With warmer weather on the cards, the time for your garden to shine is here.
Days spent in (fingers crossed) lovely sunshine are the new weekend schedule, but only if you’ve got the right pieces in place to make your garden a comfortable place to be.
There are myriad options with which to deck your space, whatever dimensions you’re working with. Small spaces will, naturally, require more compact solutions, while larger lawns and patios will feel complete with a multi-seater dining set.
When choosing garden furniture, there are plenty of options, from aluminium to rattan and powder-coated steel. Plastic may have been public enemy number one for some decades now, but we’re not talking about the single-use stuff for your garden.
Plastic garden furniture is perfectly suited to outdoor living. It’s light, easy to clean and won’t wear as easily as other natural materials such as wood and cane. It’s also pretty strong and can bear heavy weights - good news if you’re shopping for seating or dining tables for an upcoming BBQ feast.
Choosing purchases made from recycled plastic can alleviate any consumer guilt you might be feeling. It means waste that would have otherwise been sent to landfill can serve a new purpose - and look darn good while doing it too. It’s a win-win situation; you get lovely new garden furniture to enjoy all summer long and opting for recycled eases the burden on the environment at the same time.
If you’re in the market for new garden furniture but want to make a considered, mindful choice, we’ve found the recycled plastic garden furniture worth the money.
From wood effect designs to mimic the look of genuine timber, to second-chance polyester that looks brand new, make a greener choice for your outside space.
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Dunelm 2.7m Recycled Polyester Cream Carousel Parasol
Crafted with 100 per cent recycled polyester, this pretty parasol brings to mind tropical beach resorts. The brolly operates via a crank mechanism for easy opening and can be tilted to offer shade from the sun wherever it is in the sky.
Find a sage green version here.
Buy now £100.00, Dunelm
NBB Recycled Octagonal 8-Seater Picnic Table - Black
A picnic table offers a more casual alternative to an outdoor dining set, and this one can seat up to eight people. The glossy black design has been crafted from 100 per cent recycled plastic with a wood-grain effect finish, meaning it’s practically maintenance-free and won’t wear, rot or splinter like timber will. Despite the material, it’s sturdy and will stay put in moderate winds.
The plastic comes from waste that would have otherwise been piled into landfill, so you’re doing the environment a favour too.
Buy now £748.88, Robert Dyas
Keter Elodie 5 Seater Plastic Garden Corner Sofa Set - Grey
Got an unloved corner you’re not sure what to do with? Turn it into the garden’s hottest seating spot thanks to Keter’s corner garden unit, which can seat up to six friends and family. Forged from more than 86 per cent recycled plastic content, the modern-looking set comes with a matching garden table to set drinks and snacks. Sold with a three-year manufacturer’s guarantee.
Buy now £430.00, Argos
NBB Recycled Captains Treble Bench Seat - Brown
You’d have to touch this bench to know it isn’t real wood; the colour and wood effect detailing are that good. Made completely from reclaimed plastic rubbish (the same as over a thousand milk bottles), there’s enough room to seat three people against the slatted backrest.
Maintenance is virtually non-existent (no sanding, oiling or repainting) but it does require some assembly upon delivery, so have your toolbox handy.
Comes with a 25-year guarantee.
Buy now £359.99, Robert Dyas
Muddy Trowel Recycled Plastic Pots
Whether you’re looking for plant pots, window boxes, or hanging baskets to stuff with greenery, the gardening site Muddy Trowel has lots of lovely options to choose from. Each option is made from recycled plastic using wind energy and can be recycled again at the end of its life cycle, keeping unnecessary waste from choking the planet. Prices start from a mere £5, although head online at the opportune time and you might score them completely free.
Buy now £5.00, Muddy Trowel
Keter Eden Bench 265L
- Dimensions: 132.5 x 75 x 18.5cm
- Lockable: yes
- Home delivery: yes
Available in black and cream options, this smart bench from Keter functions beautifully as both seating and storage.
Made from 60 per cent recycled resin, two people can perch comfortably on top of the weather-resistant frame, which is lockable for added security.
While it will stand up to the elements, positioning it in a slightly covered area like at the foot of a tree or under an awning will help increase its lifespan. Available as soon as the next day with Prime membership.
Buy now £109.49, Amazon
Plastic Furniture Company Sand Pit Table & Bench Set
Worried about the amount of screen time your little one is soaking up? It's time to introduce them to the simple pleasures of outdoor playtime and this sandpit table design is the perfect thing to lure them out of Peppa Pig & Co's chokehold. The fully recycled set can seat up to four kids, so they can have a little party. No need to worry about mess either, simply wipe down the wood plastic with a damp cloth to have it looking brand new.
Buy now £338.00, Plastic Furniture Company
