Last weekend, I was sitting in the garden and noticed how faded my cushions were after just one summer. I wonder if cheap garden furniture across the UK is truly destined to fade quickly, or if the higher price tag actually makes a noticeable difference in the long run.

You'd expect price to be a factor, but after three months, the fabric looks like it's ten years old. I made that mistake with a set I bought on sale two years ago, and the frames started rusting before fall. The aluminum frames in my sister's set, however, have held up well, so the material really matters more than anything else.

Last spring, I completely replaced my patio furniture after the previous one had become permanently warped, and frankly, switching to teak was the best decision. Teak can withstand UK rain without losing its shape, which is important when you're leaving the furniture outside from May to October. The term patio is often used loosely, but the underlying surface also affects the wear of the frame over time, so check what yours is built on. For example, it's worth checking out the options here https://rengard.co.uk They also offer composite and aluminum elements.