Garden Chairs & Stools Nottingham

0115 647 6611

Bespoke Outdoor Seating Combining Steel or Aluminium Frames with Wood or Composite

Metal Garden Chairs

Nottingham Metalworks handcrafts bespoke metal garden chairs and bar stools for outdoor dining and entertaining across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. Our custom-built seating combines robust steel or aluminium frames with quality timber or composite seats and backs, creating weather-resistant outdoor furniture that provides comfort, style, and flexibility for decades.

Construction and ergonomic detail of bespoke metal garden chair showing quality materials and comfortable design in Nottingham fabrication

Detail of bespoke metal garden chair

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Stackable metal garden chairs showing space-saving storage capability for Nottingham outdoor dining furniture

Stackable metal garden chairs

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Metal bar stools with timber seats at outdoor garden bar in contemporary Nottingham patio creating stylish entertaining space

Metal bar stools with timber seats

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Handcrafted Garden Seating for Comfort & Flexibility

Garden chairs provide essential flexibility for outdoor entertaining—repositioning for sun or shade, accommodating varying guest numbers, and creating comfortable seating for extended outdoor meals. Bar stools enable contemporary outdoor bar areas and casual high-table dining. Yet mass-produced outdoor seating consistently disappoints: flimsy construction tips easily, materials degrade within seasons, and standardised designs offer no distinction or character.

At Nottingham Metalworks, we fabricate bespoke metal garden chairs and stools combining engineering-grade construction with comfortable, practical design. Robust steel or aluminium frames provide permanent structural integrity—seating that remains stable and reliable year after year. Timber or composite seats and backs offer comfortable surfaces suited to outdoor exposure, maintaining appearance whilst developing character through decades of use.
Our garden chairs suit diverse applications. Dining chairs pair with garden tables for formal outdoor meals. Stackable chairs provide flexible seating that stores efficiently when not needed. Lounge chairs create comfortable garden seating for reading and relaxation. Bar stools enable contemporary outdoor bars and counter dining. Individual occasional chairs add seating to corners and quiet garden spots. Every piece is fabricated to your specifications—designed for your intended use, sized for your space, and built to withstand British weather.

The combination of metal frames with natural or composite materials offers practical advantages. Metal frames won't rot, wobble, or collapse—the common failures of all-timber or plastic chairs. Timber or composite seating provides comfort without becoming uncomfortably hot like solid metal chairs in summer sun. And thoughtful design creates chairs that are both comfortable for extended sitting and practical for everyday outdoor use.

We create garden chairs and stools for Nottingham homeowners who value outdoor entertaining, appreciate quality construction, want flexibility to accommodate varying guest numbers, and prefer investing in furniture that lasts rather than repeatedly replacing disposable pieces. Our seating becomes part of your outdoor living infrastructure—reliable, comfortable, and always ready when guests arrive.

CHAIR & STOOL TYPES

Seating for Every Outdoor Occasion


Dining Chairs

Traditional dining chairs provide individual seating around garden dining tables. We fabricate side chairs (armless) allowing flexible positioning and close table spacing, and carver chairs (with arms) offering additional comfort for end-of-table seating. Dining chair seats typically sit at 450-460mm height coordinating with standard table heights. Backs are angled for comfortable upright dining posture (100-105 degrees) supporting extended meals without discomfort. We can create matching sets of 4, 6, or 8 chairs ensuring cohesive outdoor dining arrangements, or individual chairs coordinating with existing furniture.


Stackable Chairs

Space-conscious gardens benefit from stackable chair designs. We engineer chairs with frame geometries allowing efficient stacking—typically 4-6 chairs stack in approximately 600mm depth, dramatically reducing storage footprint. Stackable chairs prove invaluable for occasional entertaining—stack compactly against walls or in sheds when not needed, deploy quickly when guests arrive. Despite stackability, these chairs maintain robust construction and comfortable ergonomics. Stackable designs typically omit arms (enabling better stacking) but provide full back support and comfortable seating.


Lounge & Relaxation Chairs

Garden seating beyond dining tables benefits from more relaxed chair designs. We create lounge chairs with reclined backs (105-110 degrees) encouraging comfortable extended sitting for reading, conversation, or contemplation. Wider seats and generous proportions enhance comfort. Armrests provide support when rising and add to relaxed comfort. Lounge chairs position throughout gardens—beside borders, under trees, on quiet patios—creating destination seating encouraging actual garden use rather than merely maintaining outdoor spaces.


Bar Stools & Counter Seating

Contemporary outdoor living increasingly includes bar areas and raised counter dining. We fabricate bar stools at standard bar height (750mm seat height) or counter height (650mm seat height) depending on your outdoor bar or counter specifications. Metal frames incorporate footrests—essential for comfortable bar-height seating. Backs provide support whilst maintaining the casual aesthetic appropriate to bar seating. Bar stools suit outdoor kitchen pass-throughs, purpose-built garden bars, and high casual dining tables creating contemporary entertaining spaces.


Occasional & Accent Chairs

Individual chairs add flexible seating throughout gardens. We create occasional chairs for entrance areas providing spots to remove boots, reading chairs for quiet garden corners, and accent chairs adding seating to patios without committing to full dining sets. These chairs often feature distinctive designs—becoming garden features as much as functional furniture. Occasional chairs suit clients gradually furnishing gardens, adding pieces as budgets allow whilst building cohesive collections over time.

MATERIALS & CONSTRUCTION

Premium Materials for Outdoor Durability

Metal Frame Construction

Steel Frames

Substantial steel sections (typically 25x25mm through 40x40mm depending on chair size and design) create robust frames providing permanent structural integrity. We use appropriately-sized sections ensuring chairs remain rigid—frames don't flex or wobble even with heavier users. Steel frames are blast-cleaned and powder-coated in extensive colour ranges including charcoal grey for contemporary aesthetics, bronze tones complementing natural timber, and custom colours matching existing garden furniture. Powder coating delivers 15-20 years of weather resistance.


Aluminium Frames

Lightweight aluminium suits chairs requiring frequent repositioning - moved to follow sun, rearranged for different entertaining configurations, or stored seasonally. Aluminium chairs weigh approximately 60% less than steel equivalents whilst providing similar structural performance. This reduced weight proves particularly valuable for stackable chairs-backs become more manageable to move. Coastal gardens benefit from aluminium's corrosion resistance. Despite lighter weight, appropriately engineered aluminium frames deliver equivalent stability and longevity.


Seating & Back Materials

Hardwood Construction

Premium hardwoods create beautiful, comfortable seating developing attractive patina through outdoor exposure. European oak provides traditional beauty with exceptional durability—rich grain patterns and timber serving decades. Oak weathers naturally to silvery-grey or maintains golden tones with occasional oiling. Iroko resists moisture naturally, maintaining warm brown tones without treatment. Hardwood slats attach through stainless steel fixings, with spacing permitting drainage. Contoured slats in seats and backs enhance comfort through subtle curvature.


Treated Softwood

Pressure-treated pine or larch offers economical natural beauty. Modern treatments provide excellent rot resistance whilst softwood's lighter colour and grain create appealing aesthetics. Softwood accepts stains readily, enabling colour customisation. Annual treatment maintains protection and appearance. Quality treated softwood provides 10-15 years of service, suiting budget-conscious projects.


Composite Materials

Wood-composite materials create maintenance-free seating. Composite slats won't rot, splinter, fade, or require treatment—maintaining appearance indefinitely with only occasional washing. Available in realistic wood-effect finishes. Composites suit clients prioritising convenience over timber's authentic character. Dimensional stability means consistent appearance year-round without seasonal movement.

COMFORT & ERGONOMIC DESIGN

Engineering Comfortable Outdoor Seating

Chair comfort depends on dimensional accuracy and ergonomic understanding. Seat height (450-460mm for dining, 750mm for bar stools) ensures comfortable sitting and rising. Seat depth (400-450mm) accommodates varied users without forcing awkward postures. Back angles (100-105 degrees for dining, 105-110 degrees for lounge chairs) provide comfortable support.

We design armrests at appropriate heights (650-700mm from floor) providing support when rising without impeding table access. Footrests on bar stools position to accommodate varied leg lengths. Slat spacing and contouring in seats and backs enhance comfort through subtle flexibility and ergonomic shaping.

Timber and composite materials remain comfortable across temperature ranges—unlike solid metal seating, wood and composite materials don't become uncomfortably hot in sun or cold in shade, making chairs genuinely useable throughout seasons.

WHY CHOOSE BESPOKE GARDEN CHAIRS

Quality & Flexibility

Mass-produced garden chairs fail predictably: lightweight construction tips and collapses, materials degrade rapidly, and standardised sizing fits nobody comfortably. Our bespoke metal chairs provide robust frames lasting decades, comfortable ergonomics designed for real use, stackable options for practical storage, and unique designs coordinating with your outdoor aesthetic.

Quality garden chairs enable genuine outdoor living—comfortable enough for extended entertaining, robust enough for family use, and flexible enough to accommodate varying occasions from intimate dinners to large gatherings.

COMMISSIONING YOUR GARDEN CHAIRS

Creating Your Custom Seating

Commissioning bespoke garden chairs begins with discussing your requirements—intended use (dining, lounge, bar seating), quantity needed, stackability requirements, and material preferences. We'll suggest chair designs suited to your applications, explain ergonomic considerations and comfort features, and provide detailed quotations.


Garden Chairs & Stools in Nottingham

Ready to create your bespoke garden seating?

Request Your Free Quote

Call: 0115 647 6611

Serving Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, and the East Midlands. Handcrafted outdoor chairs and stools combining metal frames with timber or composite. Explore our metal garden tables and outdoor furniture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Garden Chairs & Stools

  • How many garden chairs should I have for my outdoor table?

    Chair quantity depends on table size and entertaining patterns. Standard guidance: 1.6m tables accommodate 4 chairs (2 per side); 2.0m tables seat 6 chairs (2 per side, 1 at each end); 2.4m+ tables accommodate 8+ chairs. However, consider your typical use—many families with 4 members keep 6 chairs (accommodating occasional guests without storing excessive furniture). Stackable chairs offer flexibility—keep 4-6 out permanently, store additional chairs deploying only for larger gatherings. For mixed seating, benches on table sides with chairs at ends provide space-efficient seating. We'll discuss your typical entertaining patterns and table dimensions, suggesting appropriate chair quantities balancing everyday use with occasional hosting needs.

  • Are stackable chairs as comfortable as non-stacking designs?

    Well-designed stackable chairs provide excellent comfort—stackability is an engineering feature, not a comfort compromise. Our stackable chairs maintain proper ergonomic dimensions (seat depth, back angle, height) ensuring comfortable sitting. The stacking mechanism affects frame geometry slightly (requiring specific angles and clearances) but doesn't compromise seating comfort. Stackable designs typically omit arms (which prevent efficient stacking) but full back support and comfortable seats are maintained. Many clients use stackable chairs as their primary dining seating, appreciating both comfort and storage practicality. The main difference between stackable and non-stackable designs is arms—if armrests matter to you, non-stackable carver-style chairs suit better. Otherwise, stackable chairs offer comfort with added flexibility.

  • What's the ideal seat height for outdoor bar stools?

    Bar stool height depends on your bar or counter height. Standard bar height (approximately 1050-1100mm counter top) requires bar stools with 750mm seat height. Counter height (900-950mm counter top) requires 650mm seat height. The key relationship is approximately 300mm from seat to counter underside—this spacing allows comfortable leg room and appropriate dining/drinking posture. Measure your outdoor bar or counter height and we'll specify appropriate stool heights. Adjustable-height designs add complexity outdoor furniture doesn't need—fixed heights engineered for your specific counter work better. Footrests are essential on bar stools—positioned 200-250mm below seat height, they provide comfortable leg support for extended sitting at bar height.

  • Can garden chairs be left outside year-round?

    Yes, our metal and timber chairs are designed for permanent outdoor exposure. Powder-coated metal frames withstand British weather without deteriorating. Hardwood and treated softwood handle rain, frost, and sun readily. Composite materials are completely weather-resistant. However, many owners stack and cover chairs during extended winter periods, keeping them clean and reducing UV exposure (extending timber refinishing intervals). Unlike mass-produced chairs requiring winter storage to prevent collapse, ours remain outdoors year-round without damage. Some clients bring cushions indoors during winter, but the chairs themselves need no protection. Stackability proves valuable even for year-round outdoor storage—stacked chairs occupy minimal space against walls or in covered areas.

  • How do metal garden chairs compare to all-wood or plastic chairs?

    Metal-framed chairs with timber seating offer significant advantages. Compared to all-wood chairs: metal frames provide permanent structural integrity without sagging or loosening joints; individual components (seats, backs) can be replaced without rebuilding entire chairs; and weather resistance is superior—metal doesn't rot whilst timber seating receives excellent drainage. Compared to plastic chairs: our chairs are infinitely more durable (plastic deteriorates in UV, becoming brittle); aesthetically superior with natural materials and bespoke design; more comfortable (timber seating vs hard plastic); and environmentally responsible (repairable, long-lasting vs disposable). Metal and timber chairs cost more initially but provide decades of service—genuine long-term value versus repeatedly replacing failed plastic or deteriorated wood chairs.

  • Can chairs match existing garden tables or furniture?

    Absolutely. We regularly fabricate chairs coordinating with garden tables and benches we've previously made. Powder coating to identical RAL colours ensures perfect colour matching. Timber species and finishes coordinate across pieces. Design elements—proportions, detailing, stylistic approaches—echo throughout, creating cohesive furniture collections. Many clients commission complete sets simultaneously (table with chairs and/or benches) ensuring perfect consistency. Others add chairs gradually—starting with 4, adding more as needed—with each batch matching previous fabrication. Even years later, we can match finishes and designs allowing furniture collections to develop organically. Bring photographs or samples of existing pieces and we'll develop chair designs integrating beautifully.

  • Are armchairs or side chairs better for outdoor dining?

    Both suit different preferences and situations. Armchairs (carvers) provide: additional comfort from armrests supporting elbows and aiding rising; perceived prestige (traditional "head of table" chairs); and more comfortable extended sitting. However, they require more space (wider than side chairs), don't stack efficiently, and cost slightly more. Side chairs offer: space efficiency allowing closer table spacing; stackability for practical storage; and lower cost per chair. Many clients choose mixed seating—armchairs at table ends (where space is less constrained) and side chairs on table sides (where compactness matters). This combination provides comfort where it's most appreciated whilst maintaining practical space usage. For very limited patios, all side chairs maximise capacity. For generous spaces where storage isn't constrained, all armchairs provide maximum comfort.

  • How much do bespoke garden chairs cost?

    Custom garden chair costs vary based on design complexity, materials, stackability features, and quantities. As approximate guidance: simple side chairs (steel frame, treated softwood seat/back) might cost from £100 each; stackable dining chairs from £150 each; armchairs from £180each; bar stools from £80  each. Hardwood and aluminium specifications cost more than softwood and steel. Sets of 4+ chairs benefit from batch fabrication efficiencies. We provide detailed quotations itemising all elements and quantity discounts. Whilst our bespoke chairs cost more initially than mass-produced alternatives, decades of reliable service represent excellent long-term value. Many clients start with 4 chairs, adding more over time as budgets allow—building quality collections gradually.

  • Can you create chairs with cushion or upholstery attachments?

    Yes, we can design chairs accommodating cushions or seat pads. Tie-point loops welded to frame backs secure cushion ties preventing wind displacement. Seat frames can incorporate slight recesses or lips retaining cushion positioning. For permanent upholstery (less common outdoors due to weather exposure), we can specify appropriate frame preparation. Most clients prefer removable cushions—deployed for extended entertaining, stored during winter or when gardens aren't in active use. This approach maintains furniture flexibility whilst enhancing comfort when desired. We can recommend outdoor cushion suppliers whose products coordinate with our furniture dimensions, or clients source their own cushions fitting our chair specifications. Robust metal construction supports cushion weight easily without frame flexing.

  • Do you provide delivery and can chairs be assembled on-site if needed?

    Yes, we deliver garden chairs across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. Chairs typically arrive fully assembled - we deliver to your garden and position where you want them. For large quantities or restricted access, delivery may be staged (stackable chairs transport efficiently - 20+ chairs can transport together when stacked). Very occasionally, complex designs with removable components might require minimal on-site assembly, but most chairs are ready to use immediately upon delivery. We coordinate delivery timing with your project schedule - if you're having tables and chairs made simultaneously, everything arrives together. Delivery is included in quotations, ensuring transparency about total project costs. For clients building furniture collections gradually, subsequent chair deliveries add to existing pieces without delivery surcharges.