Our aluminium outdoor furniture is perfectly suited to UK gardens. Its weather resistance makes it an excellent choice for our unpredictable climate.
If we had to sum up the weather in the UK, then we think saying it's a “mixed bag” pretty much hits the nail on the head.
The fact we’re perched right on the edge of the North Atlantic influences its weather patterns and is what makes things a little unpredictable.
As The Beatles sang in I Am The Walrus always feels apt: “Sitting in an English garden waiting for the sun. If the sun don't come you get a tan from standing in the English rain.”
On the plus side, the Gulf Stream helps to keep temperatures relatively mild, even in winter. On the other hand, we experience frequent rainfall throughout the year, with no distinct rainy or dry season.
Things can change on a sixpence too, with sunny days quickly turning cloudy. Summers can be warm and sunny, but also cool and wet. And whilst our winters are generally on the mild side, they can still be very cold with frost and snowfall.
This combination of factors makes the UK climate both enjoyable and challenging, and it is definitely the reason why the weather is often such a big topic of conversation.
Is our aluminium outdoor furniture weatherproof?
Here at Lazy Susan, we are probably more obsessed than most. We want long hot summers. Sunshine means people want to use and buy our garden furniture.
However, a changeable climate also means that our garden furniture needs to be able to sit outside in all weather.
It needs to resist exposure to sun, rain, wind, snow, and whatever else Mother Nature might decide to throw at it. Who wants to be fretting about throwing waterproof covers on at the merest hint of precipitation? Not us!
If you’re undecided on what material to buy for your patio, then let us put forward our case for cast aluminium garden furniture.
To help you, we’ve compiled 10 reasons why our range of garden tables, chairs, benches, and loungers are well-suited to withstanding the 4 seasons we can see in one day here in the UK:
1. Cast aluminium garden furniture is rust and corrosion-resistant
Unlike iron or steel, powder-coated aluminium outdoor furniture will not rust.
Raw uncoated aluminium naturally forms a protective oxide layer on its surface when exposed to air, which prevents further oxidation and corrosion.
We further protect our aluminium outdoor furniture by applying a tough powder-coated finish, making it ideal for use in wet and humid environments.
Even in coastal areas where salt air can be highly corrosive to many materials, our cast aluminium is a durable choice for seaside homes.
We looked in detail at why we chose cast aluminium for our collection and why it is best suited to coastal areas in our How do you protect your outdoor furniture if you live by the sea? article.
2. Cast aluminium is a lightweight but strong metal
Aluminium is much lighter than many timbers like teak wood and other metals like steel or wrought iron, making it easier to pick up, move, and rearrange your outdoor furniture as needed.
Despite it being light and easy to lift, it is still strong and durable, able to withstand daily use and exposure to the elements.
It gives a good balance between the two and whilst it will not blow over as easily as resin, we would still advise caution during a storm with red or amber wind warnings.
We discussed the advantages of rust-resistant aluminium and assessed the things you need to consider before you buy in our Is cast aluminium better than cast iron? article.
3. We apply a powder-coated finish to our garden furniture for increased durability
Our cast aluminium furniture is powder-coated to give it a nice finish but also to add an extra layer of protection against the elements.
The powder coating seals the aluminium and prevents it from oxidising, while also providing a durable, scratch-resistant surface that can withstand the sun’s UV rays, rain, and even heavy snow.
The powder-coated finish also helps the furniture retain its colour, preventing it from fading in the sun, so your patio furniture will look good for years to come.
We took a detailed look at the powder coating process and why we apply it to our furniture in our What are the advantages and disadvantages of powder-coated aluminium garden furniture? article.
4. Cast aluminium outdoor furniture is low-maintenance
Aluminium is very low maintenance. Only plastic resins can rival it for levels of maintenance but they’re less durable than metal garden furniture and more susceptible to sun exposure.
Our outdoor furniture will typically only require an occasional cleaning with warm soapy water to remove dirt, dust, or bird droppings. Unlike wood or iron furniture, it doesn’t need to be re-sealed, stained, or painted regularly.
The non-porous surface of aluminium means it doesn’t absorb moisture or stains, making it easier to keep it clean and free from dirt and grime.
Our go-to cleaning and maintenance routine is broken down in our How to maintain aluminium patio furniture article.
5. Cast aluminium is temperature resilient
Aluminium outdoor furniture tends to stay cooler in the sun compared to other metals, making it more comfortable to sit on during hot days.
It can also withstand a wide range of, and sudden changes in, temperature without warping, cracking, or becoming brittle, making it suitable for hot, cold, and changeable climates.
We looked at the suitability of our collection to hot climates in our Does an aluminium garden table and chairs get hot in the sun? article.
6. Cast aluminium furniture is designed to last
Because of aluminium’s resistance to rust, corrosion, and weathering, our outdoor furniture is extremely durable.
It can last for many years with minimal care, making it a great long-term investment for your outdoor space.
What is difficult is to provide an exact figure on how long it will last.
Longevity is dependent on a host of factors such as the level of use, how you protect and maintain it, and the level of exposure to various environmental conditions.
We analysed how long it should last if you look after it in our How long does cast aluminium furniture last? article…
7. Cast aluminium is versatile
The malleability of aluminium and our modern casting process allows us to create a wide range of designs.
From intricate, ornate patterns to our more sleek, modern lattice styles, all have our trademark weatherproof qualities.
We looked at the manufacturing process we use to create our signature classically styles outdoor furniture range in our How is cast aluminium garden furniture made? article.
8. Cast aluminium is eco-friendly
Whilst not relevant in terms of weather resistance, it is an increasing concern for many. The good news is that aluminium is highly recyclable, and many aluminium furniture pieces are made from a percentage of recycled material.
Your old aluminium outdoor furniture is easy to recycle at the end of its life, adding an environmentally friendly aspect to its list of benefits.
Our recent Is cast aluminium outdoor furniture environmentally friendly? article looks at our green credentials, the different ways you can recycle our furniture, and how we’re looking to reduce our carbon footprint in the future.
9. Cast aluminium furniture is easy to pick up and move
No outdoor furniture material is perfect. All have their pros and cons. Often what is an advantage can also be a disadvantage.
For example, the light weight of aluminium means it is easy to pick up and move.
However, as we touched on under point 2, if you live in a windy area or there is an amber or red weather warning for high winds, then you would be best moving it to a sheltered spot to prevent it from being blown over.
We took a more detailed look at the pros and cons of cast aluminium in our Why buy cast aluminium garden furniture for Summer 2024? article.
10. Cast aluminium patio furniture is a great all-rounder
Cast aluminium is a great all-rounder that is perfectly suited to the UK climate.
That said, whilst it is weatherproof, using an outdoor furniture cover during severe weather conditions will help prolong its life and keep it looking new, clean, and ready to use.
Here at Lazy Susan, we think aluminium outdoor furniture is the best choice if you’re looking for weatherproof, durable, and low-maintenance outdoor furniture.
It can withstand a wide variety of weather conditions, from rain to sun to snow, without rusting or deteriorating, making it a reliable and long-lasting option for your outdoor space.
If you have our aluminium outdoor furniture in your outside space, 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.