The UK could face a garden furniture shortage this summer due to a lack of supply and extortionate shipping costs, retailers have warned.

According to the Leisure and Outdoor Furniture Association (LOFA), there is no immediate resolution in sight, with all of its 70 manufacturers and wholesalers facing supply problems overseas. Many of us might be getting our outdoor spaces set for summer, but the shortage could see households struggling to find the furniture items they really want.

Gina Hinde, marketing manager at LOFA, told BBC Radio 5 Live's Wake Up To Money programme, that members were previously being charged $1,200 to transport a container from China and Indonesia to the UK: "This year, they're being charged anywhere between $7,000 and $10,000. Some have even been quoted up to $17,000 to bring one container over."

Online garden furniture store White Stores spent months negotiating with freight forwarders last November. Rob Mead, a consultant at the store, told the BBC: "We did it to get something in place because we can't afford to ship containers at $8,000 to $10,000 a go. The problem it causes is that it increases the cost price of a product.

"You can't just increase your price due to the fact that you're paying more to ship the product – that doesn't improve the quality of the item itself."

Elsewhere, IKEA is also thought to be among the retailers experiencing supply issues, as shipping costs to import goods have climbed massively. While the flatpack retailer giant is currently struggling with the increases in demand, they hope to have their shelves restocked by the time stores reopen.

Struggling to get your hands on garden furniture? Whether it's a bistro dining set or rattan outdoor sofa, why not shop second hand instead. As well as being kind to the planet, purchasing pre-loved goods will help you save a pretty penny, too. Some places to try include charity shops (once they reopen), Facebook marketplace or the clever second hand shopping app, Shpock. You never know what gems you may find...

32 of the best garden furniture sets

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Headshot of Lisa Joyner
Lisa Joyner
Deputy Daily Editor, Country Living and House Beautiful

 Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.