Teak is popular for all kinds of outdoor furniture from recliners to takes and chaise loungers to benches.  Why are they so popular?  Besides being beautiful to look at, the wood is extremely durable and ages wonderfully into a grey wood that will look wonderful on any patio. Teak also has a natural resistance to pestilence which means that it requires less maintenance than other hardwoods and it deals very well with a harsh sun, so is ideal for most climatic conditions.

Teak loungers are available as teak steamers, sun loungers and chaise lounges depending on the style and design that takes your fancy.  Often they can be purchased with their own cushions, but sometimes these need to be purchased separately.  Getting your cushions made to order is not expensive and will ensure that they fit in with your other garden furniture fabric choice.  Good cushions generally are easy to clean and have a decent thickness which will make them that much more comfortable.

When searching for a lounger, take into consideration that most loungers have a raised back which can often be set into three or four different positions, whilst a steamer can also have your legs in a different position.  They are often more comfortable, but only have two or three back positions.  For a few retailers the terms lounger and steamer are interchangeable, but not for all.  Loungers range from just a couple hundred dollars to a few thousands depending on your personal preference on design and comfort level.  Although teak is considerably more expensive than some other woods, it is far more durable and very easy to maintain.  Look for loungers from the following retailers to find the best prices, Thos Baker, Teak House and Target.

Alternatives to teak that are far less expensive, but are durable and classic include wrought iron and cast iron garden furniture.  Cast iron benches are often used as outdoor daybeds and pool lounges and can be left outdoors in any weather without needing any major maintenance.

Garden seats are no longer just a functional addition to the garden, but are actually features of your garden design.  While swing seats are very popular for porches and patios, the garden seat which can take the shape of a garden bench, kneeler, small tale or cushioned planter are making splashes in the garden.

The garden swing is an ever popular option for any garden, particularly if you have children.  Swings are fun, romantic and a great place to just wind down after a long day, but they are often very difficult to move and don’t always make the most versatile seating option.  Garden benches and garden recliners are great for offering seating for more than one and can add a little extra to the overall look of the garden, but it is the humble garden seat that is the most versatile piece of garden furniture that you can invest in.

Janice Minor

Some of the most popular seat designs available online are the Janice Minor Moroccan Style Garden Seat which can be sourced through Nieman Marcus or Horchow for $590 inclusive of free shipping.  If your garden is not that fancy, you could opt for something a little more duel purpose such as the Williams Soma Home Garden Seat which can also be used as a side table and comes in an attractive wicker material.  This design retails for around $250.

Alternatively you could design to go for something special with an even better price.  The Rosewood Garden Seat which can work s a seat, a plant stand or a side table and can be found through Amazon for just $160.  Remember to research all reviews on the products that you are interested in to ensure that the quality of manufacture is as good as the pictures depict.

While these items are smaller and more versatile, you may wish to invest in some small attractive cushions to increase their comfort level and add that little something unique that every garden deserves.