MATERIALS
We carefully select materials that combine durability, aesthetics, and sustainability to create timeless outdoor furniture. From a variety of high-quality woods — each with its own character and resilience — to sturdy metal elements, recycled plastics, and natural stone, every material serves both function and design. We outline the strengths and considerations of each choice, helping you find the perfect match for your space. Whether you prioritize longevity, sustainability, or a distinctive look, our material selection ensures lasting beauty in any environment.
WOODEN MATERIALS
We offer a wide range of wood materials for our products. Wood materials vary significantly in terms of natural decay resistance, maintenance requirements, cost, and availability.
LARCH AND DOUGLAS FIR
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Both naturally durable for outdoor use
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Hard, dense, heavy, and resinous wood
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Heartwood is highly decay-resistant
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Douglas fir is less prone to cracking and checking than larch
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Develops a beautiful gray patina over time
OILED PINE
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Requires regular re-oiling, depending on oil quality
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Oil treatment preserves the wood's natural appearance and can be tinted
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Durability depends on stress and maintenance frequency
PAINTED SPRUCE
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Paint provides effective protection against weathering
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Requires maintenance and repainting as needed
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Easy to spot-repair with the correct color
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Durability depends on paint quality and regular upkeep
THERMO TREATED PINE
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Improved weather and decay resistance compared to untreated wood
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Reduced moisture movement and better dimensional stability
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Requires a surface treatment to maintain UV protection and color
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Very little checking and cracking
ACCOYA
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Ecologically modified pine
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Extremely durable for outdoor use, including ground contact
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Excellent dimensional stability and moisture resistance
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Highly resistant to decay fungi and insects
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Environmentally friendly and non-toxic
IROKO
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A naturally occurring tropical hardwood from Africa
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Durable and stable for outdoor use, good dimensional stability
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Naturally resistant to decay fungi and insects
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An environmentally friendly option, available with FSC and PEFC certifications
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Similar in appearance and properties to teak, but more affordable
COMPOSITE
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Made from a blend of (recycled) plastic and wood fibers
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Excellent wear and moisture resistance
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Easy to maintain and long-lasting
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Available in a wide range of colors
In summary, Accoya and heat-treated pine offer exceptional durability and low maintenance requirements. Composite is a low-maintenance and durable option but does not offer the natural look and feel of wood. Larch and Douglas fir are excellent natural choices, while oiled pine and painted spruce require more maintenance but are more affordable options.
Wood is a natural material with individual variations in both appearance and durability. Cracks may appear, and the surface can roughen or check (especially in summer when hot sunshine alternates with rain showers). These changes can usually be addressed by sanding the surface or the edge of the crack smooth, and they generally do not affect the durability of the wood or furniture. If disturbing cracks occur, the wood can be turned or replaced.
Natural variations in wood are not defects but rather characteristics that add to its beauty. In our opinion, sustainable wood use does not mean that only perfectly flawless and knot-free wood is suitable for outdoor furniture. The robust logs of our AITTA collection are particularly beautiful because of their rough appearance as the logs live and change under the influence of the weather.
However, rough wood surfaces are not suitable for all applications. In such cases, we recommend surface-treated and painted woods, or materials like Accoya and heat-treated pine, which maintain their appearance with minimal change over time. over time.
STONE MATERIALS
NATURAL STONE (e.g., granite)
An extremely durable, long-lasting, and weather-resistant material. Its natural appearance brings individuality and prestige to outdoor furniture. Impressive cuts can be made in natural stone (e.g., benches in the ASEMA collection).
There are several options for surface treatment (flaming, honing, pitching etc.). Colors and grains are best visible in a polished surface. For example, the stone legs of the "Queen's Throne” made from Ylämaa green granite were polished, bringing out its stunning, deep green hues.
CONCRETE
Offers versatility in design as it can be cast into various shapes. Concrete modules can also have screwed inserts and other fasteners added during the casting phase. Fiber reinforced concrete enables equally strong but lighter and more slender structures.
Concrete can also be colored; for example, in our AUKIO collection benches, the fiber concrete mix was colored black, giving it a refined and prestigious appearance.
METAL FRAMES
Our metal frames are crafted from a variety of materials, such as galvanized, painted, and stainless steel, as well as corten steel. Each material has unique properties, making it ideal for specific applications. Factors such as appearance, cost, durability, and maintenance requirements vary between these materials.
PAINTED STEEL
Painted surfaces require occasional maintenance, such as repainting, depending on wear and tear. However, spot repairs are quick and easy, and matching the exact shade of paint using a color code is straightforward. Painted steel frames are popular for their versatility, allowing colors to influence the atmosphere and aesthetics of furniture and surroundings.
HOT-DIP GALVANIZED STEEL
Provides high durability and corrosion resistance, at a much lower cost compared to e.g. stainless steel. The galvanization process creates a protective coating that shields the metal from harsh environmental elements, and can withstand heavy use, requiring minimal maintenance. As a result the steel takes on a rough appearance that may not suit all environments, but may be just perfect for others.
CORTEN STEEL
Develops a rust-red patina over time due to weathering, which darkens with age. It may release some color as the patina forms, but once stabilized, this effect diminishes. The rust layer protects the steel from harmful corrosion, making corten extremely durable and low maintenance. Scratches or dents do not require any treatment as they rust over naturally.
STAINLESS AND ACID-RESISTANT STEEL
The most durable but also the most expensive options. Due to its high cost, acid-resistant steel is primarily used for high-stress fasteners or in structures exposed to salt and moisture, such as coastal areas.
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INTERESTED IN SOMETHING NEW AND UNIQUE FOR YOUR PROJECT?
Whether you have a specific type of wood in mind, an innovative new material, or a recycled and reusable option, we’re excited to take on the challenge. We combine our expertise and creativity to bring your vision to life – sustainably, stylishly, and uniquely. Get in touch – let’s make your idea a reality!
