I want to create an outdoor room but am having trouble finding warm, inviting outdoor furniture. Also, how do I know the furniture will stand up to Colorado weather?
There are many brands of teak or metal furniture, all of which look very nice and many of which are quite durable. Unfortunately, most look just like your neighbor’s or are not able to weather our Colorado climate.
Century Furniture has several lines that are built and finished like quality indoor furniture but designed and engineered to perform beautifully for full-time outdoor exposure with routine maintenance. Barlow, Kravet and Woodard also produce high-quality outdoor furniture lines.
When shopping for high-end outdoor furniture, it is very important to make sure that it is adapted to the rigorous Colorado climate, and that you sacrifice nothing for comfort and beautifully appointed details. Much of what Century Furniture offers “fools the eye” with finishes and details that look like they should be available for indoors only. This company’s designs also invite the designer or homeowner to give each piece a personal touch with multiple finish and fabric options.
In general, you must use fabrics that are specifically designed and guaranteed for outdoor use. Century Furniture complements its craftsmanship with a gorgeous selection of Sunbrella fabrics, which are weatherproof and resist fading, deterioration and mildew.
The cushions on all outdoor seating must be constructed of a water- repellent cover surrounding a high- resiliency foam core and wrapped with 100 percent polyester fiber, like the “dri-luxe” cover that Century uses to wrap its cushions.
Finally, the furniture frame must be acclimated to our climate. All outdoor wood furniture requires at least light routine maintenance. Century uses teak and mahogany with design and finishes that evoke wonderful, exotic destinations. The wood frames are kiln-dried to a moisture level of 7 to 9 percent, which helps the stability of the frame in seasonal conditions. Denver interior designer Toni Palmer, 303-394-4416,
To “Ask the Experts” your design and remodeling questions, send e-mail to marina@denverdesign.com. Responses are compiled for Room by the Denver Design District (denverdesign.com or 303-282-3226).
