Al fresco living is all about enjoying the few warm and sunny days we get a year. And the last thing most of us want to do is worry about whether our outdoor Furniture Will withstand temperate British weather.
But if you love the look of wooden outdoor furniture but don’t have the work to put into it, I’ve found a perfect alternative – wood effect metal. Garden furniture.
i love Best wooden garden furniture As much as the next person. But let’s be honest, there is a lot of care involved in maintaining wooden outdoor furniture.
Naomi Bentley, director of the British garden furniture supplier, says, ‘Unlike traditional wooden furniture, wood-effect aluminum designs do not require regular staining, oiling or sealing. Charles Bentley.
(Image credit: Charles Bentley)
Meanwhile, this new and innovative Garden furniture trends One of which is mostly made from aluminum The most durable type of outdoor furniture. And the brands that make wood-effect garden furniture have really mastered it and the finish looks very realistic.
Another drawback of wooden garden furniture is the fact that it is not weather resistant, especially if you choose anything other than teak – and teak wood is the most expensive of all woods.
On top of that, leaving wooden garden furniture on wet grass can cause it to rot. But this is not the case with wood effect aluminum.
(Image credit: Future/Sara Hesikova)
I have never seen wood effect metal outdoor furniture before this year. I was first introduced to this look John Lewis Sahara Garden Furniture Set which was launched earlier this year – and I was blown away by the realistic look of the wood finish on the aluminum frame.
‘This type of garden furniture is the ultimate practical yet stylish choice,’ explains Scott Bartle, buyer for Outdoor John Lewis. ‘Ours Sahara Outdoor Furniture Range Slimline yet strong aluminum frames with a wood-effect finish give you the beautiful, natural beauty of wood with long-lasting durability.’
‘Our wood-effect aluminum just needs a quick clean. It offers maximum durability, is naturally corrosion-resistant and incredibly lightweight, while retaining a warm, organic finish that enhances any garden space.’
(Image credit: Furniture123)
But since then I have tackled this look in other brands’ collections as well. And these are my top 3 favorite buys in this style.
My top 3 picks
John Lewis
Sahara 4-Seater Modular Corner Garden Lounge Set
I got a chance to try this out Outdoor sofa Which comes with a coordinating coffee table at the John Lewis Spring/Summer 2026 press preview. And I was very impressed by many things about it – the chic look, the flawless wood effect and the modular design.
Charles Bentley
Almada 4 Seater Dining Set
This Charles Bentley outdoor dining set is just a small part of the brand’s Almada range, where each design features the same wood effect and woven rope detailing. Naomi at Charles Bentley says, ‘The Almada range benefits from lightweight yet durable aluminum frames that are easy to maintain throughout the season.
Furniture123
6 Seater Beige Aluminum Wood Effect Garden Sofa with Matching Coffee Table
Also made from aluminum – like the other two designs – this modular outdoor sofa set looks like a high-end designer piece. It requires a large outdoor space but given its modular nature, it is flexible and can be moved around to fit your needs and your space.
‘We’ve seen an increase in demand for this style as consumers look for low-maintenance garden furniture that really stands the test of time. Gardens become an extension of the living room during the summer and choosing the right furniture is key.’
‘As people lead incredibly busy lives, when the sun finally shines, they want to relax immediately and we’ve seen an increase in interest for modern, sustainable designs on our site. A highly realistic faux-wood finish on sturdy metal frames meets the demands of design-led, clutter-free outdoor living,’ Scott et al. John Lewis concludes.
