The best (and most stylish) metal garden furniture to buy now

Metal garden furniture is a brilliant option for alfresco seating and dining. Typically the strongest material for outdoor furniture, it's ideal for garden tables, chairs, bistro sets and sun loungers.

Outdoor furniture made from steel, aluminium or iron will outlast all other kinds of material. Unlike plastic or wooden furniture, you won't need to replace metal furnishings very often, as long as they are well cared for. The most popular types of metal garden furniture you will find are wrought iron, stainless steel and aluminium.

'Metal furniture is a brilliant addition to any outdoor space, and is a truly versatile option no matter whether you’re looking for a timeless look or more of a contemporary twist outdoors,' Ed Powell, from Steel Landscaping Co, says.

'Although it may seem as though metal furniture can hold its own outdoors all year round, just like other outdoor furniture materials it does require upkeep to maintain its original quality. Metal outdoor furniture is usually fabricated from one of three different metals, and each of which will have its own requirements when it comes to cleaning and maintenance.'

What metal is a good material for outdoor furniture?

Wrought iron is among the heaviest of them all (worth knowing if you plan on repositioning furniture out of the sun), but it's also one of the more durable materials. That said, wrought iron requires a lot of upkeep if you're planning to keep it outdoors all year round.

Aluminium, also strong and durable, is far lighter than iron but can retain the heat far more during warmer weather (consider outdoor seat cushions when purchasing aluminium chairs). Ed says: 'If you live in a coastal part of the country when the salt concentration in the atmosphere is high, this probably isn't the best option for you. Once the metal is exposed to high levels of salt, this is when oxidation occurs and rust sets in.'

Stainless steel garden furniture is long-lasting and wind-resistant, although it has been known for rusting. Steel is generally cheaper than other materials, but may need painting more often. If the rust starts to seep deeper into the metal it can cause huge problems for the integrity of your furniture.

When shopping for metal garden furniture, look out for styles that have been powder-coated. Simply put, this means they have an extra layer of polyester or epoxy powder to protect the metal. This tends to give a thicker, more resilient surface that is resistant to many forms of damage (weather, for example).

Can you leave metal garden furniture outside?

Even in the summer months, it's a good idea to cover the furniture over during periods of rain and wind to prevent moisture and debris buildup.

One thing to note is that repeated water exposure to your metal furniture could cause damage over time. Exposure to water droplets and moisture may result in your furniture rusting, so we recommend buying a cover or placing it in the garage or shed over winter. As well as this, cold conditions can result in the paint cracking, making it easier for water to seep in.

How should you clean your metal garden furniture?

Metal garden furniture should be cleaned with mild soap and warm water. Use a sponge and clean away any dirt, then rinse with water. Avoid using scourers or firm bristles as they can damage the paint. Always wipe off debris such as fallen leaves or bird droppings to prolong the furniture. Make sure not to drag your furniture around, as this could damage the metal or your garden patio.

'The trick to cleaning metal furniture is to ensure that you're not introducing any harsh chemicals, excess moisture or abrasive cleaning materials,' adds Ed.

On that note, take a look at the best metal garden furniture sets to buy now...