Chambery Deluxe Grey Dining Set

Garden furniture gives you somewhere to sit, eat and relax outdoors. This category covers dining sets and bistro sets, benches, sun loungers and reclining chairs, rocking and swing seats, hanging egg chairs, hammocks, coffee sets, and some sets supplied with a parasol.

Sizes and set types

• Bistro sets: a small table with two chairs for a balcony or patio corner.
• Dining sets: a table with four or six chairs, sometimes with reclining chairs or a corner sofa layout.
• Loungers and rockers: folding, reclining and anti-gravity loungers, single and double rockers, and hammocks.
• Benches: two and three seat benches, including arbour benches with an arch.

Measure the space and allow room to pull chairs out. Folding and stacking pieces are easier to store.

Materials and care

• Aluminium and powder-coated steel: clean with warm soapy water and a soft sponge. Powder-coated aluminium resists rust, but covers keep off garden debris; rinse often near the coast.
• Synthetic rattan and resin: brush off leaves and wipe marks with a damp cloth and mild soap.
• Woven mesh sling seats: a coated mesh fabric stretched over the frame; wipe it clean with mild soapy water.
• Hardwood: teak weathers to a silver-grey and is usually left uncovered; clean with soapy water and a stiff brush.

Avoid jet-washing, which can damage finishes. Store cushions indoors when not in use, and make sure they are dry first. Close parasols in windy weather and keep them indoors over winter. The BS EN 581 series sets general and mechanical safety requirements for outdoor seating and tables for adults.

For more for the patio and garden, see outdoor living.