Buyer's Guide - Metal Garden Furniture

Choosing the right garden furniture is every bit as important as choosing your indoor furniture. If you make the right choice, you can plan on using it for many, many years. Metal garden furniture is a perfect option if you want something that is elegant and beautiful as well as durable enough to keep outdoors.

As well as being long-lasting, metal furniture is also available in various designs to suit your personality and the overall feel of your home. As well as this, it is also surprisingly comfortable which you’ll appreciate on those lazy summer days spent outdoors with family and friends.

Sefton Meadows Garden Centre has an exciting range of metal garden furniture that will enhance your outdoor living spaces and make entertaining more enjoyable. If you can’t find what you want online or in store, call our friendly sales team on 0800 157 7265 or email [email protected].

See the full metal furniture range here.

Why Choose Metal Garden Furniture?

There are many benefits to choosing metal garden furniture over other types with durability being the main one. Here are some of the key benefits to consider when weighing up your options.

  • Very little maintenance required
  • Long lasting and durable
  • No need to store it during colder weather
  • It won’t deteriorate with sun exposure
  • It’s easy to keep clean
  • Swap and change out pieces without losing consistency

Types Of Metal Garden Furniture

There are many different types of metals used in the production of metal garden furniture. However, the most commonly used metals for garden furniture are aluminium, wrought iron and steel. Let’s take a look at their main points:

Aluminium

  • Rust proof
  • Water resistant
  • Durable
  • Won’t fade
  • Durable in all weather conditions
  • Little or no maintenance
  • Easy to move around the yard
  • Attractive designs
  • Comfortable

Wrought Iron

  • Water resistant
  • Durable
  • Won’t fade
  • Durable in all weather conditions
  • Requires a little bit of maintenance
  • Attractive designs
  • Cushions can be added for comfort

Steel

  • Rust proof
  • Water resistant
  • Durable
  • Won’t fade
  • Durable in all weather conditions
  • Occasional maintenance
  • Attractive designs
  • Cushion can be added for comfort

Metal Furniture Maintenance

All furniture needs some type of cleaning and maintenance, and outdoor furniture often needs a little more attention due to its exposure to the elements. While most of the maintenance required for metal garden furniture is related to cleaning, it needs some extra love and attention from time-to-time. Additional maintenance will mainly depend on the kind of metal the furniture is made with. As an example, wrought iron, while timeless and elegant, will need to be checked regularly for rust spots.

To keep your metal garden furniture lasting through many, many seasons and looking like new, we’ve put together a guide on the best ways to keep your furniture as good as new.

  1. Cleaning
  2. Rust Removal
  3. Rust Prevention
  4. Storage

Cleaning

Follow this tried and tested method to get your metal furniture nice and clean.

Equipment List

  1. Soft brush
  2. Dish soap
  3. Sponge & other cloths
  4. Bucket
  5. Water

Steps

  1. Evaluate the depth of cleaning needed by dusting off the furniture with a soft brush or cloth first. Often, this is all that is needed.
  2. If you must use water and detergent, use a mild dish soap with lots of water and a sponge. Spot clean where needed.
  3. Remove spills such as sunscreen, beverages and bird droppings as soon as possible. Left on, these can permanently stain your furniture and lead to corrosion.

Rust Removal

If you have aluminium or stainless-steel garden furniture, you will very rarely need to do anything more than keep it clean. However, some metal furniture requires a little extra care. Wrought iron garden furniture is stunning and low maintenance. For the most part, it is relatively resistant to rust but occasionally, it will appear. With regular cleaning and spot checking, you will notice any rust spots before they become a problem. Left unchecked, rust will spread and compromise the integrity of the metal.

If you do find a few rust spots on your metal garden furniture, you can remove it by following these simple steps:

  • Clean your furniture thoroughly so you can see exactly where the rust has appeared.
  • Make a paste using baking soda and water. You can also make a similar solution using white vinegar and salt.
  • Gently apply one of these mixtures over the rust spots and leave it for 20 to 30 minutes. This will loosen up the rust making it easier to remove.
  • Using a metal brush or scouring pad, scrub over the affected area to remove the rust. Depending on the extent of rust, you may need to repeat this process a few times.
  • Once you’ve removed all the rust, wipe the furniture down with a soft cloth and clean water. This will remove the final traces of rust and the solution used to remove it.

Equipment List

  • Baking soda & water or white vinegar & salt.
  • Metal brush or scouring pads
  • Clean water
  • Sponge or cloth

Rust Prevention

Unfortunately, if you’ve had to tackle a rust problem on your metal garden furniture, cleaning and removing the rut will not be enough to keep your furniture looking great and ensuring it will last. Once you’ve removed rust, the furniture is prone to further rusting unless it is properly treated and protected.

To protect your metal garden furniture against rust you will need to:

  • Ensure you have removed all visible rust.
  • Treat the spots with a rust inhibitor. These are available as spray on solutions or can be applied using a brush.
  • If your rust problem has resulted in some of the finish being removed, you will need to paint your garden furniture. Treat the rust spots and, for good measure, apply paint that has a rust inhibitor added.

You can also prevent rust from appearing by taking these steps:

  • Keep your furniture in a covered area out of the elements.
  • Store your furniture in the garage or garden shed during the winter.
  • Cover with weatherproof garden furniture covers.

Storage

Good quality metal garden furniture will generally be resistant to adverse weather conditions but it is still wise to store it during the winter months when you are less likely to be spending time sitting outdoors in the cold.

When it comes to storing metal garden furniture, the best way is to store it in the garage or the garden shed. Otherwise, you can store it in the corner of the patio or any other type of outdoor shelter. For the best protection under these conditions, it’s also a good idea to cover the furniture with a canvas cover as protection against accidental spills or an accumulation of dust.

If it is not possible to store your garden furniture undercover, you can purchase an outdoor cabinet or box. These can be positioned along a side wall of the house where they are out of sight and as added protection from the elements.

Take a look at our storage solutions.

FAQ’s

If you love the look of metal garden furniture, but you’ve still got a few questions, we’ve tackled some of the most common questions for those who are yet to commit to adding these stylish pieces to the outdoor areas. For any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.


How long does metal garden furniture last?

Good quality metal garden furniture will last for at least 15 years. If you keep it clean and well maintained, it can last you a lot longer.


Can you paint metal furniture?

One of the best aspects of metal garden furniture is that you can paint it. Whether you’ve treated rust spots or you just want to re-vamp your garden furniture, repainting is easy. You will need to remove all traces of the existing paint or finish before applying a rust-resistant primer. These are available as a spray on application or in a can that you paint on with a brush. You can then follow with any paint that has been formulated for metal as long as it’s also weatherproof.


Can you leave metal furniture outside in the winter?

Some types of metal furniture can be left outside during the winter, but most manufacturers will recommend you place them in storage or, at the very least, keep them covered during winter. Check the user manual for the best way to care for your metal garden furniture all year round.


What accessories are available for metal furniture?

There are a range of must have accessories for metal furniture, all designed to make them more comfortable for you. These include:

  • Protective covers
  • Scatter cushions
  • Canopies

Our Metal Furniture Range

At Sefton Meadows, our aim is to help you create a tranquil oasis in your garden with metal garden furniture pieces you will love. We are constantly reviewing our range and sourcing up to date, modern metal furniture to suit all tastes.

Take a look at the exciting range of outdoor living pieces at Sefton Meadows and transform your favourite outdoor areas into your own private paradise.