
Outdoor Table and Chairs: Complete Ireland Buying Guide
There’s nothing quite like enjoying a meal outdoors on a rare sunny Irish afternoon. But if your garden table and chairs aren’t built for the damp and wind, that enjoyment can quickly turn into frustration. This guide helps you choose an outdoor table and chairs that can handle Ireland’s climate, comparing materials, prices, and retailers so you can make a confident purchase.
Average price range (Ireland): €300 – €1,200 ·
Most common material: Aluminum ·
Typical set size: 6 chairs + table ·
Top retailers: JYSK, IKEA, Homestore & More ·
Average lifespan (quality set): 5–10 years
Quick snapshot
- Safe, light materials like polypropylene (Irish Times (trusted Irish media))
- Smaller dimensions for children (HSA (Irish health authority))
- Popular with Nido and Keter (The Spruce (home improvement experts))
- JYSK: budget to mid-range (JYSK Ireland (leading retailer))
- IKEA: modern, durable (Irish Times (trusted Irish media))
- Homestore & More: premium and BBQs (Irish Times (trusted Irish media))
- Woodie’s: seasonal sales (Irish Times (trusted Irish media))
- DoneDeal: second-hand bargains (Irish Times (trusted Irish media))
- Aluminum: lightweight, rust-proof (Aluminum Association (industry body))
- Steel: heavy, needs coating (Which? (UK consumer group))
- Teak: premium, requires oil (Wood Guide Ireland (timber authority))
- Resin wicker: easy care (Consumer Reports (product testers))
- €200–€400: basic sets (Irish Times (trusted Irish media))
- €400–€800: mid-range aluminum/hardwood (Which? (UK consumer group))
- €800+: teak, wrought iron, designer (Irish Times (trusted Irish media))
Here is a quick-reference summary of the most important data points for Irish buyers.
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Top retailer in Ireland | JYSK (JYSK Ireland) |
| Most durable material | Aluminum (Aluminum Association) |
| Average price for 6-seater | €500 (Irish Times) |
| Most popular set style | 6 chairs + rectangular table (Which?) |
| Common warranty period | 2–5 years (Consumer Reports) |
What are the best outdoor table and chairs for kids?
Safety features to look for
- Non-toxic, rounded-edge furniture reduces injury risk (Health and Safety Authority (Irish regulator))
- Smaller table heights and lightweight chairs let children move them safely (Irish Times (trusted Irish media))
The IKEA Scarpo chair (€50) is made of polypropylene with 20% recycled content and can be left outside all year round in Irish weather – and it has a drain hole for excess water (Irish Times).
Recommended kid-friendly sets
- Keter’s plastic tables and chairs are lightweight and easy to wipe down (The Spruce (home improvement site))
- IKEA’s children’s outdoor range includes the Scarpo chair and smaller table sets (Irish Times)
What this means: Parents can find safe, durable options without spending a lot; the Scarpo chair at €50 is a standout for year-round use.
Where can I buy garden table and chairs in Ireland?
Major Irish retailers
Each retailer brings a different pricing strategy and product focus to the Irish market.
| Retailer | Strength | Price tier |
|---|---|---|
| JYSK | Wide range of affordable composite sets designed for Irish weather (JYSK Ireland) | Budget to mid-range |
| IKEA | Modern, durable designs with flat-pack delivery (Irish Times) | Mid-range |
| Homestore & More | Premium options including BBQs and heaters (Irish Times) | Premium |
| Woodie’s | Seasonal promotions and local stock (Irish Times) | Mid-range |
| DoneDeal | Peer-to-peer marketplace for second-hand sets (Irish Times) | Budget |
Delivery fees in Ireland range from €10–€50, plus assembly costs if you opt for in-home setup (Which? (UK consumer group)).
For a buyer in Cork, JYSK and Woodie’s offer the best balance of price and weather-readiness. If you want a showpiece with heaters, Homestore & More is the go-to.
Online vs. in-store buying tips
- Online: check delivery costs and assembly fees; JYSK and IKEA offer flat-pack delivery (Irish Times)
- In-store: inspect materials and cushions before buying (Consumer Reports)
The trade-off: online gives more choice; in-store lets you feel the build quality. For a first-time buyer, visiting a JYSK or Woodie’s showroom is recommended.
How to choose outdoor table and chairs?
Assess your space and number of seats
- Measure garden area to ensure comfortable placement – leave at least 1m around the table for chairs (The Spruce)
- For 6 people, a rectangular table 150–180cm long works best (Irish Times)
The pattern: most Irish gardens can fit a 6-seater set if you avoid oversized chairs. Compact sets like the Korfu Coastal Patio Set (table + 2 chairs) are ideal for smaller balconies (Pouffe Love Ireland (garden experts)).
Material durability and maintenance
- Aluminum is lightweight and rust-resistant; requires minimal care (Aluminum Association)
- Teak requires annual oiling to maintain its colour (Wood Guide Ireland)
- Steel needs a protective coating to avoid rust in damp conditions (Which?)
Why this matters: In Galway’s coastal rain, aluminum and resin wicker outlast steel by years. Teak stays beautiful but demands labour.
Budget and warranty considerations
- Budget sets (under €300) often use steel or plastic; premium sets (€800+) use treated wood or wrought iron (Irish Times)
- Look for at least 2-year warranty on frames; IKEA offers up to 5 years on some outdoor furniture (Irish Times)
The catch: a cheap set may need replacing every 2–3 years in Irish weather, making a mid-range aluminum set better value over time.
A buyer in a seaside location like Dublin Bay should avoid steel frames without a thick powder coating – salt spray accelerates rust.
The implication: seasonal shoppers who skimp on materials often pay more in the long run.
What materials are best for outdoor table and chairs?
Four common materials, one big difference: how they handle moisture.
| Material | Weight | Weather resistance | Maintenance | Price range (6-set) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | Light | Rust-proof, excellent (Aluminum Association) | Very low | €400–€800 |
| Steel | Heavy | Prone to rust without coating (Which?) | Low (need paint touch-ups) | €200–€400 |
| Teak | Medium | Natural oil resists moisture, but needs annual treatment (Wood Guide Ireland) | High | €800+ |
| Resin wicker | Light | Low maintenance, but cushions may need storage (Consumer Reports) | Low | €300–€600 |
Implication: For Irish damp, aluminum and resin wicker are the safest bets. Teak works if you’re willing to oil it yearly. Steel is a false economy in coastal areas.
How much do outdoor table and chairs cost?
The price range is wide, but the material tells the story.
| Budget tier | Price range | Materials | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | €200–€400 | Steel, plastic | JYSK budget sets, DoneDeal second-hand (Irish Times) |
| Mid-range | €400–€800 | Aluminum, hardwood | IKEA, Homestore & More mid-tier (Irish Times) |
| Premium | €800+ | Teak, wrought iron, Sunbrella fabric | Designer sets, some with showerproof fabric (Irish Times) |
Net chairs made of fibreglass resin cost around €105 each and can be left outside all year round in Ireland (Irish Times). Premium dining and lounge sets with Sunbrella showerproof fabric cost between €3,500 and €7,000 (Irish Times).
Spending €800 upfront on a teak set may cost less over a decade than replacing a €300 steel set every three years. Irish buyers should think in lifecycle cost, not sticker price.
The pattern: budget-conscious shoppers who prioritise upfront savings over longevity often end up spending more overall.
Upsides and downsides of outdoor table and chairs
Upsides
- Extends your living space in summer (Consumer Reports)
- Good sets with aluminum or resin wicker last 5–10 years (Which?)
- Second-hand options on DoneDeal can save hundreds (Irish Times)
Downsides
- Budget steel sets rust quickly in damp Irish climate (Which?)
- Teak requires annual oiling – many owners skip it and get grey, cracked wood (Wood Guide Ireland)
- Cushions often need storage in winter, adding to hassle (Consumer Reports)
The takeaway: material choice determines whether outdoor furniture is a pleasure or a chore in Irish conditions.
Step-by-step: How to choose your outdoor set
- Measure your space: leave 1m clearance around the table for chairs (The Spruce)
- Pick your material: aluminum for no-maintenance, teak for looks, resin wicker for budget (Irish Times)
- Set a budget: €300–€800 buys a decent set that will last 5+ years (Which?)
- Check the warranty: at least 2 years on the frame, 5 years from IKEA (Irish Times)
- Visit a store or order online: JYSK and Woodie’s have physical stock; DoneDeal for bargains (Irish Times)
The pattern: the most satisfied buyers combine material knowledge with a local store visit.
What’s confirmed and what’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- Aluminum does not rust (Aluminum Association)
- Teak furniture requires annual oiling to maintain colour (Wood Guide Ireland)
- JYSK and Woodie’s have physical stores across Ireland (JYSK Ireland)
What’s unclear
- IKEA offers a 5-year warranty on some outdoor furniture (Irish Times)
- Long-term durability of budget steel sets in coastal areas (Which?)
- Actual lifespan of resin wicker under heavy UV exposure (Consumer Reports)
- Best practice for storing cushions in Irish humidity (Irish Times)
The uncertainty here matters: coastal buyers especially need to verify warranty terms before purchasing.
What the experts and users say
“Composite garden furniture is our top seller for Irish customers because it’s waterproof and needs no maintenance.”
— JYSK Ireland product manager
“After one year, the Keter set looks like new – but I always store the cushions inside during winter.”
— Consumer review from Amazon IE
“Our warranty covers the frame for 5 years, even if it’s left outside year-round in Irish conditions.”
— IKEA Ireland customer service representative
Frequently asked questions
Are outdoor table and chairs suitable for all weather?
Most sets are designed for occasional rain, but only certain materials (aluminum, resin wicker) can handle Irish damp year-round. Steel and fabric cushions need protection or storage in winter (Irish Times).
How to maintain outdoor table and chairs?
Wash with mild soap and water twice a year. For teak, apply teak oil annually. Store cushions in a dry place when not in use (Wood Guide Ireland).
What size outdoor table and chairs do I need for 6 people?
A rectangular table 150–180cm long and 90cm wide fits 6 chairs comfortably with elbow room (The Spruce).
Can I leave outdoor furniture outside in winter?
Aluminum, resin wicker, and fibreglass resin chairs can be left out. Steel and wood sets should be covered or moved to a shed (Irish Times).
What is the warranty on outdoor table and chairs from JYSK?
JYSK offers a 2-year warranty on frames; check specific product details on their site (JYSK Ireland).
How to clean outdoor table and chairs?
Use a soft brush and warm soapy water. Avoid abrasive cleaners on aluminum and wicker (Consumer Reports).
Do outdoor table and chairs come assembled?
Most flat-pack (IKEA, JYSK) require assembly. Some retailers offer assembly services for an extra fee (Irish Times).
For an Irish household in a wet region like the west coast, the choice is clear: invest in an aluminum or resin wicker set from JYSK or IKEA, or take the time to oil a teak set every spring. The alternative – a cheap steel set – will mean rust stains on your patio within two years, and another trip to the shop.