Outdoor furniture is more than just a table and chairs — it’s what turns a patio into a living space.
A good set can give you the perfect spot for entertaining, relaxing, or simply enjoying your garden. But with so many styles, materials, and price points available, how do you choose?
That’s where this outdoor furniture buying guide comes in. Whether you’re planning for summer 2026 or shopping in the off-season for the best deals, this step-by-step guide will help you find the right outdoor furniture set for your home and lifestyle.
Why Autumn Is the Perfect Time to Buy Outdoor Furniture
Many people wait until spring or early summer to shop, but the smart money is on buying outdoor furniture in the autumn:
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Better deals
Retailers often run sales as peak season ends — shop the Lazy Susan Sale. -
More choice
You can secure the set you want before the stock runs low in spring. -
Ready for summer 2026
Your furniture is in place and waiting for the sunshine to return. -
Spread the cost
Buying now means you can budget for cushions, parasols, or accessories later.
Buying in the off-season means you’ll be prepared for next summer without the last-minute rush.
Step 1: Start with Lifestyle
Think about how you use your outdoor space. Your lifestyle should drive your choice of set.
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Relaxing?
Go for loungers, hammocks, or modular sofas. -
Entertaining?
Opt for a large dining table set or combine dining with a lounge area. -
Family time?
Look for durable, easy-clean furniture that works with kids and pets. -
Gardening?
Benches and bistro sets make the perfect rest stops to admire your handiwork.
Lazy Magazine Tip: The right set will make you want to spend more time outside, so always match furniture to your favourite activities.
Step 2: Choose a Style That Fits
Outdoor furniture should complement both your home and your garden. Popular UK styles include:
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Classical
Ornate cast aluminium or wrought iron. -
Contemporary
Clean lines, stainless steel, or resin. -
Rustic
Distressed wood, natural finishes. -
Coastal
Wicker and light, beach-inspired tones. -
Boho
Mix-and-match with colourful cushions.
Lazy Magazine Tip: Browse design magazines, Pinterest, Instagram, or showroom displays for inspiration. Then decide whether you want your garden to echo your home’s interior or create a contrasting look.
Step 3: Pick the Right Type of Set
Once you know your style, decide on the set type:
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Dining sets
Best for hosting meals outdoors. -
Lounge/sofa sets
Ideal for casual evenings. -
Bistro sets
Compact for small patios or balconies. -
Daybeds & sun loungers
Great for sun lovers. -
Modular/sectional sets
Flexible layouts for larger spaces. -
Swing chairs or garden benches
Add character and a cosy feel.
Lazy Magazine Tip: Think about how many people you usually host and whether you need more dining or lounging space. A big table works for dinner parties, but for casual hangs, mix in benches, sofas, chairs, and outdoor side or coffee tables.
Step 4: Understand Materials
The material you choose affects durability, maintenance, and look. Here are the most popular UK options:
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Cast aluminium
Weather-resistant, low maintenance, long-lasting. -
Wrought iron/steel
Strong and classic, but heavier and can rust without care. -
Teak and hardwoods
Timeless, durable, but requires regular treatment. -
Synthetic rattan
Stylish and versatile, but lower-cost options may fade. -
Plastic resin
Affordable and lightweight, but less durable.
Lazy Magazine Tip: UK gardens face damp conditions, so prioritise rust resistance and low maintenance unless you’re happy with seasonal upkeep.
Step 5: Measure Your Space
Before buying, measure your patio or garden carefully:
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Allow 50–70cm of clearance around dining chairs.
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Factor in doors, pathways, and plant beds.
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Consider sunlight and shade throughout the day.
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Mock up layouts with chalk, tape, or on graph paper before you buy to check fit and function.
Lazy Magazine Tip: Nothing’s worse than falling in love with a set that doesn’t fit. Measure your space first, and think about how furniture will flow with walkways, doors, or other features. Leaving a little breathing room makes your outdoor area feel inviting, not cramped.
Step 6: Check Size and Scale
Beyond the footprint, consider how the set feels in terms of proportion:
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Small patio?
Bistro or compact dining sets work best. -
Large patio?
Go bold with an 8–10 seater or a mix of dining and lounge areas. -
Storage needs?
Will you cover, stack, or move pieces inside during winter?
Lazy Magazine Tip: Well-proportioned furniture makes a space feel balanced and inviting. Oversized sets can crowd a patio, while undersized ones get lost in larger gardens. Choose furniture that feels balanced with the space to create a welcoming, harmonious look.
Step 7: Set a Budget
Outdoor furniture is an investment. To spend wisely:
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Decide your maximum budget upfront.
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Allocate more for quality, long-lasting pieces.
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Don’t forget extras like cushions, parasols, or covers.
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Look for bundle deals that add value (many retailers discount accessories when purchased with a set).
Lazy Magazine Tip: Remember that cheap sets often need replacing sooner. Quality saves money long term.
Step 8: Shop Smart
Whether you shop online or in-store:
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Compare prices
Especially in the off-season. -
Check reviews
Trustpilot and Google Reviews reveal customer experience. -
Look at warranties
A 2–3 year guarantee is standard for quality furniture. -
Avoid impulse buys
Stick to your style, size, and material checklist.
Shop with a checklist. Take note of your style, size, and budget notes when shopping — it keeps you focused, helps avoid impulse buys, and makes comparing options much easier.
Step 9: Delivery and Setup
When your furniture arrives:
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Follow instructions carefully.
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Assemble on a flat surface with the right tools.
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Ask a friend to help with heavier items.
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Position furniture to make the most of sun, shade, and views.
Lazy Magazine Tip: Take your time arranging. A smart layout makes all the difference in how you use your garden. Experiment with different positions before settling — the right setup can open up space, improve flow, and make your outdoor area far more inviting.
Step 10: Aftercare and Maintenance
Extend the life of your set with regular upkeep:
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Clean
Mild soap and water (avoid harsh chemicals). -
Protect
Use covers in winter or during heavy rain. -
Store cushions
Keep them dry when not in use. -
Inspect
Tighten bolts, touch up chips, and reseal wood annually.
Lazy Magazine Tip: Small, regular maintenance keeps your set looking new for years. After washing and drying our cast aluminium furniture, apply a light coat of car wax. It adds a subtle shine, helps repel water, and gives extra protection against the elements — making your set easier to clean next time and extending its life.
Quick FAQs
What material is best for the UK weather?
Cast aluminium and teak are the most weather-resistant. Synthetic rattan is also popular if you choose a high-quality option.
How long does outdoor furniture last?
With proper care, quality sets last 10+ years. Lower-cost sets may only last 2–3 summers.
Is autumn the best time to buy?
Yes — prices are lower, stock is available, and you’ll be ready for next summer.
Shopping the Lazy Susan Collection
At Lazy Susan, we specialise in low-maintenance cast aluminium outdoor furniture designed for UK gardens. Our hand-finished dining tables, bistro sets, benches, and loungers combine classical style with modern durability.
Shop now to take advantage of off-season deals, and your set will be ready and waiting for summer 2026.
Our Final Thoughts...
Buying outdoor furniture doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Start by focusing on your lifestyle — how you’ll actually use your garden — then narrow down by space, style, and material. With those basics in mind, the right set will quickly reveal itself.
Shopping in autumn is one of the smartest moves you can make. Not only can you take advantage of seasonal savings and wider availability, but you’ll also be fully prepared for summer 2026 without the stress of the spring rush. Your furniture will be waiting for you the moment the sunshine arrives.
At the end of the day, the best outdoor furniture set is the one that gets you outside more often, whether that’s hosting friends, enjoying family meals, or simply relaxing in your own slice of the outdoors.
And when your new Lazy Susan set finds its place in your garden, we’d love to see it. Share your photos with us on Instagram or Facebook by tagging @LazySusanFurniture, or upload them directly through our website.
Every photo shared supports our Do Some Good charity campaign — so while you’re enjoying your new furniture, you’re also helping us give back.
