Gone are the days when the garden is just a patch of lawn, a bit of patio, and maybe a washing line. Today, it’s our summer dining room, our weekend lounge, our social hang spot — all wrapped up in one beautifully versatile inside/outside space.
Even a small patio or balcony can become a favourite for morning coffee, a quiet read, or a lively barbecue. From our compact, cosy Bella coffee table sets to a full Catherine dining table spread, we think outdoor spaces are finally getting the attention they deserve.
And here’s the thing: the off-season — yes, even when it’s cold, grey, windy, and wet — is the perfect time to plan and prep your garden furniture area for Summer 2026. Get organised now, and when the first rays of summer hit, your patio will be ready to roll. No scrambling to buy, no last-minute delivery panics — just lots of relaxing, enjoying your outside space, and maybe even impressing a few guests and neighbours along the way.
At Lazy Susan, when we say garden furniture DIY, we’re not asking you to hammer together a wooden bench from scratch. Instead, it’s about a more hands-on approach: Assembling your furniture, arranging it thoughtfully, and caring for it so it lasts summer after summer.
And this guide is packed with DIY assembly advice, maintenance tips, and a dash of inspiration to help you do all of the above with our range — without any of the stress.
1. Why DIY garden furniture is on the rise in the UK
Our gardens are evolving, and so is the furniture we put in them. Homeowners want sets, pieces, and accessories that are flexible, practical, and easy to manage.
That’s why DIY-friendly furniture — think simple, well-made, and ready-to-assemble — is growing in popularity:
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We now view our patios as outdoor living rooms
The garden isn’t just somewhere to mow the grass anymore. A well-chosen set will turn your patio into a place you’ll actually want to spend real quality time. It becomes somewhere we can relax after work, host friends, or even enjoy a quiet breakfast in the sun come the weekend. -
Flatpack convenience = budget-friendly outdoor living
Flatpack furniture is ideal for UK homes, where gardens can be compact and access tricky. It’s easy to ship, simple to assemble, and, in our case, often sturdier than many of the big box pre-built sets. Want the lowdown on why it works so well? Then, please check out the benefits of flatpack and self-assembly outdoor furniture. -
Flexibility matters when it comes to garden table sets
One of the best things about DIY garden furniture is its adaptability. You can move it around, reconfigure your seating, add a coordinating side table, or even swap chairs for your bench at the other end of the garden, depending on the occasion. If you like hosting, this flexibility is a real bonus. It’s no longer just a trend — order online DIY furniture is becoming the go-to choice for UK homeowners.
2. What you’ll need before you start building your new Lazy Susan furniture
Before we dive into assembly, like the Scouts' motto, it pays to be prepared when it comes to garden furniture DIY. A little planning now saves frustration later.
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Assembly
Pick a flat, level patio, deck, or lawn space that is perfect for this job. -
Tools
All our sets come with all the necessary hardware. Keep your spanner, allen key, and screwdriver handy. -
Conditions
Dry days make assembly easier, and good light will help prevent mistakes. -
Protection
Lay the furniture pieces on blankets, cardboard (as shown above in the customer photo), or grass to protect metal surfaces from chips. Work gloves are optional but handy.
Lazy Magazine Top Tip: Keep everything you need close by and in a plastic container or on a tray — screws, tools, instructions — so you’re not scrambling mid-build and losing parts. You’ll also find plenty of assembly videos on our YouTube channel, so it’s worth giving them a quick watch before you start too.
3. Step-by-step: Putting together your new patio furniture
Our cast aluminium dining sets, bistro tables, and coffee tables are designed for quick, stress-free assembly — even if you’ve never built furniture before, it is simple, nut and bolt.
Here’s the simplified version of how it all comes together:
1. Unpack & Prepare Your Workspace
Lay out all parts, including the legs, panels, tabletops, bolts, and tools provided. Cast aluminium is lightweight, so everything is easy to move and organise.
Lazy Magazine Top Tip: Build on a soft surface — use the cardboard box (as shown above), bubble wrap, or a blanket — to protect the finish while you work.
2. Assemble the Chairs First
Start by attaching the legs to the seat frame, finger-tightening the bolts so you can adjust as needed. Add the backrest (and armrests if included), again starting loosely. Once everything lines up nicely, go back and tighten all the bolts properly for a sturdy, wobble-free chair. Don't forget to screw in the feet pads. These protect the metal from chips and provide adjustment on uneven patios.
3. Build the Table
Place the tabletop face down on a soft protective surface. Secure the legs to the top using the pre-aligned bolt points. Add the base or support bracket where applicable, finger-tighten, then tighten everything fully once the table is level. Our slot-and-lock and self-aligning systems make this a quick job, but on our larger tables, this is best done by 2 people. Again, don't forget the protective screw-in feet.
4. Final Checks & Enjoy
Give the pieces a gentle shake, adjust the feet if needed, and you’re ready to go. Because our furniture is lightweight, rust-proof, and weather-resistant, it’s easy to move into place and built to last for years with minimal fuss.
For more help and building tips: See our Is Self-Assembly Easy? article.
4. Care tips: Keeping metal patio furniture looking its best
Even our low-maintenance cast aluminium benefits from a little TLC now and then. A few simple habits will keep your furniture looking its best and ready to use for years to come.
Quick Regular Clean
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Use a soft brush or cloth with mild soapy water to lift dirt, dust, pollen, bird droppings, etc.
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Rinse lightly with a garden hose and dry with a clean cloth to prevent water spots.
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Cast aluminium is naturally resilient, so this is usually all it needs. If you want to keep it clean longer, then a light coat of car wax gives it a nice lustre.
Seasonal Checks
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Give bolts and fixings a quick inspection in spring and autumn, tightening where necessary.
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Check they are in place and adjust the screw-in feet if needed for uneven patios or decking to keep everything protected, stable and wobble-free.
- If you find any chips and scratches, touch them up to prevent compromising the painted finish.
Cushions & Covers
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ALWAYS store our cushions and parasols indoors when not in use to keep them fresh and prolong their life.
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If the furniture can’t be brought inside over winter, use breathable, waterproof covers to protect it from dirt and debris.
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AVOID any harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners — they can damage the powder-coated finish.
For more details, see Can You Use a Pressure Washer to Clean Your Garden Furniture? and Patio Cleaning Made Easy.
5. Why cast aluminium furniture works in UK gardens
Lazy Susan’s powder-coated cast aluminium furniture is built to withstand the changeable weather here in the UK:
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Durable and weather-resistant
Rain, frost, or shine, it keeps going. -
Low maintenance
Wipe down occasionally, and you’re done. -
Lightweight but strong
Easy to move, stable once in place. -
Flatpack & RTA-friendly
Simple to deliver across the UK. -
Timeless design
Modern, classic, or somewhere in between — it suits any patio.
In our opinion, this combination has made cast aluminium the material best suited to gardens in the UK.
6. FAQs — Quick Answers
Q: Do I need many tools?
A: No. Our sets come with all hardware and tools; If you prefer your own, then a good screwdriver, spanner and allen key is all you'll need.
Q: Can I leave aluminium furniture outside year-round?
A: Yes — but wipe down after heavy rain to avoid watermarks and cover it in winter to keep it ready to use.
Q: Is DIY assembly convenient?
A: Absolutely. Our RTA furniture is packaged for safe, easy shipping, which means fewer delivery hiccups and less risk of damage. It also makes getting your new set into the garden, even through tight access points, super simple, and you can store them until you or the weather is ready for you to build.
7. Off-season planning: Be summer-ready in 2026
The quieter winter and early spring months are the perfect time to think about how you want your garden to look and feel when the warmer weather returns. With no pressure to rush outside and use the space, you can plan properly and make thoughtful decisions that will pay off come summer.
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Measure up and map it out
Take a few minutes to measure your patio or garden area and sketch a rough layout. It helps you understand what will genuinely fit and how to make the most of your space — whether that’s a dining set, a bistro corner, or a relaxed seating arrangement. -
Review what you already have
If you own our cast aluminium pieces already, winter is a great time to clean them, check fixings, and decide whether you want to expand your set or refresh the look with new cushions or accessories. -
Think about how you want to use the space
Planning for quiet morning coffees? Or do you host family lunches and summer barbecues? Your lifestyle can guide whether you prioritise a dining table, a compact coffee table setup, or a mix of both. -
Plan upgrades or additions early
Whether you’re adding a larger dining set, replacing older furniture, or introducing a complementary piece like a side table or parasol, off-season ordering often means better availability and fewer missed summer days. -
Consider flow and comfort
Think about how people will move around the space — especially if you entertain. Leave comfortable walkways, create shaded areas, and make sure seating feels sociable and inviting.
A little prep now means your space will be ready to relax, entertain, and impress once summer arrives.
8. Lazy Magazine conclusion: Stress-free outdoor living
From coffee tables and benches to full patio dining sets, our cast aluminium range makes outdoor living easy:
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Simple garden furniture DIY assembly with clear instructions.
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Durable, weatherproof, and low-maintenance.
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Flatpack delivery makes shipping across the UK simple and budget-friendly.
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Timeless style that suits modern or traditional patios alike.
Lazy Magazine Tip: If you’re new to garden furniture DIY, start small. A 2-seater bistro set or coffee table with bench is a great place to start but they'll make a big difference to your outside space. Once you’re confident, expand with our larger patio dining sets or even get creative with DIY projects like creating a garden bar area our full outdoor kitchen zone.
We’d love to see your outdoor spaces! Share your moments on Instagram or Facebook using @LazySusanFurniture. Every post inspires others and supports our Do Some Good campaign.
