Faced with the temperatures that your thermometer has been showing lately, you may be considering buying yourself some new garden furniture. Yes, but here it is, for him as for the furnishing of the rest of the house, you want to remain as ecological as possible. But is it possible to afford an ecological garden furniture? Yes, it is beautiful and possible. In this article, here are tips and advice to be eco-responsible, even in your garden furniture.
Bamboo, the new darling of ecological garden furniture
Wood is the material of choice for “natural” garden furniture, but be careful to choose an ecological wood .
For this, the ideal is to choose a wood with the PEFC (European Program of Certified Forests) and FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) label. These two labels guarantee the origin of the wood, as well as the sustainable management of the forest from which it comes. These labels also guarantee respect for the rights of indigenous populations. Among these eco-responsible woods: bamboo.
An ecological wood
Bamboo is intended as the ecological wood par excellence . Grown on the Asian continent, it comes from forests managed by farmers. On site, no fertilizer. Bamboo grows fast and alone. With over 1,200 species of bamboo, it is a truly renewable source of wood. A very resistant and very flexible wood what is more.
Another positive point: bamboo is a very good CO2 sensor. It absorbs a large amount of carbon dioxide – almost 30% more than hardwoods – and produces much more oxygen than other trees.
Today, manufacturers offer many bamboo garden items: tables, chairs, bamboo garden benches, corner sofas, coffee tables, etc. And of course, to stroll by the pool or in the shade of a tree, the famous bamboo sun loungers . In particular, you will find many sun loungers on vidaXL and what to arrange a very pleasant garden space. Be careful though, bamboo is immediately less ecological when it is brought back to France by plane or boat, a high carbon footprint requires. So, if you live in Europe, still prefer a local wood .
Other preferred woods
To have an ecological garden furniture , it is obviously necessary to privilege the plants adapted to its environment . So out of the question to see a cactus or a palm tree next to the garden bench.
For your furniture, larch, acacia or French oak are the preferred woods in Europe . But we also find the fir tree, cultivated in the Vosges , or the chestnut tree in Ardèche .
Be careful though that your wood has not been treated abroad. Yep, it does happen. It is also necessary to ensure that they are treated in an ecological way , in particular with beeswax or linseed oil. Otherwise, your wood is highly likely to emit VOCs, including volatile organic compounds. They will pollute your air and have repercussions on your health.
AND THEN, BY FAVORING LOCAL WOODS, YOU WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE ACTIVITY OF LOCAL PRODUCERS AND MANUFACTURERS. AND THAT IS A REAL PLUS …
What about a handmade garden furniture?
In recent years, many have embarked on the “homemade”. In terms of furnishings, some opt for driftwood , others for reclaimed wood . In flea markets for example, or even on the Net with individuals. Planks, cut logs, or even wooden pallets. Ideal for making a 100% green garden furniture. The editorial staff gives you some advice …
Pallet garden furniture
The wooden pallet is THE material to recycle par excellence . From the garden bench to the sofa, including the coffee table, you can transform your pile of pallets into whatever you want.
For a coffee table, plan two pallets and several wooden planks . Secure the pallets together, one next to the other. And for the tray, glue the wooden planks together. You can also place a glass plate as a tray, to have a very flat surface. More practical to put the glasses …
The little extra? Fix it to the four corners of the casters, to be able to move the table as you wish and simply.
For the sofa, arrange three L-shaped pallets, flat on the floor. Arrange three more to create folders. And fix them together. On top, add a mattress or large cushions. And here you are with a corner sofa that could not be more natural.
On the same principle, with the right tutorials and sometimes a little training, you can add a children’s swing, a lounge chair, or a hanging bed to your garden .
Tips for creating your garden furniture
First tip: sand your pallets or planks to avoid splinters. Then we dust them off and clean them as much as possible.
To protect the wood at best , the ideal is to paint your handmade garden furniture . But before that, it is mandatory to put a coat of paint hook. Otherwise, the wood will absorb almost all of your paint. Only then can you immerse your brush in the pot of the chosen paint. Be sure to buy a special exterior paint.
To fix your pallets or boards together, opt for stainless screws. Wood nails for the seats. But good screws for the records. Long and thick. You can also provide metal brackets .
You now know everything to have an eco-responsible garden furniture at home , either by opting for recycling and DIY or by buying from manufacturers who offer ecological materials, especially bamboo!
