With so much garden furniture to choose from, you can easily bring your garden or outdoor space to life. Whether it's enjoying the company of a friend on a bench, or having a family meal in the shade of a parasol, Sainsbury's has it covered.

Wooden furniture can bring a garden, patio or balcony to life. Whether it's a table and chairs set for a terrace, or a wooden pagoda for your lawn, there's something for everyone at Sainsbury's.

Different wood has different properties. Care for hardwood by cleaning after the summer, and treating with a wood oil or preservative. Softwoods should be treated more regularly, to help them survive the British weather.

The FSC label ensures forest products are sourced from responsibly harvested and verified sources. For more information, visit:

http://www.fsc-uk.org/

It's recommended that you treat wooden outdoor furniture at least once a year, to improve its weather resistance, maintain its appearance and protect against insects and fungi. A wide range of treatments are available - from colourless, general-purpose preservers to stained wood preserver. Browse our range here.

Wrought iron - usually highly intricate with detailed designs, this furniture is heavy in weight so it's a good choice for windy or exposed areas. Naturally prone to rust, it is often powder-coated.

Steel - this is often powder coated for extra weather protection. A 'good all-rounder', it is more solid in feel than aluminium, and less heavy than iron.

Aluminium - practical and lightweight, this furniture is great if you're going to be moving it around a lot. It doesn't rust - but if it's polyester-coated, this can peel. When in full sun, it can retain heat - so use a parasol to keep your seat shady.

Rattan (a type of palm), cane and wicker work (usually willow or reed) have been used for centuries to make furniture. Today, a wide range of synthetic equivalents keep all the charm of the original plant-based materials, but have enhanced durability and weather-resistance.

Synthetic rattan is woven over a rust resistant frame and is designed for year-round outdoor use. Resistant to extremes of temperature, it is also UV proof.

Available in a variety of colours, finishes (matt or semi-gloss varnish) and styles, rattan furniture lets you create a look that will suit your garden, conservatory or patio.

To clean, simply wipe dirt off.

Plastic - cheap, practical and available in a range of colours and designs, this furniture can be left outside all year round. It's easy to clean - you simply wipe it down, and lightweight - great if you're moving it around; not so great if it's a windy day.

Pole-based parasols - are round, square, octagonal - to name just a few permutations. They vary widely in size - from 1m to 3.5m and over. The pole sits in a base that's often sold separately. Bases can be functional or ornate, and standard pole sizes make it easier to mix and match to get the desired result.

Cantilever or hanging parasols - offering maximum protection from the sun, they stand to the side of a table or seating area and can be angled for optimum shade. A simple mechanical system lifts the canopy in a smooth action. A locking device secures it in the position of your choosing.

The base of a cantilever parasol needs to be fixed to a solid surface, or weighted down. Many larger models come with bases that can be filled with sand or water, and also have telescopic wheels for easier movement.

Multi-use parasol - can be used as a standard or cantilever parasol, with a head that can be angled for optimum shade.

Multi-system parasols - a single, central pole can take up to five parasol canopies, mounted on individual arms that can be separately moved and tilted. Ideal for sheltering a large outdoor gathering and for creating big areas of shade.

Wall-fixed parasol - ideal for small urban spaces like terraces and balconies, these can be fitted to hard, vertical surfaces. They usually comprise an adjustable arm with a tilt head.

Parasol lights - if you're dining after dark, these lights are a great idea. Fixed via a clamp to the parasol pole, a range of halogens, LEDs, up-lights, down-lights and cascading shapes (like dragonflies) are available. Rechargeable versions need no wires or cords.

Parasol heaters - these halogen heaters fit to a parasol pole and provide both heat and light at the flick of a switch. Directional heat is effective and economic, and produced within seconds of being switched on. Ceiling mounted versions are available for use in gazebos and marquees.

Cushions - range from vinyl-covered seat cushions, to colourful cotton cushions for sinking back onto and enjoying your deck chair. Cushions made from acrylic or olefin - a polypropylene thread - feel tougher like canvas and are rot-resistant and durable.

Cushions should be stored in a dry place when not in use. Check care instructions.

Furniture covers - made from weather-proof fabric, these protect furniture left outdoors during the winter. See our wide range.