Outdoor furniture has come a long way since the classic white plastic table and chairs. Now you can decorate your outdoor kitchen with stylish lounges, side tables, lighting and even rugs.
But what if you’ve fallen in love with an indoor couch that would be perfect for your outdoor space? Or maybe you can find a dozen indoor benches that would fit right in with your alfresco kitchen, but none suitable for the outdoors?
It’s the age-old question - can you use indoor furniture for my outdoor kitchen? Read on to find out.
Can I use indoor furniture for my outdoor kitchen?
The short answer - sometimes. While you can’t make all furniture weatherproof, there are some tricks and advice to make certain pieces more ‘weather-ready’. Follow these simple tips to ensure that your furniture stands the test of time.
Treat your wooden furniture with an outdoor sealant
Some timber is naturally water-resistant, such as cedar, teak or cypress pine. For anything else, there’s outdoor sealant.
Coating your outdoor timber furniture in sealant will protect it from light drizzles of rain and prevent any moisture-induced warping. Look for a clear sealant, and take note if the sealant is glossy or matte. This can have a huge impact on the final look of your furniture.
Swap in more waterproof fabrics
Found a totally unique couch or cushions for your outdoor kitchen, but the fabric isn’t waterproof? Don’t run the risk of ruining your new favourite piece of furniture. Simply reupholster it.
Keep the frame and foam, and cover the cushions with waterproof fabrics - such as cotton canvas, duck cloth, Textilene fabric and vinyl. And the best part? Not only can these fabrics withstand the outdoor elements, but they’re more durable and long-lasting than indoor fabrics.
Choose furniture that can do both
With Australia's balmy summer days and nights, it's no wonder that outdoor living has become Australia’s favourite trend. It’s also seen the rise of modern, chic furniture that can be used both indoors and outdoors.
Choose a piece made from polished concrete, timber, wrought iron or even recycled plastic. These materials are durable against rain, harsh sun and even hail. And for those who want something that looks amazing without the work, all these materials are low maintenance and will look as good as the day you bought it for years to come.
At Adelaide Outdoor Kitchens, we design and create custom polished concrete dining tables with a Terrazzo top and Tasmanian Oak legs - perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. You can even choose your aggregate and the colour of the concrete to create a unique table that showcases your individual style. Check out the table on our social media.
Adelaide Outdoor Kitchens don’t just specialise in outdoor kitchens – we create custom-made furniture as well. All our projects are unique and designed specifically to our client’s needs and budgets. Contact us or call us on 08 8327 3356 for your free quote.