The UK might not have consistent seasonal weather but you should have a pretty clear idea if there’s more rain than shine wherever you’re living. Popular garden furniture materials such as wicker and rattan won’t withstand a constant downpour , just like dry , hotter conditions will often make outdoor sofas in more natural woods susceptible to splintering. Consider your climate and have a look through our Outdoor Furniture Care Guide for best practices on how to care for each material type.

Not forgetting the accessories - garden sofa covers are there to keep your furniture in great condition for longer , whilst the sofa cushions that accompany most of our garden sofa sets are specially treated to be more resistant than regular cushions. Although it might still be worthwhile to bring them indoors when it starts raining.

Buying a parasol is also a worthy investment , use its big , spacious canopy to create shade when the sun is too direct or even as a form of protection against light showers.

The key to the overall look , feel and practicality of your garden sofa is the frame material and each type comes with its own individual care instructions. Take a wooden frame for example , its heavier , long lasting , and will bring a timeless , traditional look to your garden. Our material-of-the-moment rattan , however is a hugely popular wicker-style that’s not only luxurious but easy to clean and low maintenance. A versatile choice for a garden sofa set , rattan is equally at home placed in a garden or a conservatory. Metal steel frames are long lasting and their design flexibility will allow for some garden sofas to fold away with ease. And not forgetting aluminium frames , this material has the added benefit of being lighter as well as rust proof. Plastic is also lightweight , weather resistant , and a great choice for families.

Who said accessories and decor was just for the indoors? Your garden sofa is there to help create an outdoor space you love and elevating the look of yours with a few key accessories is easy.

Add maximum comfort with a set of plush , scatter cushions. Providing you with a sense of comfort similar to that of relaxing in your lounge , the colour , shape and size is of course based on your personal preference , but feel free to go wild and experiment with textures , perhaps even matching the tones of the flora and fauna on your garden.

If you’ve opted to include a table with your garden sofa set , then dining outdoors is a must. Separate your indoor plates and cutlery with dedicated outdoor sets to get a real fine dining experience , and then when the sun goes down , there’s always the option to dine by candlelight.

Always remember , pick an outdoor sofa that is weather resistant and well-built but never scrimps out on style.