Flat-pack furniture has become a staple in UK homes, but when it comes to our outdoor spaces, many homeowners ask: Is flat-pack garden furniture easy to assemble?
The idea of setting up a dining table, bench, or chair in your garden can feel daunting, especially for those accustomed to pre-assembled furniture. Modern design innovations — particularly in cast aluminium garden furniture — have made assembly not just straightforward, but a surprisingly satisfying part of creating your ideal outdoor space.
At Lazy Susan Furniture, we’ve created a ready-to-assemble outdoor furniture range that combines the convenience of flat-pack design with durable, long-lasting materials. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of garden furniture assembly, the advantages of shipping pieces ready to assemble, and share practical tips for setting up your new cast aluminium patio dining set.
Why flat-pack furniture makes sense for outdoor spaces
We recently looked at the reasons why we sell our collection online in our Is garden furniture cheaper online or in-store in the UK? article. In that, we highlighted home delivery as a key benefit:
"Forget hiring a van — your outdoor furniture arrives directly at your home, ready to assemble and enjoy. While shipping costs can vary between retailers, Lazy Susan offers free or low-cost delivery across the UK — giving customers peace of mind and no hidden surprises at checkout."
We went on to say that even in-store shopping presents challenges in terms of getting the furniture home and set up:
"There’s also the issue of practicality. Large items of furniture can be difficult to transport, and local stores may charge extra for home delivery. By contrast, shopping online eliminates the need for a showroom visit and ensures your purchase arrives at your door — ready to enhance your outdoor space."
Shipping bulky furniture can be a challenge, and large, pre-assembled outdoor furniture sets are heavy, cumbersome, and prone to damage during transit. By contrast, flat-pack furniture allows for compact, protected packaging that reduces delivery costs and the risk of scratches or dents.
For UK homeowners, this translates into better value and more options. Whether you’re furnishing a small urban patio or a sprawling country garden, the ability to assemble furniture yourself provides flexibility without compromising on quality. Flat-pack garden furniture isn’t just about convenience; it ensures every item arrives intact, ready to build in situ with precision and ease.
Key benefits of flat-pack for outdoor furniture:
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Secure and compact packaging
Protects parts during delivery. -
Ease of transport
Large items like dining tables or benches can fit in a standard car or delivery van. -
Reduced shipping costs
Allowing more competitive prices for UK customers. -
Environmental advantage
Efficient packaging reduces your carbon footprint.
Garden furniture assembly: Why cast aluminium is ideal
A common worry with flat-pack garden furniture is the perceived complexity of assembly.
Many assume that wooden or rattan sets are easier because they often arrive fully built. In reality, cast aluminium outdoor furniture is lighter, sturdier, and engineered for straightforward setup.
Why cast aluminium is perfect for flat-pack garden furniture:
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Lightweight components
Makes moving pieces easier for one or two people. -
Precision-engineered parts
Fit together seamlessly without force or adjustment. -
Durable materials
Built to withstand UK weather with minimal maintenance, giving homeowners long-term value.
With the right tools and a little patience, even first-time assemblers can assemble furniture confidently. Zero glue or extra hardware is needed, ensuring that your set is secure, stable, and ready to enjoy out of the box.
How Lazy Susan furniture makes assembly hassle-free
Lazy Susan furniture is crafted to simplify garden furniture assembly. Each set arrives as Ready-To-Assemble (RTA), with clearly labelled parts and step-by-step instructions.
The components are pre-drilled, often bolts are pre-positioned, and/or packaged in blister packs (as shown at the bottom of the above customer photo) to minimise damage and make the setup process as smooth as possible.
Assembly Process Overview (based on our best-selling June Table set):
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Unbox and get organised
Lay out all parts on a clean, soft surface. Check that each component matches the included checklist. Typical items include:-
1 x Tabletop
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4 x Legs
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1 x Under Shelf
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Bolts, washers, nuts, and nut caps in blister pack
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Assembly tools (e.g., spanner or Allen key)
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Review instructions carefully
Read the instruction sheet carefully before starting. If you don’t have a printed copy, a PDF is available on the product page, or Customer Service can assist. -
Prepare your workspace
Use a protective mat, foam, or the cardboard we ship in (as shown in the customer photo above) to prevent scratches on the finish during assembly. -
Assemble the table
Attach the table legs to the under shelf using the supplied bolts, washers, and nuts. Begin by finger-tightening, then secure fully once all connections are in place. -
Assemble the chairs
Attach the seat, legs, and backrest in the correct order. Each step is clearly numbered to ensure precision. Even solo assemblers can handle the process, though two people can make handling large components easier. -
Add any finishing touches
Slide on and secure cushions, check all screws, and ensure everything is stable and secure.
Lazy Magazine's Pro Tips for Easy Assembly:
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Use the right tools
The included spanner or Allen key is usually sufficient, but your own tools can also be used. -
Take your time
Double-check components before starting to avoid delays. -
Allow sufficient time
Rushing increases the chance of mistakes. -
Seek help for heavy items
Two people make lifting and alignment safer, especially with our larger tabletops.
Lazy Susan’s design ensures ease of assembly, letting homeowners enjoy their outdoor space without unnecessary hassle.
Flat-pack vs pre-assembled garden furniture
Many homeowners wonder whether they should choose flat-pack garden furniture or fully pre-assembled options. While pre-assembled sets seem convenient, they come with downsides:
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Higher shipping cost due to bulkier packaging
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Greater risk of damage during transit
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Limited delivery options for large items
By contrast, flat-pack garden furniture assembly provides:
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Compact packaging that reduces shipping costs
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Secure transport with less risk of scratches or dents
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Flexible delivery — easier to fit through narrow hallways or staircases
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Satisfying setup experience — giving you control over placement and final adjustments
Step-by-step: assembling a Lazy Susan patio dining set
Here’s a practical overview of setting up a typical Lazy Susan cast aluminium dining set (again, we have used our best-selling June set as an example):
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Unpack components and organise on a soft surface.
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Attach table legs to the under shelf with supplied hardware. Ensure level placement before fully tightening.
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Assemble chairs by connecting seat bases to backrests. Use the correct bolts for each joint.
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Check stability and tighten screws carefully.
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Add cushions or accessories. Position your set in your garden or patio to complete the look.
💡 Lazy Magazine Assembly Tip: Finger-tighten first, then secure with tools. Before you fully tighten any bolts or screws, start by finger-tightening all connections first. This ensures that each part of the frame aligns correctly and that no components are under tension or misaligned. Once every bolt is in place and the structure is sitting evenly, you can go back and tighten everything securely with tools. This step prevents cross-threading, reduces the risk of stripping bolts, and allows for slight adjustments during assembly — helping the finished set sit square and stable once complete. If the bolt feels a little tight, then apply a little WD-40 before you finger-tighten.
Following these steps, a table and four chairs can typically be assembled in 1–2 hours (around 10 to 20 mins per piece), depending on experience.
With pre-drilled components, secure fittings, and thoughtful packaging, the process is stress-free and manageable for most UK homeowners.
Why flat-pack furniture is actually a benefit
Flat-pack furniture isn’t just about convenience — it offers tangible advantages for outdoor living:
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Cost efficiency
Lower shipping volume means more affordable prices for the same quality materials. -
Transport ease
Ideal for small cars, lifts, or tight entrances. -
Protection during delivery
Less risk of damage, scratches, or dents. -
Flexible setup
Assemble at your own pace, expand your outdoor space, or reposition furniture later.
By embracing flat-pack furniture, homeowners gain practicality, value, and control, while enjoying peace of mind that each piece arrives protected and ready to build.
Choosing the right set for your garden
When picking your set, consider:
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Type of furniture
Dining table sets, garden benches, sun loungers, bistros, coffee table sets, etc. -
Space available
Measure your patio or garden carefully -
Materials
Cast aluminium is durable, lightweight, and easy to assemble -
Accessories
Cushions, parasols, or side tables, etc.
RTA sets allow careful planning and placement, ensuring your furniture complements your outdoor space while remaining easy to handle and assemble.
Flat-pack furniture tips for UK homeowners:
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Visit our product pages to view products in detail before purchasing.
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Review the assembly instructions online or in the packaging.
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Keep tools handy and allocate enough time to complete assembly work.
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Organise parts before starting and use protective surfaces to prevent damage.
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Ask for help for heavier items to maintain secure handling.
Following these steps, assembling a dining set or bench becomes a smooth, rewarding experience. You can depend on the simplicity of Lazy Susan’s flat-pack system to furnish your garden efficiently.
Our final thoughts: Flat-pack garden furniture made easy
Flat-pack garden furniture doesn’t have to be complicated. Lazy Susan’s cast aluminium sets combine durable materials, intuitive design, and thoughtfully prepared components to make garden furniture assembly simple, stress-free, and enjoyable.
Whether you assemble your furniture solo or with a friend, you can quickly enjoy your outdoor space, confident that your set is stable, attractive, and built to last. By embracing flat-pack furniture, UK homeowners save time, money, and effort, all while creating a functional and beautiful garden environment.
Setting up a new dining table, bench, or full set is a simple, rewarding process that gives you control over your garden layout, making your outdoor space ready for relaxation, entertaining, and long-term enjoyment.
We’d love to see how you create your perfect outdoor space. Share your garden table moments with us on Instagram or Facebook by tagging @LazySusanFurniture, or join our Do Some Good campaign by uploading photos of beautifully styled tables.
