Checking Garden Furniture Out
Wood
Make sure you know where your wood comes from. Choose FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) wood where possible, but also look out for TFT (Tropical Forest Trust) certification. If you're not sure, ask.
Joints
High quality garden furniture will use joinery techniques like mortice and tenon joints, many will be simply screwed and glued. Be wary of just glue as this can degrade in the wet.
Chair
Take a seat. Is it comfy? Does it feel solid? If the joints wobble or it feels anything but sturdy (especially on folding designs) don't buy it.
Parasol
It's easy to forget about ethics when it comes to the fun extras, but if it's made of wood it can carry the FSC logo. If you're not sure, ask before you buy.
Slats
Check slat thickness - give them a push to check the strength. Some garden furniture sets have thick frames and overly thin slats to give a solid look, but looks can deceive.
Hinges
Always fold and unfold tables and chairs before you buy. Look for a smooth action and lockable joints for safety and, if storage space is scarce, check how small they will fold.
Wood Finish
Some woods, like oak and teak, will weather beautifully if left outside, while others require regular staining or oiling to keep looking good.
Round or Square?
It's easier to fit more people around a round rather than a square table.
