I'm looking for outdoor furniture options, like chairs and tables, that don't require constant covering. We invested in a nice rattan set, but it's a hassle to cover it, especially with the cushions needing storage during winter. We'd like some recommendations for furniture that we can leave out all year, as we enjoy spending time in our garden with our toddler. We'll do some yearly maintenance, but we want to avoid the hassle of covering everything regularly. Any ideas?
4 Answers
My teak table and chairs are over 20 years old and have held up well outside. I occasionally cover them with tarpaulin, but too much covering can actually trap moisture. A bit of wire wool and a hose in spring keeps them looking great!
We bought some metal furniture from IKEA that’s held up nicely outside all year round. It’s durable and looks good too.
You might consider concrete benches or plastic garden chairs; they don't require much upkeep. Wooden furniture can be left outside but needs occasional treatment and it's best to store it away in winter. We recently bought cheap folding sun loungers, which are comfy and easy to store when not in use.
For a low-maintenance option, check out aluminum furniture from Lazy Susan. My parents have had theirs for nearly 20 years, and they still look fantastic! I just bring in the parasol when it's not in use, which is super easy.

We have some heavy-duty wooden benches that we paint and treat every year. In winter, we cover them with a tarp, and I've added rubber feet to prevent water pooling.