Material Guide to Outdoor Furniture

Where once the Australian “outdoor-entertaining area” meant a couple of fold-out lawn chairs beneath the Hills Hoist, today’s outdoor furniture has witnessed a transformation in the way we enjoy our alfresco-living areas. Resilient materials such as all-weather wicker, powder-coated metals and UV-resistant fabrics have allowed for the expansion of our internal living areas out to the deck and garden. This means the cheap plastic patio sets of yesteryear can be tossed aside for some truly stunning outdoor furnishings. Here’s our material guide to outdoor furniture to help you select the right pieces for your outdoor spaces.

ACACIA

Acacia is a hardwood with a high natural oil content that gives it a lustrous finish and preserves the timber. It’s ideal for outdoor furniture as it has excellent durability when kept beneath a pergola. Acacia is also sustainable as the trees grow rapidly.
Shop the range: Sanctuary Lounge, Kennett Cross Leg dining table and bench, Jace Veranda dining table, Kanto dining and bar tables on castors, Trenton dining table, Tanna folding table, bar table and bench, Antigua (pictured) and Cooper side tables.

TEAK

Durable and hardwearing, teak is a hardwood that’s been the timber of choice for generations as its naturally high oil content gives it great weather-resistant qualities. With no need for sealing, teak will weather naturally from golden brown to a silvery grey over time. If, however, you prefer to maintain its honey hue, sand it back or apply a teak sealant soon after purchasing, then yearly thereafter.
Shop the range: Villa sofa and armchair, Portsea armchair (pictured), Noosa extension table, Canterbury dining table and Bondi dining table.

RECLAIMED TEAK

Our reclaimed teak is sustainably sourced from South-East Asia, often having once been part of a building, school or jetty. Each plank is up to 100 years old, which adds incredible strength and durability, while the naturally rich oils also help to preserve the timber. Choosing recycled wood reduces deforestation and our overall carbon footprint. (Learn more about reclaimed teak)
Shop the range: Yarra dining table and bar table, Reclaimed Teak Cross Leg (pictured) and Loxley dining table.

MARBLE

Defined by beautiful swirls and veins unique to each piece, marble is a natural stone that’s long been associated with luxury. As a porous material, our tabletops are supplied with a UV-protecting fluorocarbon treatment to help preserve the stone.
Shop the range: Marble Inlay dining table (pictured with Manette chairs) and Bronte dining table.

All-weather wicker

Offering the aesthetic of traditional rattan yet with water resistance and outdoor durability, our all-weather wicker pieces are made from UV-stabilised resin.
Shop the range: Kamani occasional chair, Cera chair, Jett relax chair, Livorno sofa (pictured), Weave dining chair, Bode outdoor sofa, Byron sofa and sunbed, Bonnie sofa (pictured at top of page), Verdun chair with cushion, Woven occasional chair, Calico hanging chair and Deck chair.

TEXTILENE ROPE

A mesh fabric woven of strong polyester yarns individually coated with PVC, Textilene is a durable material designed for outdoor use. Highly resistant to rot and mildew, it’s also quick drying and easy to clean.
Shop the range: Silas lounge and occasional chair (pictured) and Knot sofa set.

POWDER-COATED METAL

Powder coating creates a hard finish that is tougher than conventional paint. Applied to both aluminium and steel furniture, this treatment helps to minimise the corrosion that can otherwise occur with outdoor furniture, thus, significantly increasing its lifespan.
Shop the range: Lucien table, chair and plant stands, Amielle side table, Arles table and chair, Savion table and chair, Tivoli gazebo, Versailles gazebo (pictured with Roman Stone table), Manette chair, Sita chair, Madden table and bar castor table, Blake table and bench, Poppy sofa and Tailor stool.

Cement & concrete

Blended from all-natural materials, our cement and concrete pieces are sealed with wax to provide protection against moisture and staining.
Shop the range: Marson dining table (pictured with Cera chairs), Marley side table, Phoenix coffee table and side table, Basque dining table, Hayman dining table, Elephant side table, Basalt coffee table and Porto side table.

UV-STABILISED polypropylene

Durable, weather resistant and even recyclable, our UV-stabilised polypropylene products are crafted through injection moulding to create single pieces, which allows for very smooth designs without screws or nails. They’re super strong yet lightweight and can be easily stacked away when not in use.
Shop the range: Ripple chair, Cate chair (pictured in coral with Kanto table), Boheme chair, Romy chair, Zarli chair and Saddle stool.

UV-resistant fabric

Soft to touch, fade resistant and made from recycled PET plastic, our UV-resistant fabric is designed to better sustain the elements. Taking inspiration from modern living and love of resort-style settings, our lively and alluring cushion collection includes exotic flowers, tropical plants, leopard spots, peacocks, lemurs and wild cats.
Shop the range: Cushions (Lemur pictured).

Ready to get started?

Are you ready to transform your backyard into an oasis? Browse the range online, or visit us in person at your local Early Settler store. Our friendly team is always on hand to help with styling advice and practical information to get your outdoor area ready for sensational summer entertaining! Don’t forget to enquire about our Mix & Match packages, which offer style flexibility at great package prices.