Financially speaking, a long-term investment is defined as any asset we hold for several years. Sensible investors will distribute their money across a range of assets to build what is known as a diversified portfolio.
The CFI define a long-term investment as:
"Long-term investments are assets that an individual or company intends to hold for more than three years. Instruments facilitating long-term investments include stocks, real estate, cash, etc. Long-term investors take on a substantial degree of risk in pursuit of higher returns.”
When it comes to purchasing a 6-seater garden furniture set, what would be considered long-term? If it lasts 3 years? 5 years? Maybe over 10 years? Well, that is what we want to look at in this post.
A 6-seater garden set from our collection will set you back around £1000. You could diversify and invest in a couple of cheaper sets. You could pay more for a set made from a more exotic (and therefore harder to source) material such as teak. However, what will the return be on those investments? In other words, how much bang will you get for one’s buck?
Whether a 6-seater garden furniture set from Lazy Susan is a good long-term investment comes down to several factors, including the quality of our cast aluminium, how you plan to use your furniture, the level of maintenance, and a host of personal preferences.
We recently published a buying guide but in this article, we want to take a closer look at some of the considerations you need to keep in mind when shopping for a new, and establish if our range is a sensible investment that offers value for money in the long run:
1. Quality of Materials
Investing in a 6-seater garden furniture set that is made from a durable material best suited to the UK climate is essential in increasing its longevity. Quality materials such as cast aluminium are more resistant to weather damage, fading, and general wear and tear over time.
Our cast aluminium furniture is made by pouring molten high-grade aluminium into moulds. This creates solid components such as legs, tabletops, etc that are sturdy and robust. The construction method we use ensures that the furniture can withstand the elements, including wind, rain, and temperature fluctuations without fading, cracking or splitting.
Despite that strength, cast aluminium is relatively lightweight compared to other metals like iron. This gives us finished pieces that are easy to pick up, move around and rearrange on your patio as needed, which is ideal if you want to store your table and chairs in a shed or move them to a safe part of the garden in a storm.
2. Maintenance Requirements
If having a high-quality durable material is top of our list then the level of maintenance is a close second. All outdoor furniture materials are designed for outside use but how much work is required to keep them protected is critical to how long they will last.
All materials will require regular cleaning but the advantage of cast aluminium is its tough powder-coated finish does not require re-application. Other materials will often require sealing or re-finishing to maintain their appearance and durability.
By choosing a 6-seater set that fits your maintenance preferences and lifestyle, it is more likely to last you longer. Purchase a set that requires maintenance, fail to keep it up, and it will quickly deteriorate
Cast aluminium is highly durable and resistant to rust, corrosion, and weather damage from the inclement weather we see in the UK. Unlike wood, which can rot or warp over time, cast aluminium will maintain its structural integrity even when exposed to the sun and rain outdoor conditions.
Our 6-seater garden furniture sets do not need to be stained, painted, or treated, a simple wash with warm soapy water will often be sufficient to keep our cast aluminium furniture looking great for many years. More time enjoying your outside space and less time on upkeep and maintenance is a win-win in our book.
3. Level of Use
The more we use something, the quicker it will start to show its age, and we don’t tend to mind replacing something that has served us well for many years. It "doesn’t owe us anything", you could say.
With a 6-seater dining style set, if we use it often and for what it is intended, then it will inevitably see a few spills and thrills. Investing in a material that is fit for purpose, then it will ensure it stands up to outside use and is comfortable to spend time at.
Not only will it last longer than lesser materials, but we will also use it more, and if you do plan to use it as frequently as the British summer will allow for outdoor dining, then a few simple steps can help keep your garden table and chairs looking their best:
-
Store
If you have the option, store it in a shed or garage during the off-season. -
Cover
Keep it clean and reduce the need to wash it by covering it with durable weather-resistant covers when not in use. -
Clean
Clean your furniture regularly to remove dirt, debris, and stains. -
Protect
Apply protective coatings or sealants - we recommend a light coat of car wax for our range - to your furniture to help shield it from moisture, UV rays, and other damaging elements. -
Inspect
Periodically check your furniture for signs of wear, damage, or loose parts. Repair any issues promptly to prevent them from worsening over time. Tighten bolts and touch-up any scratches or chips. -
Feet
Be sure to install the screw-in foot pads we supply on all chair and table legs. They protect your furniture and patio surface. You can order replacements and our touch-up paint kits on our Spare Parts page. -
Weight
Be mindful of how much weight each piece of furniture can safely support, and distribute weight evenly on tables and chairs to prevent excessive strain. -
Maintain
Perform regular maintenance tasks such as tightening bolts, screws, washing fabrics, and lubricating any moving parts.
4. Weather Resistance
We have touched on the weather resistance of our 6-seater sets in maintenance and materials. It is what we think puts cast aluminium ahead of the competition. It is designed to stand up to the UK climate but with a lower level of maintenance to keep it that way.
Aluminium will not corrode like other metals. It is naturally rust-resistant. The powder-coated finish is water and UV-resistant, our hardware is rust-resistant and, if you choose to add them, our parasols and cushions are made from a durable fast-drying acrylic fabric.
Cast aluminium is resistant to corrosion, which means it won't deteriorate or weaken when exposed to snow and rain. It is resistant to the sun's UV rays, so it will not fade, or discolour. The high thermal stability also means it can withstand fluctuations in temperature without warping or cracking, making it perfect for the ever-changing moods of the UK climate.
5. Style & Design
When choosing a furniture 6-seater garden furniture set, our advice is to always go for a timeless design that will complement your outdoor space for many years to come. Avoid the latest fads, trends or overtly decorative styles that will date and go out of fashion (you’re wasting money as they’ll quickly be replaced).
Our collection has a timeless appeal, making it suitable for various outdoor settings and decor styles. That doesn’t mean it is traditional. Modern-looking, such as mid-century pieces, can be classical in style too and design-wise they’ve stood the test of time.
For us, a classic garden furniture design exudes an elegance and sophistication that can only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your outside space. There is a versatility to our designs that complements a wide range of gardens and makes it easier to integrate into your existing outdoor setup and the style of many homes in the UK, from traditional farmhouses to contemporary new builds.
And whilst style is important, we mustn’t forget function. Classic furniture designs are classic because they work. They don’t prioritise comfort over looks, and our collection is packed with features such as ergonomic seating, recessed table legs, rounded edges, plush seat cushions, tilting parasols and generous proportions.
If you want to make a sensible investment then classically styled garden tables and chairs are the long-term solution due to their durability and timeless appeal. While initial costs may be higher than some contemporary timber or resin options, the longevity, low maintenance and enduring style of classic pieces will provide greater value for money over time.
6. Flexibility & Versatility
Our coordinating collection features what we like to refer to as a unified design aesthetic. A range of sets, pieces and accessories that work together seamlessly, ensuring that whatever you choose to pair with the 6-seater table and chairs set you buy will complement each other in terms of style, material, and finish.
This enables you to create a cohesive and unified look for your outdoor space, enhancing its visual appeal. Common with Lazy Susan customers is to purchase a 6-seater dining set for their patio and pair it with a coordinating garden bench. It can be positioned off to one side or in a different part of the garden and then pulled up to the table if you want to squeeze in a few extra guests.
When you purchase a 6-seater garden table and chairs from a coordinating collection, you eliminate all of the guesswork involved in mixing and matching different pieces of furniture. It simplifies the decision-making process and ensures that all elements of your outside space can coordinate effortlessly. Be that pairing a dining set with a garden bench or coffee table set or accessories such as a parasol or cushions.
It is all designed to fit and function together. Each piece is specifically tailored to fit together in terms of size and scale. You can add additional seating, pair tables with side tables, create optimal space utilisation on your patio, and maximise seating capacity without sacrificing comfort or style.
Purchasing a garden table set from our collection is more convenient than sourcing individual pieces separately. It includes everything you need for outdoor dining and accessories such as parasols and cushions can be added to your order with some generous bundle deal discounts compared to purchasing individual pieces separately. Saving money and achieving a cohesive and stylish outdoor outdoor space is another win-win.
7. Guarantee & Customer Support
Lastly, but equally important when looking to buy a 6-seater garden furniture set that will be a good long-term investment, especially if doing so online, is to ensure the warranty coverage and customer support offered by the retailer is excellent. A warranty will provide peace of mind and protection against any manufacturing defects or premature wear.
Our 3-year Guarantee assures that we stand behind the quality and durability of our products. Knowing that your purchase is backed by a guarantee will give you peace of mind. It shows that we are confident in the quality of our product and that we rigorously test and maintain high standards for durability and performance so that our collection can withstand outdoor use for years to come.
If your garden furniture does develop a defect or issues due to manufacturing, our guarantee will ensure that you are entitled to repair, replacement, or refund according to the terms of our warranty. This protects your investment and prevents you from bearing the financial burden of repairing or replacing.
More so, we offer first-class Customer Support, which if you’re investing around £1000 in a 6-seater set, is invaluable throughout the lifespan of your garden furniture. Whether you have questions about assembly, maintenance, or a guarantee claim, having access to our dedicated customer support team contributes to the long-term value of our furniture by providing peace of mind, quality assurance, protection, support, and assistance with things like maintenance and care.
Ultimately, whether a 6-seater garden furniture set is a good long-term investment depends on the quality, maintenance requirements, usage patterns, and design.
At Lazy Susan our collection has been designed for the UK climate and it is designed to live at the heart of your garden for many years. Constructed from our signature high-grade weather-resistant cast aluminium, it is low maintenance, durable, classically styled and versatile, all of which is backed up by our 3-year guarantee, dedicated customer support team and over 15,000 reviews. That all adds up to a sound long-term investment and value for money in our book!
If you have any photos of your Lazy Susan Garden Furniture, we’d love to see a few for our Do Some Good charity campaign. You can tag us @LazySusanFurniture on Instagram or Facebook or Upload Here.
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