Public Outdoor Furniture Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Who is going to be using your outdoor furniture? A school has a very different set of needs than a pub or restaurant. From the age range of the users to the ergonomics of the furniture itself, you should always take some time to think about who is going to be using the public space furniture. A lot of the furniture that’s been designed for outdoor public use has been specifically targeted for use by particular age groups, so what’s right for infants is not likely to be suitable or comfortable for adults or seniors. And there can be quite a few differences too, such as height, accessibility, and mobility aids such as having multiple armrests.

Outdoor furniture may be exposed to the elements all year round, so it must be made from durable materials. While materials like wicker and rattan might be great choices for private gardens that have plenty of cover and don’t get used by the public, they aren’t going to last long in an outdoor public space (unless you’re ready to commit to some serious maintenance hours). Don’t forget to consider the intended use of your chosen piece of furniture. It will need a robust design and hardy materials if it is likely to be used by lots of excited school children or if it is in a public space where vandalism is a risk.

As much as the practical elements of your outdoor furniture need to be suitable for the space they will be installed in, aesthetics are also important. A brightly coloured picnic table and benches would make a fun addition to a children’s play area or school grounds, whereas an elegant hardwood and cast iron bench may be more in keeping with the tone of a memorial garden.

Check that the outdoor furniture manufacturer can offer your chosen item in the colour, size and materials you want. If you’re purchasing seating as a memorial, check if the company can add a plaque or engraving to meet your needs.

The type of ground fixings or anchors you’ll need will depend on the furniture you have chosen and the space you’d like to locate it. Choosing the right fixings will ensure installation goes smoothly and your furniture is safely secured. Earth Anchors offers a quick and easy alternative to installing a concrete pad beneath garden furniture — read more about FastDek . If you’re looking for an all-in-one service, we can help you arrange installation in your chosen public area. Our litter and dog waste bins have different mounting options, including posts and wall mounting.

Outdoor furniture comes in all shapes and sizes. Make sure you measure the public space available and carefully consider how the item will be used. Will it be placed in a highly populated area that needs to provide for large groups of people? Does it need to be positioned with a lot of space around it for playing children? Will the furniture mostly be used by adults or children? Check the dimensions provided by the manufacturer before handing over any money!

Public outdoor furniture is likely to be exposed to rain and humidity throughout the year. Standing water and retained moisture can lead some materials to degrade over time.

Moist conditions may also result in mould, mildew, rot, rust, corrosion and warping (if you fail to choose the best material for the environment). This is particularly an issue near rivers, lakes, and the sea, where the low-level fog rolling off the water can quickly damage outdoor furniture made from anything other than recycled plastic or stainless steel

Sun and extremes of heat can cause fading and cracking with some materials. For example, timber can crack in excessive heat, while recycled plastic outdoor furniture won’t. Cracked furniture can be uncomfortable or even unsafe to use. Always check that the material being used is UV stable. You should also consider the colour’s you’re opting for. Lighter colours won’t absorb heat as much as black or brown recycled plastic, so they’ll be much more comfortable to use on those hot, sunny days.

If your outdoor furniture will be installed in an exposed area, such as at the top of a hill, wind can cause damage. Extreme wind may even dislodge furniture if it has not been adequately secured. This is why choosing the correct ground fixings is crucial. For outdoor furniture such as notice boards, which are extremely
vulnerable to high winds, we offer reinforced steel posts to ensure they stay where you want them to stay.

Consider your budget carefully. Remember the old adage, “buy cheap, buy twice”. Choosing the cheapest option could cost more in the long run. For example, if you buy a cheap park bench that is not fit for purpose, you could end up paying out for a replacement much sooner than if you’d invested in a more hardwearing design in the first place.

Members of the public and those responsible for designing public spaces are increasingly concerned about the environmentally-friendly credentials of any products or services they use. Recycled plastic is a fantastic choice for eco-conscious customers. It is also extremely robust and low-maintenance.

Be realistic about how much time (and inclination) the people responsible for your garden furniture have for maintaining it. Most outdoor furniture for public spaces is installed and left for long periods without any maintenance. If this is likely to be the case, choose low or no-maintenance materials and designs, such as those supplied by Earth Anchors.

This environmentally-friendly material is impervious to rot, insect infestation, splintering and fading. Recycled plastic is also extremely durable and long-lasting. It makes an excellent alternative to traditional timber furniture. Choosing recycled materials shows you are committed to protecting the environment and promoting sustainability. Shop picnic tables and seating.

Heavy, hardwearing and easy to disinfect, steel seating and tables are a popular choice for establishments and organisations that need durable outdoor furniture which can be left outside year-round.

An elegant and classic choice for park benches and memorial seats . Cast iron seating provides a quality feel and exceptional comfort. It’s also heavy enough to be stable even in extremely high winds. There’s a traditional look and feel to cast iron outdoor furniture that can add real character to a space.

For public outdoor seating, teak has an unrivalled natural beauty to it. It’s easy to match teak furniture to other items, especially when you consider that teak can be oiled or painted to create the aesthetic finish you’re aiming for. This material is one of the most popular choices for memorial seating.

Handcrafted oak is a striking material that can be used to create unique pieces of outdoor furniture. It’s the perfect choice for public spaces where a natural or rustic aesthetic is important. Each one is bespoke and made-to-order , and no two are alike. Ideal for subtly blending in with natural surroundings.