SUPPLIERS: Outdoor furniture reinvented

Aug 15, 2012

Casualife's Wicker range has recently been used to create a relaxing outdoor space at Rixos Dubai.

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.

Story continues below