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Warranties up to 5 years. We offer the longest protection available in the UK.
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Save 15% with code ESS15Save 15%Chimes - Prestige Grey Large Storage Box
Regular price £549.00Sale price £549.00 Regular price£649.00Save £100.00£466.65 with code ESS150% Interest from £41.17 p/m£466.65 with code ESS15Sold out -
Save 20% with code TTN20Save 20%Free heaterNova - Titan 3m x 3m Square Aluminium Pergola in Grey
Regular price £2,199.00Sale price £2,199.00 Regular price£2,899.00Save £700.00£1,759.20 with code TTN200% Interest from £164.92 p/m£1,759.20 with code TTN20 -
Save 15% with code ESS15Save 15%Chimes - Prestige Grey Florence Corner Dining Set with Firepit Table - Left Hand
Regular price £1,699.00Sale price £1,699.00 Regular price£1,999.00Save £300.00£1,444.15 with code ESS150% Interest from £127.42 p/m£1,444.15 with code ESS15 -
Save 15% with code ESS15Save 15%Chimes - Prestige Grey Florence Corner Dining Set with Firepit Table - Right Hand
Regular price £1,699.00Sale price £1,699.00 Regular price£1,999.00Save £300.00£1,444.15 with code ESS150% Interest from £127.42 p/m£1,444.15 with code ESS15 -
Save 15% with code ESS15Save 15%Chimes - Prestige Grey Napoli Sun Lounger Set
Regular price £899.00Sale price £899.00 Regular price£899.00£764.15 with code ESS150% Interest from £67.42 p/m£764.15 with code ESS15Sold out -
Save 15% with code ESS15Save 15%Chimes - Monaco Aluminium Sun Lounger Set with Coffee Table - Rope Weave
Regular price £1,099.00Sale price £1,099.00 Regular price£1,199.00Save £100.00£934.15 with code ESS150% Interest from £82.42 p/m£934.15 with code ESS15 -
Save 20% with code ESS20Save 20%Nova - Heritage White Wash Ciara Corner Dining Set with Fire Pit Table - Left Hand - LOW STOCK
Regular price £1,499.00Sale price £1,499.00 Regular price£1,999.00Save £500.00£1,199.20 with code ESS200% Interest from £112.42 p/m£1,199.20 with code ESS20 -
Save 15% with code ESS15Save 15%Chimes Rattan Furniture - Prestige Grey Vienna Deluxe Corner Sofa Set With Firepit table, Bench & Armchair - LOW STOCK
Regular price £2,399.00Sale price £2,399.00 Regular price£2,549.00Save £150.00£2,039.15 with code ESS150% Interest from £179.92 p/m£2,039.15 with code ESS15 -
Save 15% with code ESS15Save 15%Chimes - Monaco Aluminium Left Hand Corner Dining Set with Rising Firepit Table - Rope Weave - LOW STOCK
Regular price £2,999.00Sale price £2,999.00 Regular price£3,199.00Save £200.00£2,549.15 with code ESS150% Interest from £224.92 p/m£2,549.15 with code ESS15 -
Save 15% with code ESS15Save 15%Chimes - Monaco Aluminium Right Hand Corner Dining Set with Rising Firepit Table - Rope Weave - LOW STOCK
Regular price £2,999.00Sale price £2,999.00 Regular price£3,199.00Save £200.00£2,549.15 with code ESS150% Interest from £224.92 p/m£2,549.15 with code ESS15 -
Save 15% with code ESS15Save 15%Chimes - Prestige Grey Florence Deluxe Corner Dining Set With Firepit Table
Regular price £1,799.00Sale price £1,799.00 Regular price£2,099.00Save £300.00£1,529.15 with code ESS150% Interest from £134.92 p/m£1,529.15 with code ESS15 -
Save 15% with code ESS15Save 15%Chimes - Prestige Grey Vienna Deluxe Corner Sofa Set With Firepit table & 2 Benches - LOW STOCK
Regular price £2,099.00Sale price £2,099.00 Regular price£2,399.00Save £300.00£1,784.15 with code ESS150% Interest from £157.42 p/m£1,784.15 with code ESS15Sold out -
Save 15% with code ESS15Save 15%Chimes - Prestige Grey Madrid 2 Seat Bistro Set
Regular price £649.00Sale price £649.00 Regular price£899.00Save £250.00£551.65 with code ESS150% Interest from £48.67 p/m£551.65 with code ESS15 -
Save 15% with code ESS15Save 15%Chimes - Prestige Grey Valencia 2 Seat Bistro
Regular price £649.00Sale price £649.00 Regular price£899.00Save £250.00£551.65 with code ESS150% Interest from £48.67 p/m£551.65 with code ESS15 -
Save 10% with code ESS10Save 10%Chimes - Portofino Aluminium & Rope Compact Corner Dining Set With Rising Firepit Table - Cream
Regular price £2,199.00Sale price £2,199.00 Regular price£2,499.00Save £300.00£1,979.10 with code ESS100% Interest from £164.92 p/m£1,979.10 with code ESS10 -
Save 15% with code ESS15Save 15%Chimes - Monaco Aluminium & Rope Left Hand Corner Dining Set with Rising Firepit Table - Cream
Regular price £2,999.00Sale price £2,999.00 Regular price£3,199.00Save £200.00£2,549.15 with code ESS150% Interest from £224.92 p/m£2,549.15 with code ESS15 -
Save 15% with code ESS15Save 15%Chimes - Monaco Aluminium Compact Corner Dining Set with Firepit Table - Rope Weave
Regular price £2,499.00Sale price £2,499.00 Regular price£2,649.00Save £150.00£2,124.15 with code ESS150% Interest from £187.42 p/m£2,124.15 with code ESS15Sold out -
Save 10% with code ESS10Save 10%Pre-order | Due in 07/10/2026Chimes - Aluminium Cushion Storage Box - Cream
Regular price £599.00Sale price £599.00 Regular price£999.00Save £400.00£539.10 with code ESS100% Interest from £44.92 p/m£539.10 with code ESS10 -
Save 10% with code ESS10Save 10%Chimes - Cagliari Aluminium & Rope Casual Corner Sofa Set With Coffee Table - LOW STOCK
Regular price £1,399.00Sale price £1,399.00 Regular price£1,749.00Save £350.00£1,259.10 with code ESS100% Interest from £104.92 p/m£1,259.10 with code ESS10 -
Save 10% with code ESS10Save 10%Chimes - Rivaro 4m x 3m Solar LED Aluminium Pergola
Regular price £2,099.00Sale price £2,099.00 Regular price£2,299.00Save £200.00£1,889.10 with code ESS100% Interest from £157.42 p/m£1,889.10 with code ESS10 -
Save 10% with code BBQ10Save 10%Whistler Grills - Cirencester 6 Burner Gas BBQ
Regular price £2,149.00Sale price £2,149.00 Regular price£1,989.00£1,934.10 with code BBQ100% Interest from £161.17 p/m£1,934.10 with code BBQ10 -
Save 15% with code ESS15Save 15%Chimes - Prestige Grey Amore Reclining Lounge Set
Regular price £949.00Sale price £949.00 Regular price£1,599.00Save £650.00£806.65 with code ESS150% Interest from £71.17 p/m£806.65 with code ESS15Sold out -
Save 15% with code ESS15Save 15%Chimes - Monaco Aluminium 8 Seat Round Dining Set - 1.8 Meter Round Table With Firepit - Rope Weave
Regular price £2,999.00Sale price £2,999.00 Regular price£3,199.00Save £200.00£2,549.15 with code ESS150% Interest from £224.92 p/m£2,549.15 with code ESS15 -
Save 15% with code ESS15Save 15%Chimes - Monaco Aluminium 3 Seat Sofa Set with Coffee Table - Rope Weave
Regular price £2,599.00Sale price £2,599.00 Regular price£2,749.00Save £150.00£2,209.15 with code ESS150% Interest from £194.92 p/m£2,209.15 with code ESS15 -
Save 15% with code ESS15Save 15%Chimes - Monaco Aluminium & Rope Sun Lounger Set with Coffee Table - Cream
Regular price £1,099.00Sale price £1,099.00 Regular price£1,199.00Save £100.00£934.15 with code ESS150% Interest from £82.42 p/m£934.15 with code ESS15
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Stylus Leather Effect Taupe Bar Stool
Regular price £129.00Sale price £129.00 Regular price£149.00Save £20.00 -
Genoa 2.4m Extending Dining Set with 4 Modena Chairs & Bench
Regular price £2,449.00Sale price £2,449.00 Regular price£2,749.00Save £300.000% Interest from £183.67 p/m -
Save 15% with code ESS15Save 15%Chimes - Geneva 3.5m Round Crank & Tilt Cantilever Parasol - Beige
Regular price £349.00Sale price £349.00 Regular price£449.00Save £100.00£296.65 with code ESS150% Interest from £26.17 p/m£296.65 with code ESS15 -
Save 15% with code ESS15Save 15%Chimes - Geneva 3.5m Round Crank & Tilt Cantilever Parasol - Grey
Regular price £349.00Sale price £349.00 Regular price£449.00Save £100.00£296.65 with code ESS150% Interest from £26.17 p/m£296.65 with code ESS15 -
Save 15% with code ESS15Save 15%Chimes - Geneva 3m Square Crank & Tilt Cantilever Parasol - Grey
Regular price £349.00Sale price £349.00 Regular price£449.00Save £100.00£296.65 with code ESS150% Interest from £26.17 p/m£296.65 with code ESS15 -
Save 15% with code ESS15Save 15%Chimes - Geneva 3m Square Crank & Tilt Cantilever Parasol - Beige
Regular price £349.00Sale price £349.00 Regular price£449.00Save £100.00£296.65 with code ESS150% Interest from £26.17 p/m£296.65 with code ESS15 -
Save 15% with code ESS15Save 15%Chimes - Geneva 3m x 2m Rectangular Crank & Tilt Cantilever Parasol - Grey
Regular price £349.00Sale price £349.00 Regular price£449.00Save £100.00£296.65 with code ESS150% Interest from £26.17 p/m£296.65 with code ESS15 -
Save 15% with code ESS15Save 15%Chimes - Geneva 3m x 2m Rectangular Crank & Tilt Cantilever Parasol - Beige
Regular price £349.00Sale price £349.00 Regular price£449.00Save £100.00£296.65 with code ESS150% Interest from £26.17 p/m£296.65 with code ESS15 -
Save 15% with code ESS15Save 15%Chimes - Como 3m x 2m Rectangular Crank & Tilt Cantilever Parasol - Grey
Regular price £199.00Sale price £199.00 Regular price£299.00Save £100.00£169.15 with code ESS15£169.15 with code ESS15 -
Save 15% with code ESS15Save 15%Chimes - Como 3m x 2m Rectangular Crank & Tilt Cantilever Parasol - Beige
Regular price £199.00Sale price £199.00 Regular price£299.00Save £100.00£169.15 with code ESS15£169.15 with code ESS15 -
Rimini Tweed Natural Dining Chair
Regular price £249.00Sale price £249.00 Regular price£299.00Save £50.00 -
Save 15% with code ESS15Save 15%Chimes - Como 3m Round Crank & Tilt Cantilever Parasol - Beige
Regular price £199.00Sale price £199.00 Regular price£299.00Save £100.00£169.15 with code ESS15£169.15 with code ESS15 -
Save 10% with code PRE10Save 10%Pre-order | Due in 15/09/2026Chimes - Portofino Aluminium & Rope 8 Seat Rectangular Dining Set - Cream
Regular price £1,899.00Sale price £1,899.00 Regular price£2,049.00Save £150.00£1,709.10 with code PRE100% Interest from £142.42 p/m£1,709.10 with code PRE10 -
Save 10% with code PRE10Save 10%Pre-order | Due in 15/09/2026Chimes - Portofino Aluminium & Rope 6 Seat Rectangular Dining Set - Cream
Regular price £1,599.00Sale price £1,599.00 Regular price£1,749.00Save £150.00£1,439.10 with code PRE100% Interest from £119.92 p/m£1,439.10 with code PRE10 -
Save 15% with code ESS15Save 15%Chimes - Prestige Grey Florence Rattan Corner Dining Set with Rising Table - Right Hand
Regular price £1,499.00Sale price £1,499.00 Regular price£1,699.00Save £200.00£1,274.15 with code ESS150% Interest from £112.42 p/m£1,274.15 with code ESS15
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Save 15% with code ESS15Save 15%
Chimes - Prestige Grey Large Storage Box
Regular price £549.00Sale price £549.00 Regular price£649.00Save £100.00£466.65 with code ESS150% Interest from £41.17 p/m£466.65 with code ESS15Sold out -
Save 25% with code BH25Save 25%Chimes - Stone Grey Milan Corner Dining Set with Fire Pit Table - Right Hand
Regular price £1,499.00Sale price £1,499.00 Regular price£1,899.00Save £400.00£1,124.25 with code BH250% Interest from £112.42 p/m£1,124.25 with code BH25 -
Save 25% with code BH25Save 25%Chimes - Stone Grey Large Storage Box - LOW STOCK
Regular price £449.00Sale price £449.00 Regular price£599.00Save £150.00£336.75 with code BH250% Interest from £33.67 p/m£336.75 with code BH25 -
Save 25% with code BH25Save 25%Chimes - Stone Grey Milan Corner Dining Set with Fire Pit Table - Left Hand
Regular price £1,499.00Sale price £1,499.00 Regular price£1,899.00Save £400.00£1,124.25 with code BH250% Interest from £112.42 p/m£1,124.25 with code BH25 -
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Chimes - Prestige Grey Florence Corner Dining Set with Firepit Table - Left Hand
Regular price £1,699.00Sale price £1,699.00 Regular price£1,999.00Save £300.00£1,444.15 with code ESS150% Interest from £127.42 p/m£1,444.15 with code ESS15 -
Save 25% with code BH25Save 25%Chimes - Stone Grey Milan Compact Corner Dining Set with Firepit Table - LOW STOCK
Regular price £1,399.00Sale price £1,399.00 Regular price£1,699.00Save £300.00£1,049.25 with code BH250% Interest from £104.92 p/m£1,049.25 with code BH25 -
Save 15% with code ESS15Save 15%
Chimes - Prestige Grey Florence Corner Dining Set with Firepit Table - Right Hand
Regular price £1,699.00Sale price £1,699.00 Regular price£1,999.00Save £300.00£1,444.15 with code ESS150% Interest from £127.42 p/m£1,444.15 with code ESS15 -
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Chimes - Prestige Grey Napoli Sun Lounger Set
Regular price £899.00Sale price £899.00 Regular price£899.00£764.15 with code ESS150% Interest from £67.42 p/m£764.15 with code ESS15Sold out -
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Nova - Heritage White Wash Ciara Corner Dining Set with Fire Pit Table - Left Hand - LOW STOCK
Regular price £1,499.00Sale price £1,499.00 Regular price£1,999.00Save £500.00£1,199.20 with code ESS200% Interest from £112.42 p/m£1,199.20 with code ESS20 -
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Chimes Rattan Furniture - Prestige Grey Vienna Deluxe Corner Sofa Set With Firepit table, Bench & Armchair - LOW STOCK
Regular price £2,399.00Sale price £2,399.00 Regular price£2,549.00Save £150.00£2,039.15 with code ESS150% Interest from £179.92 p/m£2,039.15 with code ESS15
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Save 10% with code PRE10Save 10%Pre-order | Due in 30/09/2026Chimes - Portofino Casual Aluminium & Rope Corner Dining Set With Rising Firepit Table - Left & Right Hand - Cream
Regular price £2,399.00Sale price £2,399.00 Regular price£2,629.00Save £230.00£2,159.10 with code PRE100% Interest from £179.92 p/m£2,159.10 with code PRE10 -
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Chimes - Monaco Aluminium Sun Lounger Set with Coffee Table - Rope Weave
Regular price £1,099.00Sale price £1,099.00 Regular price£1,199.00Save £100.00£934.15 with code ESS150% Interest from £82.42 p/m£934.15 with code ESS15 -
Save 10% with code SS10Save 10%Pre-order | Due in 30/09/2026Chimes - Aluminium Cushion Storage Box
Regular price £599.00Sale price £599.00 Regular price£999.00Save £400.00£539.10 with code SS100% Interest from £44.92 p/m£539.10 with code SS10 -
Save 15% with code ESS15Save 15%
Chimes - Monaco Aluminium Left Hand Corner Dining Set with Rising Firepit Table - Rope Weave - LOW STOCK
Regular price £2,999.00Sale price £2,999.00 Regular price£3,199.00Save £200.00£2,549.15 with code ESS150% Interest from £224.92 p/m£2,549.15 with code ESS15 -
Save 10% with code PRE10Save 10%Pre-order | Due in 30/09/2026Chimes - Portofino Casual Corner Dining Set with Rectangular Rising Table - Left & Right Hand - Cream
Regular price £1,899.00Sale price £1,899.00 Regular price£2,049.00Save £150.00£1,709.10 with code PRE100% Interest from £142.42 p/m£1,709.10 with code PRE10 -
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Chimes - Monaco Aluminium Right Hand Corner Dining Set with Rising Firepit Table - Rope Weave - LOW STOCK
Regular price £2,999.00Sale price £2,999.00 Regular price£3,199.00Save £200.00£2,549.15 with code ESS150% Interest from £224.92 p/m£2,549.15 with code ESS15 -
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Chimes - Portofino Aluminium & Rope Compact Corner Dining Set With Rising Firepit Table - Cream
Regular price £2,199.00Sale price £2,199.00 Regular price£2,499.00Save £300.00£1,979.10 with code ESS100% Interest from £164.92 p/m£1,979.10 with code ESS10 -
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Chimes - Monaco Aluminium & Rope Left Hand Corner Dining Set with Rising Firepit Table - Cream
Regular price £2,999.00Sale price £2,999.00 Regular price£3,199.00Save £200.00£2,549.15 with code ESS150% Interest from £224.92 p/m£2,549.15 with code ESS15 -
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Chimes - Monaco Aluminium Compact Corner Dining Set with Firepit Table - Rope Weave
Regular price £2,499.00Sale price £2,499.00 Regular price£2,649.00Save £150.00£2,124.15 with code ESS150% Interest from £187.42 p/m£2,124.15 with code ESS15Sold out -
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Chimes - Monaco Aluminium 3 Seat Sofa Set with Coffee Table - Rope Weave
Regular price £2,599.00Sale price £2,599.00 Regular price£2,749.00Save £150.00£2,209.15 with code ESS150% Interest from £194.92 p/m£2,209.15 with code ESS15
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Save 10% with code PRE10Save 10%Pre-order | Due in 30/09/2026
Chimes - Portofino Casual Aluminium & Rope Corner Dining Set With Rising Firepit Table - Left & Right Hand - Cream
Regular price £2,399.00Sale price £2,399.00 Regular price£2,629.00Save £230.00£2,159.10 with code PRE100% Interest from £179.92 p/m£2,159.10 with code PRE10 -
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Chimes - Monaco Aluminium Sun Lounger Set with Coffee Table - Rope Weave
Regular price £1,099.00Sale price £1,099.00 Regular price£1,199.00Save £100.00£934.15 with code ESS150% Interest from £82.42 p/m£934.15 with code ESS15 -
Save 10% with code SS10Save 10%Pre-order | Due in 30/09/2026
Chimes - Aluminium Cushion Storage Box
Regular price £599.00Sale price £599.00 Regular price£999.00Save £400.00£539.10 with code SS100% Interest from £44.92 p/m£539.10 with code SS10 -
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Chimes - Monaco Aluminium Left Hand Corner Dining Set with Rising Firepit Table - Rope Weave - LOW STOCK
Regular price £2,999.00Sale price £2,999.00 Regular price£3,199.00Save £200.00£2,549.15 with code ESS150% Interest from £224.92 p/m£2,549.15 with code ESS15 -
Save 10% with code PRE10Save 10%Pre-order | Due in 30/09/2026
Chimes - Portofino Casual Corner Dining Set with Rectangular Rising Table - Left & Right Hand - Cream
Regular price £1,899.00Sale price £1,899.00 Regular price£2,049.00Save £150.00£1,709.10 with code PRE100% Interest from £142.42 p/m£1,709.10 with code PRE10 -
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Chimes - Monaco Aluminium Right Hand Corner Dining Set with Rising Firepit Table - Rope Weave - LOW STOCK
Regular price £2,999.00Sale price £2,999.00 Regular price£3,199.00Save £200.00£2,549.15 with code ESS150% Interest from £224.92 p/m£2,549.15 with code ESS15 -
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Chimes - Portofino Aluminium & Rope Compact Corner Dining Set With Rising Firepit Table - Cream
Regular price £2,199.00Sale price £2,199.00 Regular price£2,499.00Save £300.00£1,979.10 with code ESS100% Interest from £164.92 p/m£1,979.10 with code ESS10 -
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Chimes - Monaco Aluminium & Rope Left Hand Corner Dining Set with Rising Firepit Table - Cream
Regular price £2,999.00Sale price £2,999.00 Regular price£3,199.00Save £200.00£2,549.15 with code ESS150% Interest from £224.92 p/m£2,549.15 with code ESS15 -
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Chimes - Monaco Aluminium Compact Corner Dining Set with Firepit Table - Rope Weave
Regular price £2,499.00Sale price £2,499.00 Regular price£2,649.00Save £150.00£2,124.15 with code ESS150% Interest from £187.42 p/m£2,124.15 with code ESS15Sold out -
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Chimes - Cagliari Aluminium & Rope Casual Corner Sofa Set With Coffee Table - LOW STOCK
Regular price £1,399.00Sale price £1,399.00 Regular price£1,749.00Save £350.00£1,259.10 with code ESS100% Interest from £104.92 p/m£1,259.10 with code ESS10
Design Inspiration
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Rattan vs Solid Wood: Which is Best for Outdoor Furniture?
Few garden decisions divide households like this one. Solid wood has centuries of romance behind it, all warm grain and permanence, while woven rattan has become the look of the modern British garden, softening patios from Cornwall to the Cotswolds. Both can be beautiful. They part company in how they handle the years outdoors, and that's what this comparison covers: weather, upkeep, comfort, looks and cost over time. How Each Handles British Weather Synthetic rattan is engineered for the job. The weave is weatherproof and UV protected, it shrugs off rain and it sits on a powder coated aluminium frame that can't rust, so the whole set lives outside all year as standard. We back ours accordingly: our Prestige Grey and Sandstone sets come with a 5-year warranty, and our Stone Grey sets carry a 4-year warranty. Solid wood asks for more partnership. Teak, the strongest outdoor performer, uses its natural oils to repel water and can serve well for years, though it silvers to grey within a season or two unless it's cleaned and oiled annually. Softer and cheaper woods need regular sealing and still tend to weather first at the joints and feet. Wood can absolutely live outdoors; it simply never stops needing you. The Maintenance Ledger Over five years, a rattan set on an aluminium frame asks for a few washes with soapy water and sensible cushion storage. A wooden set over the same period asks for annual cleaning, oiling or sealing, plus the cost of the products and the weekend afternoons to apply them. For owners who enjoy that ritual, it's part of the pleasure of wood. For everyone else, it's the line item that settles the debate. There's also the question of where the maintenance happens, since oiling a large wooden table means a dry weekend, dust sheets and somewhere for the family to eat in the meantime, which is a bigger ask than the tin of oil suggests. Storage tells a similar story. Rattan sets stay out all year with a cover for the unused months, while wood benefits from shelter through the worst of winter, which means finding space for it just when the shed's already full. Comfort, Looks and Weight Rattan's weave has a natural give that makes seating easy and comfortable, and the lightweight frames mean the set moves around the garden as the sun does. The style range is wide too, one of the benefits of rattan garden furniture we've written about before: flat weave for contemporary spaces, half round for a classic look, and colourways from stone grey to natural tones. Wood counters with heft and presence. A solid table has a permanence rattan doesn't pretend to, and grain is a beauty all its own. That weight cuts both ways, because wooden pieces stay where you put them, which is a virtue for a dining table and a chore for furniture you want to rearrange. Cushions close the comfort gap either way, though rattan's gentle give means you'll still sit comfortably while the cushions are indoors drying off. The Verdict For furniture living uncovered in a British garden, synthetic rattan is the better choice for most people, judged on weatherproofing, upkeep and year round usability. Solid wood is the better fit where the furniture will live under permanent cover, where its weight is welcome, or where the annual oiling is a ritual you'll genuinely keep. If you want a set that looks as good in year five as it did on delivery day, with little effort in between, our premium rattan-style outdoor furniture built on aluminium frames is the one to choose. Visit Us in Essex Photographs flatten what makes good rattan good, so we keep our curated rattan collections on display at our Essex showroom, where you can judge the weave, frames and cushions properly. Order from home with our 60-day return window, or come and settle the rattan versus wood debate in person. Frequently Asked Questions Is solid wood furniture OK to leave outside? Hardwoods such as teak can live outside with annual cleaning and oiling, though they will silver to grey without it. Softer woods need regular sealing and are better kept under cover, as moisture eventually finds the joints. Which lasts longer outdoors, rattan or wood? With no maintenance at all, synthetic rattan on an aluminium frame lasts longer, because nothing in it rusts, rots or needs annual treatment. Well maintained teak can also serve for many years, and the maintenance is the condition. Does synthetic rattan look as good as wood? It offers a different beauty: woven texture and soft lines where wood offers grain and mass. Premium weaves hold their colour under UV, so the comparison in year five tends to favour rattan unless the wood has been faithfully maintained. Is wooden garden furniture hard to maintain? It's more demanding than any woven or metal alternative. Expect annual cleaning plus oiling or sealing to keep colour and weather resistance, and prompt attention to any cracked or greying areas. Is synthetic rattan environmentally friendly? The strongest environmental argument is longevity: a set that serves for many years avoids the waste of repeated replacement, and the HDPE used in quality weave is a widely recyclable plastic. Buying once and buying well is the greenest habit in this category.
Read ArticleRattan vs Solid Wood: Which is Best for Outdoor Furniture?
Few garden decisions divide households like this one. Solid wood has centuries of romance behind it, all warm grain and permanence, while woven rattan has become the look of the modern British garden, softening patios from Cornwall to the Cotswolds. Both can be beautiful. They part company in how they handle the years outdoors, and that's what this comparison covers: weather, upkeep, comfort, looks and cost over time. How Each Handles British Weather Synthetic rattan is engineered for the job. The weave is weatherproof and UV protected, it shrugs off rain and it sits on a powder coated aluminium frame that can't rust, so the whole set lives outside all year as standard. We back ours accordingly: our Prestige Grey and Sandstone sets come with a 5-year warranty, and our Stone Grey sets carry a 4-year warranty. Solid wood asks for more partnership. Teak, the strongest outdoor performer, uses its natural oils to repel water and can serve well for years, though it silvers to grey within a season or two unless it's cleaned and oiled annually. Softer and cheaper woods need regular sealing and still tend to weather first at the joints and feet. Wood can absolutely live outdoors; it simply never stops needing you. The Maintenance Ledger Over five years, a rattan set on an aluminium frame asks for a few washes with soapy water and sensible cushion storage. A wooden set over the same period asks for annual cleaning, oiling or sealing, plus the cost of the products and the weekend afternoons to apply them. For owners who enjoy that ritual, it's part of the pleasure of wood. For everyone else, it's the line item that settles the debate. There's also the question of where the maintenance happens, since oiling a large wooden table means a dry weekend, dust sheets and somewhere for the family to eat in the meantime, which is a bigger ask than the tin of oil suggests. Storage tells a similar story. Rattan sets stay out all year with a cover for the unused months, while wood benefits from shelter through the worst of winter, which means finding space for it just when the shed's already full. Comfort, Looks and Weight Rattan's weave has a natural give that makes seating easy and comfortable, and the lightweight frames mean the set moves around the garden as the sun does. The style range is wide too, one of the benefits of rattan garden furniture we've written about before: flat weave for contemporary spaces, half round for a classic look, and colourways from stone grey to natural tones. Wood counters with heft and presence. A solid table has a permanence rattan doesn't pretend to, and grain is a beauty all its own. That weight cuts both ways, because wooden pieces stay where you put them, which is a virtue for a dining table and a chore for furniture you want to rearrange. Cushions close the comfort gap either way, though rattan's gentle give means you'll still sit comfortably while the cushions are indoors drying off. The Verdict For furniture living uncovered in a British garden, synthetic rattan is the better choice for most people, judged on weatherproofing, upkeep and year round usability. Solid wood is the better fit where the furniture will live under permanent cover, where its weight is welcome, or where the annual oiling is a ritual you'll genuinely keep. If you want a set that looks as good in year five as it did on delivery day, with little effort in between, our premium rattan-style outdoor furniture built on aluminium frames is the one to choose. Visit Us in Essex Photographs flatten what makes good rattan good, so we keep our curated rattan collections on display at our Essex showroom, where you can judge the weave, frames and cushions properly. Order from home with our 60-day return window, or come and settle the rattan versus wood debate in person. Frequently Asked Questions Is solid wood furniture OK to leave outside? Hardwoods such as teak can live outside with annual cleaning and oiling, though they will silver to grey without it. Softer woods need regular sealing and are better kept under cover, as moisture eventually finds the joints. Which lasts longer outdoors, rattan or wood? With no maintenance at all, synthetic rattan on an aluminium frame lasts longer, because nothing in it rusts, rots or needs annual treatment. Well maintained teak can also serve for many years, and the maintenance is the condition. Does synthetic rattan look as good as wood? It offers a different beauty: woven texture and soft lines where wood offers grain and mass. Premium weaves hold their colour under UV, so the comparison in year five tends to favour rattan unless the wood has been faithfully maintained. Is wooden garden furniture hard to maintain? It's more demanding than any woven or metal alternative. Expect annual cleaning plus oiling or sealing to keep colour and weather resistance, and prompt attention to any cracked or greying areas. Is synthetic rattan environmentally friendly? The strongest environmental argument is longevity: a set that serves for many years avoids the waste of repeated replacement, and the HDPE used in quality weave is a widely recyclable plastic. Buying once and buying well is the greenest habit in this category.
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Rattan Garden Furniture Buying Checklist: What to Check Before You Buy
Rattan has a way of making a garden feel finished. The woven texture warms up a patio the moment it arrives, and a good set becomes the backdrop to years of long lunches and lazy evenings. Because sets that look nearly identical online can be worlds apart in build, it pays to shop with a checklist in hand. Start by understanding what rattan furniture is, because the word covers both natural cane and the weatherproof synthetic weave used outdoors, and then work through the checks below. The Checklist Weave material. For outdoor use, the weave should be synthetic and UV stabilised, so it keeps its colour and flexibility through years of sunlight. And as you’re dealing with British weather, rattan made with HDPE is your most durable bet. Natural rattan is a beautiful indoor material, and it should stay indoors. Weave quality. Run your eye and hand along it. The strands should be even in colour and thickness, woven tight to the frame with no loose ends, gaps or sharp edges. Inconsistency in the weave is the earliest warning sign of a rushed build. The frame beneath. Part the weave and confirm the frame is powder coated aluminium, which can't rust and carries the set through every season. This single check separates furniture built for years from furniture built for a listing photo. Welds, feet and stability. Press down on corners and give the piece a gentle rock. It should feel rigid, sit flat, and have proper feet that keep the frame off wet ground. Cushion specification. Look for shower resistant covers and generous, resilient filling. Thin cushions are the first economy cheap sets make and the first thing owners regret. The warranty. We stand by the quality of ours: our Stone Grey sets come with a 4-year warranty, and our Prestige Grey & Sandstone sets are covered by a 5-year warranty, protecting the frame and weave. Wherever you buy, read what the warranty includes, because the length and scope tell you how the maker rates their own build. Fit for your space. Measure before you fall in love. Confirm the footprint plus around a metre of moving room, and check access for delivery day. Returns and delivery. A 60-day return window and 2-man delivery to the spot you choose turn a big purchase into a low stakes one. Try Before You Trust A checklist gets you to a shortlist, and sitting down finishes the job. Seat depth, cushion feel and the sturdiness of the arms only reveal themselves in person, which is why a showroom visit is worth the trip for a set you hope to keep for years. Where buying online is the practical route, lean harder on the specification, the warranty and the returns window, and choose from our elegant woven seating for outdoor spaces, where every one of the checks above is answered on the product page. Photograph the specification while you're at it, because comparing three shortlisted sets line by line is far easier than trusting memory across three browser tabs. A Word on Price Rattan spans a huge price range, and the difference lives in the items on this checklist: the weave grade, the frame material, the cushion filling and the warranty behind them all. Paying for those four things is paying for the years the set will serve. Paying less usually means buying the same furniture twice. It's the same logic we apply when we curate our own collections, which is why every range we stock has already been through a version of this checklist before it reaches the showroom floor. Tick Every Box in One Visit At Chimes, you can work through the whole checklist in an afternoon. We keep hundreds of pieces on display in our Essex showroom, our rattan ranges sit on aluminium frames with warranties of up to 5 years, and our team will happily talk you out of the wrong set. Bring your measurements and put the checklist to work. Frequently Asked Questions How can you tell good quality rattan weave? Look for even strand colour and thickness, a tight weave with no gaps or loose ends, and a smooth finish with no sharp edges. Consistent weave is the clearest visible sign of a carefully built set. What frame should rattan furniture have? Powder coated aluminium. It can't rust, it copes with year round outdoor use and it keeps the set light enough to move easily. Confirm the frame material on the specification, and treat a missing answer as a warning. Is flat or half round rattan weave better? Both can be excellent, and the choice is largely about look, with flat weave reading more contemporary and half round more traditional. Judge quality by the consistency and tightness of the weave itself. Why does rattan furniture vary so much in price? The price gap reflects the weave grade, the frame material, the cushion filling and the warranty. Premium sets pair UV stabilised weave with aluminium frames and 5-year guarantees, which is where the extra cost sits. Should you buy rattan furniture as a set or in separate pieces? Sets are usually the better route, because the weave colour, frame finish and cushion fabric are matched across every piece. Mixing purchases over time risks visible differences in tone as pieces weather at different rates.
Read ArticleRattan Garden Furniture Buying Checklist: What to Check Before You Buy
Rattan has a way of making a garden feel finished. The woven texture warms up a patio the moment it arrives, and a good set becomes the backdrop to years of long lunches and lazy evenings. Because sets that look nearly identical online can be worlds apart in build, it pays to shop with a checklist in hand. Start by understanding what rattan furniture is, because the word covers both natural cane and the weatherproof synthetic weave used outdoors, and then work through the checks below. The Checklist Weave material. For outdoor use, the weave should be synthetic and UV stabilised, so it keeps its colour and flexibility through years of sunlight. And as you’re dealing with British weather, rattan made with HDPE is your most durable bet. Natural rattan is a beautiful indoor material, and it should stay indoors. Weave quality. Run your eye and hand along it. The strands should be even in colour and thickness, woven tight to the frame with no loose ends, gaps or sharp edges. Inconsistency in the weave is the earliest warning sign of a rushed build. The frame beneath. Part the weave and confirm the frame is powder coated aluminium, which can't rust and carries the set through every season. This single check separates furniture built for years from furniture built for a listing photo. Welds, feet and stability. Press down on corners and give the piece a gentle rock. It should feel rigid, sit flat, and have proper feet that keep the frame off wet ground. Cushion specification. Look for shower resistant covers and generous, resilient filling. Thin cushions are the first economy cheap sets make and the first thing owners regret. The warranty. We stand by the quality of ours: our Stone Grey sets come with a 4-year warranty, and our Prestige Grey & Sandstone sets are covered by a 5-year warranty, protecting the frame and weave. Wherever you buy, read what the warranty includes, because the length and scope tell you how the maker rates their own build. Fit for your space. Measure before you fall in love. Confirm the footprint plus around a metre of moving room, and check access for delivery day. Returns and delivery. A 60-day return window and 2-man delivery to the spot you choose turn a big purchase into a low stakes one. Try Before You Trust A checklist gets you to a shortlist, and sitting down finishes the job. Seat depth, cushion feel and the sturdiness of the arms only reveal themselves in person, which is why a showroom visit is worth the trip for a set you hope to keep for years. Where buying online is the practical route, lean harder on the specification, the warranty and the returns window, and choose from our elegant woven seating for outdoor spaces, where every one of the checks above is answered on the product page. Photograph the specification while you're at it, because comparing three shortlisted sets line by line is far easier than trusting memory across three browser tabs. A Word on Price Rattan spans a huge price range, and the difference lives in the items on this checklist: the weave grade, the frame material, the cushion filling and the warranty behind them all. Paying for those four things is paying for the years the set will serve. Paying less usually means buying the same furniture twice. It's the same logic we apply when we curate our own collections, which is why every range we stock has already been through a version of this checklist before it reaches the showroom floor. Tick Every Box in One Visit At Chimes, you can work through the whole checklist in an afternoon. We keep hundreds of pieces on display in our Essex showroom, our rattan ranges sit on aluminium frames with warranties of up to 5 years, and our team will happily talk you out of the wrong set. Bring your measurements and put the checklist to work. Frequently Asked Questions How can you tell good quality rattan weave? Look for even strand colour and thickness, a tight weave with no gaps or loose ends, and a smooth finish with no sharp edges. Consistent weave is the clearest visible sign of a carefully built set. What frame should rattan furniture have? Powder coated aluminium. It can't rust, it copes with year round outdoor use and it keeps the set light enough to move easily. Confirm the frame material on the specification, and treat a missing answer as a warning. Is flat or half round rattan weave better? Both can be excellent, and the choice is largely about look, with flat weave reading more contemporary and half round more traditional. Judge quality by the consistency and tightness of the weave itself. Why does rattan furniture vary so much in price? The price gap reflects the weave grade, the frame material, the cushion filling and the warranty. Premium sets pair UV stabilised weave with aluminium frames and 5-year guarantees, which is where the extra cost sits. Should you buy rattan furniture as a set or in separate pieces? Sets are usually the better route, because the weave colour, frame finish and cushion fabric are matched across every piece. Mixing purchases over time risks visible differences in tone as pieces weather at different rates.
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Can You Install a Pergola on Decking?
Decking and pergolas were made for each other. The deck gives the garden its stage, the pergola gives the stage its roof, and together they make the kind of outdoor room that gets used on far more evenings than the weather forecast would suggest. So it's a happy answer: yes, you can install a pergola on your decking, provided the deck can carry it and the fixings go into the right parts of the structure. Here’s how to get it right. First, Judge the Deck Itself The pergola will only ever be as solid as what it stands on, so the deck needs an honest inspection before anything is ordered. You're looking for three things: a structure that's sound, with no soft, rotten or flexing boards; a surface that's level, so the pergola posts sit true; and a substructure of joists and posts in good condition, because that framework is what will actually carry the load. A deck that bounces underfoot or shows rot at the joists should be repaired first, and if in doubt, a builder's opinion on load bearing capacity is money well spent. Weight works in your favour with the right material. A louvred pergola from our range is an aluminium outdoor shelter designed for modern gardens, and aluminium keeps it much lighter than an equivalent timber build while staying rigid, which makes decking installation far more achievable. Fix Into the Frame, Never Just the Boards This is the rule that separates a solid installation from a wobbly one. Deck boards alone are a skin, and screws driven only into them will loosen with the first strong wind. The pergola's post plates need to be bolted through the boards and into the joists or support posts beneath, so the load and any wind forces transfer into the deck's real structure. Where a post lands between joists, fit noggins, which are short timber blocks bridging two joists, to create a fixing point exactly where you need it. Plan the pergola's footprint against the joist layout before finalising its position. Shifting the structure a few centimetres at the planning stage often lines every post up with solid timber and saves work later. Think About Wind, Water and What Comes Next A pergola on a deck sits proud of the garden, so wind deserves respect: anchor every post, and site the structure with some shelter from the prevailing direction where you can. Water needs an exit too. Keep the deck's drainage gaps clear around the post plates so rain moves through the boards as it always did. If the deck sits in an open, gusty spot, side screens fitted later will also take some of the buffeting out of windy evenings. It's also worth taking a look at our complete aluminium pergola guide before committing to a size, because the choice of footprint, louvres and accessories affects both the loads involved and how the finished deck gets used. When Decking Is the Wrong Base Honesty helps here. A freestanding deck with a light substructure, a platform showing widespread rot, or boards laid directly over an uneven surface won't give the fixings anything trustworthy to bite into. In those cases the better route is reinforcing the substructure, or siting the pergola on an adjacent patio or concrete pads and letting the deck remain the sunny apron beside it. A pergola should never be the thing testing a tired deck, and the good news is that a reinforcement job is usually a weekend's work, after which the deck carries its new roof for years. Get the Spec Right Before the Spanners Come Out At Chimes, our team can talk through post positions, footprint sizes and fixing requirements against your deck's layout before you order, and our 2-man delivery brings the pergola to the exact spot where the build will happen. Call us on 01268 219969 with your measurements and we'll help you plan the installation properly. Frequently Asked Questions Can you put a pergola on composite decking? Yes, using the same principle as timber decking: the fixings must pass through the composite boards into the joists or substructure beneath. Composite boards themselves are a surface layer and should never carry the pergola alone. How do you anchor a pergola to decking? Bolt each post plate through the deck boards into the joists, beams or support posts underneath. Where a post falls between joists, add noggins between them to create a solid fixing point beneath the plate. Will a pergola damage the decking? Installed correctly, no. Bolting into the substructure spreads the load through the deck's frame, and keeping drainage gaps clear around the post plates lets water move as it should. Problems arise only when fixings stop at the boards. Does decking need reinforcing for a pergola? Sometimes. A deck with a sturdy, well built substructure can usually take an aluminium pergola once posts are aligned with joists, while lighter or older decks benefit from added noggins or posts beneath the fixing points. Ask a builder if the deck's capacity is unclear. Can you install a pergola on a raised deck? Yes, and the fixing rules matter even more, because a raised deck catches more wind. Every post should be bolted into the substructure, and it's worth positioning the pergola where the house or fencing gives some shelter from the prevailing wind.
Read ArticleCan You Install a Pergola on Decking?
Decking and pergolas were made for each other. The deck gives the garden its stage, the pergola gives the stage its roof, and together they make the kind of outdoor room that gets used on far more evenings than the weather forecast would suggest. So it's a happy answer: yes, you can install a pergola on your decking, provided the deck can carry it and the fixings go into the right parts of the structure. Here’s how to get it right. First, Judge the Deck Itself The pergola will only ever be as solid as what it stands on, so the deck needs an honest inspection before anything is ordered. You're looking for three things: a structure that's sound, with no soft, rotten or flexing boards; a surface that's level, so the pergola posts sit true; and a substructure of joists and posts in good condition, because that framework is what will actually carry the load. A deck that bounces underfoot or shows rot at the joists should be repaired first, and if in doubt, a builder's opinion on load bearing capacity is money well spent. Weight works in your favour with the right material. A louvred pergola from our range is an aluminium outdoor shelter designed for modern gardens, and aluminium keeps it much lighter than an equivalent timber build while staying rigid, which makes decking installation far more achievable. Fix Into the Frame, Never Just the Boards This is the rule that separates a solid installation from a wobbly one. Deck boards alone are a skin, and screws driven only into them will loosen with the first strong wind. The pergola's post plates need to be bolted through the boards and into the joists or support posts beneath, so the load and any wind forces transfer into the deck's real structure. Where a post lands between joists, fit noggins, which are short timber blocks bridging two joists, to create a fixing point exactly where you need it. Plan the pergola's footprint against the joist layout before finalising its position. Shifting the structure a few centimetres at the planning stage often lines every post up with solid timber and saves work later. Think About Wind, Water and What Comes Next A pergola on a deck sits proud of the garden, so wind deserves respect: anchor every post, and site the structure with some shelter from the prevailing direction where you can. Water needs an exit too. Keep the deck's drainage gaps clear around the post plates so rain moves through the boards as it always did. If the deck sits in an open, gusty spot, side screens fitted later will also take some of the buffeting out of windy evenings. It's also worth taking a look at our complete aluminium pergola guide before committing to a size, because the choice of footprint, louvres and accessories affects both the loads involved and how the finished deck gets used. When Decking Is the Wrong Base Honesty helps here. A freestanding deck with a light substructure, a platform showing widespread rot, or boards laid directly over an uneven surface won't give the fixings anything trustworthy to bite into. In those cases the better route is reinforcing the substructure, or siting the pergola on an adjacent patio or concrete pads and letting the deck remain the sunny apron beside it. A pergola should never be the thing testing a tired deck, and the good news is that a reinforcement job is usually a weekend's work, after which the deck carries its new roof for years. Get the Spec Right Before the Spanners Come Out At Chimes, our team can talk through post positions, footprint sizes and fixing requirements against your deck's layout before you order, and our 2-man delivery brings the pergola to the exact spot where the build will happen. Call us on 01268 219969 with your measurements and we'll help you plan the installation properly. Frequently Asked Questions Can you put a pergola on composite decking? Yes, using the same principle as timber decking: the fixings must pass through the composite boards into the joists or substructure beneath. Composite boards themselves are a surface layer and should never carry the pergola alone. How do you anchor a pergola to decking? Bolt each post plate through the deck boards into the joists, beams or support posts underneath. Where a post falls between joists, add noggins between them to create a solid fixing point beneath the plate. Will a pergola damage the decking? Installed correctly, no. Bolting into the substructure spreads the load through the deck's frame, and keeping drainage gaps clear around the post plates lets water move as it should. Problems arise only when fixings stop at the boards. Does decking need reinforcing for a pergola? Sometimes. A deck with a sturdy, well built substructure can usually take an aluminium pergola once posts are aligned with joists, while lighter or older decks benefit from added noggins or posts beneath the fixing points. Ask a builder if the deck's capacity is unclear. Can you install a pergola on a raised deck? Yes, and the fixing rules matter even more, because a raised deck catches more wind. Every post should be bolted into the substructure, and it's worth positioning the pergola where the house or fencing gives some shelter from the prevailing wind.
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Pergola Privacy Ideas Without Blocking Light
A pergola should feel like the most private seat in the garden, somewhere conversations relax and afternoons stretch out unobserved, all with the sun still pouring in. That balance is very achievable, because a louvred pergola gives you several ways to screen the sightlines that matter while leaving the light exactly where you want it. Here are the ideas that work. Screen the Side That Matters, Leave the Rest Open Most gardens are overlooked from one direction, and that's the insight that saves your light. Pull down privacy screens fit to a single side of the pergola, so the neighbouring fence line disappears while the other three sides stay completely open to the sky and the rest of the garden. Screens also retract, meaning privacy becomes something you deploy for a lunch party and roll away afterwards. Because our screens pull down and retract, you're never committing the garden to a wall, just borrowing one for the afternoon. Side panels do a similar job with a more permanent, architectural feel, and they double as windbreaks on an exposed side. Sliding doors take the idea further still for pergolas used deep into the year. All three belong to our family of stylish outdoor shelter solutions, designed to be specified side by side, so you can mix one screened side with three open ones. Tilt the Louvres Against Overlooking Windows Upstairs windows are the sightline people forget, and the louvred roof is the answer no fixed structure can match. Angling the louvres blocks the view from above while still letting daylight wash through the gaps, and because the angle adjusts, you can trade light and screening minute by minute as the sun moves. Fully closed, the roof gives total overhead privacy; fully open, the sky is back. Grow a Green Screen Climbing plants on one or two posts soften the structure and thicken your screening every year, and evergreen climbers such as star jasmine or Clematis armandii keep the effect through winter. The trick for light is restraint: dress the posts and the overlooked side, and keep the roof clear so the louvres can do their job. On an aluminium frame there's no timber to feel concerned about beneath the foliage, and there are more ideas along these lines in our guide to styling your aluminium pergola over on our blog. Use Position Before You Use Panels The cheapest privacy idea is deciding where the pergola stands. Placing it against a fence, wall or mature planting means one or two sides are screened before you have bought a single accessory, and orienting the open sides towards the house and lawn keeps the outlook while the enclosed sides face the neighbours. Half an hour with a tape measure and a chair in the proposed spot, at the time of day you'll actually use it, tells you more than any diagram. It also reveals which direction the low sun arrives from, which matters because the side you screen for privacy can double as the side that tames the evening glare. Layer at Seated Height Privacy only needs to exist where the people are. Planters with tall grasses, a slatted screen at shoulder height or a well placed parasol to one side all interrupt sightlines at seated level while leaving the upper air and light untouched. Layered with tilted louvres above, the effect is a space that feels enclosed to sit in and open to look at. A few pots of bamboo or pleached shrubs do the same job with more permanence, and because they sit outside the pergola, they screen the approach to it as well as the seat itself. Specify It Your Way Every idea here can be added to one of our pergolas at the start or years later, because we design screens, side panels and sliding doors to join the structure whenever you need them. Talk through the overlooked sides of your garden with our team on 01268 219969, and build the privacy in from day one or season by season. Frequently Asked Questions Do pergola privacy screens block sunlight? Only on the side where they're fitted, and only while they're down. Pull down screens retract when privacy isn't needed, and fitting them to the overlooked side alone leaves the roof and remaining sides fully open to daylight. How do you stop neighbours overlooking a pergola from above? Tilt the louvred roof. Angled louvres block the sightline from upstairs windows while daylight continues to filter through, and the angle can be adjusted through the day as the sun and your need for screening change. Can climbing plants damage an aluminium pergola? No. Aluminium doesn't rot or hold moisture the way timber does, so climbers can grow against the posts without harming the structure. Keep growth away from the louvre mechanism so the roof moves freely. Can you add privacy to just one side of a pergola? Yes, and it's usually the best approach. Screens, side panels and sliding doors are specified per side, so you can enclose the direction that's overlooked and keep every other side open to light and the garden. What plants work well for pergola privacy? Evergreen climbers such as star jasmine and Clematis armandii screen year round, while tall grasses in planters add privacy at seated height. Dress the posts and one side, and keep the roof clear for the louvres.
Read ArticlePergola Privacy Ideas Without Blocking Light
A pergola should feel like the most private seat in the garden, somewhere conversations relax and afternoons stretch out unobserved, all with the sun still pouring in. That balance is very achievable, because a louvred pergola gives you several ways to screen the sightlines that matter while leaving the light exactly where you want it. Here are the ideas that work. Screen the Side That Matters, Leave the Rest Open Most gardens are overlooked from one direction, and that's the insight that saves your light. Pull down privacy screens fit to a single side of the pergola, so the neighbouring fence line disappears while the other three sides stay completely open to the sky and the rest of the garden. Screens also retract, meaning privacy becomes something you deploy for a lunch party and roll away afterwards. Because our screens pull down and retract, you're never committing the garden to a wall, just borrowing one for the afternoon. Side panels do a similar job with a more permanent, architectural feel, and they double as windbreaks on an exposed side. Sliding doors take the idea further still for pergolas used deep into the year. All three belong to our family of stylish outdoor shelter solutions, designed to be specified side by side, so you can mix one screened side with three open ones. Tilt the Louvres Against Overlooking Windows Upstairs windows are the sightline people forget, and the louvred roof is the answer no fixed structure can match. Angling the louvres blocks the view from above while still letting daylight wash through the gaps, and because the angle adjusts, you can trade light and screening minute by minute as the sun moves. Fully closed, the roof gives total overhead privacy; fully open, the sky is back. Grow a Green Screen Climbing plants on one or two posts soften the structure and thicken your screening every year, and evergreen climbers such as star jasmine or Clematis armandii keep the effect through winter. The trick for light is restraint: dress the posts and the overlooked side, and keep the roof clear so the louvres can do their job. On an aluminium frame there's no timber to feel concerned about beneath the foliage, and there are more ideas along these lines in our guide to styling your aluminium pergola over on our blog. Use Position Before You Use Panels The cheapest privacy idea is deciding where the pergola stands. Placing it against a fence, wall or mature planting means one or two sides are screened before you have bought a single accessory, and orienting the open sides towards the house and lawn keeps the outlook while the enclosed sides face the neighbours. Half an hour with a tape measure and a chair in the proposed spot, at the time of day you'll actually use it, tells you more than any diagram. It also reveals which direction the low sun arrives from, which matters because the side you screen for privacy can double as the side that tames the evening glare. Layer at Seated Height Privacy only needs to exist where the people are. Planters with tall grasses, a slatted screen at shoulder height or a well placed parasol to one side all interrupt sightlines at seated level while leaving the upper air and light untouched. Layered with tilted louvres above, the effect is a space that feels enclosed to sit in and open to look at. A few pots of bamboo or pleached shrubs do the same job with more permanence, and because they sit outside the pergola, they screen the approach to it as well as the seat itself. Specify It Your Way Every idea here can be added to one of our pergolas at the start or years later, because we design screens, side panels and sliding doors to join the structure whenever you need them. Talk through the overlooked sides of your garden with our team on 01268 219969, and build the privacy in from day one or season by season. Frequently Asked Questions Do pergola privacy screens block sunlight? Only on the side where they're fitted, and only while they're down. Pull down screens retract when privacy isn't needed, and fitting them to the overlooked side alone leaves the roof and remaining sides fully open to daylight. How do you stop neighbours overlooking a pergola from above? Tilt the louvred roof. Angled louvres block the sightline from upstairs windows while daylight continues to filter through, and the angle can be adjusted through the day as the sun and your need for screening change. Can climbing plants damage an aluminium pergola? No. Aluminium doesn't rot or hold moisture the way timber does, so climbers can grow against the posts without harming the structure. Keep growth away from the louvre mechanism so the roof moves freely. Can you add privacy to just one side of a pergola? Yes, and it's usually the best approach. Screens, side panels and sliding doors are specified per side, so you can enclose the direction that's overlooked and keep every other side open to light and the garden. What plants work well for pergola privacy? Evergreen climbers such as star jasmine and Clematis armandii screen year round, while tall grasses in planters add privacy at seated height. Dress the posts and one side, and keep the roof clear for the louvres.
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7 Types of Outdoor Furniture to Leave Outside All Year Round
There's a particular pleasure in a garden that stays dressed for winter. You skip the October ritual of hauling sofas into the shed and the April job of putting them back, and the space looks like itself all year, ready the moment a bright cold morning invites you out. The trick is choosing pieces genuinely built for permanent outdoor life. Our premium outdoor garden furnishings are designed on exactly that basis, and these seven types are the ones that can be left out with confidence. 1. Aluminium Dining Sets Powder coated aluminium is the gold standard for year round living because the metal can't rust and the coating protects the finish through every season. An aluminium dining set can stand on the patio from January to December needing no more than an occasional wash, which is why it's the frame behind most of our ranges. It's also easy to live with day to day, because the frames are light enough to shuffle around for a bigger table setting without any heavy lifting. 2. Synthetic Rattan Sofa and Corner Sets Weatherproof synthetic rattan is woven for permanent outdoor use, with UV protected finishes that endure all year round. The frames beneath quality sets are aluminium, so the whole structure is happy outside. The one job left to you is the cushions, and knowing how to go about protecting rattan garden furniture from the rain keeps a set looking new with very little effort. 3. Rope Weave Lounge Sets The synthetic rope on modern lounge sets is designed to withstand UV exposure and wet conditions, and it dries quickly once the rain passes. Woven over powder coated aluminium, it's a combination with no component that needs to hide from the weather, which is why rope has become the signature look of contemporary gardens. It's simple to keep looking fresh too, since a light jet wash lifts dust straight out of the weave. 4. Aluminium Sun Loungers Loungers migrate around the garden chasing the sun, so their light, rustproof aluminium frames earn their keep twice over. They can winter exactly where autumn left them, and a rinse in spring has them ready for the first warm weekend. If yours stack, even better, since grouping them in a sheltered corner ahead of winter storms takes all of a minute. 5. Garden Storage Boxes A weatherproof storage box is the piece that makes every other piece work harder, because it gives cushions a dry home two steps from the seating. Built for permanent outdoor duty, it stays out all year by definition, and it's the reason the rest of the set keeps its plump, cared for look. 6. Aluminium Pergolas A louvred aluminium pergola is engineered as a permanent structure: rustproof, UV protected and waterproof with the roof closed. It stands through winter without dismantling, and on the first mild evening of the year it's the reason you're outside while the neighbours are watching telly. 7. Outdoor Kitchens Purpose built outdoor kitchens are constructed for garden life, with cabinets and grills designed to live outside. Fitting covers over grills and appliances between uses keeps everything clean and ready, and means winter barbecuing is a decision you can make at lunchtime. One Rule That Covers All Seven Frames, weave, rope and structures stay out; fabrics come in. Cushions on even the finest sets are shower resistant and should be stored when bad weather arrives, which is the single habit that keeps year round furniture looking new. A breathable cover over unused pieces does the rest, keeping frames clean and stopping water pooling in seat bases, and because the fabric breathes, nothing clammy builds up underneath while the furniture waits for spring. Furnish It Once, Enjoy It All Year At Chimes, we deliver every range above with a 2 man team to the exact spot in the garden where it'll live, so the set goes straight into service. Explore our collections online or at our Essex showroom, and set the garden up for all four seasons in one go. Frequently Asked Questions Can garden storage boxes stay outside in winter? Yes. Weatherproof garden storage boxes are designed for permanent outdoor use in all seasons, and winter is when they earn their place, keeping cushions and fabrics dry while frames and weave stay out uncovered. Does frost damage aluminium furniture? No. Aluminium doesn't absorb water, so there's nothing for frost to expand and crack, and the metal can't rust. Aluminium framed furniture can stay outside through freezing conditions without damage. Is it OK to leave a parasol outside all year? A parasol can stay in place through the warmer months if it's closed and secured when not in use. Through winter it's better stored or fitted with a protective cover, because canopy fabric benefits from the same care as cushions. Should firepit tables be covered when not in use? Covering the burner area is good practice, because it keeps rain and debris out of the burner tray and means the table lights cleanly next time. The aluminium table itself is built to stay outside all year. Can outdoor kitchens stay uncovered all year? The cabinetry of a purpose built outdoor kitchen is designed for permanent outdoor use. Grills and appliances are best fitted with covers between uses, which keeps cooking surfaces clean and extends their working life.
Read Article7 Types of Outdoor Furniture to Leave Outside All Year Round
There's a particular pleasure in a garden that stays dressed for winter. You skip the October ritual of hauling sofas into the shed and the April job of putting them back, and the space looks like itself all year, ready the moment a bright cold morning invites you out. The trick is choosing pieces genuinely built for permanent outdoor life. Our premium outdoor garden furnishings are designed on exactly that basis, and these seven types are the ones that can be left out with confidence. 1. Aluminium Dining Sets Powder coated aluminium is the gold standard for year round living because the metal can't rust and the coating protects the finish through every season. An aluminium dining set can stand on the patio from January to December needing no more than an occasional wash, which is why it's the frame behind most of our ranges. It's also easy to live with day to day, because the frames are light enough to shuffle around for a bigger table setting without any heavy lifting. 2. Synthetic Rattan Sofa and Corner Sets Weatherproof synthetic rattan is woven for permanent outdoor use, with UV protected finishes that endure all year round. The frames beneath quality sets are aluminium, so the whole structure is happy outside. The one job left to you is the cushions, and knowing how to go about protecting rattan garden furniture from the rain keeps a set looking new with very little effort. 3. Rope Weave Lounge Sets The synthetic rope on modern lounge sets is designed to withstand UV exposure and wet conditions, and it dries quickly once the rain passes. Woven over powder coated aluminium, it's a combination with no component that needs to hide from the weather, which is why rope has become the signature look of contemporary gardens. It's simple to keep looking fresh too, since a light jet wash lifts dust straight out of the weave. 4. Aluminium Sun Loungers Loungers migrate around the garden chasing the sun, so their light, rustproof aluminium frames earn their keep twice over. They can winter exactly where autumn left them, and a rinse in spring has them ready for the first warm weekend. If yours stack, even better, since grouping them in a sheltered corner ahead of winter storms takes all of a minute. 5. Garden Storage Boxes A weatherproof storage box is the piece that makes every other piece work harder, because it gives cushions a dry home two steps from the seating. Built for permanent outdoor duty, it stays out all year by definition, and it's the reason the rest of the set keeps its plump, cared for look. 6. Aluminium Pergolas A louvred aluminium pergola is engineered as a permanent structure: rustproof, UV protected and waterproof with the roof closed. It stands through winter without dismantling, and on the first mild evening of the year it's the reason you're outside while the neighbours are watching telly. 7. Outdoor Kitchens Purpose built outdoor kitchens are constructed for garden life, with cabinets and grills designed to live outside. Fitting covers over grills and appliances between uses keeps everything clean and ready, and means winter barbecuing is a decision you can make at lunchtime. One Rule That Covers All Seven Frames, weave, rope and structures stay out; fabrics come in. Cushions on even the finest sets are shower resistant and should be stored when bad weather arrives, which is the single habit that keeps year round furniture looking new. A breathable cover over unused pieces does the rest, keeping frames clean and stopping water pooling in seat bases, and because the fabric breathes, nothing clammy builds up underneath while the furniture waits for spring. Furnish It Once, Enjoy It All Year At Chimes, we deliver every range above with a 2 man team to the exact spot in the garden where it'll live, so the set goes straight into service. Explore our collections online or at our Essex showroom, and set the garden up for all four seasons in one go. Frequently Asked Questions Can garden storage boxes stay outside in winter? Yes. Weatherproof garden storage boxes are designed for permanent outdoor use in all seasons, and winter is when they earn their place, keeping cushions and fabrics dry while frames and weave stay out uncovered. Does frost damage aluminium furniture? No. Aluminium doesn't absorb water, so there's nothing for frost to expand and crack, and the metal can't rust. Aluminium framed furniture can stay outside through freezing conditions without damage. Is it OK to leave a parasol outside all year? A parasol can stay in place through the warmer months if it's closed and secured when not in use. Through winter it's better stored or fitted with a protective cover, because canopy fabric benefits from the same care as cushions. Should firepit tables be covered when not in use? Covering the burner area is good practice, because it keeps rain and debris out of the burner tray and means the table lights cleanly next time. The aluminium table itself is built to stay outside all year. Can outdoor kitchens stay uncovered all year? The cabinetry of a purpose built outdoor kitchen is designed for permanent outdoor use. Grills and appliances are best fitted with covers between uses, which keeps cooking surfaces clean and extends their working life.
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Based in Laindon, Essex, Chimes Home & Garden has everything you could need for your home and garden. We specialise in outdoor furniture, offering a huge range of stylish and practical garden products - including pergolas!
We also offer a wide selection of home interior products, including furniture,lighting, decoration and much more.
Come visit our showroom to browse our ranges and see for yourselves!
