Define your alfresco space with timeless yet contemporary furniture. Whether it’s lounging poolside, a luxe entertainment area or a cosy space to spend winter evenings, the right outdoor furniture can transform a home, and simultaneously create additional living areas without extending the building’s footprint.

What are the best materials for outdoor furniture in New Zealand?

New Zealand’s harsh climatic conditions mean some materials often used for outdoor furniture quickly degrade when left outdoors so it’s important to choose pieces that will last in our unique environment. Wooden outdoor furniture is a classic choice, and in many cases, it’s also a safe choice in terms of durability. Hardwoods are generally favoured for both their aesthetic appeal and durability. Teak is generally seen as one of the best timbers for outdoor furniture because of its durability and strength and due to the fact it doesn’t crack and warp over time. It also has a rich brown colour that injects a natural warmth to outdoor settings.

Marine-grade stainless steel is another favoured material for outdoor furniture in New Zealand as it won’t rust or degrade when left out in the elements, and is commonly used as framing for sofas, chairs and tables.

How do I choose outdoor furniture that will last?

Choosing outdoor furniture is about a balancing of form, function and materiality. Understanding how the furniture will be used and in what contexts is the best place to start. Having a clear idea about its use will inform the decision-making process. For example, if children and pets are likely to be using the furniture, selecting pieces with stain-resistant qualities will be important.

Once the use is clear, the next thing to consider is the size of the area and what type of aesthetic you are aiming for. Ensuring the furniture chosen isn’t too large or too small for the space is important. Oversized furniture can make a statement but if the area is small, it can quickly make it feel cramped and uninviting. Often, opting for softer pieces in materials suitable for the conditions is the best option for smaller spaces. Wicker furniture is a popular choice because of its longevity as well as the visual appeal of the woven aesthetic, which brings texture and depth to an alfresco area.

Is all outdoor furniture waterproof?

Often, the quality of the outdoor furniture you choose will determine if it is waterproof. For example, an inexpensive outdoor cushion may not be suitable to be left in the elements, while a more expensive cushion filled with material that dries quickly and is designed to withstand the weather will be able to be left outside.

It’s always best to check the materiality of outdoor furniture to determine whether it is suitable for your needs. Different materials will be suited to different settings. For example, a rattan hanging chair may be suited to an area of the garden protected from wind and weather while the same chair would not be suitable for an exposed area with high wind exposure and the likelihood of being exposed to significant rainfall.

What is the best way to create an additional living area outside?

Creating relaxing outdoor areas is an inexpensive and often satisfying way to extend the available living areas of a home. In the right context, outdoor spaces can become additional rooms and change the experience of a home that was once limited in space.

Contemporary outdoor furniture is often geared towards comfort, with more and more pieces designed to bring indoor living outdoors.

To create outdoor spaces that will offer coveted connections with nature as well as functionality as outdoor rooms, carefully creating the design before investing in furniture is important. Working to a detailed brief is always best practice as it will provide a clear direction and a set of goals to achieve, for example privacy, shade or shelter, social areas or relaxation zones.

When you have a clear brief, choosing the best pieces becomes a much easier task. Sofas and suites or daybeds may be a primary focus in an area designed for relaxation while bar leaners, stools, tables and benches may be the hero pieces for an entertainment area. For poolside living, sun loungers and hammocks might be at the top of the list.