Garden Furniture
Frequently Asked Questions
Teak can remain outdoors year-round; covering it during winter is advisable but not essential. Solid ash frames can also stay outside, but cushions should be brought in or stored dry during prolonged wet weather. Bamboo furniture should be stored in a dry, sheltered space over winter - a garage or garden room - as it is more sensitive to sustained damp and frost than dense hardwoods.
Teak is the most naturally durable hardwood for outdoor use, requiring no treatment to remain structurally sound - its high oil content makes it inherently resistant to moisture and decay. It will weather to a silver-grey if left untreated. Ash is a strong, dense hardwood that performs well outdoors and develops a weathered patina over time, though cushions should be stored in winter. Bamboo (technically a grass) is lighter, fast-growing, and suited to sheltered settings; it benefits from indoor winter storage in the UK climate.
No treatment is required for structural integrity - teak's natural oil content makes it self-protecting. Left untreated, it transitions from a warm honey tone to a soft silver-grey within one season. If you prefer to retain the original warm colour, apply teak oil at the end of each season, ideally after a teak cleaner to refresh the surface first. Neither treatment is necessary for longevity.
Yes, with the appropriate care. Bamboo is naturally strong, with tensile properties comparable to many hardwoods, and Home Barn's bamboo set is finished with a protective oil for outdoor use. The cushion covers are water-repellent and machine-washable. In the UK climate, bamboo performs well through the summer months but should be stored indoors during winter to prevent damage from prolonged damp and frost.
The standard recommendation is a minimum of 90cm of clear space between the table edge and any fixed boundary - enough to pull out a chair and stand comfortably. For relaxed entertaining, 120cm is preferable. For the Bruton 240cm table specifically, this gives a minimum total footprint of approximately 420cm x 280cm, rising to 480cm x 340cm at 120cm clearance on all sides.
FSC stands for Forest Stewardship Council. FSC Recycled certification - which applies to the Bruton teak table - means the timber has been sourced entirely from reclaimed material. It is salvaged from old buildings, boats or structures rather than cut from living forests. FSC Recycled is the higher standard within the FSC system as it permits no newly felled timber whatsoever, unlike standard FSC certification which can include responsibly harvested new wood. Choosing reclaimed FSC teak means the material has a past story, and has been reclaimed to be involved in a new one.
Yes. Alongside the new outdoor furniture collection, Home Barn carries antique and vintage garden pieces sourced from Britain and France, including Victorian wrought iron benches, antique French metal garden benches, cast iron planters, original stone troughs (from £595), and vintage riveted galvanised metal troughs. Stock is one-of-a-kind and not replenished - call 01628 474011 to confirm availability before visiting.