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How to choose the best outdoor furniture

When it comes to choosing outdoor furniture for your home, the same question always arises: what is the best material? Making the right choice is very important, as you want your furniture to stand the test of time and weather conditions such as rain, sun or snow. Therefore, you should know the climate where you live in order not to choose the wrong outdoor furniture.

Even more so if you take into account the trend in recent years to break down the barriers between the inside and the outside of the home, making them naturally merge together and unite. This is due to the growing need to connect with nature in the home through outdoor spaces, where family members can gather and have a good time, welcome guests for lunch or dinner, play sports or read a good book.

This effect of continuity between the interior and exterior of the house can only be achieved with outdoor furniture that fits in with the same decorative style of the house, that does not disrupt the overall aesthetics, and that is functional and resistant at the same time. A challenge that you will overcome thanks to Cosentino’s surfaces!

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What is outdoor furniture?

Outdoor furniture is a type of furniture specifically designed for the garden, terrace or balcony, but also for catering on terraces and beach bars. Such furniture is made to withstand the elements and maintain its aesthetics and function over time.

It differs from indoor furniture in its location, not in its functionality. In general, this furniture is intended for resting and sitting, so it should be comfortable. Outdoor furniture includes sets of garden tables and chairs, sun loungers, Balinese beds, benches, and swings, among others.

This is also true for outdoor kitchens with a barbecue, where the worktop should be made from a material resistant to the sun and high temperatures, such as our ultra-compact Dekton surface.

Which are the best materials for outdoor use?

The time has come to choose your outdoor furniture and you are sure to find a myriad of materials and options, but you are not sure which one is the best. Here you will learn about the differences between the main materials:

  • Wooden outdoor furniture: It is often a highly valued material for its natural feel and warmth. Although aesthetically a very good option, it should be noted that not all wood is resistant to moisture and temperature changes, so it will require annual maintenance to retain its original appearance.
  • Natural fibre outdoor furniture: It has certainly become a trend in recent years and can help you to continue the natural look of your interiors. It is very lightweight and decorative furniture that can be used both indoors and outdoors. The disadvantage, once again, is that it needs constant maintenance to prevent it from being damaged by water and sun, as well as accumulating a lot of dust that needs to be removed frequently.
  • Plastic or resin outdoor furniture: It offers a modern look and is highly versatile, as it is available in many different finishes and styles. It also withstands the elements very well. You should choose the right model and design so as not to disrupt the aesthetics of your home, pairing it with other more noble and warmer materials.
  • Metal outdoor furniture: It can be made from wrought iron, aluminium or stainless steel. Your outdoor area will look different depending on the metal you choose. It is usually very sturdy, but requires maintenance, such as a coat of anti-rust paint.
  • Built-in outdoor furniture: You can have your furniture made to measure and combine it with other hard-wearing materials.
  • Dekton outdoor furniture: Our surface is ideal for outdoor use, as it is resistant to high temperatures and is not affected by water or sunlight. Dekton surfaces can be used in combination with wood, metal or resin structures to create unique, bespoke furniture.
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And as for the colour, which one should you choose?

You will probably want to maintain continuity with the colour range you have used inside the house, to display a consistency between inside and outside.

A good way to achieve this between spaces is to use the same material in different rooms, and Dekton is perfect for this, as it can be used both indoors and outdoors, as well as for cladding, worktops, furniture and flooring.

Dekton offers you endless possibilities and you do not have to worry about it fading over time, since it is a surface that is highly resistant to high temperatures and UV rays.

You can go for colours inspired by natural wood, such as Dekton Valterra. This way, you can achieve the warm, natural effect of wood without having to worry about maintenance. You can also choose to create furniture in timeless, neutral colours that will never go out of fashion and last for many years with our Danae or Kelya colours from Dekton.

However, if you prefer a piece of furniture in a super trendy colour, use one of our latest additions: Umber from the Kraftizen collection by Dekton.

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How can outdoor furniture be protected?

The most important thing when it comes to protecting outdoor furniture is to be clear about how to care for each type of material. If in doubt, always protect your furniture from the sun by keeping it under a roof or covering it with a waterproof cover when not in use.

Especially if you opt for wooden outdoor furniture, make sure it is not exposed to direct sunlight, but under a porch or pergola. Use special coatings, such as wood oils and waxes, to protect it.

On the other hand, if you decide on wrought iron furniture, you should know that it also needs maintenance to prevent it from rusting, applying a coat of anti-rust paint every year.

Natural fibre furniture should be dusted frequently and wiped with salt water and dried thoroughly to prevent damage. Joints should be glued where necessary and protected under cover when not in use.

In the case of outdoor furniture made from Dekton, there is no need to be overly concerned about maintenance, as its technical features make it resistant to high temperatures, sun, knocks and water. Simply wipe the surfaces with a damp cloth and a little soap. Thanks to its almost zero porosity, Dekton does not stain and keeps dust away. Your furniture designed with Dekton will stay looking as good as new for years to come.

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