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Guide to Outdoor Furniture

A comfortable, stylish and well-furnished outdoor space can make the difference between the occasional outdoor dinner and really living + entertaining outside all summer long. Well-made, durable outdoor furniture is an investment—like indoor furnishings—so it pays to think through your selection. Some key factors you'll want to take into account:

Outdoor Furniture
  • Your climate and weather: A windy apartment terrace may need heavier furniture; deep-freeze winters may mean you'll need to move tile tables indoors. And consider whether you have a dry, protected place to store furniture in winter or if you'll need to invest in furniture covers.
  • Your home's architecture + your style: Do you want modern aluminum or classic wood?
  • The size of your space: We have everything from small-scale bistro sets for balconies to stretch-out sectionals.
  • Materials: In addition to aesthetics, consider durability, weight and ease of moving, and care—see below for all the details.
  • Budget: What can you afford to buy now or add over time?

Design Tips

  1. Measure + draw a floor plan for your outdoor space, just as you would indoors. Our free Design Crew is happy to help!
  2. Invest in quality. Think long-term when you're choosing a dining table for entertaining (expandable tables give the flexibility to add guests with ease) or a sofa or sectional that you'll use frequently and invest in pieces that will last.
  3. Accessorize! Layer in outdoor pillows, planters, a tile table, lanterns and even a rug to add pops of color and a mix of materials to define and finish the space.

Furniture Materials

Wood Furniture Materials

Wood

Eucalyptus, Teak, Acacia, Mahogany, Mango and other tropical hardwoods

  • Wood has visual warmth, is durable, easy-care and long-lasting. Our all-wood outdoor furniture is made from sustainably sourced wood, certified to Forest Stewardship Council® standards.
  • Tropical hardwoods are ideal because they're dense, sturdy, and rich in moisture-resistant oils. Our furniture is protected with a water-based sealant, though wood will naturally weather and fade somewhat over time.
  • Use furniture covers to protect in winter or heavy rain.
  • To clean, wash with mild soap and water using a soft plastic brush; then rinse with clean water and allow to dry thoroughly.


Metal Furniture Materials

Metal

Aluminum, powder-coated steel

  • Metal is lightweight, making it easy to move as needed, but also very sturdy.
  • Aluminum does not rust and our metals are powder-coated to be especially weather-resistant.
  • Clean with a damp cloth and store off-season in a dry, protected area.


All-Weather Wicker + Mesh Materials

All-Weather Wicker + Mesh

Nylon cording, Textiline mesh and all-weather wicker

  • These woven all-weather fabrics + cording are strong but soft, with some give, which makes them extra-comfortable and perfect for chaises + chairs. These pieces are fairly lightweight and easy to move.
  • Prolong their life by storing in a cool, dry area off-season or protecting with furniture covers. Don't cover with plastic, which will trap moisture.
  • To clean, just hose off or use mild soap and water with a soft brush or sponge. Rinse with clean water and let dry thoroughly.
All-Weather Wicker + Mesh Materials

Tile

Ceramic, marble or encaustic cement

  • Whether colorful ceramic mosaics or monochromatic marble, tile is durable, easy to clean and adds lots of style—perfect for tabletops and adding a pop of color.
  • If you live in a cold climate, don't leave outdoors in below-freezing temperatures; move indoors or store in a protected space.
  • Clean with soap and water using a non-abrasive sponge. Every couple years, reapply a tile sealer (available at hardware stores) to prevent staining.


Cement + Cast Concrete Materials

Cement + Cast Concrete

  • Cast concrete is lighter in weight than stone and great for modern or industrial styles.
  • Cover or store in a dry location in bad weather; don't let water pool and sit on the surface as it can stain.
Cement + Cast Concrete Materials

Outdoor Fabric Cushions

  • Our outdoor cushions + pillows are made with yarn-dyed, weather- and fade-resistant fabric. Ours come filled, often with recycled poly fill.
  • It's best to bring cushions indoors or under cover when not in use. If they do get wet, thoroughly air dry afterward.




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