Designing a stylish, relaxing garden space means more than just choosing the right plants — it means choosing the right outdoor furniture, too. But as summers grow hotter and sun exposure increases, many UK homeowners are asking a practical question: can sunlight warp wooden or plastic garden furniture?
The short answer is yes — but there’s far more to understand. The sun’s rays can take a serious toll on many different outdoor materials, especially if your garden furniture isn’t properly protected or well-suited to all-weather use.
In this article, The Lazy Magazine team are discussing how different outdor furniture materials respond to sunlight, what warping actually is, and how to avoid it through smart maintenance and savvy buying. We’ll also explore why cast aluminium garden furniture is a long-lasting, low-maintenance choice for British gardens.
What Causes Garden Furniture to Warp?
Warping happens when materials expand or contract at different rates — often due to shifts in temperature, moisture levels, or both. This uneven stress can lead to twisting, bending, or cracking, which ultimately compromises both the structure and appearance of your garden furniture.
Natural woods and many plastics are particularly susceptible, as their fibres or polymers react strongly to environmental changes.
And with the UK experiencing more heatwaves, sudden downpours, and unpredictable seasonal swings, our outdoor furniture now faces greater stress than ever before — making material choice and weather resistance essential for long-term performance.
How Does Sunlight Damages Outdoor Materials?
Sunlight doesn’t just bring warmth — it brings ultraviolet (UV) rays, which gradually break down the molecular structure of many garden furniture materials. For wooden furniture, this means drying out and splitting. For plastic, it often results in brittleness and fading.
Over time, direct sunlight accelerates wear and tear, especially when furniture is left exposed for long periods. Even high-end pieces of outdoor furniture can suffer if they’re not designed to withstand UV exposure or aren’t regularly maintained correctly.
Wooden Garden Furniture: Natural Beauty, But Vulnerable
Wooden garden furniture is a timeless choice, offering warmth, character, and charm. But it does come with drawbacks when left out in the sun.
Untreated or poorly maintained wood can dry out quickly in strong sunlight. As moisture evaporates from the wood fibres, they shrink and tighten unevenly, leading to splits and warped shapes.
Some types of wood — particularly softwoods — are more prone to this than others. And without protective oils or finishes, even hardwoods will eventually suffer from sun exposure and premature weathering.
To maintain its natural beauty, wooden garden furniture needs regular care, including cleaning, oiling, and storing during the winter months.
Plastic Garden Furniture: Lightweight but Less Durable
Plastic outdoor furniture is often chosen for its affordability and convenience. It’s light, easy to clean, and often comes in a wide range of colours. But despite its initial appeal, it’s not always suited to the demands of our climate.
Prolonged exposure to UV rays breaks down the polymers in plastic, causing it to become brittle and prone to cracking. Heat also causes expansion, which can lead to warping — particularly in chairs and loungers with thinner frames or in plastic rattans.
Even colour can make a difference: dark plastics tend to absorb more heat and degrade faster. So, while plastic outdoor furniture might seem like a carefree option, it often needs replacing sooner than more durable alternatives.
Materials Matter: What Your Outdoor Furniture’s Made Of Counts
Outdoor furniture materials play a huge role in how it will stand up to sunlight and weather extremes. While wood and plastic have their place, they require regular upkeep and/or greater protection to stay in tip top condition.
By contrast, metal outdor furniture, particularly the cast aluminium we sell here at Lazy Susan, is far more resistant to the effects of UV rays and temperature fluctuations. It doesn’t swell or shrink, and it won’t fade, rot, or rust like other materials might. This makes it an ideal candidate for longer-term outdoor use in the UK.
The Cast Aluminium Advantage
If you’re looking for garden furniture that’s both stylish and durable, cast aluminium outdoor furniture offers a smart solution.
It’s rust-proof, warp-resistant, and incredibly low maintenance. Unlike iron or steel, cast aluminium doesn't need repainting or resealing, and while still robust, it is much lighter than other metals, so it's easy to move around your garden or patio.
Despite being metal, it doesn’t retain heat to an uncomfortable level, especially in our white finish and when paired with cushions or positioned in shade. Its strength and stability mean it can endure heavy use, strong sunshine, and cold winters alike — all while keeping its shape and structure intact.
Whether you have a large lawn or a compact patio, cast aluminium furniture delivers elegance and reliability in equal measure, and we looked at it's suitability in greater detail last summer in our What is the best patio furniture material for a hot climate? article.
How to Protect Your Outdoor Furniture from the Sun
Even the most durable outdoor furniture benefits from a little care and here’s how to extend its lifespan and keep it looking its best through every season.
1. Use UV-Resistant Furniture Covers
Investing in high-quality protective covers is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect outdoor furniture from UV damage, weather exposure, and everyday nuisances like bird droppings and tree sap. Look for covers that are not only waterproof but also specifically designed to block harmful rays. Breathable materials are ideal, as they prevent condensation and mould buildup underneath. Always ensure your furniture is dry before covering to avoid trapping moisture.
2. Position Furniture in Shaded Areas
Strategic placement of your garden furniture can make a big difference. Whenever possible, situate your outdoor furniture beneath a parasol, pergola, or canopy. Natural shade from trees can also reduce direct sun exposure. Even partial shade can help regulate temperature and limit UV degradation.
3. Keep It Clean with Gentle Products
Regular cleaning removes dirt, pollen, and pollutants that can damage surfaces or trap moisture. A mild soap solution and soft cloth or sponge are all you need for most materials. Avoid abrasive cleaners or power washing unless your furniture is built to handle it.
4. Dry Thoroughly Before Covering
After cleaning or rainfall, allow your outdoor furniture to air dry completely. Moisture left on the surface — particularly on wood or under cushions — can encourage rot, mildew, or even frost damage if temperatures drop sharply overnight.
5. Apply Protective Finishes and Sealants
Wooden outdoor furniture benefits greatly from UV-protective oils, stains, or sealants. These treatments help prevent drying, cracking, and fading. For plastic furniture, there are sprays available that restore shine and add a layer of UV protection, slowing down degradation.
6. Store Furniture Indoors During the Off-Season
If you’re not using your outdoor space during the colder months, store your furniture in a dry shed, garage, or covered area. This significantly reduces exposure to rain, frost, and prolonged darkness, which can cause mould or discolouration.
7. Keeping Outdoor Cushions Looking Fresh
Cushions aren’t just for comfort — they also protect your furniture’s surface from direct sun and heat. When choosing outdoor cushions, go for fabrics designed to resist UV rays and water. These hold their colour longer and dry faster after rain. Make sure cushions are brought indoors during bad weather or stored in a waterproof cushion box to keep them in top condition.
Choosing the Right Furniture for UK Gardens
Our weather is famously changeable — which means choosing patio furniture that’s up to the task is essential.
While wood and plastic can be made to work with effort and care, cast aluminium offers a near-effortless solution. Its combination of strength, style, and weather resistance make it a top contender for anyone who wants furniture that lasts without constant upkeep.
Even in small outdoor spaces, such as balconies or patios, opting for durable, low-maintenance materials can make a big difference. You’ll spend less time worrying about weather damage and more time enjoying your outside space.
Our Final Thoughts: Outsmart the Sun
Sunlight might bring life to your garden, but it can be hard on your garden furniture if you’re not prepared. Warping, fading, and cracking are common issues for wood and plastic when left unprotected — especially during the increasingly hot UK summers.
By understanding how materials react to sunlight and choosing wisely, you can avoid these pitfalls entirely. Metal outdoor furniture made from cast aluminium remains a standout option for UK homeowners who value long-term durability and timeless design.
But whatever material you buy, with just a few protective habits — from using covers to applying UV treatments — you can keep your outdoor furniture looking fresh, functional, and beautiful for years to come.
Don’t forget to share your Lazy Susan furniture if you buy from us! Tag us on Instagram or Facebook using @LazySusanFurniture, or upload your table styling photos to our Do Some Good campaign — we’d love to see how you’re styling your outdoor space this summer!
FAQs: How To Keep Garden Furniture Looking Its Best
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How does sun exposure affect wooden garden furniture?
Wooden garden furniture, while full of natural beauty, is especially vulnerable to prolonged sun exposure. Over time, UV rays dry out the wood fibres, causing cracks, fading, and even warping. To keep wood looking its best, regular cleaning and oiling are essential, along with storing furniture indoors during the winter or covering it when not in use. -
Is plastic furniture a good choice for UK gardens?
Plastic furniture can be convenient and affordable, but it doesn't always stand up well to the UK's changing weather. Under harsh sunlight, the plastic may become brittle or warp. Prolonged exposure to UV light can also fade colours and weaken the material. For longer-lasting patio furniture, consider more durable outdoor furniture materials like cast aluminium. -
Why choose metal outdoor furniture like cast aluminium?
Cast aluminium is a popular option for metal outdoor furniture because it's naturally resistant to rust, doesn't warp in the sun, and handles extreme temperatures with ease. It’s also low maintenance and often comes with a timeless look that complements both classic and modern outdoor settings. -
Can I leave patio furniture outside all year round?
That depends on the material. While some metal furniture like cast aluminium is built to withstand outdoor conditions year-round, wooden and plastic pieces may suffer under extreme weather conditions or prolonged exposure to UV rays. It’s always a good idea to keep your furniture covered or stored indoors during extended periods of disuse or heavy rain. -
What’s the best way to protect garden furniture from harmful sun rays?
The easiest protective measure is to use garden furniture covers that are UV resistant and breathable. This protects furniture from direct sunlight, bird droppings, tree sap, and even heavy rain. You can also position your outdoor pieces in a shaded area, apply a protective coating (especially for wood), and use outdoor cushions with UV resistant fabrics to limit sun damage. -
How often should I clean my outdoor furniture?
Furniture regularly maintained lasts much longer. A quick clean every few weeks with mild soap and a soft brush helps remove dirt, pollen, and pollutants that could accelerate UV damage. After cleaning, always dry completely before covering or storing. -
Are outdoor cushions really necessary?
Yes — outdoor cushions do more than just provide comfort. They help prevent seats from overheating in direct sunlight and reduce wear on the furniture surface. Look for outdoor cushions made with UV resistant fabrics to keep them looking vibrant and fresh across multiple seasons. -
Which outdoor furniture materials are the most weather resistant?
Materials like cast aluminium and certain hardwoods (when properly treated) are considered highly weather resistant. These can withstand outdoor conditions, including UV rays, rain, and temperature changes, better than most plastic or untreated wood. -
What if I have a small patio?
Even in a small patio, the right furniture makes all the difference. Choose low maintenance, weather resistant options that are easy to move and store. A chairs set made from cast aluminium, for example, offers a perfect balance of style, durability, and space efficiency. -
Can I use indoor furniture outside if it's covered?
It's not recommended. Indoor furniture isn’t designed to withstand outdoor use, even if it's covered. Without weather resistance and UV protection, it may suffer structural damage or deteriorate quickly. Always opt for furniture built specifically for outdoor use to ensure safety and longevity.
