outdoor care Tag

What to Look for When Buying Rattan Garden Furniture?

What to Look for When Buying Rattan Garden Furniture?

Rattan sets look almost identical in photographs and behave very differently after a wet British autumn, because the important differences are hidden. This buying guide explains what to check: whether the weave is synthetic PE rattan or natural cane, and why only one belongs outdoors, plus the frame underneath, where powder coated aluminium outperforms steel and resin only construction. We cover how to judge weave quality by strand consistency, sealed ends and corner finishing, and what to look for in cushion covers, fabrics and foam thickness. There is guidance on measuring a set properly before ordering, sensible table and chair clearances for dining, assembly and fixings, warranty coverage, and a simple seasonal care routine including covers, storage and why pressure washers should be avoided. A short FAQ answers the rest....

How Long Does Aluminum Patio Furniture Last?

How Long Does Aluminum Patio Furniture Last?

Aluminium patio furniture usually lasts fifteen to twenty five years in British conditions, and cast aluminium with a good powder coated finish can pass thirty years with very little care. Because the metal forms a stable oxide layer rather than rusting, lifespan comes down to the coating, the fixings and how the set is stored rather than the aluminium itself. This guide compares cast, extruded and thin tubular construction, explains why weight is a useful indicator of quality, and describes how powder coating ages through loss of gloss, chalking and eventual flaking. It also sets out what actually fails first, from cushions and sling fabric to steel bolts and glass tops, along with the seasonal care, winter storage and pre purchase checks that add years to a garden set....

How to Stop Cats Sitting on Garden Furniture?

How to Stop Cats Sitting on Garden Furniture?

Cats settle on garden furniture because it offers height, warmth, shelter, and soft cushions, so the most effective response is to remove those attractions rather than chase them off. This guide explains the behaviour first, then works through the measures that genuinely last, starting with fitted breathable covers and cushion storage. It covers safe scent deterrents including citrus peel, coffee grounds, and living plants such as rue, lavender, and rosemary, while flagging the concentrated oils and mothballs that should be avoided entirely. There is practical detail on texture barriers, redirecting cats to a better sunny spot with catnip, and managing neighbourhood cats through fence rollers, motion sprinklers, and removing secondary attractions like bird feeders. The final section covers cleaning fur, scent, and claw marks from rattan and metal frames so cats are not drawn back....