Invest in the best metal garden furniture and wave goodbye to waiting for seats to dry or faffing fetching cushions in and out of storage the second the sun appears. If you're looking for outdoor furniture that’s space-savvy, stylish and always weather-ready, these metal designs are always ready when you need a quick fresh-air mood boost with an outside cuppa or want to make the most of a nice day with an al fresco lunch with friends. Modern Gardens Magazine has found the best metal garden furniture.
Best metal garden furniture at a glance
• Best metal garden bench: Habitat Indu 2 Seater Bench, Green - View at Habitat
• Best metal garden dining set: Outsunny Dining Table Bench - View at B&Q
• Best metal garden furniture set: John Lewis Marlow 4-Seater Garden Lounge Set - View at John Lewis
Thanks to metal’s slim but strong nature, these latest furniture designs are streamlined, making them perfect for smaller areas. Look for stackable chairs and benches, slide-under-and-store dining sets, and curvy push-together bistro sets that all free up valuable floor space. Folding garden benches are relatively new on the scene and can be stashed away in seconds. Nesting side tables are also a must-have.
Steel and aluminium have long been star performers with the unpredictable UK weather but now there’s a wave of designer-look furniture that effortlessly blends practicality with on-trend simplicity and style. Offering subtle support and a surprising level of comfort alongside the obvious benefits of quick-dry surfaces, these stylish pieces will transform the way you enjoy your space in autumn and winter.
Best metal garden furniture
Best metal garden sun lounger
www.mazeliving.co.uk
Experience ultimate relaxation with the Maze Amalfi Aluminium Sunlounger in Grey. How gorgeous is the lounger? Crafted with high-strength powder-coated aluminium, it features a sleek, modern design and plush padded cushions for maximum comfort. Made from recycled materials, lightweight and durable, with a 5-year warranty for peace of mind. Grab a book, pull it into the sun and relax...
Pros
- Slimline and modern, featuring clean lines for a contemporary look
- Made from high-strength powder-coated aluminium for longevity
- Paired with plush padded cushions for maximum relaxation
Cons
- Only one sunlounger
Best metal garden bench
www.habitat.co.uk
Roomy enough for three, this eye-catching Habitat Indu 2 Seater Bench will raise a smile, whatever the weather. The sturdy steel frame is powder-coated to create a durable and rust-resistant smooth finish. The curved seat adds to the comfort factor, and it arrives fully assembled, too.
Customer review: "The bench arrived, and the delivery man helped me inside with it. The arms and legs were covered in bubble wrap. When I took it all off carefully there was not a scratch anywhere. Perfect. I also purchased a cover from Argos. It looks great on my patio and will fit in with my Fermob table and chairs. Great price too. I am never disappointed with Habitat."
Pros
- Arrives fully assembled with cushions for ease
- Made from sturdy, reliable steel for durability
- Matte painted finish keeps it looking good
Cons
- Only seats two people
Best metal garden rocking chair
www.argos.co.uk
Enjoy relaxation in your outdoor space with the Argos Home Steel Garden Rocking Chair in Charcoal. Its sturdy steel frame and modern slatted design offer durability and style. Stackable for easy storage and maintenance-free, it's the perfect addition to any garden, large or small.
Customer review: "I bought this in the sale so a real bargain. I found it comfortable without a cushion but then decided to get a cushion anyway just so that it is not so low. I could easily fall asleep in it now, just wish our weather was better so that I could use it more."
Pros
- Made with a strong steel frame, ensuring durability and longevity
- Provides a gentle rocking motion, perfect for unwinding after a long day
- The stackable feature allows for convenient storage when not in use
Cons
- No other colour options
Best metal garden dining set
www.diy.com
Elevate your gatherings with the Outsunny Dining Table Bench set. Crafted from reinforced metal, it offers stability and durability. The slatted design prevents water build-up, ensuring easy maintenance. Accommodating up to four people comfortably, it's perfect for socialising in any garden setting.
Pros
- Made from reinforced metal, ensuring longevity for years to come
- Suitable for both large and small gardens, offering a timeless look
- The slatted design prevents water build-up, making it simple to maintain
Cons
- Some assembly required
Best metal outdoor bistro set
www.wayfair.co.uk
Enhance your outdoor space with the Amyris Oval 2-Person Bistro Set. Featuring a modern design, this weather-resistant set includes one table, two chairs, and two ottomans, perfect for small spaces. Plus, it's space-saving - as all the elements slot into one another for easy space when not in use.
Customer review: "Love this. Easy to assemble and very sturdy/well made. Why have a boring black bistro set when you can have a colour like this in your life? I wasn’t sure I’d make use of the footstools/side tables - but they’re really handy. I’ve used them as both."
Pros
- Stylish design with steel aesthetics adds a touch of contemporary charm
- Chairs and ottomans slot into the table for convenient storage
- A durable outdoor powder-coated steel frame ensures long-lasting use
Cons
- Only one colour is available
Best metal garden furniture set
www.johnlewis.com
Transform your garden with the John Lewis Marlow 4-Seater Garden Lounge Set. Complete with two armchairs, a 2-seater sofa, and a low-slatted coffee table, it offers comfort and style for outdoor lounging. Sip some G&Ts and relax. This is our top metal furniture pick - it looks gorgeous, right?
Customer review: "My old conservatory furniture was looking a bit old fashioned and well used. Now was the time for a change. Off I went to John Lewis. There it was. Clean modern lines, the cushions were firm and comfortable and the colour just right. Once I had added a bay tree and some colourful bits and pieces we were off. I am delighted with my new modern space. Trouble is there are other parts of my house that could do with an upgrade!"
Pros
- A stylish complete dining set providing ample seating for up to four people
- Comes with seat and back cushions for added comfort
- Suitable for both garden and conservatory settings for relaxation
Cons
- Will not suit larger households
Best metal outdoor table
www.dunelm.com
Looking for a simple coffee table to withstand the elements? We recommend the Elements Black Modular Side Table from Dunelm, your perfect outdoor companion. Crafted from durable steel with a modular design, it easily combines into a larger table for versatile use. Transform any space into an outdoor oasis with this stylish and long-lasting addition to your backyard.
Customer review: "Love this so much. Would buy more from this set in a heartbeat."
Pros
- Made from sturdy steel, ensuring long-lasting durability
- Transform any space into an outdoor oasis
- Enhances outdoor spaces with its sleek and modern design
Cons
- Limited functionality
Best metal outdoor sofa set
www.mazeliving.co.uk
Upgrade your outdoor lounging experience with the Maze Amalfi Chaise Aluminium Sofa Set in Grey. Effortlessly maintainable with all-weather aluminium framing, it comes with plush padded cushions for maximum comfort. Plus, it has been crafted with recycled materials, is lightweight and durable, backed by a 5-year warranty. We love Maze Living's commitment to making stylish, durable garden furniture.
Customer review: "Lovely set. Good quality & looks great. Easy to assemble."
Pros
- Made with all-weather aluminium framing, so easy to maintain
- Plush padded cushions offer a comfortable lounging experience
- Crafted from recycled materials, it's lightweight yet sturdy
Cons
- Some customers felt that the assembly was tricky
Verdict: Which is best?
Our favourite is the John Lewis Marlow 4-Seater Garden Lounge Set, which is durable - not to mention stylish - and comes with plenty of positive customer reviews.
Buyers Guide
What type of patio furniture is the most weather-resistant? Modern metal garden furniture is usually made from either aluminium or steel, with or without a painted finish. Each material has its characteristics, which can alter the overall look, performance and price of the product.
Aluminium
Aluminium is rust-resistant and tends to be light to move, durable and hardwearing. Production methods include casting, where molten metal is poured into individual moulds to form dense solid sections and extrusion when the metal is heated and pushed through an opening to create hollow but rigid tubes.
In both processes, the components are then either soldered or bolted together and it’s the quality of the finishing that can often be the difference between mass-produced, cheaper pieces and long-term investment buys. Look for fully sealed joins rather than those that are rapidly spot welded, as these will increase the item’s rigidity and performance.
Steel
Steel garden furniture is heavier than aluminium – handy if you live in a breezy or exposed spot, but not so useful if you like to change your layout regularly. This ferrous metal will rust and stain if left exposed to the elements so outdoor furniture is usually galvanised, stainless steel or plastic-coated.
Each process varies in time and complexity, which impacts the end price – stainless steel is the most expensive and plastic-coated is the most affordable.
PPC
One term that frequently crops up with metal outdoor furniture is ‘powder-coated’ but what exactly does it mean? This process is the secret behind the smooth and brightly coloured finish that gives the latest designs their Insta-ready credentials.
Polyester Powder Coating (PPC)is a dry colouring process that is applied using heat and electrostatic energy to form a tough stunningly smooth and seamless finish. Protecting the metal from the elements, it’s crucial that this coating stays chip and scratch-free, especially when used on steel, to prevent water from getting in. If it does, the finish can flake off and rust eventually sets in.
FAQs
What is the best low-maintenance garden furniture?
Not just for style and comfort, those subtly slanted seats, arms and chair backs are designed to let rain run off and help furniture dry quickly. Likewise, slatted, perforated and laser-cut designs work in the same way. Honestly, there are some fantastic garden armchairs out there for lounging, in all materials.
Some plastic- and powder-coated finishes are smoother than others and can affect how easy your furniture is to clean. Compare different products and designs and be wary of any pieces with scratches, chips or scrapes especially around the feet, joints and base as this can lead to the finish flaking, staining or even rust setting in.
Rubber-capped or sealed furniture feet are also a must. Not only does the capped or sealed furniture protect the furniture’s finish, but they’ll also limit any damage to flooring – vital if your seating spot is covered with wood or composite decking – and eliminate that noisy jaw-clenching scrape.
Just be sure to check that each plastic or rubber foot fits the leg securely.
What colour should garden furniture be?
Sleek and simple in shape and available in a huge range of eye-catching shades from ever-chic grey tones to sparky yellow, cinnamon and pink, you can mix and match your pieces to suit your individual space.
In 2023, copper furniture was a garden trend, which gave a rustic vibe to outdoor spaces.
Experiment with pepping up a neutral lounge set with a standout coffee table in this season’s hottest paprika shade or create a cosy vibe with armchairs and outdoor corner sofas in rich plum and burgundy. If you don’t want to splash out on a complete set then opt for a single hero buy in a standout colour such as a contemporary rocking chair or high-backed bench.
How do I keep garden furniture looking good?
Clean with warm soapy water and a non-abrasive cloth or powerwash on a low-pressure setting.
Always remove bird droppings immediately. Highly acidic, they attack the finish and leave permanent marks.
You can extend the life of metal garden furniture by applying a thin coat of car wax after cleaning.
Seal any chips or scratches in a powder-coated finish with clear nail varnish to prevent flaking and rust.
What to read next
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Jill Morgan writes regularly for Modern Gardens, and loves everything to do with gardens, plants and outdoor living.