Outdoor Furniture For All Seasons

Residential outdoor furniture may be fine when it comes to the home and even some retail settings, but when it comes to industrial and public spaces, you need industrial-grade outdoor furniture designed to hold up to the use and abuse of foot and vehicle traffic, extreme weather, and constant use.

 

Industrial-grade outdoor furniture is built with careful attention to design, material, and construction. But factors like value and safety are also important considerations when selecting the right outdoor furniture for your industrial space. Here's everything you need to know about outdoor furniture for industrial settings.

 

Outdoor Furniture That’s Built To Last

 

What sets commercial and industrial-grade outdoor furniture (such as park furniture and recreational furniture) apart is its focus on longevity, ease of maintenance, and superior performance in outdoor environments. What makes these differences possible are the advanced, purpose-engineered materials used to make them: materials such as weather-resistant metals like zinc powder-coated galvanized steel that’s both tough, rust-proof, and allows for high max weight capacities, high-grade plastics built for exceptional durability, lightweightness, and modularity, and high-grade woods that offer resistance to the elements while being both economical and aesthetically pleasing. Such heavy duty furniture can withstand harsh weather and heavy use, offering a longer lifespan and better return on investment compared to residential outdoor furniture.

 

Designed for both functionality and style, industrial outdoor furniture works well in a wide variety of commercial settings ranging from busy bistros to corporate cafeterias. With greatly reduced maintenance requirements due to features like corrosion and rust-resistant finishes, industrial outdoor furniture is the most cost-effective choice for facilities in need of furniture that both looks great and lasts a long time.

 

Materials

 

Industrial outdoor furniture is made to go the distance with robust and weather-proof materials. Each material offers different benefits depending on the application.

 

Furniture Types and Styles

 

There is a large variety of furniture types and styles available for outdoor industrial spaces, ranging from the simple, rustic. and utilitarian to the sleek and ultra-stylish.

 

Concrete

Concrete

Heavy-weight concrete picnic tables provide durability and protection against vandalism, theft, and the elements.

Metal

Metal

Galvanized steel and aluminum furniture are corrosion-resistant and easy to clean. Their zinc powder-coat or thermoplastic coatings provide extra durability, temperature control, and a smoother surface than concrete.

Plastic

Plastic

Weather-resistant plastic picnic tables are low-maintenance, long lasting and aren’t susceptible to decay, rot, or splinters.

Wood

Wood

Wood picnic tables blend better into outdoor settings like parks, campgrounds, and gardens and are generally very cost-effective.

Ultrasite Recycled

Ultrasite Recycled

High-grade recycled plastics offer sustainable options for outdoor industrial furniture by reducing landfill waste and reusing materials.

 

Metal Picnic Tables

 

Metal Picnic Tables

 

A great example of the difference in build and materials between standard residential outdoor furniture and industrial outdoor furniture can be found in Global Industrial’s metal picnic tables. Our perforated metal square picnic table features a galvanized steel frame with a zinc-rich black powder coat finish that offers exceptional defense against the elements and makes it practically rust-proof. Its evenly distributed weight makes for easier transport and more comfort, with a 1000 lb max capacity. Its tabletop fits any umbrella pole up to 1-1/2" in diameter for versatility regardless of the weather.

 

Perfect for high-traffic areas like parks, campuses, and schoolyards, in addition to its galvanized steel build, its thermoplastic coating resists fading, mold, and vandalism and remains cool to the touch, ensuring maintenance-free use for many years, and its perforated design helps maintain structural integrity. Mounting tabs are included for extra stability, and a 7-Year Limited Warranty provides added assurance as a good investment.

 

Residential picnic tables, by contrast, are typically made with cheaper metals which don’t offer the same longevity, rust resistance, and maximum weight capacities, or are made of woods that are far less weather resistant, have lower weight capacities, are susceptible to wear and tear, and are less economical overall.

 

Design

 

Industrial outdoor furniture has design features that separate it from standard outdoor furniture:

 

  • High Traffic Design: Made to stand up to heavy foot traffic and elemental exposure
  • Multi-Person Seating: Accommodates multiple people comfortably
  • Easy Maintenance: Features such as hexagonal spacing make for easy cleaning, allowing snow to melt through them while also preventing the buildup of debris
  • Safety Features: Beveled corners and similar designs reduce risk of injury from sharp corners and surfaces
  • Lightweight Options: Lighter furniture offers flexibility and modularity in storage and placement without sacrificing lifespan and durability
  • Mounting Tabs: Furniture can be anchored to the grounded with mounting tabs, offering improved stability
  • Shipping Weights: Shipping weights are considered in design and manufacturing, further reducing costs and making handling easier and safer for employees

 

Styles

 

Furniture Types and Styles

 

There is a large variety of furniture types and styles available for outdoor industrial spaces, ranging from the simple, rustic. and utilitarian to the sleek and ultra-stylish.

 

Benches

Benches

Benches like our in-ground steel model offer robust and weather-resistant but comfortable seating in corporate parks, outdoor cafeteria seating areas, and other industrial settings.

Picnic Tables

Picnic Tables

Picnic tables, which can be wire tables are a great way to provide a communal, family-friendly feeling to outdoor seating areas.

Patio Bar and Dining Sets

Patio Bar and Dining Sets

Patio bars and dining sets are a stylish and modern way to provide seating for dining and entertainment spaces.

Patio Furniture

Patio Furniture

Patio furniture and patio furniture sets are a stylish way to provide modular seating options where flexibility is a must.

Parklets

Parklets

Parklets like our three-panel wood slat model are a more compact way to offer versatility in seating options to any outdoor industrial space where limited space is an issue.

Gazebos

Gazebos

Gazebos built to industrial standards offer shade and comfort for both performers and guests while providing an old-fashioned look that can be a great choice for some outdoor spaces.

Accessories

Accessories

Many accessories are available for industrial outdoor spaces which can provide not only additional functionality, but style as well. Some examples include:  Umbrellas & BasesOutdoor Trash CansAwnings and ShadesGrills (such as our in-ground model), Standing lamps, Garden Furniture (such as a garden table and chairs), Lawn furniture (such as an outdoor side table)

Leaning Rails

Leaning Rails

An alternative to traditional bench seating, this Global Industrial™ 4' Leaning Rail in an ideal space-saving solution for communal outdoor spaces. Crafted from fully-welded, commercial-grade steel to withstand the elements, this leaning rail offers a practical and inviting space for people to rest or engage in casual conversations.

Outdoor Trash Cans

Outdoor Trash Cans

An alternative to traditional bench seating, this Global Industrial™ 4' Leaning Rail in an ideal space-saving solution for communal outdoor spaces. Crafted from fully-welded, commercial-grade steel to withstand the elements, this leaning rail offers a practical and inviting space for people to rest or engage in casual conversations.

 

Building the Best Outdoor Spaces

 

Making the right choices when it comes to outdoor furniture for your industrial space is a crucial part of creating outdoor spaces that employees, customers, and the public enjoy being in. By prioritizing ease of maintenance, durability, and longevity, you can find solutions that are both high-performing and cost-effective. In 2024, plenty of these solutions also offer sustainability as well, making them great for both the people who use them, and the planet. You don’t have to sacrifice your budget or your eco footprint to build your company’s ideal outdoor spaces.

 

The information contained in this article is for informational, educational, and promotional purposes only and is based on information available as of the initial date of publication. It is the reader’s responsibility to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, rules, codes and regulations. If there is any question or doubt in regard to any element contained in this article, please consult a licensed professional.  Under no circumstances will Global Industrial be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on this article.