Experts warn of the 9 common mistakes to avoid when buying outdoor furniture

Before investing in new furniture for your garden, ensure you don't fall for the most common mistakes when buying outdoor furniture – because they're all too easy to make, not to mention expensive.

Buying outdoor furniture is always an investment, whether you're looking for a cosy couch for an outdoor living room idea or hunting down a teak dining table set to host BBQs in style. There's no room for error because mistakes can prove costly.

To help avoid errors, we've consulted a team of interior and furniture experts to explain the common mistakes we all make when buying outdoor furniture. Before you take the plunge, read our expert advice to ensure you buy the best outdoor furniture to suit your space and cater to your needs.

9 mistakes when buying outdoor furniture and how to avoid them

Looking to give your garden a refresh this summer and finally splurge on that outdoor furniture you've had your eye on? You might want to heed these warnings before pressing the buy button.

From not measuring properly to misjudging materials, it's easy to make small errors that soon become bigger issues for your outside plot. Here are 9 of the most common mistakes to avoid when purchasing garden furniture...

2. Failing to measure accurately

Errors with measurements are the cause of many kitchen design mistakes and even more living room design mistakes. It's an easy one to make; however, the furniture must fit comfortably into the space available.

"One of the most common mistakes people make is purchasing based on appearance alone. It is essential to measure your garden, patio or decking area carefully before buying," says Magdalena Gierasinska, head of product at Barker and Stonehouse.

"The right garden furniture should fit your space comfortably, not feel like the missing Tetris piece you're trying to squeeze in at the last minute. You should allow enough room for movement around the furniture and think about how doors, pathways and other garden features interact with the layout," she continues.

Take guidance from the best essential small garden tips and only choose furniture that feels to scale – don't overwhelm your yard with oversized designs.

• Interior designer's top tip: Map out the furniture placement with painter's tape in the area you want it to go. Doing so means you can actually see the area the furniture will occupy and make sure there is enough space to move freely around it – ensuring the placement works.

2. Not taking climate into consideration

Consider the climate when buying a beautiful outdoor furniture set to ensure you are not restricted from using it due to the weather conditions.

"Different materials hold up better in different climates," says Emma Putrimas, VP of product and design at Teak Warehouse.

"For example, metal furniture may rust in humid areas, while certain types of wood furniture may warp in areas with high levels of rainfall. I always recommend teak furniture to our customers, as teak is a hardwood that holds up in all climates and will last over time."

"Breathable covers are important because they allow ventilation and help reduce the risk of mould or water marks. Cushions should always be removed before furniture is covered and stored in a cool, dry, ventilated space," suggests Magdalena.

3. Buying on impulse

Following trends and impulses rather than going down a more practical route is one of the most common interior design mistakes to make, so it's no surprise it's highlighted as a mistake when buying outdoor furniture, too.

"A common mistake is buying on impulse," says Artem Kropovinsky, head of Arsight, a team of interior designers. "It’s vital to deliberate on the overall design theme and function of the space before picking outdoor furniture."

"To avoid unsuitable or crammed arrangements, always measure the space and visualise how the furniture will harmonise with the existing setting."

4. Buying furniture unfit for purpose

Choosing the best furniture is not just about finding where to buy nice furniture online and buying what looks good; it has to be suitable for outdoor use.

"A frequent error is purchasing furniture that is not suitable for outdoor use," explains Artem. "Pick furniture that can handle rain, sun, wind, and other outdoor factors. Look for materials that are water-resistant, UV-protected, and rust-proof."

"A word of advice: NEVER put furniture that is intended for indoor use outside, as the fabrics will fade or metals will rust," warns Wendy Ortiz, a designer and co-founder of Caravana Furniture.

5. Going by looks alone

It's not always just about how things look, especially when it comes to choosing comfy furniture – a common mistake when choosing an indoor sofa. The aesthetic is important. But it should never be the only factor taken into consideration.

Don't sacrifice comfort for style, as you'll likely regret it later. It can be tempting to make your garden look expensive without much thought for how comfortable and enjoyable it is to spend time in it. But having furniture you'll actually love for years to come is a top priority.

"Supportive seating, deep cushions and generous proportions can completely transform how often you use your garden furniture. An outdoor sofa should feel inviting. It is worth paying close attention to seat depth, cushion quality and overall ergonomics, particularly if you enjoy spending long periods outdoors," recommends Magdalena.

"Neutral tones remain popular because they provide a versatile foundation that works with changing accessories, planting schemes and garden styles. Natural shades, soft greys and earthy tones tend to age well and create a timeless look that can evolve," she states.

You can also refresh your garden for less with chic accessories that will add a little personality to your space.

"Cushions, lanterns and decorative accents allow homeowners to experiment with colour without committing to a large furniture investment," Magdalena continues.

6. Choosing the wrong material

It’s critical to consider the type of material of your outdoor furniture. While you might already know how to clean wooden garden furniture without damaging it, various other materials may be better suited to your garden and what you use it for.

"Synthetic rattan remains one of the most popular choices because it offers a timeless look while being relatively easy to maintain. It works beautifully in both traditional and contemporary gardens," explains Magdalena.

"Aluminium frames are another excellent option. They are lightweight, durable and require minimal upkeep, making them particularly well-suited to busy households," she says.

"Wood brings warmth and character to outdoor spaces, but it does require more regular care to maintain its appearance. Understanding the maintenance requirements of different materials before purchasing can help ensure the furniture remains looking its best for years to come," Magdalena points out.

Even if you're transforming your garden on a budget, you'll want to make sure the money you're spending on a new outdoor sofa is an investment and won't leave you with a decaying sofa within a year.

"Another mistake is selecting the wrong fabric," says Artem. "Pick materials that are not only attractive but also resilient to weather conditions, fading, and staining."

Because while you can clean outdoor cushions, the fabric still has to be durable enough to withstand the elements.

7. Misjudging maintenance

Misjudging maintenance is a common error we all make because we forget about the long term – a trait also responsible for common mistakes when buying second-hand furniture.

"When choosing outdoor furniture, it's important to consider how much maintenance it will require and whether you're willing to put in the effort to keep it looking good over time," warns Emma. "Some materials, such as teak and aluminium, require little maintenance, while others, such as wrought iron and wicker, require more upkeep."

"During winter months or prolonged periods of bad weather, storing furniture in a shed, garage, or other watertight environment will help protect it from unnecessary wear," Magdalena adds.

"Even high-quality outdoor furniture benefits from protection during extreme conditions. For example, bringing cushions indoors during a heatwave can help prevent fading, while moving furniture to a garage or shed ahead of strong winds can reduce the risk of damage."

Professional advice is to buy covers for all your outdoor furniture. This saves you the worry about the upkeep.

8. Not properly accessing your plot

Stand back and assess the space you have and how you envision it being used to maximise its potential. "One of the first questions I always recommend asking is how you want to spend time outdoors," starts Magdalena. '

For some people, that might be hosting family meals and entertaining friends, while for others it is about creating a comfortable space to unwind with a book or enjoy a morning coffee."

"If you regularly host family meals or summer get-togethers, a combined sofa and dining set can offer the right balance of comfort and functionality. For those looking to create a more relaxed retreat, a compact sofa set or a larger corner arrangement can provide plenty of space to stretch out and unwind," she adds.

"While a large 8-person dining table is lovely – if you’re only likely to host a couple of large dinners each year – it may not be the best use of the space. Instead, get a smaller table that can extend so you have more space for other furniture," advises Isabel Runsewe, CEO and designer at interior design studio Isy's Interiors.

"If you’re buying outdoor furniture for a balcony, it’s important to take into account the height of the railing," advises Wendy. "Some balconies are not see-through and if the furniture is too short, you won’t be able to enjoy the view. A bar set is the perfect balcony furniture setup where you can sit at a higher level and enjoy the view."

9. Cost cutting

Outdoor furniture of any nature is never 'cheap' but it doesn't mean looking for a budget option to save because that could end up costing you more in the long run.

If the furniture isn't well made or crafted using cheaper alternative materials you are less likely to get the same amount of years out of it. Therefore saving in the short term isn't always the best option.

That said, don't forget that seasonal sales hold the key to bagging a bargain, which is all more important when making a large investment. The same as when looking to replace your best mattress, you know the brand and expertise but if you seek out the best mattress deals you can make a saving on a trusted product you know will serve you well.

If you're a big fan of trying out garden party ideas, your furniture should be able to accommodate that and your frequent hosting duties.

If you're looking for more help with getting your garden right, follow our ultimate guide to garden designs for beginners by gardening experts.