Does Plastic Outdoor Furniture Fade in the Sun? Understanding UV Damage and Resistance

At Shackletons, we’re often asked about the longevity of outdoor furniture, particularly how plastic options hold up against the sun. So, we have put together this guide to help you understand why plastic furniture fades and how to choose options that will maintain their appearance for years to come.

Why Plastic Outdoor Furniture Fades

When you invest in plastic garden furniture, you expect it to retain its colour and finish for years to come. Unfortunately, many plastic items begin to fade and deteriorate after just a single season in the sunshine.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the primary culprit behind this fading process. UV rays break down the chemical bonds in plastic polymers, causing what scientists call photodegradation. This process affects both the colourants and the plastic material itself, resulting in:

• Colour fading and bleaching
• Surface chalking
• Brittleness and cracking
• Structural weakening

The intensity of fading depends on several factors:

Plastic Type Matters

Not all plastics respond to sunlight in the same way. Standard polypropylene and polyethylene, commonly used in budget garden furniture, typically offer minimal UV resistance without additional treatments. These materials often show visible fading within 1-2 years of outdoor exposure.

Colour Susceptibility

Darker colours typically absorb more UV radiation and may fade more quickly than lighter shades. Blues, reds, and deep greens are particularly vulnerable to noticeable colour changes when exposed to prolonged sunlight.

Weather Exposure

The UK’s changeable climate presents additional challenges. The combination of intense summer sun followed by rain, wind, and winter cold creates a cycle of expansion and contraction that can accelerate the degradation process.

UV-Resistant Innovations: Lifestyle Garden’s Nassau Collection

Here at Shackletons, we carefully select products that address these durability concerns. A great example in our range is Lifestyle Garden’s Nassau Collection.

DuraOcean Technology: Sustainable and Sun-Resistant

The Nassau Collection harnesses the power of DuraOcean, a revolutionary material that combines exceptional UV resistance with impressive environmental credentials.

DuraOcean is crafted from recycled ocean-bound plastic waste, transformed into durable garden furniture that stands up to weather challenges while helping to protect marine environments. The material undergoes specialised treatment during manufacturing that incorporates:

• UV stabilisers that absorb harmful radiation before it damages the polymer structure
• Antioxidants that prevent the chain reaction of polymer breakdown
• Carefully selected pigments with superior light fastness

Nassau Collection Features

The Nassau range showcases how technical innovation can meet stylish design:

• Long-lasting colour retention even in full-sun positions
• Weather-resistant construction that withstands British seasonal changes
• Low maintenance requirements compared to traditional plastics
• Environmentally responsible materials that help reduce ocean plastic pollution

The collection offers a variety of seating options, dining sets, and loungers in contemporary designs that complement both traditional and modern garden spaces.

How to Further Protect Your Plastic Garden Furniture

Even with UV-resistant materials like those used in the Nassau Collection, our Shackletons experts recommend these simple care practices to extend the life of your outdoor furniture:

• Position strategically: When possible, place furniture in partially shaded areas during peak sunlight hours
• Use covers: Invest in quality furniture covers for periods of extended non-use
• Clean regularly: Remove dirt and debris that can trap moisture and accelerate degradation

Making a Sun-Smart Garden Furniture Investment

The sun’s effects on plastic garden furniture are significant, but technological advancements have created genuinely durable alternatives. At Shackletons, we’re proud to offer the Nassau Collection from Lifestyle Garden, representing the cutting edge of these innovations with furniture that maintains its appearance through season after season of sunshine.

By choosing furniture crafted from UV-resistant materials like DuraOcean, you’re making a practical choice for your garden that also supports environmental sustainability. For the complete range of Nassau Collection pieces and expert guidance from our team on selecting the perfect outdoor furniture for your space, browse our collection or come into one of our showrooms. Your garden—and the oceans—will thank you.