Choosing furniture for your home is different to selecting pieces for a resort that welcomes thousands of guests each year. Delicate items made from luxurious materials suited to a beautiful house or apartment aren’t designed for serious wear and tear, after all. Quality resort furniture, on the other hand, combines good looks and durability to ensure it lasts at least a year or two before a replacement is needed.

KNOW WHICH FURNITURE MATERIALS WITHSTAND THE ELEMENTS

Travellers from around the world flock to blue skies and warm temperatures. However, beautiful weather can quickly destroy furniture. A typical wooden dresser, for instance, will absorb moisture from the humid seaside air at a beach resort in Thailand or the Seychelles, causing it to swell and crack. To avoid this problem, consider pieces made from something like teak. This strong, beautiful wood grows in tropical rainforests and is suited to outdoor use, making it a smart choice for resorts.

TRY MANMADE MATERIALS FOR EXTENDED DURABILITY

Many natural fibres, including hemp and seagrass, fall apart when exposed to intense sunlight and corrosive ocean air, and may survive only a few months somewhere like Malaysia’s tropical rainforests, which are hot and sticky throughout the year. Man-made materials, like plastic and synthetic wicker, stay in good condition for longer, though. Stainless steel is another smart option. Sleek, elegant and sturdy- These materials will last and and won’t corrode.

WHICH FURNITURE MATERIALS HOLD IT TOGETHER?

Different types of wood joinery offer different levels of strength. For example, butt joints, in which two pieces of wood connect (usually at a right angle) with mechanical fasteners, are fairly weak. These may shift and fall apart when exposed to humidity. Try something like a dovetail joint, in which two pieces of wood interlock like the fingers of clasped hands. This is often preferable, especially for heavily used furniture. It’s also best to make wooden items with waterproof glue and treat it with several coats of finish to seal out moisture.

INDOOR OR OUTDOOR FURNITURE MATERIALS?

To extend the life of resort furniture, avoid putting indoor pieces outside. Chairs, tables and other items built for outdoor use are tough enough to last, unlike a delicate coffee table or leather bench. If your resort features areas that are heavily climate controlled, like a lobby or meeting room, you can outfit them with furniture that might mould or rot if used on a balcony or patio.

Finally, don’t forget that certain areas of your resort may have specific needs when it comes to furniture. Restaurants should feature chairs covered in water and stain-proof fabric that make them easy to clean. Anything near open flames, whether they come from a tiki torch, grill or kitchen, should be fire resistant, as safety should always come first.

7 June 2018