Outdoor Furniture: Materials, Features and Selection Considerations

Outdoor furniture is furniture specially designed for use in outdoor areas such as gardens, balconies, terraces, swimming pools and beaches.

According to a Nielsen survey, more than 70% of Vietnamese families own at least one set of outdoor furniture, showing the increasing demand for using and decorating outdoor spaces.

When choosing outdoor furniture, the important factor to consider carefully is the material. Some common materials include: natural wood, industrial wood, composite plastic, metal, rattan, granite and marble. In addition, outdoor furniture needs to have suitable usability, high durability and aesthetics.

When buying tables and chairs, you need to pay attention to the following factors: needs and purpose of use, quality and price, and check carefully before buying.

To understand more about outdoor furniture, please refer to the following article!

Spaces That Often Use Outdoor Furniture

Outdoor areas such as garden, balcony, terrace, swimming pool, beach Often used outdoor tables and chairs for sitting and creating a highlight for the space.

Garden

The garden is a spacious and close to nature space, often with a large area and diverse layout. When choosing tables and chairs for the garden, it is necessary to pay attention to the overall decoration style such as landscape design, color and material of other elements in the area. Outdoor garden furniture is often large, sturdy and able to withstand harsh weather conditions.

Balcony, terrace

Balconies and terraces are outdoor spaces with more limited areas than gardens. Note when choosing tables and chairs for these areas: .

• Materials suitable for weather conditions and load bearing capacity of the floor.
• Size and versatility (foldable table and chairs, light, easy to move).

According to a study by the University of California: Using foldable and multi-functional tables and chairs helps save up to 50% of space on balconies and terraces.

Pool area, beach

For areas around swimming pools and beaches, outdoor furniture needs to be resistant to water and moisture. Materials such as composite plastic, iron/stainless steel or waterproof treated wood are popular choices. In addition, the design of the tables and chairs should also match the resort style, bringing a feeling of relaxation and rest.

Popular Materials for Outdoor Furniture

There are many different materials such as natural wood, industrial wood, composite plastic, metal, rattan, granite and marble used in the production of outdoor furniture. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Natural wood

Natural wood is widely used in furniture production, including outdoor furniture. Commonly used wood types include: teak, oak, pine, cajuput, and mahogany. According to data from the International Tropical Timber Association (ITTO), Teak wood dominates the global high-end outdoor furniture market with a 75% market share.

• Advantages: Natural beauty, high durability and environmental friendliness.
• Disadvantages: High cost, need regular maintenance to prevent termites and warping.

Wood Industry

Engineered wood is a material produced from wood chips, sawdust, wood powder, etc. through a chemical treatment process and bonded with formaldehyde glue. Then, engineered wood is pressed under high temperature and pressure into panels with required size and thickness. Types of industrial wood commonly used to make outdoor tables and chairs include: HDF WPC, waterproof Plywood...

• Advantages: Diverse designs, waterproof, termite resistant and reasonable price.
• Disadvantages: Compared with natural wood, industrial wood has low durability and is less environmentally friendly.

Composite resin

Composite plastic is a synthetic material made from plastic and fiberglass. Currently, PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene) and PVC (polyvinyl chloride) plastics are very commonly used to make outdoor furniture.

• Advantages: Light weight, easy to move, good water resistance and easy to clean.
• Disadvantages: Does not provide the natural beauty of wood and is less durable than wood and metal.

Metal

Metal is one of the popular choices for outdoor furniture thanks to its outstanding advantages in terms of durability, aesthetics and reasonable price. Some types of metal commonly used to produce outdoor furniture: Aluminum, iron, stainless steel, brass.

• Advantages: Sturdy, durable, high load capacity, easy to clean, many modern designs.
• Disadvantages: Heavy, prone to rust if not properly surface treated, high cost.

According to a study by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), 90% of stainless steel outdoor furniture has a lifespan of over 20 years with good corrosion resistance and strength.

Bamboo and rattan

Outdoor tables and chairs made from rattan and bamboo are increasingly popular because of their rustic beauty, closeness to nature and comfort when used.

• Advantages: Environmentally friendly, light weight, airy and highly aesthetic.
• Disadvantages: The durability of bamboo and rattan is often lower than that of other materials and is susceptible to termites if not properly maintained.

Granite

Granite is a popular natural stone used to make outdoor furniture. This material is suitable for those who want a product that is durable, resistant to all weather conditions and requires little maintenance.

• Advantages: High durability, waterproof, heat resistant, diverse designs.
• Disadvantages: Heavy weight, high cost and requires regular maintenance.

Marble

Marble is the right choice for those who love luxurious, sophisticated beauty and are willing to invest time and money to maintain the product.

• Advantages: Possesses a classy beauty with unique natural stone veins; Smooth surface, easy to clean.
• Disadvantages: High price, lower hardness than Granite, so it is more susceptible to scratches, cracks, and stains, so regular maintenance is required.

Essential Features of Outdoor Furniture

An ideal outdoor furniture set needs to harmoniously combine functionality, durability and aesthetics to both meet living needs and decorate the family's living space.

Features

Versatile and convenient outdoor furniture meets the diverse needs of users. Some notable features include:

• Easy to move and arrange: The table and chairs are lightweight, compactly designed and have wheels, making them easier to move and arrange.
• Can be folded and stored: Tables and chairs that can be folded or disassembled easily will save space when not in use and are convenient for storage.
• Combined with accessories such as seat cushions and umbrellas: Outdoor furniture can be equipped with additional accessories such as waterproof seat cushions or sunshades to increase comfort and protect users.

Reliability

Outdoor furniture needs to be able to withstand weather elements such as sun, rain, wind and extreme temperatures. Some important features include:

• Waterproof: The materials and structure of tables and chairs must be designed to prevent water penetration, helping to prolong the life of the product.
• Withstand sun, rain, wind: Outdoor furniture needs to be able to withstand the effects of sunlight, rain and strong winds.
• Anti-fading: The coating or surface treatment plays an important role in keeping the color of the table and chairs durable over time.

Aesthetics

Outdoor furniture not only needs to meet functional requirements but also needs to be aesthetically pleasing, in keeping with the overall style of the space. Some factors to consider include:

• Designs: Depending on the style of the space, you can choose tables and chairs with a modern design with neat lines or a classic design with delicate decorative details.
• Color: Outdoor tables and chairs have many color options, from neutral colors such as white, gray, brown to bright and bold colors. bright like green, red, yellow
• Suitable for many space styles: Outdoor furniture can be harmoniously combined with many different decorative styles, such as minimalist, Nordic, Mediterranean or tropical.

According to a survey by Architectural Digest magazine, 65% of consumers prefer to choose outdoor furniture with simple, modern designs that can easily match many decorative styles.

Notes When Choosing Outdoor Furniture

You should choose outdoor furniture that suits your needs and purposes, with quality commensurate with the price. At the same time, check the product carefully before buying to avoid errors in quality and design.

Determine needs and purposes of use

Determine needs and purposes based on the following factors:

• Number of users: Depending on the number of people who regularly use it, you can choose a single table and chair set, a family table and chair set or a living room table and chair set with the appropriate size and number of chairs.
• Frequency of use: If you use your outdoor furniture frequently, prioritize products that are durable and easy to maintain. On the other hand, if you only use them infrequently, you can consider more economical options.
• Space of use: The size and style of the table and chairs should match the area and overall design of the outdoor space.

Consider budget and quality

Don’t just focus on price and ignore product quality. Learn carefully about the material, structure and durability of the furniture before deciding to buy. Investing in high-quality furniture may cost more initially, but will save money in the long run because you won’t have to replace it as often. Balance your needs and budget to make the most appropriate decision.

Check carefully before buying

Before buying outdoor furniture, you need to carefully check the following factors:

• Material, texture.
• Features, durability.
• Size, color.

Questions About Outdoor Furniture

1. How to preserve outdoor wooden furniture?

To preserve outdoor wooden furniture, you should:

• Clean regularly with warm water and mild soap.
• Use wood preservative oil periodically to prevent water absorption and fading.
• Avoid exposing furniture to direct sunlight and rain for long periods of time.
• Use waterproof cover when not in use.

2. Do iron/steel outdoor furniture rust?

Outdoor iron/steel furniture is usually coated with anti-rust paint or made of stainless steel. However, if the coating is scratched or damaged, the product may rust. To avoid this, you should check and treat scratches promptly, and clean and maintain the furniture properly.

3. What is the standard size of outdoor table and chairs for 4 people?

Standard outdoor table and chair dimensions for 4 people are as follows:

• Table: 120-150cm long, 80-90cm wide, 75cm high.
• Chair: 50-60cm long, 50-60cm wide, 45cm high.

4. What color outdoor furniture should you choose to easily match the space?

You should choose outdoor furniture with neutral colors such as white, gray, brown, beige to easily combine with many different decoration styles. In addition, you can also choose bright colors such as green, yellow, red to create accents for the space.

5. Should I use seat cushions for outdoor furniture?

Using cushions for outdoor furniture will help increase comfort and aesthetics. However, you should choose a specialized cushion for outdoor use, which is waterproof, stain-resistant and fade-resistant. In addition, remember to store the cushions indoors when not in use to prolong their lifespan.

6. Can outdoor furniture be used indoors?

Outdoor furniture is usually designed to withstand harsh weather conditions outside. However, you can absolutely use them indoors if they match the decoration style. Some types of outdoor furniture such as rattan, natural wood can bring a natural and rustic beauty to the interior space.

7. Where is a good place to buy outdoor furniture?

If you need to buy quality outdoor furniture at a good price, you can refer to SmartDecor. We provide available furniture or design according to customer requirements.

All outdoor tables and chairs are made from high-quality materials, meticulously crafted, ensuring aesthetics and quality. In addition, SmartDecor also provides consulting - design - complete interior construction services in the Southern region with a clear commitment to quality.

Refer table models & the chair model Available at Smart Decor. Contact us now for more specific advice!