Guide to Choosing Outdoor Furniture in NZ.

As Kiwis, we love to spend time outdoors in summer, whether it’s enjoying a morning coffee in the sun, hosting family BBQs, or celebrating Christmas with friends on the deck. The right outdoor furniture makes those moments more comfortable, stylish, and practical.

But not all furniture is created equal. This guide will help you choose outdoor furniture that’s built for New Zealand conditions, while suiting your space, your lifestyle, and your look.

Step 1: Think About Your Space

Small patios, courtyards or balconies

Choose stacking chairs, compact dining tables, or bar leaners paired with backless bar stools that tuck neatly under the table. You can also create a custom fit by pairing a table top and base.

Large decks, gardens, or poolside areas

These spaces suit large dining tables with chairs, picnic tables that act as one statement piece, and sun loungers or outdoor sofas that create zones for both dining and relaxation.

Commercial dining spaces

Cafés, restaurants, and bars should consider how furniture is used day to day. Will it need to be stacked and stored at night? Or stay outdoors 24/7? Choose durable, easy-care materials and stackable designs that make life easier for your team.

Step 2: Pick the Right Outdoor Materials

The material you choose affects durability, maintenance, and appearance. Here’s what to know:

• Teak & Iroko (Hardwoods) – Cost-effective, naturally weather-resistant, and timeless in style. They do need occasional oiling and sealing, but they're a great fit for home decks and residential gardens.
• Toulouse Laminate / Topalit – Resistant to UV and moisture, easy to care for, and lightweight. The look is less "natural" than timber, which suits café terraces and restaurant patios well.
• Aluminium – Rust-resistant, lightweight, and easy to move around. Darker colours can absorb heat and surfaces can scratch over time, but it's a solid choice for coastal decks and apartment balconies.
• Polypropylene – Lightweight, stackable, and low-maintenance. It has a less premium look than wood, making it ideal for small patios and compact outdoor areas.
• Synthetic Wicker (Poly Rattan) – Stylish and modern with low maintenance needs. Not as durable as hardwoods, but a popular option for outdoor lounges and patios.
• Outdoor Fabric – UV-stable, weather-resistant, and easy to clean. It requires a bit more care and storage, and works well on sofas, lounge settings, and poolside areas.
• Olefin Rope – A strong polyester fibre with a stylish woven detail. Best cleaned and covered seasonally, and suited to outdoor dining chairs and lounge furniture.

Help your furniture last. Check out our full furniture care instructions for individual material maintenance.

Step 3: Choosing your Style & Comfort

Your outdoor furniture should match your lifestyle and aesthetic, while keeping comfort front of mind.

Style / Theme

• Coastal: light woods, rope detail, breezy fabrics.
• Minimalist: slim aluminium frames, clean lines, neutral colours.
• Industrial: darker tones, bold metals, strong shapes.

Comfort

• Dining chairs - designed for meals and longer sitting.
• Bar stools - casual, social seating; great for leaners or a relaxed 5pm drink.
• Sofas & loungers - built for relaxation; pair with weatherproof cushions and fabrics.
• Side & coffee tables - perfect for your morning coffee or evening drinks, and pair beautifully with loungers or lounge chairs.

Step 4: Durability & Care

Durability isn’t just about choosing “outdoor” furniture, it’s about matching the right material to your environment:

• Coastal spaces: Avoid stainless steel unless you’re prepared for heavy maintenance; aluminium, laminate, or polypropylene are smarter choices.
• General care: Use mild soap and water; never pressure wash or use harsh chemicals.
• Maintenance tips:
• Oil or seal hardwoods annually.
• Store cushions indoors or in a cushion box when not in use.
• Use covers to protect furniture in the off-season.

For more details, see our full Furniture Care Guide.

Step 5: Accessories & Extras

The right accessories complete your outdoor setup.

• Umbrellas & bases - pick a size that covers your dining table or loungers; tilting or moveable bases add flexibility.
• Side & coffee tables - ideal companions for sofas, loungers, or patios.
• Storage options - cushion boxes or stackable chairs make seasonal transitions easy.

Step 6: Deciding on color & finish

Order a sample before you buy

Choosing colours and materials from a screen can be difficult. Our sample range lets you experience the finish in person, so you can compare colours, textures, and materials with confidence before placing your furniture order.

Our sample range includes:

• Timber finishes
• Table top finishes
• Laminate
• Outdoor fabrics
• Powder-coated aluminium finishes

Our sampling availability varies depending on the product range. Discover our full sample collection to compare our colors and materials to your exisiting furniture before taking the leap.

Ready to get set for summer? Explore our full Outdoor Furniture Collection, from sun loungers and sofas to dining sets, benches, and bar stools, all designed for New Zealand living.