SUPPLIERS: Outdoor furniture reinvented

Outdoor furniture has come a long way from cheap plastic chairs and battered tables. Bold designs, playful colours and modern materials are giving hoteliers a world of options, says Jamie Knights

People flock to the Middle East’s hotels for numerous reasons, but one of the main drivers is the ability to be outside enjoying the region’s hospitality, the wonderful beaches and glorious sunshine.

Expectations are therefore high in terms of the type of furniture available in these outdoor spaces and the days of cheap plastic white chairs and wobbly tables are long gone — or at least they should be.

Hoteliers and outdoor furniture providers have therefore been charged with the task of coming up with new, exciting and durable products that cater to this demand. In turn, the outdoor furniture industry is brimming with new ideas and forward thinking hoteliers are embracing the changes.

“The outdoor lines are acquiring substantial importance within the sector,” asserts area manager for Andreu World, Roberto Garcia.

“This has come about as domestic and professional consumers discovered they could significantly add to their existing spaces by using outdoor areas as well.”
Garcia says there has been a strong demand for multi-purpose furniture, but for others, the major trend has been a visual one.

“Straight lines and austere shapes are out — curvy and playful is hot!” enthuses owner of Desert River, Claudia van der Werf.

“A lot of buyers are looking to add a very specific touch to their outdoor areas. Instead of the non-offensive, but not very inspiring traditional square shapes in dark brown rattan, we are seeing an increased demand for elegant and colourful shapes. Some may opt for the full-on funky and brightly coloured look and furnish an entire area in this style, while others prefer to add just a few statement pieces to their terraces,” she says.

Abubakar Mohamed, project manager at Balchik General Trading says furniture design boundaries are being pushed: “We have an eclectic choice and shapes and styles are more bold and pronounced, while colour waivers through personal choices,” he explains.

Sales manager for Select Furnishings, Jonathan Warth, says the company has used these changes in taste and a desire for something different in its new ranges.

“Our design team is looking at comfort while coming up with the most popular shapes and giving them a twist,” he explains.

“This year, patio furniture sets have loosened up their lines, and the results vary from sensual to elegant, to pleasantly relaxed.”

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Materials Matter
Warth also points out that new technology has led to softer fabrics that are still durable — a major plus for guest comfort — and that is something that Africa and Middle East contract consultant for Angel Contract Consultants, Angel Salvador, says is part of a wider trend of improved quality in the sector.

“It is moving in new directions in terms of quality of the product and in the selection of higher handmade textiles to cover better quality cushion inlets,” he explains.
“Not very long ago, outdoor furniture products were minimal and poor in terms of the choice of materials for components.”

Another trend that appears to be going from strength to strength in the region is combining different materials to create new effects. It is a good way for hotels to differentiate themselves from one another, says marketing manager for Intermetal, Cathy di Savino.

“Table and chair combinations, such as when aluminium is combined with rattan or where teak is used in unison with aluminium are on trend,” she reveals.

“Properties today are being defined not only by location, but by style and design — incorporating furniture that is unique, but still maintaining the comfort that guests expect is what will set apart one property from another.”

Of course, financial factors drive trends as well as aesthetic ones and Jerry Lim, managing director of the Alma Contract (Mondecasa), believes there is a movement towards outdoor furniture that can also be used indoors.

“Alfresco dining or dining by the pool is becoming increasingly popular,” he explains.
“There is a trend in the merging of outdoor and indoor furniture where beautiful furniture can be used either indoors, as well as outdoors, to help transform underused outdoor spaces, generating more revenue and enhancing dining experiences for guests.

“Right now, stainless steel with sling material seems to have caught on and they are now very stylishly designed and suitable for both indoor and outdoor.”

But not everyone believes that outdoor furniture has necessarily found its next road to travel down. General manager of Kudos International, Dan Lacey, believes that the sector is at a crossroads.

“Furniture is becoming much like fashion, with the market demanding new styles and designs every season,” he begins.

“The problem is that the next generation of materials for use in outdoor furniture has not yet been identified. All-weather wicker has been available in the market for the past six or seven years now and so the market is flooded with products of varying qualities and innovative design is much harder to source.

Plagiarism of design is commonplace. Teak products are much more limited, both due to the nature of the material itself and the need for on-going maintenance and aluminum — both cast and folded product — also has limitations due to the climate.”

Lacey says that this has led to manufacturers searching for the “next new” material, which will dominate the market in the future in the same way that all-weather wicker has done.
In the interim, Kudos has come up with three different solutions, according to Lacey.

“Simple designs and mixing materials such as wicker, teak, stainless steel and aluminium is the first. They are also much harder to copy, so are less prone to becoming a commodity item, knocked off by all and sundry,” he explains.

“Injected Rattan is a new technique developed by Grupo Resol (a Kudos supply partner from Spain), which offers injected moulded polypropylene products in a rattan style. Being strong, durable and very competitive, this is a new product which will have a major impact on the market.”

The final initiative is LED furniture. While Lacey admits LED decorative items have been in the market for years already, he says that the “logical expansion of this into furnishing products has been slow to follow”.

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Strive to survive
While the numerous innovations being made in design, in addition to the search for new products by hoteliers and designers, are signs of the current popularity of outdoor furniture, the biggest obstacle in the region remains the climate.

As Salvador points out, “the weather is very hard — not only warm but also humid and sometimes cool at night”.

“To resist this kind of climate the materials have to be the best quality — if not they will have problems immediately and hoteliers will be obliged to replace them within a year,” he adds.

Van der Werf, like all our experts, is in total agreement and adds that dust is also a major factor, meaning ease of cleaning is important and materials cannot be “too sensitive to commonly used cleaning materials”.

“Cheap usually does not mean cheerful,” she continues. “We have seen copies of our Fatboy Buggle Up outdoor lounge bags on the market and these copies are guaranteed to discolour and disintegrate within weeks. Also important to consider is if the items are easy to store or cover when not in use.”

Quality is certainly the first word hoteliers should be thinking about. Linda Bruun Mortensen, creative director and brand manager at Voglia House & Garden Furniture, asserts that buyers need to choose either teak, “which can be maintained for many years,” or a “good quality of synthetic rattan”, which has been developed to resist the region’s harsh weather conditions.

Balchik’s Mohamed concurs, and explains that one of the qualities of teak is its ability to withstand the elements in even the harshest of conditions.

“Grade A teak already has a natural abundance of both oils and rubber which serve to protect the wood and keep it from drying out,” he asserts.

“The UV rays of the sun will cause the surface of your wooden furniture to turn a silvery grey over a period of time. This colour change in no way affects the life or durability of the teak.”

When it comes to rattan, Select Furnishing’s Warth says hoteliers should look for warranty cover.

“Key things to look for are that the frame is rust proof and that the rattan has been treated with a chemical so that it can withstand the highest and lowest temperatures,” he continues.
“Also, the tightness of the weave means it’s less unlikely to get caught or broken on any objects and shows the high-skilled trained labour that has been used.”

Of course, there are ways that hoteliers can minimise the wear and tear of their outdoor furnishings, such as storing it when conditions are wet or very humid. But there are also safety issues to consider when dealing with hotel guests and, Warth warns, “tempered safety glass should also be a must on all items”.

In regards to stainless steel, Alma Contract’s Lim says to look for companies who use special anti-rust processes.

“This electro-polishing treatment makes the stainless steel collection suitable for outdoor use, including cruise liners and beach resorts, thus reducing maintenance needs,” he explains.

But remember it’s not just about heat; materials have to be resistant to suntan lotion, bird droppings and a host of other spills and stains.

Lacey reminds us that, just like with any other product, regular service and maintenance ensures that outdoor furniture “continues to look good and function successfully for many years”.

“Kudos has many products in the UAE market which have been in constant use for over five years due to our close working relationships with our hotel clients.”

As for Angel Contract, Salvador says the company’s future is “based on the research of new ideas, new technologies and new materials”.

And that pretty much sums up the outdoor furniture sector, new ideas and materials that will make your life as a hotelier easier — just remember to avoid the lure of cheap imitations, as you will end up paying the price!

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Common mistakes!
Make sure you don’t blow your budget by reading on!

1. Buying non-commercial grade products. The result: materials that either break down or look faded within months.
2. Going for the cheapest option. You may save in the short term, but before long you (or the person who has taken your job!) will be having to reach into the pockets of the owner again to replace substandard products.
3. Forgetting to ask to see test results on product durability.
4. Buying without consulting the hotel operator. The major hotel operators know what to expect so don’t buy a hotel and kit it out without consulting the operator of the hotel. You may see something you like and it may well be suitable, but the operator will be able to ask the questions that matter when considering the product in a fully operational environment.
5. Ignoring maintenance. You can buy the most durable products, but if you are not willing to look after them in the harsh climate they will suffer. Ensure you have someone looking after the furniture who knows the correct procedures of care.
6. Choosing a company that has no after-sales care. Will your products need components replaced or expert servicing? It is important to establish that there is after-sales care in place and that you won’t be left with unusable furniture because of a company that makes the sale and forgets about you.

Casual creations
Casualife Furniture’s wide range of premium quality, all-weather outdoor furniture includes chairs, tables, sofas, loungers, day beds, umbrellas, gazebos and hammocks designed to both look good and last. Materials used comprise synthetic wicker — either Rehau from Germany or Viro from Indonesia — teak wood, aluminium and stainless steel. Umbrellas and gazebos can be wooden-framed, stainless steel, aluminium or fibreglass, either self-opening or opened via rope and pulley and with centre or side poles. The firm is also introducing a remote control operated umbrella which is battery powered by the sun.

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Environmental concerns
Are hotel clients’ environmental concerns impacting their selection?

Claudia van der Werf, owner, Desert River: “We do not notice a particular concern with environmental issues, except perhaps from the so-called ‘eco-resorts’”.
Linda Bruun Mortensen, creative director and brand manager Voglia House & Garden Furniture: “Yes definitely, but I don’t feel any particular impact on the furniture industry. There are of course hotels that choose eco-friendly furniture, but most of them try to be environmental friendly by saving on water and electricity.”

Abubakar Mohamed, project manager Balchik General Trading: “Yes, hoteliers are leaning more towards environment friendly choices as a way of sustaining the environment. A lot of hoteliers are now considering where the wood comes from, what kind of laws govern that particular forest and are asking if it is sustainable and if the community benefitted from it.”

Jonathan Warth, sales manager Select Furnishings: “Environmental concerns, such as awareness of how deforestation impacts climate change and the effects of toxic finishes in the air, have led buyers to demand green furniture. Better, these polyresin plastics can be reused. It’s among the easiest things to recycle, requiring only that people save their waste and creative companies reshape it.”

Jerry Lim, managing director of the Alma Contract (Mondecasa): “Many hoteliers are actively involved and trying to stay green. We are constantly sourcing materials that are recyclable. Aluminium and stainless steel frames that we use are recyclable. The processes in our factory are constantly being reviewed to ensure that we reduce carbon footprints.”

Dan Lacey, general manager, Kudos International: “Environmental issues are very important to hotels and one example of this comes from Atlantis on The Palm, which reduced its laundry needs dramatically after purchasing umbrellas from Kudos, as guests had shade under which they could sit instead of having to use double the number of towels to provide them with shade by draping them over the hoods on their sun loungers. All Teak products are made from plantation-grown teak, all wicker products are made from aluminium and polyethylene, which are both recyclable.”

Cathy Di Savino, marketing manager, Intermetal: “One trend that will definitely continue is the trend towards procuring from eco-friendly outdoor furniture manufacturers. Intermetal is currently working on eco-friendly polyresin products to give the functionality of teak and other wood-based furniture taking into consideration the ecological benefits.”

Roberto Garcia, area manager for Andreu World: “The Ecolignus wood employed in the Andreu World Outdoor collections is 100% recyclable and is obtained from reforested forests and the chain of custody throughout the entire production process is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified, thus guaranteeing the excellence of the wood, from its origin to the final product.”

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New from Nakkash Gallery
Nakkash Gallery has launched a new collection of fun and sustainable aluminium outdoor furniture.

Nakkash Collection is produced and designed by Maiori Studio, based in Hong Kong. This high quality and comfortable outdoor furniture and accessories range is both sleek and affordable, with designs that are suitable for contracts. Imported from France, the Batyline mesh is made from UV resistant PVC coated polyester yarn, blend coated and bulk dyed, rot proof and with a high level of shape and colour retention.

Featuring clean lines and sorbet shades, this new collection is perfect for watching the sun go down with a drink, some snacks and friends.

Suitable for both outdoor and indoor use, Nakkash Collection is maintenance-free, safe, durable, eco-friendly, 100% recyclable and UV- and chemical-resistant, as well as all-weather proof, with high-tensile strength.

Jumeirah's Approach
Housekeeping manager of Mina A’Salam, Madinat Jumeirah, Saskia Polhout has been working with the Jumeirah Group for the last seven years and she is more aware than anyone of the requirements for outdoor commercial furniture.

“The furniture should always be comfortable, durable and fit within the interior/exterior design of the area,” she explains.

“In a resort like Madinat Jumeirah, where everything is presented in a traditional style of Arabian opulence, aesthetics play a very important role, alongside high quality and long-lasting factors. Only a combination of all these can bring a beautiful result.”

She is also very aware of the need for quality products to avoid quick discolouration and asks suppliers for at least a one year replacement warranty against fading.

When working for a resort the size of Madinat Jumeirah, with its three hotels, the outdoor furniture must cater towards a wide range of guests — from small children through to honeymooners, and everyone in between. It is therefore essential to have enough quality suppliers on hand to deliver, something Polhout believes she is blessed with.

“Madinat Jumeirah works with several long-term partners and we are satisfied with the quality of the products. They meet our luxury standards and at the same time keep our guests in comfortable, beautiful and relaxed atmosphere,” she explains.

“After many years in hospitality, I came to a certain conclusion that it is better to invest in high quality furniture, which costs more, but in the end gets a better result, a satisfied guest and a reliable reputation.”

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Issues with availability
Purchasing manager for Radisson Blu Resort, Aqaba Jordan, Sanad Batarseh, says with the range of outdoor products available the problem is no longer finding beautiful furniture, rather selecting the right type.

“One of the most important factors to consider before purchasing outdoor furniture is durability. It should be able to withstand varying climates and weather conditions,” he explains.

“Outdoor furniture need not be conventional and these days some of the most stylish and exquisite varieties of furniture can be bought.”

And while Batarseh echoes the need for quality, he also raises the valuable point of how outdoor furniture should complement the interior décor of the hotel, as well.

However, when we asked him whether or not there were enough quality suppliers available to him to use, the answer was emphatic.

“No, in Jordan there are certainly not many companies related to outdoor furniture, but now the world has become smaller, which allows us to contact any factory or company you need and get your order,” he asserts.

“However, waiting 60 days to get it is a problem, especially if you need to replace something quickly.”

Concurring with our experts, Batarseh says guests are now wanting modern designs with bolder colour choices and that multi-functional pieces of furniture are also very popular, “especially pieces that have lights inside of them”.

“It adds to the atmosphere, but can also help with branding (for example, we could have blue lights) or can be changed to a guest’s needs for various different events,” he adds.