A Complete Guide to Choosing the Perfect Wooden Garden Chairs and Tables
Whether you’re settling in for a peaceful morning coffee or hosting a family barbecue, wooden garden chairs and tables make all the difference to outdoor living in the UK. The right wooden garden furniture blends comfort, good looks, and practicality—so you can enjoy your outdoor space all year. From classic benches to generous dining sets, there are options for every garden and every gathering.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the types of wooden garden chairs and tables available, how to choose what’s right for your garden or patio, and showcase some fantastic sets our customers love. By the end, you’ll know what to look for to create the perfect spot to relax, dine, or entertain.
Types of Wooden Garden Chairs and Tables
The Appeal of Wooden Garden Furniture
There’s just something special about wood in the garden. Whether your style leans rustic or contemporary, wooden garden furniture instantly makes any outdoor space feel warm and inviting. The natural grain and texture of timber create a connection with nature that’s hard to beat.
Wooden garden chairs and tables come in a range of looks. You’ll find classic picnic bench sets for that country garden feel, large contemporary dining sets for modern patios, and even robust, chunky single chairs for a quiet corner.
Most Common Types of Wooden Chairs
When it comes to garden seating, there’s plenty of choice:
- Dining Chairs: These make up the heart of a table set, designed for comfort during long lunches or summer suppers.
- Benches: Great for squeezing in extra guests and ideal along borders or under trees.
- Individual Armchairs: Perfect for corners and solo relaxation—think of a good book and a cuppa.
Some of our customers, like Sophie from Surrey, mix and match a bench on one side of the table and chairs on the other for a more informal, family-friendly setting.
Popular Wooden Table Styles
Tables can set the tone for your whole garden area:
- Dining Tables: Rectangular or round, these are the anchor for alfresco meals.
- Picnic Tables: Bring a nostalgic, park-style feeling and are incredibly practical.
- Coffee Tables: Just right for morning tea or casual drinks.
Choosing the right style depends on how you like to use your outdoor space—big gatherings or quiet moments? Formal dining or relaxed chats?
How to Choose the Right Wooden Garden Chair and Table Set
Evaluating Your Outdoor Space
Before choosing any wooden garden furniture, measure up. You’ll want plenty of room to move chairs in and out. A handy tip—mark out the footprint of your chosen set on your patio or lawn with string or chalk. This gives you an immediate sense of the look and flow. For smaller patios, a 4-seater set usually works best, while larger lawns or terrace spaces suit 6-seater or 8-seater sets.
Think, too, about how you’ll use the space. Regular dinner parties? Go bigger. Mostly morning coffees or dinners for two? A compact set or just a pair of chairs may well be plenty.
Choosing the Right Material
The type of wood matters. Hardwoods, like teak or acacia, are prized for their natural durability outdoors and reward you with years of low-maintenance use. Softwoods, such as pine or Swedish Redwood, look beautiful and age gracefully with the right care, especially when pressure treated.
Always look for furniture made from sustainable sources—your garden deserves nothing less. Many of our featured sets use FSC-certified wood, pressure treated for durability and resistance to rot.
Design and Style Considerations
It’s worth thinking about the style of your home and garden. If you have a modern, laid-back patio, go for clean lines and a chunky look. Traditional cottage gardens look wonderful with more rustic benches and tables.
Comfort matters, too. Test the seats if you can, and look for details such as contoured slats or armrests. Add cushions for softness and extra colour—customers often tell us how even a small cushion can make long summer evenings outdoors even more enjoyable.
Recommended Wooden Garden Chairs and Table Sets
With so much choice, here are some sets that tick our boxes for style, durability, and comfort.
Clover Chunky Wooden Garden Dining Set with Table, 2 Chairs & 2 Benches
Ideal for small to medium gardens, the Clover Chunky Wooden Garden Dining Set offers flexibility and style. With two sturdy benches and two chairs, it’s brilliant for both family meals and relaxed afternoons with friends. What customers enjoy most is that it feels inviting, whatever the occasion. The chunky timber gives that sought-after rustic vibe, and because the wood is pressure treated, you won’t be worrying about weather damage.
Ergo 6 Seat Chunky Wooden Garden Dining Table Set with 6 Chairs
Handcrafted in the UK and built for gatherings, this set comes with six chairs designed for comfort—great for family lunches or catch-ups with neighbours. The quality of the pressure-treated timber is something people always point out in their reviews: it feels solid, stands up to the British weather, and is easy to clean. The design works well in both modern and classic gardens.
Contemporary Chunky Wooden Large Garden Dining Table And Bench Set - Seats 8
For larger spaces, this set is a real stand-out. Seating up to eight, with generous benches, it’s perfect for big get-togethers—think birthdays, barbecues, or just making the most of a sunny Sunday with everyone round. The chunky Swedish Redwood gives a sturdy, contemporary touch but still feels warm and inviting. You can’t go wrong here if you love to host.
Valley 8 Seat Chunky Wooden Garden Dining Set with 2 Triple Benches & 2 Chairs
If versatility is what you need, this set is a winner. With two big benches and two separate chairs, you can switch up the layout to suit any occasion. We've had customers say how easy it is to create space for extra guests or change the seating for a quieter, more intimate feel. The high-quality, pressure-treated Swedish Redwood handles the UK’s rain and sun with ease.
Valley Chunky Wooden Garden Chair - Churnet Valley
Sometimes you simply want a single seat to call your own. The Valley Chunky Wooden Garden Chair is ideal if you want to create a reading nook or need extra seating. Crafted from sustainable Swedish Redwood, it’s designed to last and finished with smooth, comfortable curves. Pair two of these with a small table and you’ve got a lovely spot for morning tea.
Maintaining Your Wooden Garden Furniture
Regular Care Tips
Looking after your wooden garden furniture will make it last for years. The basics are simple: dust off leaves or dirt regularly, and now and then give everything a wipe with a soft brush and soapy water. Occasionally, check for signs of weathering. Most treated sets will shrug off rain and sun, but if you want to keep the colour fresh, consider a yearly application of specialist wood oil or sealant. Several of our customers have emailed us years after their purchase, just to say how a little TLC kept their set looking great through every season.
Winter Storage Solutions
British winters can be wet and unpredictable. If possible, store your chairs and tables inside a shed or garage, or use a quality weatherproof cover. Raising furniture off the ground with rubber feet or even bricks helps air to circulate and reduces the chance of damp affecting the timber. Remember, even the toughest sets appreciate a bit of protection during the worst weather—especially if you want them lasting for a decade or more.
Why Wooden Garden Chairs and Table Sets Are a Brilliant Investment
Wooden garden furniture brings lasting style, comfort, and real enjoyment to any outdoor space. The natural look fits into every garden, gives you endless layout possibilities, and feels welcoming for family, friends, and neighbours alike. Customers regularly tell us how much more time they spend outdoors once their new dining set arrives—and honestly, that’s what it’s all about.
Ready to make the most of your outdoor living? Browse our featured timber sets and find your perfect fit. From cosy two-seaters to generous party tables, your garden could soon have a whole new lease of life—whatever the weather’s doing this week.
