When it comes to choosing between timber and plastic furniture for your outdoor venue, it goes beyond the considerations of style and budget. Whether the weather bathes your space with blistering sunshine or relentless rain (or both in one day, hi Melbourne) – you’ll need your tables and chairs to withstand the elements.
Timber and plastic are two of the most common materials for outdoor furniture and both have their perks and pitfalls. We like looking after you from the Chairforce headquarters, so we’ve laid all it out hot tips style.
Timber time
Natural insulation for the summer heat
If you’ve ever parked yourself on a plastic chair that’s been baking in the sun (RIP top layer of skin), you know exactly why timber furniture comes out on top when it comes to comfort. Timber absorbs and releases heat naturally, so even in the hottest parts of Australia, your guests won’t scorch themselves every time they sit down.
Durability (with some TLC)
When properly treated, timber is a champion at standing up to the Australian climate. Hardwoods like jarrah have been around for centuries for a reason—they’re tough. If your venue is near the coast, where the air is salty and the wind unforgiving, timber can withstand those elements, especially with a bit of care.
However, if you’re a lazy bugger, we have bad news. Timber needs maintenance. You can’t just stick it outside and forget about it. Left to its own devices, timber can crack, fade, or warp, especially when left in the sunshine. If you’re prepared to do some regular oiling and sealing, timber will reward you with decades of service.
Classic style that won’t age
There’s something about timber that just feels right in a classic Australian setting. Whether you’re serving the masses on a weathered deck or freshly baked scones in a quaint garden cafe, timber furniture adds warmth. Over time, it develops a natural patina—weathered grey or rich amber tones—that plastic simply can’t compete with. It’s a material that evolves, and in a landscape as wild and raw as Australia and New Zealand, that feels fitting.
Chairforce greats in timber;
Plastic fantastic
Affordablity
Let’s not muck around here – plastic furniture is good value. It’s accessible for those who need a quick fix, and it gets the job done. If you’re furnishing a large urban beer garden or need something short-term for a pop up, plastic could be the no-fuss option you’re after.
Lightweight and low maintenance
Unlike timber, plastic doesn’t need regular upkeep. You can hose it down after a rainstorm, wipe it with a damp cloth, and it’s as good as new. It’s also incredibly portable due to its light weight, making it easy to rearrange and stack in a fast-paced dining setting.
Bold and beautiful
If a pop of colour is your thing, plastic furniture will brighten your venue instantly with a wide range of colours, which timber doesn’t offer.
Environmental Concerns and Longevity
Time for the party pooper’s appearance. Plastic furniture isn’t doing the planet any favours. The energy needed to produce it is high, and once it’s done, it doesn’t go away. Most plastic furniture isn’t biodegradable, meaning that eventually, it’ll end up in landfill. Eek.
Our plastic faves;
And because we love you, we have created a hybrid chair that looks like timber but made from polypropylene. Our Polypropylene Provincial Crossback Chair with Timber Grain has the elegant look and feel of timber, but comes at a fraction of the cost.
Visit us in-store to see the full range and talk shop with our incredible sales reps or have a gander online if introverted shopping is more your thing.