Learn how to choose the right garden furniture and treat look after it properly.Make the most of your garden by choosing some gorgeous garden furniture to go in it.

Do some research before you buy a set of garden furniture.If you choose the right set for you it will bring you much enjoyment and longevity.Following are some important tips you need to consider before you buy.

Firstly decide whether you want stackable or foldaway furniture that will be put away in the shed or garage in winter or if you want permanent solid garden furniture that remains in situ all year round.If you want your garden furniture to be a permanent part of your garden for aesthetic reasons then it is recommended that you go for heavy furniture made from hardwood, aluminium or wrought iron with rust proofing.It is well worth spending the money on the heavier more durable materials as this will be much more cost effective in the long run.

You will benefit greatly from choosing the best materials and design for the purpose.Choose a material that will complement you garden or patio garden.Choose a material that will balance out your garden.

Because of it is lightweight, comfortable and beautiful, wood is the best material for garden furniture.Tropical woods tend to be high in natural oils e.g. teak, iroko or courbaril, which make them ideal.You can leave such woods outside throughout the seasons.

Examine the joints, ideally they will be mortice and tenon joints as opposed to bolts which might corrode.Any fittings that are metal should be made from aluminium, brass or stainless steel so that they don’t rust when exposed to the elements.

Make sure the construction is only premium grade teak for our garden furniture, so any knots, cracks and other defects are eliminated before the timber is used to build the furniture.Premium manufacturers dry the wood in a kiln to seal in the moisture and avoid cracks forming.

Check that glues containing epoxy resin has been used on the joints – this will ensure that they don’t crack apart in cold weather.

You can give your teak furniture a spring clean using hot soapy water and a scrubbing brush, this will restore bring out the natural colours in the wood.

For more intensive cleaning, you might want to use a pressure hose at no more than 80 bar (1200psi) and no close than 30cm.To stop algae growing on the surface and enhance the colour, you can scrub it with bleach once a year.

You can remove any grease spots by washing immediately with light detergent, or just leave nature to take its course.

You may notice hairline cracks in the surface when the weather is dry.This isn’t anything to be concerned about, the moisture in the atmosphere will diffuse back into the wood in time.

Teak oil will enhance the natural finish of the wood, for best results apply it to new furniture.Please ensure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions as usually this is a three stage process.Make sure the timber is completely dry when you apply the teak oil, otherwise the furniture will blacken.