The Landscape Lab Blog

Cities, Earth and Edges
Learn More About Us

Introduction

Outdoor furniture plays a central role in shaping how we live, entertain, and relax in our exterior spaces. Whether it's a tranquil garden, a sun-drenched terrace, or a breezy rooftop, well-crafted outdoor furnishings elevate the atmosphere while standing up to the elements. But choosing the right pieces means more than just good looks—you need durability, comfort, sustainability, and timeless design.

What to Look for in High-Quality Outdoor Furniture

  • Weather Resistance: Look for materials that withstand rain, UV rays, wind, and salt air.

  • Frame Durability: Aluminium, stainless steel, and treated teak are among the strongest options.

  • Comfort: Ergonomic design and supportive cushions make a huge difference.

  • Craftsmanship: Joinery, finishing, and handmade detailing matter.

  • Longevity: Materials should resist rust, rot, and fading.

Best Fabric for Outdoor Furniture

Solution-dyed acrylic fabrics like Sunbrella are top-tier for their fade resistance, softness, and water-repellent properties. These fabrics are breathable, mildew-resistant, and maintain colour for years even in strong sunlight.

Best Materials for Outdoor Furniture

  • Teak: Naturally oil-rich and weather-resistant.

  • Aluminium: Lightweight, rustproof, and modern.

  • Powder-coated Steel: Strong and stylish with protective coatings.

  • Synthetic Fibers: Used in weaving, these are UV-stable and weather-tough.

Most Sustainable Materials

  • FSC-Certified Teak: Responsibly harvested from renewable sources.

  • Recycled Aluminium: Lower environmental impact and high durability.

  • Eco-conscious Fabrics: Made from recycled plastic or organic fibers.

Care Tips for Outdoor Furniture

  • Cover furniture when not in use or during harsh seasons.

  • Clean frames and cushions with mild soap and water.

  • Store cushions indoors in winter or heavy rain.

  • Apply teak oil or protective coatings annually if needed.

  • Check for rust, mould, or loosened joints seasonally.


1. Dedon (dedon.de)

Collection KIDA

Ahnda Lounge Chair

Collection MBRACE

 

About: Dedon was founded in 1990 by former professional footballer Bobby Dekeyser in Germany. Frustrated by the lack of stylish and durable outdoor furniture, he developed a new weather-resistant synthetic fiber. Dedon quickly grew into an international leader in luxury outdoor living, known for its signature woven textures and commitment to excellence.

German innovation meets artisanal weaving. Dedon pioneered outdoor synthetic fiber furniture and continues to lead in performance and style. Each piece is made in their own factory in the Philippines, where local weavers meticulously handcraft their sculptural designs.

Best For: Iconic woven loungers and sculptural seating in tropical, coastal, or modern resort-style homes.

Materials: Proprietary Dedon Fiber (handwoven), aluminium, quick-dry foams.

Why We Love It: Each piece is crafted with a human touch, blending high-tech and heritage. Their imaginative pieces like the Nestrest pod redefine outdoor luxury.

Key Features: Handmade, UV-resistant, coastal-safe.

Sustainability: Dedon recycles its own fiber, uses closed-loop water systems, and builds longevity into every product, reducing waste through design.

Main Products: Lounge pods, hanging chairs, sectional sofas.

Price: Lounge chairs from £2,800+.

Care Tips: Wipe clean with a damp cloth. Cover when not in use. Fiber is maintenance-free.

Collection ATOLO

Papyon Wing Chair

 

 

2. Kettal (kettal.com)

Mesh Daybed

 

Club Armchair Bela Rope - Collection BITTA

 

About: Founded in 1966 in Barcelona, Kettal began as a family business producing functional aluminium outdoor furniture for the European market. Over the decades, it evolved into one of the most influential global outdoor design studios, collaborating with names like Patricia Urquiola, Rodolfo Dordoni, and Jasper Morrison.

 With manufacturing done in-house in Spain, Kettal ensures quality control and rapid design-to-market execution.

Best For: Modernist modular systems and custom-designed outdoor structures in urban rooftops or design-led garden spaces.

Materials: Aluminium, teak, painted metal, terrain fabrics.

Why We Love It: Their bold colours, smart modularity, and refined finishes give users endless possibilities to personalize their outdoor setup. Their in-house research into coatings and fabrics also ensures high durability.

Key Features: Modernist modular systems and custom-designed outdoor structures in urban rooftops or design-led garden spaces.

Sustainability: Kettal uses certified hardwoods, water-based coatings, and promotes local manufacturing to reduce emissions and transportation waste. Their components are also designed for disassembly and recycling.

Main Products: Sofas, cabanas, club chairs, pergolas.

Price: Sofas start at £4,000.

Care Tips: Wash frames with mild soap. Protect fabric cushions from rain.

Collection CALA - 3 seater sofa

Bal Harbour House

 

3. B&B Italia Outdoor (bebitalia.com)

Sofa ERICA

Sofa ERICA

 

 

About: A flagship of Italian contemporary design, established in 1966 by Piero Ambrogio Busnelli, B&B Italia redefined Italian design through a deep commitment to innovation and technology. The company is known for its iconic indoor furniture and has successfully extended its aesthetic and manufacturing rigor to the outdoor space. Known for working with the world’s top architects and designers such as Antonio Citterio and Patricia Urquiola, the outdoor range captures architectural elegance and technical performance.

A flagship of Italian contemporary design, B&B Italia brings its mastery of form and material innovation from indoors to the outdoors. Known for working with the world’s top architects and designers, they deliver sculpture-like outdoor furniture with engineered comfort.

Best For: Luxury architectural spaces, minimalist courtyards, or design-forward poolside environments.

Materials: Aluminium, shaped polyurethane, weather-treated woods.

Why We Love It: Their pieces carry the same precision and prestige as their indoor collections. Clean lines and high resilience make them ideal for sleek, elegant settings.

Key Features: Sleek, sculptural, minimal.

Sustainability: B&B Italia focuses on eco-conscious manufacturing, long-product life cycles, and recyclable packaging. They continuously improve factory energy efficiency and material use.

Main Products: Deep seating, loungers, dining sets.

Price: High-end, sofas from £9,000.

Care Tips: Keep covered in winter, spot-clean fabric, maintain metal with non-abrasive cloths.

Sofa NOOCH

Sofa PABLO OUTDOOR

B&B Italia Outdoor Colletion 2025

 

4. Royal Botania (royalbotania.com)

The Mambo Lounge

The Organix Lounge Sofa Elements

   

The Archy Chair                The Bariq Planter               The Furniz Table                      The Mambo Lounge

     

About: Belgian outdoor design rooted in architectural geometry and fine materials it began by reimagining teak garden furniture with precision and elegance. Founded by engineers with a passion for beauty, this Belgian brand is known for combining precise craftsmanship with natural luxury. Their pieces feel architectural yet organic.

Best For: Contemporary coastal and garden settings, especially those wanting clean lines and premium materials.

Materials: Grade A teak, brushed steel, ceramics.

Why We Love It: Timeless forms and premium finishes. Their collection balances bold minimalism with warmth, ideal for elegant terraces and upscale outdoor dining.

Key Features: Natural meets engineered precision.

Sustainability: They use FSC-certified teak and operate a solar-powered factory. Their products are designed to last for decades, reducing the need for replacement.

Main Products: Dining sets, sun loungers, showers.

Price: Dining tables from £5,500.

Care Tips: Use teak cleaner once or twice per year; store cushions indoors.

 

 

 

 

5. Gloster (gloster.com)

Collection BORA

Collection DECK

Collection GRID

 

About: Founded in 1960 in West Germany, Gloster originally focused on traditional garden benches. The company relocated its operations to Indonesia in the 1980s to be closer to sustainable teak plantations and is now an authority in sustainable teak furniture. Today, Gloster is known for producing meticulously crafted, ethically sourced outdoor furniture, blending English heritage with global style.

Best For: Transitional spaces from garden to indoor; earthy, timeless setups.

Materials: Plantation teak, woven rope, aluminium.

Why We Love It: Gloster is a sustainability pioneer in outdoor design. Their thoughtful collections emphasize tactility, comfort, and legacy with an eco-conscious heart.

Key Features: Artisan joinery, mix of textures, plush seating.

Sustainability: Gloster uses 100% legally harvested teak and turns offcuts into smaller products. Their factory follows rigorous ethical and environmental standards: zero-waste offcuts, long-life designs.

Main Products: Sofas, benches, dining chairs, fire tables.

Price: Benches from £2,200.

Care Tips: Leave teak to silver naturally or oil yearly. Wipe cushions with gentle soap.

Collection LIMA

Collection SALINA

 

 

6. Manutti (manutti.com)

Kobo Lounge Chair

Muyu Sofa

 

About: Founded in Belgium in 2002 by Stephane De Winter, Manutti specializes in luxurious outdoor seating with the look and feel of indoor furniture. Drawing from his family's upholstery heritage, De Winter envisioned refined exterior living. Today, Manutti is recognized for high-end, detail-focused collections that bridge comfort and elegance.

Best For: Elegant outdoor dining and lounging areas in modern villas or boutique hotels.

Materials: Powder-coated aluminum, quick-dry foam, ceramic, synthetic fibers, and treated teak.

Why We Love It: Manutti crafts collections with an eye for texture, tailoring, and modularity. Their attention to stitching, curved lines, and premium fabrics bring exceptional polish to patios and decks.

Key Features: Refined lines, high customization, and generous proportions.

Sustainability: Manutti emphasizes long-lasting, recyclable components, water-based treatments, and partners with FSC-certified suppliers.

Main Products: Sectional sofas, loungers, dining sets, and coffee tables.

Price: Sofas from £6,000+.

Care Tips: Cover during winter, clean metal frames with soft cloth, and store cushions when not in use.

   

Radoc Dining Chair                                                                        Yiko Dining Chair

Sunrise Lounge Chair

 

7. Exteta (exteta.it)

 

Vieste Armchair

Bellaggio Sofa

Levante Chair

 

About: Exteta, born in 2006 in Brianza, Italy—a region renowned for its artisan furniture makers—reimagines outdoor living through a bespoke lens. The brand collaborates with leading designers such as Paola Navone and Massimo Castagna to produce handcrafted pieces that blur the boundary between indoors and outdoors.

Best For: Exclusive terraces, designer yachts, and made-to-measure outdoor concepts.

Materials: Solid teak, marble, stainless steel, nautical fabrics, and leather.

Why We Love It: Exteta’s signature is personalization—each piece can be finished, measured, and tailored to fit the most sophisticated environments. The blend of rare materials and sculptural form delivers striking originality.

Key Features: Bespoke craftsmanship, luxurious finishes, and seamless transitions.

Sustainability: The brand emphasizes artisanal small-batch production and durable natural materials, including FSC-certified teak and biodegradable finishes.

Main Products: Sunbeds, dining tables, modular seating.

Price: Ultra-luxury; sofas from £12,000+.

Care Tips: Use covers; maintain teak with oil and marble with a stone cleaner.

Locus Solus Armchair, Jacquemus + Exteta special re-edition

 

Martingala Chair 1959

 

 

8. Tribù (tribu.com)

Elio 3 seater sofa

 

Ukiyo Lounger

 

Colletion Senja

 

About: A family-run Belgian company established in the 1960s, Tribù pioneered the concept of 'discreet luxury' in outdoor design. With roots in classical furniture, it transitioned to contemporary design under the leadership of Lode De Cock and now has global reach.

Best For: Serene, minimalist terraces and premium resort landscapes.

Materials: Teak, powder-coated aluminum, woven fiber, ceramic, and waterproof fabrics.

Why We Love It: Tribù’s clean, elegant silhouettes and neutral palettes create peaceful outdoor settings. Every collection reflects comfort and thoughtful craftsmanship.

Key Features: Slim profiles, hidden fastenings, and tactile finishes.

Sustainability: Tribù uses only FSC-certified teak, adheres to EU production standards, and emphasizes timeless design to reduce disposable cycles.

Main Products: Dining chairs, modular sofas, loungers.

Price: Sofas from £5,000+.

Care Tips: Minimal maintenance; clean surfaces with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly.

  

Ukiyo Chair                                                                         Suro Lounge Chair

 

Tosca Daybed

 

Natal Alu sofa

 

Vis A Vis sofa

 

 

9. Talenti (talentispa.com)

Casilda Collection

 

Argo Alu Collection

 

Nalu Collection

 

About: Talenti is an Italian brand launched in 2004 by Fabrizio Cameli, blending Italian design tradition with contemporary outdoor innovation. Known for its fashion-forward aesthetics, Talenti collaborates with design stars like Ludovica + Roberto Palomba and Ramón Esteve.

Best For: High-style, expressive terraces and eclectic outdoor settings.

Materials: Teak, aluminum, stainless steel, ceramic, and high-performance outdoor fabrics.

Why We Love It: With bold silhouettes, modularity, and unexpected colours, Talenti delivers a unique personality to every garden or patio.

Key Features: Fashion-driven forms, premium build, and wide-ranging collections.

Sustainability: The company integrates recycled aluminum, recyclable upholstery, and energy-efficient production facilities across Italy.

Main Products: Sectional lounges, daybeds, sun umbrellas.

Price: Sofas from £4,000+.

Care Tips: Use protective covers and clean with mild soap; teak should be treated annually.

June Collection

Cruise Teak Collection

 

 

10. Roda (rodaonline.com)

Mamba Collection

 

Mistral Collection

 

    

Plein Air Collection                                                               Thea Collection

 

About: Founded in 1990 in Italy by Roberto Pompa, Roda redefined outdoor furniture with its philosophy of “interior garden living.” A pioneer in blending indoor elegance with outdoor durability, Roda now works with designers like Rodolfo Dordoni to create fluid, cohesive living environments.

Best For: Integrated outdoor-living spaces with timeless elegance.

Materials: Solid teak, stainless steel, painted aluminium, batyline mesh, and weather-resistant cushions.

Why We Love It: Roda creates balance between nature and structure—its designs are quiet, harmonious, and unfailingly stylish.

Key Features: Cohesive palettes, architectural design, sophisticated comfort.

Sustainability: Roda sources sustainable wood, uses low-emission paints, and is committed to circular material strategies.

Main Products: Lounge collections, dining sets, bar trolleys.

Price: Sofas from £5,000+.

Care Tips: Store cushions when not in use, clean batyline mesh with a soft brush and water.

Piper Collection

 

Eden Collection

 

Astra Collection

 

 

 

 

Featured Posts

Blog Topics

Urban environment & Public spaces

Stay updated with the latest articles and insights from The Landscape Lab. Here, you will find valuable information and engaging content.

Waterfront & Coastal Resilience

Stay updated with the latest articles and insights from The Landscape Lab. Here, you will find valuable information and engaging content.

Captivating Photography

Stay updated with the latest articles and insights from The Landscape Lab. Here, you will find valuable information and engaging content.

Explore Our Blog

Why Read The Landscape Lab Blog?

 

 

The way we design and interact with landscapes is more important than ever. As cities expand, coastlines shift, and climate change reshapes our world, the choices we make about land, water, and urban spaces have lasting impacts. The Landscape Lab Blog is here to spark fresh conversations, challenge conventional thinking, and inspire new approaches to sustainable and resilient design.

 

If you’re a landscape architect, urban planner, environmentalist, or simply someone who cares about how our surroundings shape our lives, this blog offers insights that matter. We explore the intersections between nature and the built environment, diving into real-world examples of cities adapting to rising sea levels, innovative waterfront designs, and the revival of native ecosystems. We look at how landscapes can work with nature rather than against it, ensuring long-term sustainability and biodiversity.

 

By reading The Landscape Lab, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the evolving field of landscape design—from rewilding initiatives to regenerative urban planning. Whether it’s uncovering the forgotten history of resilient landscapes, analyzing groundbreaking projects, or discussing the future of green infrastructure, this blog provides a space for learning, inspiration, and meaningful dialogue.