Outdoor furniture materials for hotels and restaurants
Commercial outdoor furniture in Greece works in tough conditions: months of strong sunshine, salt air by the sea, the summer meltemi winds, chlorine around the pool and winter rain. The material you choose decides how long your terrace keeps looking good and how much maintenance it needs every year.
Below we explain the five main materials you will meet when buying outdoor furniture for hotels, beach bars and restaurants, how each one behaves and where it works best.
Aluminium: light, strong and rust-free
Aluminium is the most common frame material for commercial outdoor furniture. It does not rust like steel, it is light enough for staff to move easily, and it takes powder coating in a wide range of colours. Its weak point is the quality of the pretreatment and coating: if the surface is not prepared properly, corrosion can creep under the paint in coastal locations.
For seafront properties, ask about the pretreatment and the coating certification. International schemes such as QUALICOAT certify aluminium coatings and include a seaside class for marine environments. Because aluminium is light, consider heavier models or fixing methods for windy spots.
Teak: a natural wood that belongs outdoors
Teak contains natural oils that protect it from moisture and insects, which is why it has been used on boat decks and garden furniture for decades. It gives a warm, natural look that suits boutique hotels and seaside restaurants.
In the sun, teak gradually weathers to a silver grey patina. This does not affect its strength. If you prefer the original honey tone, it needs cleaning and treatment with suitable products every season. Ask about the timber grade and its origin, for example whether it carries FSC certification.
Synthetic rope and weaves
Woven synthetic rope on an aluminium frame has become one of the favourite choices for lounges and pool areas. It looks light, lets air through and dries quickly. Outdoor ropes are usually made from polyester, olefin or acrylic yarns with UV stabilisation.
Check how tight the weave is, how the rope ends are secured, and whether the weave can be repaired or replaced if it gets cut. Pale colours show dirt more, while very dark ones get hot in direct sun.
Textilene: the sling of the sunlounger
Textilene is a mesh fabric made of PVC-coated polyester yarns. It is used mainly on sunloungers and pool chairs because it dries almost instantly, does not absorb water and cleans with water and mild soap.
Since textilene is stretched over a frame, the tensioning and stitching matter as much as the fabric itself, and it can slacken over the years. Ask whether the sling can be replaced without replacing the whole piece.
HPL: outdoor table tops
HPL (high pressure laminate) is a layered material bonded under heat and high pressure. Outdoors you want compact HPL, which is solid through its full thickness. It resists scratches, moisture and UV and is easy to clean, which makes it a very common choice for restaurant table tops.
Make sure the HPL you are offered is rated for exterior use and not an interior grade. Wood, stone and concrete decors give you a natural look without the upkeep of natural materials.
Cushions, fabrics and standards
Cushions often wear out faster than frames. Outdoors, choose quick-dry foam that lets water drain through and solution-dyed acrylic fabrics that hold their colour better in the sun. Removable covers make washing far easier.
The European standard EN 581 sets safety, strength and durability requirements for outdoor furniture. Ask your supplier which models have been tested and against which criteria. At Almeco you can see material and finish samples in our showrooms in Thessaloniki, Athens and Crete and request a quote with prices and lead times, with delivery across Greece and the islands.