Outdoor furniture framing should be able to withstand all the elements. To ensure all our pieces make the mark we looked to the marine industry for inspiration. To that end, our furniture is crafted with the highest quality materials that are guaranteed to last in the outdoors year-round and for years into the future.

Aluminium is one of the best materials for outdoor use due to its durability. It will not rust and will stand the test of time. Think aluminium window joinery. We also use marine-grade stainless steel in some of our framing. This is important as some cheaper stainless grades will rust over time. The best way to tell if you are buying quality stainless furniture is to hold a magnet to it. It should not stick. If it does, steer clear as this indicates a low grade material.

Wood is another steadfast component of our collections. Not all grades and species of timber are suited to outdoor furniture though, so it’s important to make the right choice if you’re looking for furniture that will look stunning but also stand the test of time. Hardwood is always the preference for quality outdoor furniture because it is much more stable than softwoods like pine. It is unlikely to warp or cup over time. Wooden outdoor furniture is commonly made with hardwoods including Kwila, Jarrah and Rosewood, but Teak is far superior to these as it does not bleed, and is one of our mainstays. Teak has minimal movement and thrives in harsh climatic conditions, easily tackling year upon year of continued exposure to the elements.

If you are choosing an outdoor setting that has a fabric component, ensuring you choose the right material is critical. There are countless inexpensive options, and it’s often hard to tell the difference between a cheap copy of a quality fabric and the real deal. Generally, it’s only once the fabric has been purchased and spent a month or two outside that it becomes obvious whether it is quality or not.

That’s where knowing the best brands is important. In New Zealand, those brands are Sunbrella and Sunproof, brands we use for all our collections to ensure every piece meets the highest standards.

Both of these fabrics are guaranteed for a minimum of five years in New Zealand against any fading but generally will last in top condition for much longer

Foam is important. If you’re not buying furniture that uses reticulated quick dry foam, you’ll want to be used to sodden pants! We’ve all done it; sat down and quickly realised there’s moisture seeping thick and fast through the cushion beneath us. 
 
Like everything, it’s often easy to be swayed by the low price tag of regular foam, but it is not fit for purpose outdoors. In comparison, quick dry foam, which is used in all our pieces, provides the same level of comfort but will not hold water. This also means after a heavy downpour; the cushions can be dry enough to sit on after as little as 15 minutes. Not days. 
Quick dry foam has revolutionised outdoor furniture, not only because it doesn’t hold water, but also because there is no need to move cushions and fabric inside – quick dry foam is designed to be outside year-round.