Home   ╲   FAQ   ╲   Outdoor Furniture

Outdoor Furniture

SENTIENT builds solid wood outdoor furniture for residential patios, restaurant terraces, hotel rooftops, and resort pool areas. Using teak, ipe, and other naturally weather-resistant hardwoods, we apply the same construction standards to outdoor pieces as we do to everything in our Brooklyn workshop. Here are answers to the most common questions about our outdoor furniture.

What types of outdoor furniture does SENTIENT build?

SENTIENT builds solid wood outdoor furniture including dining tables, lounge chairs, benches, coffee tables, bar tops, bar stools, and decorative pieces for residential and commercial use. Live edge options are available for outdoor dining tables. We build communal outdoor tables up to 14 feet long for restaurant terraces and hotel outdoor dining areas. Outdoor furniture can be paired with upholstered cushions in weather-resistant fabrics. Every outdoor piece uses the same solid wood construction standards as our indoor furniture. See our outdoor furniture page.

What wood species does SENTIENT use for outdoor furniture?

SENTIENT uses teak, ipe, garapa, black locust, tigerwood, and redwood for outdoor furniture. These species are selected for their natural oil content, density, and resistance to rot, insects, and moisture without requiring chemical treatment. Teak is the most requested outdoor wood for its warm honey-brown tone and exceptional durability. Ipe is one of the hardest and most dense woods available, making it an excellent choice for high-traffic outdoor commercial settings. Black locust is a sustainably abundant domestic species with rot resistance comparable to teak. All outdoor wood is sourced with PPQ, EPA, and CITES certification where applicable. Learn more about our wood species.

How does SENTIENT outdoor furniture handle weather and temperature changes?

SENTIENT outdoor furniture is built to withstand prolonged sun exposure, rain, temperature swings, and humidity changes without warping, splitting, or structurally degrading. This is achieved through three factors: species selection (naturally oily, dense hardwoods with inherent rot resistance), kiln-drying (removing excess moisture before fabrication to reduce movement), and finishing (applying marine-grade oils and UV-protective exterior treatments to the surface). Solid wood construction with traditional joinery allows the wood to expand and contract naturally with seasonal changes without joint failure.

What finish treatments are used on outdoor wood furniture?

SENTIENT applies marine-grade hardwax oils, UV-protective exterior stains, and water-repellent treatments to outdoor furniture. The specific finish depends on the wood species and intended exposure. Teak can be left unfinished to develop a natural silver-gray patina over time, or maintained with teak oil to preserve its warm tone. Ipe and garapa are typically finished with UV-protective penetrating oils. All finishes are reapplied periodically as part of regular outdoor furniture maintenance. We provide care guidance for every outdoor piece at delivery, including recommended products and maintenance intervals.

Does SENTIENT offer outdoor upholstered cushions?

Yes. SENTIENT offers weather-resistant upholstered cushions for outdoor furniture as part of a complete outdoor seating solution. Outdoor cushion covers use solution-dyed acrylic fabrics, vinyl, and treated outdoor textiles that resist UV fading, moisture, mildew, and staining. The fill uses open-cell or reticulated foam that drains water quickly and dries rapidly after rain. Custom cushion dimensions and fabric selections are available. We accept COM for clients who have specified a particular outdoor fabric in their design scheme. Learn more about our upholstery options.

Can SENTIENT build live edge tables for outdoor use?

Yes. SENTIENT builds live edge outdoor dining tables and coffee tables in teak and ipe. The natural edge of the slab is preserved and finished with a marine-grade oil that protects the wood while highlighting its grain and form. Outdoor live edge tables are available in communal lengths up to 14 feet and in standard dining formats. Base options include powder-coated steel and stainless steel for corrosion resistance in outdoor environments. Outdoor live edge pieces carry the same design character as our indoor live edge work, built for open-air settings.

Does SENTIENT build outdoor furniture for hotels and restaurants?

Yes. Commercial outdoor furniture for hotel terraces, rooftop bars, resort pools, and restaurant patios is one of our primary outdoor applications. We build commercial outdoor dining tables, lounge seating, bar tops, and benches to the same durability standards as our indoor hospitality furniture. For hotel and restaurant projects, we can match the outdoor furniture design language to the indoor furniture to create a unified interior-to-exterior aesthetic. We have built outdoor furniture for Edition Hotels, Four Seasons affiliates, and restaurant groups with outdoor dining programs. See our Hotel Furniture FAQ.

How do I care for and maintain SENTIENT outdoor wood furniture?

SENTIENT outdoor furniture maintenance involves cleaning, periodic refinishing, and seasonal storage if possible. Clean surfaces regularly with a soft brush or cloth and mild soapy water, then rinse and dry thoroughly. Reapply the appropriate oil or protective treatment once or twice a year depending on your climate and the level of sun exposure. In harsh winter climates, store cushions indoors and consider covering the furniture or storing it to extend its life. Teak left unfinished will naturally grey and can be restored to its warm tone by light sanding and reapplication of teak oil. See the full Care & Maintenance guide.

Can SENTIENT adapt an existing indoor design for outdoor use?

Yes. SENTIENT can adapt designs from our indoor collection or a previous custom project for outdoor use by substituting weather-appropriate wood species and outdoor-rated finishes and hardware. The form and proportions remain the same, allowing you to maintain a cohesive design language between your indoor and outdoor spaces. This is a common request for hospitality clients who want their indoor dining furniture to flow seamlessly to a terrace or rooftop. Let us know which indoor piece you would like to reference and we will assess what adaptations are needed.

What is the lead time for custom outdoor furniture?

Custom outdoor furniture at SENTIENT follows the standard lead time of 12 to 14 weeks from design approval to delivery. Outdoor furniture programs for commercial hospitality projects may require additional time depending on scope. We recommend beginning the process at least four months before your outdoor season or opening date. If you have a specific seasonal deadline, share it at the start of consultation so we can assess whether your timeline is achievable and plan production accordingly. Contact us to begin your project.

Ready to Start Your Project?

We’re here to help. Tell us about your space and we’ll take it from there.