How to Choose Wicker Garden Furniture: A Complete Buying Guide

Buying a table tennis table isn’t straightforward. For one, not many homes are built to accommodate such large pieces of equipment, requiring you to ask some serious questions. Mainly, do I have enough space? Ultimately, making sure you are prepared is important before any purchase. To get into that position, there are a few things you’ll need to consider before committing to a purchase. Thankfully, we have the answers you need. Here are our tips on buying table tennis table. Things to Consider Before we even look at the options available, we must first prompt you to think of some considerations, namely: Where will you be playing? How much space can you dedicate? Do you have ample storage space? Determining these factors will ultimately point you towards the type of table you buy, how big it is, and how much extra equipment you need. With this determined, let’s get a bit more specific. How Big is a Full-Size Table Tennis Table? Full, competition size table tennis tables measure 152.5x274cm (4.9ft x 8.9ft). This is true for both indoor and outdoor models, with sizes being standardised via the International Table Tennis Federation. There are different table tennis table sizes, but these tend to be smaller than regulation size to better cater for younger players. If you’re serious about fitness (and table tennis), it’s advised to stick to regulation-size tables. This will make you more familiar with how much space you have to play with, making you a more well-rounded player. Thankfully, all KETTLER table tennis tables are made to fit these size regulations. How High is a Table Tennis Table? Table tennis tables are 76cm (2.4ft/0.76 metres) tall. As with their length and width, the height of table tennis tables is also standardised across full-size, competition models. How Much Space Do You Need for a Table Tennis Table? To fit such tables, you will need room for roughly 4 steps back (2 metres) and 2 steps either side of the table (1 metre). This means that your room will need to measure somewhere around the 18ft x 11ft (5.4 x 3.3 metres) margin. If you don’t give yourself enough room, you could either run into walls, hit the table with your bat or knock a vase off a shelf. Thankfully, when it comes to storage, KETTLER table tennis tables can be folded when not in use. This makes them great for portability, and freeing up space. When folded, KETTLER table tennis tables may reach heights of 5.08ft (1.5 metres), so it’s worth ensuring that your room has enough vertical space to accommodate this. Which Room Should I Put the Table Tennis Table In? So, you’ve looked at the spatial requirements and have some options available. When deciding on a room to put your table tennis table in, we advise choosing a room with a consistent temperature. Playing in a room with fluctuating temperatures may even cause the table surface to deteriorate. For your flooring, wooden or laminate flooring is ideal as it’s the most durable material. Foldable table tennis tables will also move easier on these surfaces when you tidy it away. Carpets will become worn over time, and a thick carpet may make the table wobble during play. So, beware of rugs and slippery tiles! Indoor vs Outdoor Table Tennis Tables There is a big difference between indoor and outdoor table tennis tables. Outdoor tables are designed to stay outdoors all year round, while indoor table tennis tables must be kept inside. An indoor table tennis table uses a wooden tabletop; a table tennis table for outside uses a wood and metal weatherproof tabletop. Ping pong balls bounce higher and faster on a indoor tables, whereas the wood/metal mix of an outdoor table absorbs more of the ball’s energy, slowing the game down. If you are playing for fun you are less likely to notice this, however serious table tennis competitors would see the difference. Table Tennis Tabletops, Explained The quality of a table tennis tabletop is usually evidenced by its thickness. Generally, thicker tables are more resilient hardwearing, although they do weigh more than their thinner counterparts. • 22mm or 25mm tables are the toughest. They offer a superb ball bounce, faster rallies and will last longer. Even more, 25mm tabletops are the competition standard. • 19mm tabletops are an affordable choice for people looking to have fun playing ping pong with family and friends. This will give a shorter ball bounce bounce, allowing amateurs to enjoy a steady rally. Quality Table Tennis Tables from KETTLER Whether you’re an up-and-coming table tennis pro, or more of a part-time rally master, you’ll want to make sure you’re playing on a table that will last. Building muscle memory for something non-standard can teach bad habits as time goes on, ultimately leading to a sub-par form and playing style. Thankfully, all our table tennis tables are built with durable materials with indoor and outdoor options available. Up your game with a KETTLER table tennis table, today. View our range of table tennis accessories

A garden furniture table to match your set is key to hosting a delicious outdoor meal. With so many materials and styles on offer, here is our guide of KETTLER’s table tops. Polywood Our Polywood table tops are made from 100% engineered plastic to retain its clean wood look. The plastic garden furniture is maintenance free and durable. The weatherproof plastic lasts longer in all conditions for a durable performance. Best of all, it’s made with recycled material! The high-density polyethylene is not only eco-friendly but UV resistant and withstands all of nature’s seasons. Glass Get more from your wicker furniture with a glass top table. Glass will not stain and simply wipes clean for easy maintenance after a delicious outdoor meal. Glass withstands year-round weather for long lasting garden furniture to enjoy time and time again. Wood Our rustic wood furniture fits into most gardens. Wood is eco-friendly and organically sourced. It is made to withstand the outdoors with weather resistance. Our wood furniture has a natural beauty, texture and colour. It is carefully selected and made from a variety of FSC® sourced materials including teak and acacia. Look for the FSC® symbol for certified products. Metal/Mesh Steel Mesh offers a classic look to any traditional garden. Metal tables come both large and small for a patio or balcony. The rustproof coating withstands the winter and wet months. A mesh table is versatile, mixing and matching with a range of metal garden chairs. HPL HPL stands for High Pressure Laminate and is both durable and highly decorative. It features superior wear resistance for long lasting enjoyment and works as both indoor and outdoor furniture with a versatile style. HPL table tops often feel lightweight as they sit on top of aluminium legs therefore are easy to move around the garden. A HPL table top is for modern gardens with contemporary patterns for conservatories and kitchens. Kettalux Kettalux comes out of KETTLER’s decades of experience with garden furniture. This table top blends beauty with sophistication; its stone look stands as a design feature to catch people’s attention. The warp-proof material uses recycled plastic in multiple layers for a long lasting, weatherproof performance. Kettalux fits into both traditional and contemporary garden spaces. Cement Resin A cement resin table top features a luxurious look fit for an outdoor setting. The rustic style begs to be touched and sits perfectly on a stone patio or a decking area. The substantial table top feels sturdy and needs 2 to lift. A perfect fashion statement for a traditional garden, a cement resin table top will have all your guests talking. Round or Rectangular? What shape of table to use with your garden furniture depends on the size of your garden and who you will have over for dinner. Round table tops tend to be smaller than rectangular or square tables, making them ideal for smaller spaces. If you are looking for a table for a balcony then a mesh round table is the perfect choice. For those who like to entertain with garden parties with lots of people, a rectangular table is best. Extendable tables are rectangular and provide additional seating for bigger parties of up to 10 people. If you are struggling to know the size of the table you need, use our table size chart below. Cleaning and Maintenance Clean all table tops with a sponge and warm, soapy water. Do not use any abrasive chemical cleaning agents. A wax based car shampoo on a mesh table creates an added shine and will not affect the paintwork. Do not use a pressure wash to clean garden furniture. Use a breathable cover when your furniture is not in use for additional protection. We offer a range of spare parts, including footcaps and bolt packs. For a wide variety of garden furniture for outdoor dining, take a look at KETTLER’s Outdoor Table range.

Wood garden furniture has always been a popular choice for thousands of outdoor spaces across the country. As a manufacturer, we have a responsibility to ensure our wood range comes from ethical sources. The Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC) is one of the ways we use sustainably sourced wood. The FSC is an international, non-governmental organisation founded in 1993. Their mission is to promote the responsible management of the world’s forests. They are the mark of ethical forestry across the world and safeguard these natural areas to ensure generations can benefit from these important and beautiful ecosystems. Deforestation affects 60 million indigenous people as well as countless animals and plants. Without managing the situation and replacing or regenerating forests, the land is ruined and wasted. FSC is the only wood certification scheme endorsed by major environmental charities, including WWF and Greenpeace. They ensure parts of the forest are protected entirely in order to give rare animals and plants the chance to grow. Sacred sites are exempt from felling and local communities are supported with jobs and development. Public concern over the state of the world’s forest resources is increasing. All FSC wood is tracked from forest to shop floor and every link is certified to make it clearly identifiable. Kettler ensures we commit to upholding our end of the chain of custody. Therefore, we must organise labelling and material sourcing, by upholding the values of the FSC. This allows us to proudly wear the tick tree on our wood garden furniture. As we take care of the gardens, we have worked so hard to make special and beautiful, we must also appreciate the outdoor spaces in which our wood is taken from. Kettler works with the FSC to be forest friendly, giving you peace of mind that wildlife is protected and looked after.

A Guide To Buying Garden Chairs, Benches and Sofas When planning out seating arrangements for your garden, there are three main options to choose from. You can use individual chairs plotted in various points to give options to your visitors; there’re benches that give an intimate place to cosy up; and there’re sofas for the more lavish relaxers. No matter which option you decide on, it’s important to ensure that you don’t sacrifice on things like comfort and aesthetics. If you’re not quite sure on which is best for you, have a read through this guide on how to choose the best garden seating. Choosing Garden Seating: Your Considerations Before we look at the types of garden seating available, it’s worth discussing some initial considerations that you’ll need to take into account. Afterall, your seating arrangements are what ultimately dictate the level of relaxation you can offer in your garden, so it helps to step back and make some observations beforehand. In particular, you’ll want to be aware of the following: How many guests do you have over on average? Is there additional space you could utilise away from your usual seating arrangements? What style are you hoping to achieve with your garden? Are you adding to an existing collection or making a change? How big is your seating area? Chairs They may just be for one person to sit and relax or dine on, but outdoor chairs are a crucial element in creating an inviting space for outdoor relaxation. Chairs are often part of a set or can mix and match for the perfect combination, however some can be used as standalone pieces, such as the elba Relaxer Chair (pictured above). Types of Garden Chairs There are a few different types of garden chair available, each one being more applicable to different uses than the last. Here’s an overview of each one from egg chairs to recliners: Egg Chairs Offering both a unique style and comfortable feel, egg chairs are an iconic piece of garden seating. They are designed to be cosy and relaxing, while also offering strong ergonomics. Egg chairs are usually larger than most, with a seating position suspended mid-air. Ideal for a corner piece dedicated to kicking back, egg chairs are the perfect statement piece of garden seating. Recliner Chairs If relaxation is your main priority, you can’t go wrong with a reclining chair. Recliners allow you to put your feet up thanks to an adjustable mechanism that transforms the lower half to extend upwards or be pushed back into a lying down position, just like the Palma Recliner (pictured above). Dining Chairs If you love a garden party or barbecue with friends, you’ll undoubtedly need some strong seating for everyone to enjoy. Dining chairs are designed to be slid underneath tables, allowing guests to eat, drink and socialise in absolute comfort. Usually found as part of a dining set, dining chairs are best chosen in accordance with the style of the rest of your dining area to create a cohesive feeling garden. Benches Benches can be an intimate, cosy place to snuggle in a corner of your garden, and make the ideal spot to relax with a coffee and newspaper. Think about where you want the bench in your garden. Is there a peaceful nook where you can set up your bench? How about next to some French doors, on a patio area with a view of the whole garden? Types of Garden Bench: Regular or Supportive Mesh and wooden benches give a garden a romantic feel and are perfect for sitting with a loved one and enjoying your outdoor space. They offer ideal spots to find a blissful moment which turns into a memory to last a lifetime. Some benches come with lumbar support to assist with ergonomics, like the Hampton Bench (pictured above), while others offer a more understated appearance to blend in with their surroundings, such as the Elba bench. Benches also have the added benefit of being easier to maintain and move, thanks to their one-piece construction. Rather than moving multiple chars back and forth, a bench can be re-positioned in one go. The same rule can be applied to large gatherings; instead of buying multiple chairs, a simple bench can be used to seat multiple party goers with just one piece of furniture. Sofas That’s right, sofas aren’t just for the living room. If you have a family that likes to enjoy time together outdoors, or you simply like to spread out and lounge, sofas are the perfect way to get everyone involved. Pictured: Cora Collection 3-seater and 2-seater outdoor sofas can mix and match with single chairs, as well as coffee or dining tables to create a full lounge set Take the comfort of the indoors with you thanks to cosy seat cushions that let you sink into the sofa. With both wicker and wood, bucket shaped and classic sofa designs, you can pick the right sofa for your space. Whether you need comfort on a patio, decking area, or a conservatory, sofas always bring a relaxing vibe to any garden. Types of Garden Sofas When it comes to garden sofas, there are two main designs to choose from: Corner Sofas A corner garden sofa is a great choice if you want to create a cosy and intimate seating area in your garden. As the name suggests, these sofas are designed to fit neatly into a corner, making them particularly great for smaller gardens where space comes at a premium. The elba Grande Corner set (pictured above) is a great example of this. Styled in an L-Shape with a slightly indented corner seat, this corner sofa can slide effortlessly into the very edges of any garden, while still offering plenty of seating space. Modular Sofas For those looking for more customisation in their gardens, a modular sofa provides the freedom needed to make an adjustable garden sofa that suits your exact needs. These pieces come with individual pieces that can be arranged however you’d like. Need less space? Take a piece away. Need more? Bring the piece back in. The Palma Compact Corner sofa set (pictured) for example has a compartment on the rear to allow for an additional chair to be slid in and out when needed. Room For Two? There are plenty of ways you and a loved one can snuggle up outside. Daybeds and pods offer a perfect way to relax after a long day. Not just garden furniture, these are statement pieces, grabbing the attention of all who enter your garden. Twin seats or companion sets are ideal for afternoon tea, with two chairs separated by a small table, like the simple yet effective Café table (pictured above) Often, these tables can accommodate a parasol for added cover, while also being available in wicker, metal or wooden materials. Pictured: Palma Daybed Garden Seating Materials Material choice plays an important role in garden seating. Some materials are naturally more comfortable than others, leading to some important decisions you’ll have to make. Wood and wicker pieces are often bigger, taking up more space. However, they also have a variety of uses, offering places to both lounge or dine. Mesh chairs often come pre-assembled but are limited to just dining rather than lounging. For more information on garden furniture materials, have a read through our whole buying guide that discusses all the options we have, including pros and cons, considerations, and more: Garden Furniture Materials Buying Guide. Looking After Your Chairs, Sofas and Benches KETTLER seating is durable, weatherproof and built to last, however we advise storing them away over wet and winter months, to make them last longer. Unlike tables, chairs are often moved – tucked in, pulled out, or adjusted to make room for more chairs. Thankfully, we have plenty of information on how to care for specific types of garden seating in our garden furniture care advice guide. Quality Outdoor Seating Available We at KETTLER know how important relaxation is, especially outdoors. That’s why all our seating ranges are devised with comfort in mind, no matter the look you’re after. Have a browse through our outdoor sofas, chairs and benches in the rest of our garden furniture range, today.

Kettler Cushions and Garden Furniture Covers Guide Most Great British summers come with a little bit of rain. As much as we dream of warmer climates, such a thing simply isn’t reliable in the UK. Showers are unpredictable and can come anytime, with garden furniture taking the brunt of the impact. However, it’s not just the furniture itself that suffers, cushions can be susceptible to damage through continuous rainfall. Here, we’ll explain the ins and outs of garden furniture cushions, and protective covers. From the materials used to the pros and cons, this buying guide will leave you up to date on what deserves a spot in your garden. The Materials Used in Garden Cushions Unlike cushions used indoors, there’s little choice for materials in garden cushions. Often, brands will use a synthetic material such as polyester for its durability and resistance to weathering. However, it’s also worth noting that not all outdoor cushions are waterproof and should therefore not be left outside all-year round. Waterproof vs. Non-Waterproof Cushions Due to additional processing and protective layers, waterproof cushions will often feel a little less comfortable than their non-waterproof counterparts. At KETTLER, your relaxation is our priority, which is why our cushions carry no waterproof rating. We are aware that waterproof cushions are on the market and have been for a few years now. In fact, our garden furniture is designed to be left outdoors all year round. However, we always recommend taking cushions indoors when not in use. KETTLER cushions come with an open cell foam core which maintains its shape for longer, just like with the Aruba Lounge Rope Set (pictured above). An open cell foam is softer and more breathable than a closed cell foam, the likes of which are mostly used on waterproof cushions. However, open cell foam does absorb water. Pros of Waterproof Cushions: Can be left outside in the rain Generally more resistant to spills Tends to last longer compared to non-waterproof cushions Cons of Waterproof Cushions: Made with stiffer, closed-cell materials Less breathable Compresses less than non-waterproof cushions Generally less comfortable Loses shape quicker Rely on sun exposure to dry out, sometimes taking multiple hours So, How Do You Keep KETTLER Cushions Dry? The simplest way to protect your non-waterproof cushions is to bring them inside. This only really needs to be done if you don’t plan on using your garden furniture for an extended period. Storing them in a dry, temperature-controlled environment can prolong the life and comfort of your cushions, making them a far more cost-effective purchase in the long run. If inside isn’t an option, you can even use a cushion storage box as a quick fix. These have the added benefit of keeping your cushions in close reach, ready whenever you need them. Garden Furniture Protective Covers When it comes to garden furniture, we offer a range of protective covers that are tailor-made to fit each piece perfectly. All of our covers include ventilation pockets to reduce the build-up of condensation, and are made with durable synthetic materials to ensure a lifetime of use. During the summer months, you can leave the cushions on the furniture, as long as you use a protective cover for night time or during rain. Can I Cover Metal Garden Furniture? Metal garden furniture can be left outdoors all-year due to its weather resistant properties. As such, we don’t provide tailor fitted covers for our metal garden furniture. Can I Cover Wicker And Wooden Furniture? If you have wicker or wooden garden furniture, and are looking for an alternative way to cover your set, we recommend either a breathable cover, or storing it inside a garage, shed or room in the home. One thing to bear in mind with covering wood furniture is that the pieces must not be laid flat. Instead, try to elevate the separate parts and create a tent effect. This reduces the risk of overexposing the wood to moisture, and allows it to breathe. Alternatively, enjoy year-round use by putting your garden furniture inside a conservatory during the winter months.   Dry Garden Furniture in Seconds Using a tailored protective cover keeps cushions dry. Once the grey clouds part and the blue skies appear, it takes 30 seconds to lift a protective cover off your furniture. Waterproof cushions rely on the sun to dry them out when wet, which could take hours to soak up the rain. That’s hours that could be spent relaxing under the sun. Have a browse through all the outdoor accessories we have in stock at KETTLER today. From bespoke covers made specifically for your furniture, to outdoor cushions designed for hours of comfort, we’re sure to have something that fits your garden needs. Can We Help You Find Something? Whether you’re looking for high quality protective covers or whole garden furniture sets, KETTLER has you covered. Browse luxury garden furniture that’ll help add a touch of class to your outdoor haven, today.