After a winter of snow, rain, wind, and frost, our garden furniture has been well and truly put through its paces. And even with spring around the corner, UK outdoor spaces rarely get a break from Mother Nature, so even the most weather-resistant of furniture materials will benefit from a little TLC at this time of year.
If you choose to leave it on the patio over winter, then this is where our cast aluminium collection really earns its stripes. We've carefully designed it specifically for UK gardens. You can leave it outside all-year-round. It will not rust, rot, or warp, and it needs way less maintenance than many other materials.
That said, left outside, without a cover, it will get dirty, just like anything else, be it the patio itself or your car on the driveway. So, a simple clean and a few protective steps can keep it looking like new, enhance the finish, and make sure it is ready for everything summer brings, from quiet morning coffees to family BBQs.
In this guide, the Lazy Magazine team are looking at why cast aluminium is perfectly suited to the UK climate, how it compares to wood garden furniture, plastic furniture, and rattan, and exactly how we like to clean, protect, and maintain our cast aluminium furniture so it looks its best season after season.
Why our cast aluminium garden furniture works so well in the UK
Cast aluminium is one of the most practical materials you can choose when buying new garden furniture in the UK. We like to say it’s a great all-rounder, with more pros in terms of our climate and fewer cons than the other popular materials.
Unlike iron or steel, aluminium does not rust. Unlike wood, it does not absorb moisture, crack, or suffer from rot and decay. Unlike plastic and poly-rattan furniture, it does not fade quickly, become brittle, blow over in a breeze, or lose its shape over time.
Our traditional casting process allows aluminium to be formed into strong, detailed designs that feel reassuringly solid while remaining lightweight and easy to move, making it a natural fit for the modern garden.
The full range is finished with a high-quality powder coating that provides long-lasting protection against sun, rain, damp, frost, and fluctuating temperatures.
It is a very low-effort, low-maintenance option for busy households, smaller patios, and anyone who would rather just sit back and enjoy their garden rather than constantly treating, repairing, or even replacing their furniture.
Cast aluminium vs other garden furniture materials
Choosing the right garden furniture starts with understanding how different materials perform in our gardens. From there, it’s about choosing what best fits the type of space you have and the way you enjoy using it:
1. Wooden garden furniture
Wooden garden furniture, including high-end teak, eucalyptus, and other hardwoods, has a natural warmth and charm. However, wood requires regular maintenance to keep it looking good. Wood stains, oils, or preservative treatments are essential to protect it from rot, mould, and decay. Softwood furniture in particular can suffer quickly if left wet or exposed over winter. Without regular care, wood can crack, fade, or turn silvery grey (some like this patina, but we think it ages the furniture, fast), so many sets need storing indoors or in a garage when the weather turns. Cast aluminium does not need staining, oiling, or sealing, and it will not absorb moisture.
2. Plastic and resin furniture
Plastic garden furniture is often chosen for its low cost and lightweight nature. Over time, it can fade in direct sunlight, become brittle in cold weather, and crack under pressure. Plastic furniture also tends to show wear quickly, it scuffs easily, and may need replacing more often. Cast aluminium, on the other hand, offers far greater durability, a more premium look, and better long-term value. It retains its colour, resists corrosion, and feels more substantial.
3. Rattan and woven materials
Synthetic rattan furniture can look stylish, but it often hides metal frames that may rust if water gets inside and the metal is not powder-coated. Dirt and mould can often build up in the weave too, making cleaning more time-consuming and also causing them to split. Cushions are also essential as plastics and poly-rattans can be sticky to sit on in summer, so they will need careful storing and frequent washing. Cast aluminium has a smooth surface that is easy to clean, does not trap dirt, and is far less likely to harbour mould.
How to Spring-clean our cast aluminium garden furniture
After winter, a gentle clean is usually all our cast aluminium furniture needs to get it looking fresh and ready for summer.
All you will need is:
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Warm soapy water
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A soft cloth or sponge
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A soft-bristled brush for detailed areas
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A bucket
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Clean water for rinsing
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A garden hose (no need for a pressure washer)
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And as an optional step, a carnauba-style car wax
Avoid any abrasive brushes, harsh chemicals, or pressure washing, as these can damage the painted finish.
Lazy Magazine's step-by-step cleaning method:
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Clear Debris
Start by brushing off any loose dirt, leaves, or debris that may have collected on the furniture over winter. This helps prevent scratching the paint when you begin washing and makes the cleaning process more effective. -
Mix Solution
Fill a bucket with warm water and add a small amount of mild washing-up liquid or, our go-to, car shampoo. There's no need for any specialist cleaners. A gentle soapy solution is all that is required to soften grime and clean cast aluminium safely. -
Gentle Wash
Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the soapy water and gently clean all surfaces of the furniture. Take your time and work methodically, remembering to clean the less visible areas, such as the underside of tables and chairs, where dirt can easily accumulate. -
Tackle Stains
If you come across stubborn stains or built-up grime, use a soft-bristled brush to get into the detailed latticework areas. Avoid scrubbing too hard, as this can damage the painted finish. If anything is baked on by the sun, just let the cloth or sponge sit on it for 5 mins to soften. -
Rinse Clean
Once washing is complete, rinse the furniture thoroughly with clean water to remove all soap residue. A garden hose works well, especially for reaching intricate details. You don't need to use a pressure washer, but if you do, turn it down low and set it to a wide fan. -
Dry Finish
Allow the furniture to air-dry naturally or wipe it down with a clean, dry cloth to speed things up. For most of our garden furniture sets, this entire process takes around 30 mins and delivers an immediate, visible improvement.
While the above should remove most winter dirt and grime, if you have any stubborn stains, then the following guides should help:
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How to clean bird poo off your garden furniture
We almost feel like we are tackling something a little taboo here. The thing that happens (a lot) but goes unspoken. Well, the team here at Lazy Susan aren’t afraid to address the elephant in the room, and we think it needs to be discussed about our metal garden furniture. -
How to remove tree sap from outdoor furniture
We’ve had a couple of emails and messages on social media over the last few months asking us how to remove tree sap from outdoor furniture. I think it worries a lot of people because, both tacky or dried on, it sticks fast, and can at first feel impossible to remove. -
How do you remove insect stains from white metal patio furniture?
Insect stains are a common problem on white metal patio furniture here in the UK, especially during the warmer months when activity is at its peak. However, while they are a problem in terms of being unsightly, stained chairs and tables are not somewhere you would want to sit or eat; they're generally pretty easy to remove if you keep on top of things.
Protecting cast aluminium for long-lasting durability
Although cast aluminium is weather-resistant, a few simple steps can further enhance protection and help maintain its like-new finish:
1. Applying a light coat of car wax
Once furniture is clean and dry, we like to apply a light coat of car wax to provide extra protection. Use a soft cloth to apply a thin layer, then buff gently. This helps repel water, reduce dirt build-up, and enhance the colour and finish of the paint. This step is optional, but it is particularly useful for furniture that is exposed to heavy rain or positioned in open spaces all year.
2. Using breathable furniture covers
Breathable covers are ideal during winter or prolonged wet weather. They protect against dirt and rain without trapping moisture, which can lead to mould or surface marks. Always ensure furniture is clean and dry before covering, and avoid plastic covers that restrict airflow. You don't need to use them with our range, but it does mean when the sun shines, you can whip them off, and it is clean, dry and ready to use.
3. Touching up paint chips and marks
Cast aluminium is extremely durable, but small paint chips can occasionally occur if furniture is moved or knocked. Touching up these areas helps protect the metal beneath and maintain the original finish and colour. Clean the area, allow it to dry, then apply matching paint carefully with a small brush. This simple step helps prevent further damage and keeps your furniture looking great.
4. Caring for cushions and cushion covers
Our cushions are designed for comfort and style, but they benefit from a little care too. Cushion covers should be removed and washed according to the care instructions. Regular washing helps prevent mould and keeps colours fresh. When not in use, store cushions indoors, in a garage, or in a breathable storage box. Avoid leaving cushions in direct sunlight for extended periods, as this can cause fading over time.
Lazy Magazine's seasonal garden furniture care checklist
To keep things simple, here is a quick seasonal guide to cast aluminium garden furniture care:
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Season |
What to do |
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Spring |
Clean with warm soapy water, inspect paint, and apply car wax if desired |
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Summer |
Rinse occasionally, clean spills, store cushions when not in use |
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Autumn |
Clean before winter, check for chips, and use breathable covers |
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Winter |
Leave furniture outside if needed, cover it if you want to keep it clean, and always store cushions indoors |
Why we think cast aluminium is a smart long-term investment
From a consumer perspective, our cast aluminium garden furniture offers excellent durability, minimal maintenance, and long-term value.
It suits UK gardens where the weather can change quickly, and it avoids the regular treatments required by wood or the frequent replacement associated with plastic furniture.
Our range combines practical design with timeless style. The colours, finishes, and patterns are created to enhance outdoor spaces, whether you have a compact patio or a larger area designed for entertaining.
For UK homeowners, and trade customers for that matter, cast aluminium provides peace of mind, durability, and lasting appeal.
Get your garden summer-ready with Lazy Susan
Spring is the perfect time to clean, protect, and refresh your Lazy Susan garden furniture. A little TLC now means your outdoor space is ready to use come summer sunshine.
Cast aluminium makes garden furniture care and maintenance refreshingly simple. A bucket of warm, soapy water, a cloth, a few simple steps, and your Lazy Susan furniture will continue to look beautiful summer after summer.
We love seeing how our customers bring their outdoor spaces to life with our furniture, too. If you would like to share yours, tag @LazySusanFurniture on Instagram or Facebook. Every photo shared helps support our Do Some Good charity campaign, so your summer moments can make a difference.
Cast aluminium garden furniture maintenance and protection FAQs
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How do you clean cast aluminium garden furniture?
The best way to clean cast aluminium garden furniture is with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth or sponge. Gently wash all surfaces, rinse thoroughly with clean water, and allow it to dry naturally. Avoid abrasive brushes or harsh cleaning products. -
Can cast aluminium garden furniture be left outside all year?
Yes, cast aluminium garden furniture can be left outside all year round. It is weather-resistant and will not rust, rot, or corrode. Using breathable covers and storing cushions indoors during winter will help keep them looking their best. -
Does cast aluminium garden furniture rust?
No, cast aluminium does not rust. Unlike iron or steel, aluminium is naturally corrosion-resistant, making it ideal for UK gardens that experience frequent rain and damp conditions. -
Is cast aluminium better than wooden garden furniture?
Cast aluminium requires far less maintenance than wooden garden furniture. Wood often needs regular staining, oiling, or preservative treatment to prevent rot and decay. Cast aluminium does not absorb moisture and keeps its appearance with minimal effort. -
Can you repaint cast aluminium garden furniture?
Yes, small paint chips or marks can be touched up using our Touch Up Paints. Cleaning the area first and applying paint carefully will help restore the original colour and protect the surface. Our How to touch up paint chips and scratches article walks you through the process, and it is shown in the video below: -
Should cushions be stored indoors?
Cushions should be stored indoors, in a garage, or in a dry storage box when not in use, especially during winter. This helps prevent mould, fading, and moisture damage to cushion covers. -
Why is cast aluminium good for UK gardens?
Cast aluminium is ideal for UK gardens because it is weather-resistant, does not rust or rot, and requires minimal maintenance. It handles rain, damp conditions, and temperature changes better than wood or plastic furniture. -
How often should garden furniture be cleaned?
Garden furniture should be cleaned at least twice a year, ideally in spring and autumn. Additional cleaning may be needed after prolonged wet weather or heavy use during summer. -
What is the easiest garden furniture to maintain?
Cast aluminium garden furniture is one of the easiest materials to maintain. It only requires occasional cleaning with soapy water and benefits from simple protective measures like breathable covers.
