Outdoor furniture
Overview
As for furniture itself, the narrow definition of "furniture" refers to the utensils used in indoor life. It is a necessary facility to make the building space have specific practical value. In a broad sense, furniture is an indispensable tool for people's life, work, and social activities, and a common product with the purpose of meeting life needs and pursuing visual expression and ideals.
Therefore, it can be considered that outdoor furniture mainly refers to furniture used for outdoor or semi-outdoor public activities. It is the material basis for determining the function of the outdoor space of a building (including the space outside the semi-air, also known as the "gray space") and an important element for expressing the form of outdoor space.
What distinguishes outdoor furniture from general furniture is that it is an integral element of the urban landscape environment - the "props" of the city, and it has the characteristics of "publicity" and "communication" in a more general sense.
As an important part of the furniture, outdoor furniture generally refers to the rest facilities in urban landscape facilities, such as rest tables and chairs used in outdoor or semi-outdoor spaces.
type
Outdoor furniture mainly refers to furniture used for outdoor or semi-outdoor public activities. It is the material basis for determining the function of the outdoor space of a building (including the space outside the semi-air, also known as the "grey space") and an important element for expressing the form of outdoor space. The characteristic that distinguishes outdoor furniture from general furniture is that it is a component of the urban landscape environment - the "props" of the city, and it has the characteristics of "publicity" and "communication" in a more general sense.
As a new fashion in furniture, outdoor furniture reflects people's leisure and relaxation. This summer, homeowners who are decorating their new homes can forget about the troubles of decoration and immerse themselves in the beauty of rural life when choosing outdoor furniture. This year, there are more varieties of outdoor furniture, which are more interesting.
Today's outdoor furniture can be divided into three categories.
One type is furniture that is permanently fixed outdoors, such as wooden pavilions, tents, solid wood tables and chairs, iron wood tables and chairs, etc. Generally, this type of furniture should be made of high-quality wood, has good corrosion resistance, is relatively heavy, and is placed outdoors for a long time.
Another type is movable outdoor furniture, such as rattan tables and chairs, Textilene chairs, foldable wooden tables and chairs, and parasols. They can be placed outdoors when in use and stored in the room when not in use. Therefore, this type of furniture is more comfortable and practical, and you don’t have to consider so much about its sturdiness and anti-corrosion properties. You can also add some fabrics as embellishments according to your personal preferences.
Another category is portable outdoor furniture, such as small dining tables, dining chairs and parasols. This type of furniture is generally made of aluminum alloy or canvas, which is light and easy to carry. It is suitable for outdoor travel and fishing. It is best to bring some outdoor equipment, such as barbecue grills, tents, etc., to add a lot of fun to outdoor travel.
choose
The selection of outdoor furniture should be rough and detailed. We are generally more meticulous when choosing indoor furniture, but the selection of outdoor furniture is a combination of rough and detailed.
First of all, if it is placed outdoors for a long time, it is inevitable that it will be exposed to wind and sun, so you should be prepared for some deformation and fading of the furniture. Generally, most woods are fir and pine. However, you should be more careful in choosing the connectors, because it is related to the firmness and safety of outdoor furniture. Therefore, it is heavier and needs to be firmly connected. Large landscape furniture such as wooden pavilions, tents, and flower stands should be fixed by embedding.
In the connection of outdoor furniture parts, it is usually mortise and tenon or metal parts. Generally, metal-to-metal connections are stronger. However, well-made mortise and tenon are not only strong, but also have room for movement between parts under stress, which increases the stability of the structure. Mortise and tenon furniture also has a more pastoral natural and structural beauty, but it requires good craftsmanship.
There are many things to pay attention to when choosing outdoor furniture, and the most important thing is the material. Wood is the preferred material. Generally speaking, you should choose wood with a high oil content, such as fir, pine, teak, etc., and it must be treated with anti-corrosion. The production process is also very important, because deformation is inevitable due to long-term exposure. If the workmanship is not up to standard, the furniture is likely to fall apart due to loose mortise and tenon joints or incorrect expansion coefficients.
In addition, wooden outdoor furniture needs to be maintained frequently with wood oil or paint.
Compared with wooden outdoor furniture, metal materials are more durable. Aluminum or waterproof alloy materials are best, but be careful to prevent impact.
Bamboo and rattan outdoor furniture is beautiful, but expensive and difficult to maintain. It is easy to accumulate dust and mold, so you must choose good quality and specially treated ones. However, there is a kind of imitation rattan outdoor furniture on the market - Western rattan, which is cheaper than rattan, can be cleaned by brushing it, and is durable, making it more suitable for outdoor use.
Material selection is related to the room style
In terms of the material itself, in addition to performance, there are still some characteristics and techniques in style to coordinate with the overall style. Generally speaking, wooden outdoor furniture is more suitable for modern and simple style indoor environments, and straight lines are generally the main ones. In addition, some exaggerated shapes are also better.
For those who like pastoral style environment, the natural color of wood is the most suitable. The natural texture and temperament are easier to coordinate. Through delicate lines and details, a calm and natural living atmosphere is created, which can relax the tense body and mind and make the complicated life more romantic.
A parasol, a few wooden tables and chairs, plus a cup of cold tea, mixed with the afternoon sun and a completely relaxed state of mind, is what every urbanite yearns for!
Outdoor furniture purchasing guide
Materials
Pineapple grid
The genus Merboa of the Fabaceae family is generally known as the Pacific Ironwood or Pacific Ironwood in China. It is produced in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Papua New Guinea. The wood is shiny, has no special smell or taste, is brown to dark reddish brown, usually with light and dark stripes, and the heartwood contains yellow sediments in the pores. The texture is staggered and the structure is uniform. The wood is heavy, with an air-dry density of 0.8-0.98/cm3, high hardness and strength. It has good stability, strong corrosion resistance and anti-termite resistance, shrinks when dried, and does not deform.
Teak
Teak is a large deciduous tree native to South Asia. The teak currently sold on the market mainly comes from Myanmar, and is commonly known as "Thai teak" in the market. The sapwood is yellow-brown and slightly reddish, which is clearly different from the heartwood. It is about 3 cm wide, and the heartwood is light brown. It turns dark brown after being exposed to the air for a long time. The wood is shiny and oily to the touch. It is dimensionally stable during use, and has strong corrosion resistance and ant resistance. It can resist the harm of marine wood-boring animals in the sea, is not easy to impregnate, and is acid-resistant. Due to the excellent corrosion resistance and stability of the wood, moderate processing strength and processing performance, tall and straight trunks, beautiful appearance and wide range of uses, teak is the best and most famous broad-leaved wood in the world.
Golden Pomelo (Black Heart Manglietia)
It is an evergreen tree, up to 25 meters high, 15 meters high under the branches, with a breast diameter of about 80 cm and a maximum of 140 cm. It is mainly produced in the evergreen broad-leaved forests at an altitude of 800-1800 meters in the northwest of Myanmar, and the age of the tree is more than 120 years. Because its processed products are similar to teak, it is also called "golden teak". The wood is diffusely porous, and the heartwood is golden to grayish brown. The wood has a strong luster, no special smell and taste, and the wood is resistant to decay and insect infestation; the texture is straight, the structure is very fine and uniform. It has medium hardness and strength, medium drying speed, small shrinkage, no deformation, easy cutting, smooth cut surface, good gloss after painting, and the effect is close to teak. It was the first choice for palace architecture in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and is now a high-quality furniture material.
Gold is invaluable
Produced in Indonesia, the wood is glossy, pink to brick red, turning dark orange, the sapwood is light in color, has no special smell or taste, has an interlaced texture, a coarse and uniform structure, is heavy to very heavy, has an air-dry density of 0.85-0.93g/cm3, is hard, has very high strength, and shrinks when dry.
Teslimbu
Teslin cloth is a special material introduced in recent years. It has the characteristics of high temperature resistance, UV resistance, rain resistance and aging resistance. In recent years, it has been widely used in outdoor products with very good performance. Chairs and swings made of Teslin cloth and aluminum alloy are both light and beautiful, and are popular with consumers.
Nishito
Siteng is an improved polymer material, a substitute for rattan furniture. It has bright colors, beautiful appearance, soft and comfortable texture and is durable. Siteng material can withstand destructive tests from -30 degrees to +120 degrees, and is very suitable for outdoor furniture exposed to wind and sun, and is exported abroad in large quantities.
Production process
The wood is first baked in a kiln at a temperature of about 70 degrees for more than 15 days. To sterilize and remove insects, the moisture in the wood is reduced to below 10 degrees to prevent deformation during use. It is soaked in imported outdoor oil, and the grease penetrates into the wood to protect it to the greatest extent. The aluminum alloy is stamped and formed, with little welding. The castings are painted with famous brand cold plating paint and are rust-proofed many times. The steel parts are electro-galvanized, which will not oxidize, fade or rust. The stainless steel parts are made of 304 material, which is rust-proof, non-oxidizing and beautiful.
maintainance
Awning sun umbrella
Sunshade products are mostly supported by iron and aluminum tubes. During installation, be careful to handle them with care and avoid bumps or damage caused by excessive local force. At the same time, although awnings and sun umbrellas are designed for outdoor sunshade and leisure, they are not really used to shelter from wind and rain. Therefore, they should be avoided as much as possible in windy and rainy weather. If there is water on the top cloth, it should be cleared in time to prevent the umbrella frame from being damaged by long-term force.
Plastic tables and chairs
Outdoor leisure tables and chairs made of plastic should be placed on a stable ground or grass to avoid shaking and tilting. Plastic tables and chairs are very easy to clean. Just wipe them with ordinary detergent and rinse them with clean water. However, plastic tables and chairs must be kept away from direct sunlight, otherwise they will fade, break, and other problems.
Rattan furniture
Rattan tables and chairs or recliners are relatively light and easy to move, so you can use water and detergent to clean them. To clean the dust on rattan furniture, in addition to wiping it gently with a rag, you can also use a vacuum cleaner. When using rattan furniture, pay attention to the joints of the rattan and try not to expose the rattan edges, otherwise it will easily bend and deform.
Imitation rattan furniture
The materials used for outdoor furniture made of imitation rattan are synthetic products of polyester resin. High temperature will cause the rattan to soften, thus causing the rattan furniture to deform and become unusable. Therefore, when using imitation rattan furniture, be sure to avoid sun exposure and avoid scratches by hard objects that affect the appearance.
Aluminum alloy outdoor furniture
If stains appear on the surface, please wipe it with clean water, do not use strong acid or strong alkaline detergents.
Teslinbu outdoor furniture
Just wipe it with a rag dipped in clean water.
Wooden tables and chairs outdoor furniture
Wipe with a rag and do not scratch with hard objects to avoid damaging the waterproof layer on the surface.
Metal outdoor furniture
Avoid bumping and scratching the surface protective layer when moving; do not stand on folding furniture to avoid deformation of the folding parts and affect its use. Just scrub it with warm soapy water occasionally, and do not use strong acid or alkaline detergents to clean it, so as not to damage the surface protective layer and cause rust.
Tempered glass outdoor furniture
Do not knock or hit the edges of the glass with sharp objects to avoid breakage; do not wipe the glass surface with corrosive liquids to avoid damaging the surface gloss; do not wipe the glass surface with rough materials to avoid scratches.
Outdoor furniture market
As the global financial crisis spreads to China, China's outdoor furniture manufacturers are facing unprecedented challenges. Chinese outdoor furniture companies that mainly export or specialize in export have been affected to varying degrees, and some companies are facing the dilemma of bankruptcy or a sharp drop in orders.
Some people say that this year is a period of both crisis and hope for outdoor furniture, because emerging markets in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Russia, Africa and other places have not been greatly affected, but have maintained a strong market momentum. It depends on whether companies can seize the business opportunities. During this period, companies should maintain good quality, high-quality services, consolidate their brands, expand channels, and win the final victory.
From January to May, the search volume for outdoor furniture has been increasing, and this trend will continue until October, because outdoor furniture is closely related to the season. The increase from February to March is the most obvious, as manufacturers are in the stocking stage during this period. The trend from April to May is slightly flatter, but still maintains an upward trend.
After market adjustment and user experience, outdoor furniture has its own unique style, which can be roughly divided into three categories:
The first category is furniture that is permanently fixed outdoors, such as wooden pavilions, wooden tables and chairs, wrought iron tables and chairs, etc. Generally, this type of furniture must have good corrosion resistance and is relatively heavy. It is placed outdoors for a long time. For example, there are many such outdoor furniture in resorts.
The second category is movable outdoor furniture, such as rattan and wooden furniture. They can be placed outdoors when in use and stored in the room when not in use. Therefore, this type of furniture is more comfortable. There is no need to consider so much sturdiness and corrosion resistance. You can add some fabrics, etc. This type of outdoor furniture is easy to choose in home life.
The third category is portable outdoor furniture, such as small dining tables, dining chairs and parasols. This type of furniture is generally made of aluminum alloy and canvas. It is required to be light weight and easy to carry. It is very suitable for outdoor travel and fishing. It is best to bring some other outdoor equipment, such as barbecue grills, tents, etc., which can add a lot of fun to outdoor travel.
Outdoor furniture companies must not only ensure the quality and quantity of their products, but also pay attention to various dynamics in the industry and understand the market situation, so as to "take action when it is time to take action"!
How to deal with furniture soaked in water
First: The best way to solve the problem of furniture being soaked in water is to use natural ventilation, which is completely cost-free. Of course, if you need a quick solution, you can also use a dehumidifier to dehumidify.
Second: Metal furniture is prone to rust when soaked in water, so be sure to wipe off the water on the metal components. No matter whether it is a seam or a small area such as a vertebra, it cannot be ignored. After wiping, apply a rust inhibitor to wipe it, which can ensure the service life of the metal furniture.
Third: Furniture must not be exposed to the sun after being soaked in water. Wooden furniture is most afraid of exposure to the sun, which may cause the wood to crack or deform. Under normal circumstances, wooden furniture should avoid exposure to the sun, let alone furniture whose structure has been damaged.
Fourth: After the furniture has been air-dried, if there are scratches on the surface, we can also take corresponding countermeasures and apply some paint of the same color according to the color of the furniture surface, so as not to affect the overall appearance!
Aluminum is the preferred material for outdoor furniture
Outdoor furniture is a material to be carefully chosen if you want it to maintain its elegant, stylish and sophisticated look despite the fluctuations of weather throughout the year. Aluminum has proven to be the most suitable material for this problem. According to owners and manufacturers, due to its durability and ability to withstand constant weather risks. Unlike other metals, aluminum, when exposed to air, manages to develop an oxide layer that protects the material from corrosion. Although, some aluminum comes with a powder coating, which contains paint particles that adhere to the metal surface to give it color and add extra protection.
Due to its resistance to moisture, heavy rain and bad weather, aluminum has become the most preferred material used in outdoor furniture covers. Even industries such as aviation and transportation have acknowledged its reliability. Moreover, we cannot ignore the lightness of aluminum. This leads to lower prices for this kind of furniture than other materials.
Aluminum does not require complicated cleaning methods; you can briskly clean it with mild soap and some warm water, then wipe it dry with a rag, and your task is done. However, we would like to remind you never to come in contact with the material with soda, which may cause some damage. If you find that the surface is getting rough or uneven, you can manage that by grinding the surface with steel wool and soup as a lubricant and cleaner.
You will find that the care instructions differ depending on the type of aluminum construction you choose. There are three different types that vary depending on your style, the location of the furniture, and the reason you need it.
These types are:
1. Forged aluminum: This is the way several pieces of furniture are shaped.
2. Cast aluminum: It consists of pouring molten aluminum into a pre-made mold containing a hollow space of the desired shape. The result is usually a very strong piece, thus having the ability to withstand rain and storms.
3. Tubular aluminum: The furniture piece is hollow, lightweight, and easily shaped. It may last longer.
Aluminum has infinite advantages as a patio furniture material. It is non-toxic, non-sparking, tough, insoluble, ductile and non-magnetic.