What is the best material for a patio bistro set?

Choosing the best material for a new patio bistro set depends on your outdoor space, personal taste, budget, and, in the UK especially, the unpredictable weather.

As Jane Austen once said, “to sit in the shade on a fine day and look upon verdure is the most perfect refreshment”, — and what better way to enjoy the lush greenery of a garden than from a charming bistro set?

From timeless wrought iron to modern cast aluminium, there are several materials commonly used in the UK outdoor furniture industry today. Each offers unique benefits and potential drawbacks. So, what is best for your garden, patio, or balcony?

In this article, the Lazy Magazine team are breaking down the most popular materials on the market and exploring why cast aluminium continues to be the number one choice for intimate dining al fresco in UK gardens.

A quick look at the popular garden bistro materials on sale in the UK

Material	Weather Resistance	Maintenance	Weight	Style Versatility	Price Point
Cast Aluminium	Excellent	Low	Lightweight	High	Mid-High
Wrought Iron	Moderate	High	Very Heavy	Classic	High
Wood (e.g., Teak)	Good (if treated)	Moderate	Heavy	Rustic/Natural	High
Synthetic Rattan	Good	Low	Lightweight	Contemporary	Low-Mid
Plastic/Resin	Poor-Moderate	Low	Very Light	Modern/Budget	Low
Marble (Tabletop)	Poor (outdoors)	High	Very Heavy	Elegant	High

Why cast aluminium is the best bistro table material for UK patios

Historically, bistro sets were often crafted from wrought iron and topped with marble—a beautiful, elegant combination that evoked Parisian cafés and Mediterranean courtyards. But as charming as they are, these materials don’t fare well in the UK's wet and windy climate. This where cast aluminium shines—offering all the aesthetics of traditional materials with modern-day benefits.

What is cast aluminium?

Cast aluminium is created by pouring molten aluminium into a mould, via a technique known as sand casting. This allows for beautiful, intricate designs while keeping the final product lightweight, durable, and corrosion-resistant.

The basic steps of our production process are as follows:

• Mould
  We begin by crafting a wooden mould or pattern. This is where we intricately carve the fine details that define our signature metalwork.

• Throw
  The mould is then pressed into sand to create a hollow cavity—this forms a negative impression of the desired part.

• Pour
  We mix the sand with a binder to ensure it’s strong enough to hold molten metal. The metal is then poured into the mould (shown in the photo above), filling the cavity and taking the shape of the original pattern.

• Cool
  Once the metal has cooled, we carefully remove the solidified cast part from the mould.

• Harvest
  This sand casting process is repeated, and the finished castings are collected—or "harvested"—for the next stage.

• Carve
  The cast pieces are then machined and refined to achieve their precise final form.

• Detail
  Next, the parts pass through several workshops where they are cleaned, polished, powder-coated, and detailed to perfection.

• Pack
  Once completed, our furniture is securely packed with all necessary tools and clear instructions for easy assembly.

• Ship
  Finally, your new bistro set is shipped out. After a quick and simple setup, it’s ready to be enjoyed in your outdoor space.

At Lazy Susan, we give you the look of a classic café-style garden bistro set in a modern material that’s durable, robust, low maintenance, and weather resistant.

How do cast aluminium garden bistro sets compare to other materials?

When shopping for a patio bistro set in the UK, it’s important to consider not just style, but how well the material will hold up in our often damp and unpredictable climate.

While plenty of attractive options are on the market, cast aluminium offers one of the best all-round packages for British gardens. Here's how it stacks up against other popular choices:

1. Wrought Iron
   Wrought iron bistro sets have a timeless elegance and are often associated with romantic, vintage-inspired gardens. They’re beautifully ornate and make a strong visual statement. However, this charm has drawbacks: wrought iron is prone to rust if not regularly treated, is incredibly heavy to move, and often comes with a high price tag. While undeniably stylish, it’s a high-maintenance option that doesn’t cope well with the UK’s rainy climate.

2. Wood (Teak, Acacia, etc.)
   Wooden garden furniture—especially hardwoods like teak and acacia—offers a warm, natural aesthetic that blends effortlessly with greenery. These woods can be weather-resistant if properly maintained, but they do require regular oiling or sealing to prevent rot, warping, or discolouration. They’re often heavier and more expensive, and over time, exposure to moisture and temperature fluctuations can take its toll. A lovely choice for a rustic look, but one that needs commitment.

3. Synthetic Rattan
   Synthetic rattan has surged in popularity thanks to its relaxed style and comfort. Lightweight, weatherproof and UV-resistant, it’s easy to move and clean. However, while it’s a great option for a modern or casual patio, it can lack the sturdiness and long-term durability of metal furniture. In windy conditions, lighter pieces may be prone to shifting, and cheaper versions may fade or crack over time.

4. Plastic/Resin
   If you're on a tight budget, plastic and resin bistro sets can be tempting. They're light, easy to clean, and come in a variety of colours. That said, they’re also the least durable. Over time, exposure to sun and frost can cause them to fade, crack or become brittle. They're often too lightweight for breezy British gardens, which can make them feel a little flimsy and short-lived.

5. Marble Tabletops
   Marble once reigned as the luxury choice for garden furniture, and there's no denying its beauty. It's elegant, sophisticated and looks incredible in traditional settings. But the drawbacks are significant—marble is extremely heavy, expensive, and highly susceptible to cracking in cold weather. In the UK climate, where frosty mornings and heavy rain are all too common, it’s best kept under cover or indoors.

So, why choose cast aluminium?

Cast aluminium stands out by combining the best of all worlds. It offers the classic styling of wrought iron without the rust, the strength of wood without the upkeep, and the weather-resistance of synthetic materials with far greater durability.

Lightweight yet sturdy, rust-proof, low-maintenance, and available in a wide range of timeless and modern designs, cast aluminium bistro sets are perfectly suited to year-round use in UK gardens.

It’s no wonder they’ve become the go-to choice for homeowners looking for furniture that looks good, lasts long, and performs beautifully in any weather.

What are the advantages of a cast aluminium bistro set?

Our unpredictable seasons are no match for cast aluminium. From summer heatwaves to spring showers and frosty mornings, it stands up to the elements with ease. Even better, our garden bistro sets come powder-coated, protecting them further from pitting, scratching, and UV damage:

1. All-Weather Durability
   Won’t rust, rot, or fade.

2. Lightweight but Stable
   Easy to move, yet wind-resistant.

3. Low Maintenance
   No need to sand, seal, or treat.

4. Intricate Styling
   Classic café aesthetics with modern resilience.

5. Eco-Friendly
   100% recyclable and long-lasting.

6. Comfortable & Customisable
   Add cushions or parasols for added luxury.

7. Great Value for Money
   Higher upfront cost but long-lasting with minimal maintenance.

8. Designed for the UK Climate
   Withstand all weather conditions.

Our final thoughts on which bistro set is right for you...

While every garden furniture material has its strengths, cast aluminium stands out as the most well-rounded option—especially for the ever-changing UK climate.

Whether you're kitting out a cosy balcony or designing your dream patio, cast aluminium delivers on the essentials: timeless style, everyday comfort, year-round weather resistance, and long-lasting durability.

At Lazy Susan, we believe garden furniture should be as practical as it is beautiful. Our outdoor bistro sets combine classic charm with modern resilience, so you never have to compromise.

Before You Buy, Consider:

1. How much space do you have?
   Bistro sets are perfect for smaller areas but can also be a charming feature on larger patios alongside other furniture.

2. What’s your garden’s style?
   From vintage-inspired white to sleek slate grey, pick a colour and design that complements your outdoor space.

3. What’s your budget?
   Cast aluminium offers fantastic value for its longevity—an investment in comfort and quality.
   
4. Is it in stock and easy to assemble?
   All our outdoor bistro sets come with straightforward assembly instructions, fast UK delivery, and are backed by a solid warranty for peace of mind.

At Lazy Susan, we offer a wide selection of cast aluminium patio bistro sets in a range of colours, sizes, and styles—each one crafted to look great and last for years to come. Whether you're enjoying a quiet morning coffee or a summer dinner for two, the right bistro set can transform your outdoor space into your new favourite spot.

Browse our full bistro collection today and find the perfect fit for your garden. If you already have our furniture, we'd love to see a few photos for our Do Some Good charity campaign. You can tag us @LazySusanFurniture on Instagram or Facebook or Upload Here.