Sunny days, BBQs, and long evenings outside — British summers might be fleeting, but they’re pure magic while they last. But while you’re soaking up the sun, your garden furniture is taking the heat — quite literally.
UV rays, soaring temperatures, and fluctuating weather conditions can do a number on even the highest-quality outdoor sets. If you’ve ever noticed your rattan fading, cushions cracking, or wooden chairs warping, you’re not alone.
The good news? There are easy, practical steps you can take to protect your furniture, extend its life, and keep your garden looking effortlessly cool from May through to September.
UK Summers Are Getting Hotter
Here in the UK we may not be known for our sunshine — but lately, our gardens have been seeing blistering heat when we least expect it. Heatwaves are on the rise, and as noted in a recent article in The Times, June 2025 ranked as the UK’s second warmest June on record, with England logging its hottest June ever.
July 2025 followed suit, marking the fifth warmest July since records began in 1884, with highs reaching around 35.8°C in Kent. Climate experts warn that heatwaves in southern England, where Lazy Susan is based, are now twice as frequent as they were just a few decades ago — and these extreme temperature days are expected to become the norm.
That of course puts outdoor furniture in the firing line. UV rays and soaring temperatures are accelerating fading, material breakdown, and heat‑induced wear — especially in British gardens where intermittent showers don’t soften but hasten the sun’s impact.
While we’re basking in the sunshine, our patio sets need protection more than ever, so here’s our guide to defending your outdoor pieces from sun damage and heat — including why our cast aluminium range might just be your best investment this summer.
Why Heat & Sun Are Hard on Outdoor Furniture
First, a quick science lesson. UV rays from the sun break down molecular bonds in materials like plastic, wood, and even fabrics, causing fading, brittleness, and surface degradation. Combine that with heat, moisture, and temperature swings (hello, British weather), and your garden set is suddenly ageing faster than it should.
What you might see:
-
Wood turning grey or splitting
-
Fabrics fading and losing elasticity
-
Plastic cracking or going brittle
-
Rattan weakening and sagging
-
Metal surfaces becoming discoloured or too hot to touch
How to Protect Different Types of Patio Furniture
Luckily, you don’t need a garden shed full of equipment or an unlimited budget to keep your outdoor furniture looking and feeling great. Let’s break it down by material.
1. Wooden Garden Furniture (Teak, Acacia, Eucalyptus)
Wood is beautiful, timeless, and popular in UK gardens — especially teak and acacia. But it’s also prone to sun bleaching, drying, and cracking if left untreated.
DIY Protection Tips:
-
Apply a UV-resistant wood sealant annually to prevent greying and cracking.
-
Use breathable, waterproof covers when not in use to shield from sudden downpours and UV exposure.
-
Clean with soapy water and a soft brush, then let it fully dry before applying any oil or sealant.
-
For teak, consider using a specialised teak protector to maintain its golden hue (or leave it untreated for that natural silver-grey look).
Lazy Magazine Tip: Avoid varnishes — they can crack and peel under UV stress. Natural oils and sealants are much better long-term options in our opinion.
2. Rattan and Wicker (Natural or Synthetic)
Synthetic rattan is common in modern garden sets due to its weather resistance and sleek look. But both synthetic and natural fibres can suffer from UV exposure over time.
DIY Protection Tips:
-
Place in shaded areas when possible (under a parasol or pergola).
-
Use a UV spray protectant designed for plastic and synthetic materials.
-
Regularly clean with a mild detergent and warm water, using a soft cloth.
-
Store cushions indoors or in sealed storage boxes when not in use.
Lazy Magazine Tip: Avoid dragging furniture across patios—snagged fibres are more prone to heat-related snapping later on.
3. Plastic & Resin Furniture
Lightweight and often affordable, plastic chairs and tables are widely used — but they’re particularly vulnerable to brittling and colour fading.
DIY Protection Tips:
-
Keep plastic out of direct sunlight when not in use — store under shade or cover with UV-proof sheeting.
-
Clean with bicarbonate of soda and water to gently lift grime without stripping the plastics finish/sheen.
-
Apply a plastic restorer or conditioner to bring faded colours back to life.
Lazy Magazine Tip: We've always found that white plastic furniture benefits from a diluted vinegar rinse to tackle discolouration and algae build-up.
4. Metal Furniture: Steel, Iron, and Cast Aluminium
Metal garden furniture is a popular choice in UK gardens for its classic look, strength, and clean lines. But not all metals are created equal when it comes to handling sun and heat exposure.
Wrought iron is incredibly sturdy and often features in ornate, traditional designs. Steel on the otherhand is best suited to sleek modern styles. However, both can become extremely hot under direct sun, making them uncomfortable to touch — and even dangerous without cushions.
They’re also prone to rust if their powder coating or protective finish chips, particularly in coastal or damp environments. Once rust sets in, it can spread quickly and compromise the structural integrity of the furniture.
DIY Protection Tips:
-
Regularly inspect for chips, scratches, or worn paint, especially at joints and welds.
-
Apply a rust-resistant primer or clear protective topcoat annually to keep moisture at bay.
-
Use outdoor cushions or fabric covers to prevent surfaces from becoming too hot to sit on.
-
Store metal furniture under cover or in a shed during the winter months for added protection.
That brings us to cast aluminium — a modern, lightweight alternative that offers all the elegance of metal without some of the downsides.
It doesn’t rust, even when exposed to rain and damp, and it stays cooler to the touch compared to steel or iron. Thanks to its powder-coated finishes, our collection resists UV fading and heat-induced warping, and its weight makes it easy to move around yet stable in windy conditions.
DIY Protection Tips for Cast Aluminium:
-
Simply clean with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth — no need for sanding or sealing.
-
Avoid abrasive cleaners that can scratch the powder coating.
-
If needed, apply a light coat of car wax to enhance shine and prolong the finish.
Lazy Magazine Tip: Because cast aluminium is so low-maintenance, it’s ideal for busy households, rental properties, and anyone who wants a beautiful outdoor setup without constant upkeep. In short? If you want the durability of metal without the rust, weight, or heat retention, cast aluminium is your best bet for year-round UK garden living.
Why Cast Aluminium is a UK Outdoor Space Game-Changer
If you’re tired of covering, oiling, sealing, and sanding every summer, consider cast aluminium garden furniture. It’s the perfect all-rounder for UK conditions — combining style, strength, and convenience.
Here’s why it stands out:
-
Rust-Proof:
Unlike steel or iron, aluminium doesn’t rust — making it ideal for damp UK evenings and surprise showers. -
Lightweight:
Easy to move around the garden when you’re chasing sun or shade. -
Durable:
Sturdy enough to stay put during windy British weather. -
Heat-Resistant:
Doesn’t retain heat like other metals, so you won’t burn your legs on a sunny afternoon. -
Low Maintenance:
A quick wipe with soapy water is usually all it needs. -
Timeless Designs:
Available in classic and contemporary styles, often powder-coated for added protection and colour longevity.
If you’re looking for a set-and-forget solution that lasts for years, cast aluminium is well worth the investment — especially when paired with UV-resistant cushions.
General Sun & Heat Protection Tips
Whether your setup is teak and textiles or aluminium and acrylics, these universal DIY tips can make a huge difference in patio longevity:
-
Create Shade
Install a parasol, sail shade, or pergola to reduce direct sunlight exposure. It helps protect not just your furniture, but your skin too. -
Apply UV Protectants
From wood oils to plastic sprays, there are UV-blocking products for nearly every material. Apply seasonally for best results. -
Clean Regularly
Dirt, mould, and pollutants can accelerate material breakdown, especially when mixed with heat and sun. A simple wipe-down every two weeks works wonders. -
Store or Cover When Not in Use
Use breathable, waterproof covers to prevent moisture buildup while still blocking UV. Avoid clingy plastic tarps as they trap condensation. -
Ventilate Cushions and Upholstery
Don’t leave cushions baking in the sun. When not in use, store them in ventilated deck boxes or indoor spaces to avoid mildew and fading.
Small Habits, Big Difference
Protecting your outdoor furniture doesn’t mean fussing over it every weekend. A few smart habits — like regular cleaning, applying protectants, and creating shade — will give your set years of extra life.
And if you're ready to upgrade to a material that works with the weather, not against it, cast aluminium is a savvy, low-maintenance choice that blends form, function, and all-weather resilience.
Because let’s face it — in the UK, your furniture needs to handle sun, rain, and probably a rogue hailstorm. And the better it handles the elements, the more time you can spend relaxing, entertaining, and enjoying your garden in full summer swing.
Our Final Thoughts…
Good outdoor furniture isn’t just functional — it’s the backdrop to your best summer moments. From morning coffees to evening dinner parties, it helps shape the way you relax, connect, and entertain outdoors. And just like your indoor space, your garden deserves care, comfort, and style that lasts.
With a few smart habits — from choosing UV-resistant materials to using breathable covers and protective outdoor furniture treatments — you can keep your outdoor setup looking as good in September as it did in May. Whether you’re working with wood, rattan, or plastic, a little upkeep goes a long way.
But if you’re ready to invest in furniture that’s built for British weather, cast aluminium offers that rare balance of style, strength, and zero-fuss maintenance. It stands up to the elements, looks great year after year, and requires hardly any looking after — leaving you free to enjoy your garden, not worry about it.
So this summer, don’t just chase the sun — outsmart it. Your garden will thank you for it.
Looking for more garden styling tips, product recommendations, or maintenance tricks? Explore our latest magazine articles, or browse our curated range of cast aluminium garden furniture — engineered for UK gardens and made to last whatever the weather.
We’d love to see your garden in action too! Tag us on Instagram or Facebook using @LazySusanFurniture, or upload your photos to our Do Some Good campaign — and show us your garden soaking up the summer sun.
