See Your Outdoor Furniture Design
Looks Before you build

Solid Timber Long Dining Table

The essential centrepiece for a new home build. A long solid table seats eight to twelve, so it carries Christmas lunch, birthdays and every ordinary weeknight meal outdoors without needing a second setting borrowed from inside.

Placement

Directly off the indoor kitchen and under a pergola or the roofline, so food travels a short distance and the table is never out in rain or the harsh afternoon sun.

Materials & durability

Kiln dried teak or spotted gum with stainless fixings and mortise joinery. Oil once a year for honey tones or let it silver naturally. Heavy timber will not blow over and outlives cheap flat pack frames by decades.

Space it needs

Allow 4.5m x 4m of paving with 900mm behind every chair.

Round Woven Cane Dining Setting

A four seat round setting for coffee, breakfast and small courtyards. Round tables carry conversation better than rectangles and let people squeeze in an extra chair when friends arrive unannounced.

Placement

Tucked into a sheltered courtyard or a shaded corner of the garden where morning sun lands but the wind does not funnel through.

Materials & durability

UV stabilised synthetic cane woven over a powder coated aluminium frame. Real rattan splits and greys within two seasons outdoors, so keep natural cane under full cover only.

Space it needs

3m x 3m clear circle around a 1.2m diameter table top.

White Aluminium Extension Table

The flexible workhorse of coastal homes. It sits at six seats every day and pulls out to ten for entertaining, so a modest terrace does not have to carry a banquet table year round.

Placement

Poolside or on a beach house deck where crisp white keeps the palette light. Keep it back from the pool edge so wet feet are not squeezing past chairs.

Materials & durability

Marine grade powder coated aluminium with a compact laminate top. Rust free, salt tolerant and light enough for one person to reposition ahead of a storm.

Space it needs

Plan for the extended length plus 900mm circulation on all sides.

Bar Height Table & Stool Setting

Standing height seating that puts guests at eye level with whoever is cooking. Perfect where the BBQ and outdoor kitchen are the social centre rather than a formal sit down meal.

Placement

Along the outdoor kitchen bench or a raised ledge under the patio roof, always on the dry side of the cooking zone and clear of grill smoke.

Materials & durability

Powder coated steel or aluminium stools with quick dry sling seats and a stone, concrete or tiled bench top that shrugs off spilled marinade and hot pans.

Space it needs

650mm of bench width per stool and 1.1m of standing room behind.

Modular L-Shape Corner Lounge

The single most used piece in most new builds. A modular corner lounge seats a whole family for TV, drinks or an afternoon nap and can be split into separate pieces as the yard evolves.

Placement

Under the main roofline or a solid patio so the deep cushions stay dry. Face it toward the garden, pool or view, never toward the fence.

Materials & durability

Marine ply or aluminium substructure, quick dry reticulated foam and solution dyed acrylic covers. Cheap polyester covers fade to chalk in one summer.

Space it needs

3m x 3m minimum, with 450mm between the sofa front and the coffee table.

Formal Facing Lounge Suite

Two sofas facing each other with armchairs on the ends. The most conversational layout there is, and the right choice when the outdoor room is used for entertaining adults rather than sprawling.

Placement

On a level terrace anchored by an outdoor rug so the setting reads as a room. Symmetry needs a strong backdrop such as a wall, hedge or balustrade.

Materials & durability

Powder coated steel frames with woven backs, tight tailored cushions and a stone or marble look coffee table that will not lift in wind.

Space it needs

4m x 4m so the walkways between pieces stay above 700mm.

Two Seat Loveseat & Side Tables

The right answer for balconies, courtyards and narrow side gardens. A loveseat plus two small tables gives a genuinely usable sitting spot where a full lounge suite would block every path.

Placement

Against a warm wall on a balcony or a sunny pocket of the front yard for morning coffee, with planting to soften the hard edges.

Materials & durability

Oiled hardwood or aluminium with slip on cushion covers you can bring inside. Small pieces are the ones most likely to be exposed, so favour timber and mesh over deep foam.

Space it needs

2.2m x 1.8m, including 600mm of walking space in front.

Canopy Daybed with Curtains

A resort style retreat for reading, napping and shade on demand. The canopy makes it usable at midday, which is exactly when open lounges are abandoned.

Placement

On a pool deck or lawn edge oriented so the curtains block the western sun. Keep it out of prevailing wind or the drapes will never sit still.

Materials & durability

Hardwood or aluminium posts, marine grade canopy fabric and a water shedding mattress. Detach and store the fabric over winter to double its life.

Space it needs

3m x 2.5m of level surface, plus room for the curtains to swing.

Adjustable Poolside Sun Lounges

The pool essential. Reclining backs let one lounge serve for sunbathing, reading and dozing, and a shared side table keeps drinks and phones off the wet paving.

Placement

Along the sunniest coping run with a 1.2m walkway behind them so nobody has to step over legs to reach the water.

Materials & durability

Batyline or Textilene sling seats on anodised aluminium. Slings dry in minutes, resist chlorine and never hold the mildew that upholstered pool cushions do.

Space it needs

A 2m deep paved strip, 800mm per lounge side by side.

Sculptural Curved Sunbed

Part furniture, part sculpture. One curved sunbed sets the mood of a minimal pool terrace where a row of matching loungers would look like a hotel.

Placement

As a deliberate focal point at the end of an infinity edge or against a clean rendered wall, where its silhouette reads against sky or water.

Materials & durability

Rotomoulded polyethylene or gelcoat fibreglass, solid through colour so scratches do not show. Fully weatherproof and heavy enough to stay put.

Space it needs

2.2m x 1.6m of uncluttered surface so the shape can be seen.

In-Water Ledge Loungers

Loungers designed to stand in 200 to 300mm of water on a tanning ledge, so you cool off and sunbathe in the same seat. A favourite with young families watching kids swim.

Placement

Only on a purpose built shallow ledge or Baja step. Decide on them before the pool is poured because the ledge has to be built in.

Materials & durability

One piece rotomoulded polyethylene with UV inhibitors and no fabric or fixings to corrode in chlorinated water.

Space it needs

A 1.8m deep tanning ledge fits two side by side comfortably.

Hanging Rattan Egg Chair

A single seat retreat that adds movement and a little theatre. Ideal in a reading corner or as the piece teenagers claim as their own.

Placement

Hung from a structural pergola beam or a dedicated steel stand, well clear of glass, planters and walkways for the swing arc.

Materials & durability

Synthetic rattan over a steel ring with a load rated chain and swivel. Check the beam and fixings, not just the chair, and keep the cushion under cover.

Space it needs

A 1.5m clear circle with 400mm above the seat for the chain.

Timber Swing Bench Seat

Relaxed two person seating with a gentle rocking motion. It suits verandas and front porches where you want somewhere to sit and watch the street or garden.

Placement

Under a covered veranda with a solid roof above and at least 500mm behind the backrest so it can swing without hitting the wall.

Materials & durability

Oiled hardwood slats with galvanised chain and load rated ceiling eye bolts fixed into structural framing, never into lining board alone.

Space it needs

A 2.4m long veranda run with 1m of clear space in front.

Outdoor Bean Bags

The most flexible seating you can buy. Bean bags drag to wherever people gather, whether that is a firepit, a movie night on the lawn or the shady side of the yard.

Placement

Lawn or paving around a firepit, but store them in a bench or garage between uses. They are the piece most often ruined by being left out in rain.

Materials & durability

Solution dyed acrylic or marine vinyl outers with quick dry mesh inners and drainage grommets so a downpour runs straight through.

Space it needs

1.2m x 1.2m each once someone is sprawled in it.

Ottomans & Woven Footstools

The quiet problem solver. An ottoman is a footrest, an extra seat when guests overflow, a side table with a tray on top, and often hidden cushion storage as well.

Placement

In front of the lounge on the same rug, or pushed to the edges of the terrace when you need the floor space clear.

Materials & durability

Woven synthetic over aluminium, or upholstered marine ply with a lift off lid. Choose one with a hard top option if it will double as a table.

Space it needs

600mm square each, 450mm clear from the sofa front.

Built-In Bench Seating with Cushions

Permanent seating that maximises a small courtyard. Because it hugs the boundary it frees the centre of the space and seats far more people than loose chairs ever could.

Placement

Around a courtyard perimeter, along a retaining wall or wrapping a firepit terrace, ideally under eaves or a shade sail.

Materials & durability

Rendered masonry or stone with a timber capping and loose quick dry cushions you can carry inside. The structure is permanent, the soft parts are replaceable.

Space it needs

450mm seat height, 500mm deep, 600mm of length per person.

Firepit Lounge Chair Circle

Low slung chairs arranged around a fire table to turn the yard into a winter and evening room. Fire extends outdoor living by months in most climates.

Placement

On non combustible paving at least 1m back from the pit edge, away from the house eaves, overhanging branches and the prevailing wind.

Materials & durability

Powder coated steel or aluminium frames with spark resistant acrylic cushions. Avoid loose synthetic throws and fully upholstered bases close to flame.

Space it needs

A 3.5m diameter paved circle for six chairs and a fire table.

Woven Garden Hammock

Pure relaxation for very little money or floor space. A hammock reads as holiday the moment it goes up and stores in a cupboard when it is not in use.

Placement

Between two mature trees or a purpose built frame in dappled shade, with a 3m clear fall zone and nothing hard underneath.

Materials & durability

Weatherproof polyester or treated cotton rope with galvanised or stainless hardware. Rated tree straps protect the bark and spread the load.

Space it needs

3.5m to 4.5m between anchor points, hung with a generous curve.

Bar Cart, Buffet & Storage Bench

The support pieces nobody plans for and everybody needs. A buffet gives you landing space for platters, the cart moves drinks to wherever the party is, and the bench swallows cushions the moment it rains.

Placement

Against a wall or fence next to the dining setting so it never obstructs circulation, and under cover so timber tops and stored cushions stay dry.

Materials & durability

Sealed hardwood or aluminium carcase with lockable castors on the cart and drainage holes plus a gas strut lid on the storage bench.

Space it needs

A 2.4m wall run, 500mm deep, clear of every walkway.

Floating Pool Furniture & Cabana

The showpiece. A shaded cabana platform paired with floating pool loungers is what turns a good backyard into somewhere guests genuinely do not want to leave.

Placement

Cabana on a wide section of pool deck oriented to afternoon shade. Floating pieces need a deep, obstacle free area and should be lifted out before storms.

Materials & durability

Hardwood or aluminium cabana frame with marine canopy fabric and a cushioned platform. Floating pieces use welded, drop stitch construction rather than seam glued vinyl.

Space it needs

A 3.5m x 3.5m cabana footprint plus 4m of open water.

Powder coated aluminium

Powder coated aluminium is light, rust free and the best value for coastal sites. Put the dining setting closest to the indoor kitchen; the lounge can be further away.

Teak and eucalyptus

Teak and eucalyptus age to a silver grey and need oiling to stay honey coloured. Face lounge seating toward the best view or the pool, not toward the fence.

Woven resin wicker

Choose UV stabilised synthetic weave over a metal frame, not natural cane. Shade the setting you use at 1pm, not the one you use at 7pm.

Concrete and stone tables

Concrete and stone tables are permanent and heavy, ideal in windy yards. Anchor each zone with a rug, a change of paving or a pergola so it does not float.

Cushions that survive weather

Solution dyed acrylic fabric with quick dry foam, plus a storage bench. Leave a clear 1m path around every setting so people are not squeezing past chairs.