How do I care for antique white garden furniture?

Protect the metal frames by applying suitable outdoor paint systems when previous coats degrade. Store pieces under cover during harsh winter months to prevent moisture damage. Keep wooden elements treated and clean marble surfaces regularly to maintain their condition outdoors.

Can these metal sets stay outside all year?

Cast iron and wrought iron withstand outdoor elements well, though prolonged exposure to standing water accelerates corrosion. Timber and marble components require more shelter from freezing temperatures. Positioning furniture on paved surfaces rather than directly on damp earth helps preserve the feet and lower frames.

How do I identify a Victorian garden bench?

Look for heavy cast iron construction featuring naturalistic motifs like ferns, branches or gothic arches. Maker marks or foundry registration numbers often appear cast into the reverse of the slats or frame. Proportions tend to be heavier and more ornate than twentieth-century counterparts.

What is the difference between cast and wrought iron?

Cast iron is rigid and poured into moulds, allowing for deep relief decoration and heavy structural forms. Wrought iron is pliable and forged by hand into sleek, linear straps. Combination pieces frequently utilise cast iron for decorative ends and wrought iron for bracing.