quality, they just cost less.
With quality over quantity in mind, the Lazy Susan team have selected what we think are the top 5 affordable garden furniture options from our 2024 collection:
1. Tulip 2-Seater Garden Bistro Set in White
Our Tulip bistro set has been a customer favourite for many years now.
The delicate Tulip design gives the table a touch of elegant beauty that will instantly enhance any small garden, patio, or balcony space.
Whether you're enjoying an early morning coffee or an evening meal in the summer sun, you'll be able to relax with peace of mind for years to come on this beautiful maintenance-free set.
We currently have 20% off so our Tulip is down from £239.95 to £189.95.*
2. June 4-Seater Patio Dining Set in Antique Bronze
This is the most expensive set on this list but if you want to bring your outdoor space to life, then our June in Antique Bronze is the perfect place to start.
Featuring a beautiful lattice tabletop with a classic double-helix border, the June is one of our best-selling sets.
Perfect for those long summer afternoons with friends or family, you can relax and dine with peace of mind on this beautiful maintenance-free set
We currently have 10% off our June 4-seater set in our end-of-summer sale so it is down from £839.95 to £754.95.*
3. Jasmine Garden Bench with Claire Side Table in Antique Bronze
Our Jasmine has been our bestselling garden bench since we launched. It will give you the perfect combination of style, comfort, durability, and affordability.
Paired with our Claire side table, you create the perfect cost spot to relax, read a good book, catch up with friends, and enjoy afternoon tea or that first cup of coffee in the morning.
Our Jasmine & Claire Set is currently down from £344.95 to only £309.95 in our end-of-season sale.*
4. Anna 2-Seater Patio Table Set in Slate Grey
Our Anna is a 2-seater table set that features a diamond interstice and intricate expanding latticework.
Anna has an elegance that makes it the perfect choice for sunset drinks or an intimate romantic meal, and our cool grey finish puts a modern twist on a classical style.
It is currently down to a budget-friendly £369.95 in our summer sale but even at full price, we think £409.95 is a great affordable price for such a quality set.*
The big advantage Anna has is the larger-sized 80cm diameter tabletop. You can purchase the 2-seater set and then easily add additional garden chairs which can be purchased separately at a later date if needed.
5. Bella Outdoor Coffee Table Set in Antique Bronze
Our Bella table is a timeless coffee table that will create the perfect focal point in your garden or on your patio or balcony.
The set includes two chairs, so you and a friend or partner can kick back and lounge in the sun.
Powder-coated in our classic Antique Bronze finish, the set is weather-proof and can be left outside year-round.
The table and two chairs are easy to move around until you find the perfect place to relax in your garden.
Our Bella set is currently available for £364.95, down from £404.95, in our end-of-season sale.*
*Please note all prices were correct as of the publication of this article.
If you have any of our affordable garden furniture sets, then we would love to see a few photos for our Do Some Good charity campaign. You can tag us @LazySusanFurniture on Instagram or Facebook or Upload Here.