Having an inviting space to relax, dine and entertain outdoors is a prized feature in any home. We want our alfresco furniture to look good and be comfortable, but we also want it to last the seasons. Yet when it comes to furniture that lives outdoors, it’s faced with its own unique set of challenges. From all-weather wicker to timber, we’ve got an easy guide on how to care for your outdoor furniture to keep it looking its best for years to come.
Long adored for its tropical chic, comfort and affordability, wicker furniture is a great choice for alfresco-living areas. Our all-weather wicker pieces are made from UV-stabilised resin, offering the aesthetic of traditional rattan yet with water resistance and outdoor durability.
Offering the beauty of natural stone, yet without the maintenance, a ceramic-top table can be a great alternative to marble. Ideal for family life and outdoor living, ceramic is highly resistant to temperature extremes, stains, water spills and scratches.
Many out our outdoor sofas and chairs come with moisture-resistance fitted cushions. They are coated in a chemical compound that helps them to repel light water. We also stock a huge selection of colourful and patterned outdoor scatter cushions. They’re made from olefin, which is a synthetic fibre that can be made from recycled PET plastic, such as those used for drink bottles. Environmentally friendly with incredible resistance to the sun, stains, moisture, mildew and heat, olefin cushions are very practical for outdoor living.
Sandblasting (also known as acid‑etching) refers to glass that has been specially treated to create a frosted look. The process makes the glass incredibly robust, easy to maintain, smooth and less susceptible to fingerprints and trapped dirt, which is ideal for outdoor furniture.
Powder-coating is a method of painting that creates an extra-hard finish. When used over metals such as steel, iron and aluminium, it offers exceptional strength and durability for outdoor furniture. Our pieces have either a powder-coated or zinc‑plated finish to combat potential rust and oxidation.
This thermoplastic polymer and is one of the most versatile types of plastic around with many great qualities that make it highly durable and resilient, hence perfect for furniture. It doesn’t react with water, detergents, acids or bases, so it won’t break down easily. It is resistant to cracking and stress, even when flexed, and is also recyclable. Our polypropylene products have been created using an injection moulding process whereby the material is injected into a mould to create a single piece of furniture. Durable, weather resistant and even recyclable, our UV‑stabilised polypropylene products are super strong yet lightweight and can be easily stacked away when not in use.
Polyresin is a sturdy material that can be easily moulded into intricate designs with a consistent texture. The range of possible textures that can be duplicated is extensive, from stone to metal, so it is often used in the making of items such as statues, figurines and outdoor furniture. A durable, stone-based material, polyresin can be intricately moulded to create the look and feel of carved stone and cast concrete, yet with a reduced weight for practicality.
Texteline is a synthetic, high-strength polyester fabric used extensively in outdoor furniture. It is known for UV resistance and for how easy it is to clean. A modern take on classic wicker, rope weave is very strong and ideal for outdoor furniture in covered areas.
Timber is timeless in furniture, yet some wood is more suited to outdoor conditions than others. As such, we only stock teak (reclaimed) and acacia (sustainably sourced), which both have a naturally high oil content that’s better able to sustain outdoor conditions.
For everyday cleaning, wipe over with a damp cloth. To extend the life and look of your table, we recommend the following:
Acacia is a hardwood with a high natural oil content that gives it a lustrous finish and preserves the wood. It’s ideal for outdoor furniture as it has excellent durability when kept beneath a pergola. Acacia trees grow back quickly, which makes this timber a more sustainable choice. Some of our acacia tables are factory coated with a UV‑resistant polyurethane formulated to guard against moisture and ultraviolet radiation to provide superior protection and durability. The tough, honey‑toned varnish helps to shield exterior timber from sun damage and weathering and also reduces darkening and discolouration.
Teak is a hardwood that has the ability to hold onto its natural oils, which gives it great weather-resistant qualities. This makes it ideal for outdoor furniture, as it is extremely durable and will last for many years. These pieces are not sealed, therefore if left in an undercover outdoor area, teak will weather naturally into a silver-grey patina over time. But they can also be kept honey hued with sanding, oiling and sealing. Oiling and sealing will also increase longevity when exposed to the elements. Our reclaimed teak is sustainably sourced from South-East Asia and each plank is up to 100 years old, which adds incredible strength and durability.
Our reclaimed teak outdoor furniture has a natural finish and is specifically chosen for its ability to withstand the outdoor elements.
Visit us in-store and online to check out our 2022 Outdoor Collection. And don’t miss holiday at home by Heather Nette King.