With summer fast approaching, now is the perfect time to set up your outdoor space with furniture to make the most of the warm weather.
Whether you’re planning on enjoying your morning coffee outdoors, inviting friends and neighbours over for a gathering, or setting up an al-fresco home office, having great garden furniture can help you maximise the joys of spring and summertime.
So if it’s time for you to get some new garden pieces read on for our guide to recycled and sustainable patio furniture. Buying new furniture has never been more exciting!
The importance of sustainable garden furniture
All kinds of industries are responsible for the adverse effects our planet is currently experiencing. One of them is the furniture industry that mass produces cheaply made pieces to sell at a price anyone can afford.
For too long, many manufacturers haven’t paid much attention to quality of materials, ethical working conditions, or sustainability, and because of that, today, you can find garden sets at very affordable price points.
However, not everyone is looking for that kind of garden furniture.
If you care about our planet and how the workers in the factories are treated, the best solution is to seek out longer-lasting and recycled garden furniture.
Essentially, this means that pieces are made and assembled by workers who are treated well, paid fairly, and provided with good working conditions. Furthermore, sustainable outdoor furniture is made from high-quality, natural, and eco-friendly materials that don’t harm our environment, and last a long time.
No more cheap, plastic garden chairs that pose an injury risk whenever your mate ‘Big Dave’ comes round for a barbecue.
Where to look for sustainable garden furniture
More and more people are becoming familiar with the importance of sustainability and recycling, so the availability of sustainable garden furniture is rising with each day.
Increasingly, we can choose from an array of styles and price ranges, so there truly is something for everyone. While most eco-friendly companies share and promote their recycling methods and ways of helping the Earth, some are sustainable without much fanfare or promotion.
There isn’t a good or bad place to look for durable and renewable garden sets. However, the internet is always a good place to start since you can learn a lot about a company’s principles from their website.
Whether you’re looking for eco-friendly pieces online or in person, don’t be afraid to ask questions to find out more details about how each piece is made. Sustainable companies take great care of their workers and products and will gladly answer any questions you may have.
Nevertheless, we have curated a few recommended suppliers of furniture sets, tables, parasols, and other accessories you might need when outdoors.
If you’re looking for durable, long-lasting, and eco-friendly garden furniture, you’re in the right place.
Most people have sofas, armchairs, and other seating sets in mind when shopping specifically for the garden and backyard. Here are several sustainable and high-quality options if you’re looking to purchase a garden seating set.
Popular garden seating sets
Jati
Jati’s folding armchair is the best example to showcase how traditional and modern furniture work together. The smart combination of traditional design and contemporary materials will bring out all the earthy elements in your garden while simultaneously providing excellent support and luxury comfort.
This garden set is made from high-quality and sustainable teak, so expect your garden chairs to last you a lifetime with proper care.
Jysk
Another great example of a quality garden chair is the Larvik Recliner Chair by Jysk. If you’re looking to spice things up in your garden and add a masculine touch, then this chair is the perfect solution.
With its dark-coloured steel and aluminium design with hardwood details, the Larvik recliner chair exceeds all expectations. After summertime, simply fold the chairs and store them inside to prolong their durability.
Popular Garden Tables
If you’re buying garden chairs then you’ll surely need at least one garden table as well.
While you can purchase entire garden sets, buying chairs and tables individually allows you to mix and match different styles. You can either stick to well-known combinations or go for something innovative and unique.
Jysk
Made from the finest eucalyptus hardwood and aluminium frame, this table is a perfect match for a masculine but tasteful garden. Not only is it sustainably made from some of the best materials, but it’s also a multi-purpose furniture piece.
Because this is an extending table, you can alter its length depending on how many people you’re having over. Reaching a length of an impressive 3 metres, you can seat more guests with this table than with any other.
Raft
If you’re looking for a piece that comes with more heritage, go with Raft’s garden table.Â
Raft is a British company that repurposes old teak and crafts furniture pieces out of it. For example, you can end up with a wooden garden table that was originally part of a ship deck, building, or bridge.
Not only are you getting premium-quality teak that’ll last you a lifetime, but you’re also getting a furniture piece that can tell a fascinating story.
Sustainable Parasols
If you buy the right furniture for your garden, you’ll take advantage of every opportunity to spend more time in your own little haven, which means you might want to consider purchasing a parasol to protect you from direct sunlight and its harsh UV rays.
East London Parasol Company
Famous for their colourful, fun, and unique octagonal garden parasols, the East London Parasol Company can completely transform any garden. Every parasol from this ethical and sustainable company is handmade, so each product is handled with special attention and care.
The frames are made from ethically sourced wood, usually bamboo and ash. With brass-fitting details, these frames get a completed appearance.
Waterproof cotton is used for the main part of these parasols, and they’re dyed with natural colours. The high-quality and waterproof materials used will ensure they withstand any weather condition and last a long time.
Jati
If you’re looking for a simple parasol with a minimalistic design, Jati garden parasols are a better choice. With their generous sizes, these parasols can protect many people from sunlight at once. Meanwhile, an additional layer in the fabric protects the parasol itself, so the colour won’t fade away after the parasol has been exposed to the sun for some time.
Dark-coloured and water repellent fabric combined with honey finish hardwood makes the entire garden look sophisticated and refined.
Useful Outdoor Accessories
Once you have your key sustainable furniture pieces, it’s time to add a special touch to your garden by adding outdoor accessories that are also ethical and long-lasting.
Think about what could be useful to you in your garden and appropriate it to the existing theme and design. For instance, cushions, pillows, and hammocks are great options to elevate your garden to a whole new level.
Amazonas
Create a peaceful oasis by adding a hammock to your garden.
With Amazonas hammocks you can bring the vacation to you and experience complete relaxation. Featuring Brazilian craftsmanship and at least 85% of recycled cotton, Amazonas offers its clients top-quality garden accessories that bring them the most famous Brazilian relaxation experience.
Weaver Green
When you touch these soft and gentle Weaver Green pillows you’ll never believe they’re made 100% from recycled plastic bottles. These environmentally friendly pillows feel like they’re made from wool, but their material makes them perfect garden or patio accessories.
Stain-resistant, machine washable, and comfortable, these recycled pillows will be your new favourite garden item. Combine them with matching throws and rugs to get the full effect of Weaver Green practicality, longevity, and sustainability.
Sustainable Garden Furniture FAQs
If you recently purchased sustainable garden furniture or you’re planning to do so shortly be sure to check out some of the most frequently asked questions related to these items.
Is recycled garden furniture weatherproof?
Because everyone is buying garden furniture for outdoor purposes, each customer’s number one question is whether their garden set can withstand harsh weather conditions. Happily, the answer is very simple with recycled garden furniture.
You can leave all your furniture outside all year long, and it won’t affect its longevity. However, if your items have aluminium or steel parts, consider hiding them from rain or snow to ensure they remain durable.
You can also purchase furniture protector oils to use on your wood to freshen up and maintain a vibrant look.
Does sustainable garden furniture come with cushions?
It largely depends on the particular set you’re considering or the company you’re buying from. Some eco-friendly garden furniture comes with sustainable cushions and pillows, while others don’t.
Nevertheless, you can always purchase cushions and throws made from recycled materials to finish off the look.
What colours do eco-friendly garden furniture sets come in?
Although furniture can be coloured in any colour, most commonly garden sets come in natural and earthy tones. Beige, brown, black, and grey are some of the favourites.
If you’d like to add a pop of colour you can always decorate with bright pillows and a colourful parasol.
How to assemble sustainable garden furniture?
Since many sustainable garden sets are made out of rattan, they’re very easy to assemble.
Quite obviously, the best way to successfully assemble your garden furniture is to follow the step-by-step instruction manual you received with your purchase, but there are several things you should keep in mind:
- Be prepared with the tools you’ll need. You’ll most likely need a drill, a screwdriver, and a hot glue gun.
- Always work from the bottom up. First, assemble the base of the furniture and slowly progress upwards.
- Leave details for later. Try to assemble the base first and test its stability. Then you can add details that maybe aren’t so essential once you’re sure the set is sturdy and in place.
How to clean recycled outdoor furniture sets?
Forget fancy looking branded chemicals in bottles, all you need is some vinegar or soap mixed with warm water. Use the liquid with a cloth to wipe down the furniture. To remove tough food or soda stains, use a stiff brush. Rinse the furniture with clean water and leave it outside until it’s completely dry.
How to protect wooden garden furniture?
If you chose a garden set made from wood, coat it with wood varnish or stain. The varnish will protect your wood and make it look shiny and polished. Reapply the varnish regularly to keep your garden furniture looking brand-new.
Finally, don’t let rain or snow get in direct contact with your wooden furniture for a longer period if you want to keep it looking great for years to come.
How to take care of rattan furniture?
Take care of rattan furniture by carefully assembling it once you get it. Then, wipe the rattan furniture occasionally to keep it looking nice. For tougher stains, use a mixture of soap and water with a brush. Because rattan can withstand harsh weather conditions, you can freely leave it outside all year round.
How long will recycled garden furniture last?
With proper care, recycled garden furniture can last you a lifetime. If you buy your furniture from sustainable sources the quality of materials will further increase the durability of your set, so you don’t have to worry about changing it any time soon.
Conclusion
All in all, sustainable garden furniture is a worthwhile investment that can play a supporting role in many happy days and weekends of summertime fun. If you have a garden or at least a small balcony, there’s no better use of the space than by adding some eco-friendly outdoor furniture.
Your high-quality and nice-looking furniture will motivate you to spend more time outside, and the only thing you’ll wonder is why you didn’t do it sooner.
