Your garden, patio or balcony deserves exceptional durability that concrete outdoor furniture provides. Premium concrete pieces stand up to Australia's harsh climate and remain resistant to weather damage for years.

Modern concrete outdoor furniture is more practical than you might think, despite its bold appearance. These pieces blend naturally with the surroundings in cities like Melbourne and Perth. The state-of-the-art Glass Fibre Reinforced Concrete (GRC) gives you the beautiful look of solid concrete. It comes with a lighter, more manageable build that works great for daily use.

Why Choose Concrete for Outdoor Furniture?

Concrete stands out as an excellent choice to build your outdoor living space. Australian homeowners choose concrete outdoor furniture, and with good reason too.

Durability in all weather conditions

Concrete outdoor furniture holds up amazingly well against Australia's weather patterns. Wood often rots, warps, and splinters. Metal rusts and corrodes. But concrete stays strong and keeps its shape. You won't see much damage from impacts or harsh weather because it's so dense.

This furniture works great in any Australian climate - from Perth and Adelaide's harsh UV rays to Sydney and Melbourne's changing humidity levels. A good seal protects it from rain, sun, and snow, so it lasts through every season.

The weight of concrete furniture is a huge plus. It won't budge in those windy coastal areas. You won't have to chase your chairs around the garden anymore! The material also absorbs heat during the day and releases it slowly at night. This makes it comfortable whatever the temperature.

Concrete furniture works well in areas where the weather changes a lot. It stays strong in wet conditions and handles temperatures from freezing to over 50°C without losing its strength.

Timeless and modern aesthetic

Concrete outdoor furniture looks bold and clean, matching any outdoor style. Its modern, industrial look creates beautiful contrasts with natural elements, adding clean lines to nature-based settings.

The sophisticated look of concrete never goes out of style. It fits perfectly in a sleek Melbourne patio or a rustic Sydney garden. Concrete adapts to its surroundings beautifully.

Concrete's beauty lies in its flexibility. You can mould it into anything from simple tables to detailed art pieces that match your style. The neutral colours work well with the environment and make colourful cushions and accessories pop.

Australian homeowners love concrete outdoor furniture because it's "sturdy, functional and undeniably cool." It makes your outdoor space unique and creates a talking point that guests will love.

Low maintenance compared to wood or metal

The best part about concrete furniture? It needs very little care. Wood needs regular oiling and sealing. Metal needs rust prevention. But concrete? It just sits there looking great.

Soap and water are all you need to keep concrete furniture clean. No painting, no staining, and no complex winter storage needed.

Insects can't damage concrete - that means no termite problems like you get with wood. The material barely expands in heat, so it rarely cracks.

Just seal it once a year to protect the surface. Small cracks from temperature changes? A concrete repair kit fixes those easily. Anyone can do it - no special skills needed.

Concrete outdoor furniture gives you everything - it lasts long, looks great, and needs little care. Not many materials can do all that.

Understanding the Materials: What Makes Concrete Furniture Special

Modern concrete furniture combines beauty with smart engineering. The science behind outdoor concrete pieces has seen remarkable development, creating products that are both strong and functional.

What is GRC (Glass Reinforced Concrete)?

GRC (Glass Reinforced Concrete), also known as GFRC, marks a breakthrough in concrete technology. This innovative composite combines cement, fine aggregates, water, and special alkali-resistant glass fibres. Glass fibres act as internal reinforcement throughout the concrete matrix to boost its tensile and flexural strength.

GRC stands out from regular cement products by using high-modulus glass fibres that create a strong internal structure. These fibres get chemical treatment to resist concrete's natural alkalinity, which ensures they last longer. The mixture needs fine-tuning with exact water content and additives to work well when cast into complex moulds.

Modern GRC formulas include special polymers and acrylic compounds that make them weather-resistant. This makes GRC furniture perfect for Australian conditions, where it needs to handle everything from coastal salt to strong UV rays.

How GRC compares to traditional concrete

GRC outperforms traditional concrete in every key area. A GRC piece weighs 80% less than conventional concrete but stays just as strong. Here's a real example: a 100mm thick precast concrete cladding panel weighs about 240kg per square metre, while a similar GRC panel weighs only 40-50kg.

GRC is also stronger. Its glass fibres make it 30% stronger than steel-reinforced concrete. This strength-to-weight ratio lets manufacturers create detailed designs with thinner profiles that wouldn't work with regular concrete.

GRC is better for the environment too. Studies show GRC production has a 60% smaller environmental footprint than traditional concrete. This comes from using less cement and adding recycled materials.

GRC's flexibility is another big plus. Unlike regular concrete that can be brittle and crack easily, GRC bends without breaking under stress or temperature changes. This creates outdoor furniture that handles freeze-thaw cycles and harsh weather without breaking down.

Common finishes and textures in modern concrete furniture

Concrete outdoor furniture offers many finishing options that create unique looks and feels:

• Shot-blasted finishing: The most popular treatment that shows natural texture, ranging from smooth to rough with more visible aggregate
• Off-mould/off-form finish: Creates a raw, industrial look straight from the mould, which works great on large pieces with flat edges
• Honed finishing: Grinding shot-blasted surfaces creates a silky-smooth texture that feels great to touch
• Polished finishing: Takes honing further with finer grinding for glossy, reflective surfaces

Skilled craftsmen can make GRC look like other materials such as travertine, marble, terrazzo and various textured finishes. These options let concrete furniture fit any outdoor design style, from modern minimalist to traditional rustic.

Australian property owners should choose their finish based on both looks and upkeep. Smooth finishes are easier to clean, while textured surfaces add visual interest but might need deeper cleaning to stay looking good.

Types of Concrete Outdoor Furniture Available

The Australian market features concrete outdoor furniture that combines style with practicality. These pieces range from simple side tables to large dining sets and match different outdoor spaces and design priorities.

Dining tables and bench sets

Concrete dining tables stand as centrepieces in outdoor entertaining areas and come in many sizes to fit different spaces. The Tierre 200cm table ($2,123) seats many guests with its balanced design. Rectangular spaces work well with the 220cm Lumen oval table ($2,200) that provides plenty of dining space without sharp edges.

Complete dining settings pair tables with matching benches to create a unified look. The Tierre & Nemma 6-seater set ($3,178) shows how makers blend concrete tabletops with coordinated seating. These bench sets feel comfortable despite their solid construction.

Surface treatments add personality to dining furniture. The Krates 120cm Round Textured table ($1,053) shows how textures can create visual appeal.

Coffee tables and side tables

Concrete coffee tables create perfect spots for outdoor gatherings. The Mason 100cm Pillar Coffee Table ($931) shows how substantial yet elegant these designs can be. Smaller pieces like the Amalee 40cm Round ($457) work both as practical surfaces and stylish accents.

Fibre Reinforced Concrete (FRC) makes these pieces practical and durable. The Dune Concrete Side Table weighs only 28kg yet remains strong enough for both indoor and outdoor use.

Concrete lounge and patio sets

Complete concrete patio sets transform outdoor spaces into cohesive living areas. These sets mix concrete elements with weather-resistant cushions. Many makers offer adjustable configurations that fit different spaces.

Bar tables and stools

Concrete bar furniture adds a touch of class to entertainment spaces. The Ironstone Concrete Bar Table series mixes timber with concrete surfaces to create striking contrasts. Bar stools often pair concrete seats with timber or metal frames for comfortable seating at bar height.

Quick View options like the "1500 x 900 x 1000mm White Concrete bar table with Ironbark legs" show how popular mixed materials have become. Many makers sell complete sets with matching bar tables and stools.

Custom-built concrete furniture options

Custom-built concrete furniture lets you express your personal style. Companies across Australia create made-to-order pieces with your choice of size, colour and finish.

Snap Architectural Concrete creates "custom concrete outdoor furniture for clients throughout the Melbourne metro area based on their tastes". Anston provides "design-ready catalogue options" and helps "designers and specifiers looking to create bespoke furniture solutions".

Yes, it is this flexibility to customise that makes concrete such a great furniture material. You can create pieces that fit perfectly in your space.

How to Choose the Right Set for Your Space

Picking the right concrete outdoor furniture will give a perfect blend of style and function for your space. The pieces you choose should work well with what you already have and fit your daily needs.

Think over your outdoor layout and size

You should look at your outdoor space with a critical eye before buying concrete furniture. Get the measurements right and picture how people will move around the furniture. Here are some key questions to ask yourself:

• What's your home's location?
• What kind of setting surrounds your outdoor area?
• Are there any nice views you want to make the most of?
• Which environmental factors might affect your furniture?

Round tables work better than rectangular ones in smaller balconies or tight spaces to help with movement. On top of that, concrete coffee and side tables are great for adding useful surfaces without taking up too much space. Your chosen pieces should leave enough room to move around comfortably.

Matching concrete with other materials like timber or rope

Concrete pairs naturally with other materials to create a balanced look. Timber and concrete make an excellent team - concrete brings strength and consistency, while wood adds warmth and flexibility. These contrasting elements come together to create visual harmony.

Rope furniture creates beautiful contrast with concrete surfaces too. Light rope pieces look great with neutral concrete tables and create a refined, balanced appearance. Dark rope elements can also ground lighter concrete pieces, adding a touch of sophistication to your outdoor area.

Choosing between fixed and modular designs

Fixed concrete furniture becomes a defining feature of your outdoor space, adding permanence and architectural presence. Modular designs offer flexibility as your needs change.

You can rearrange modular pieces based on party size or changing priorities. They usually cost less upfront but might need replacing sooner. Fixed custom-built options tend to last longer and become valuable features of your property.

Regional considerations: Melbourne vs Perth vs Sydney

Your Australian location should guide your concrete furniture choice. Coastal areas near Sydney and Perth need marine-grade materials with quality finishes to handle salt exposure and stop corrosion. Melbourne's changing weather calls for properly sealed pieces that can handle temperature swings.

Australian manufacturers make concrete furniture specifically for local conditions and deliver to major cities nationwide. Local production means these pieces are built to handle our regional climate challenges.

Care, Maintenance and Longevity Tips

Your concrete outdoor furniture needs simple care routines that keep it looking great and structurally sound. These pieces can stay beautiful for decades with the right care.

How to clean concrete outdoor furniture

Start by removing loose dirt and debris from your concrete furniture. A soft cloth with mild soap and warm water works well for regular cleaning. Use gentle pressure and stay away from abrasive tools that could harm the surface. Stubborn stains need a mild detergent solution to sit for a bit before you scrub them with a soft brush. A garden hose works great for rinsing - but avoid pressure washers since they can damage the protective sealant.

When and how to reseal surfaces

Your concrete furniture needs resealing every 6-12 months based on weather exposure. People in areas with freezing temperatures should seal their furniture before winter hits to stop cracking. Pick water-based sealers made specifically for stone or concrete surfaces. A paint pad applicator, lambswool applicator, or soft brush works best - let the sealer sink in for about 5 minutes. Clean towels should wipe the surface completely dry after application so no sealer dries on top.

Preventing cracks and stains

Concrete naturally absorbs liquids and can stain even with protective sealants. You should follow these steps:

• Clean up spills right away, especially acidic things like wine, lemon juice, or vinegar
• Put coasters, placemats, and tablecloths on surfaces
• Keep cutting and hot items off the concrete surface
• Pick up furniture instead of dragging it to avoid chips

Storage and protection during extreme weather

Protective covers help a lot when you're not using the furniture. Breathable covers work better than waterproof ones in very cold areas because they don't trap moisture. Clean and dry your pieces completely before covering them for winter storage. You can place silica gel packs under the covers to soak up extra moisture and stop musty smells. Heavy snowfall means you should move furniture under cover or raise it slightly so water doesn't pool underneath.

 

Concrete outdoor furniture is a fantastic investment for Australian homeowners who want durability without compromising on style. This piece explores how these items hold up against Perth's intense sunlight and Melbourne's changing climate while staying structurally sound year after year.

The rise of materials like Glass Fibre Reinforced Concrete has changed what we can do with outdoor furniture. GRC captures traditional concrete's stunning looks but weighs 80% less, making these pieces both practical and eye-catching. It also comes in various finishes—from shot-blasted to polished surfaces—so you can customise your outdoor space to match your design vision.

Your outdoor space usage will determine whether dining tables, coffee tables, or complete lounge settings work best. Fixed designs give you permanence, while modular options adapt as your needs change. Whatever you choose, combining concrete with timber or rope creates a visual balance that enhances your entire outdoor setting.

Keeping concrete furniture in good shape is easier than you might think. Regular cleaning with mild soap and water, plus yearly resealing, will keep it looking great for decades. The upfront cost might be higher than other materials, but its durability and low maintenance make it an affordable choice over time.

Take accurate measurements of your space and think about how the furniture will fit with your existing landscape before making your final choice. Australian-made pieces work best in our unique climate, especially if you live near the coast where salt exposure adds extra challenges.

Concrete outdoor furniture has grown beyond its practical roots to become a symbol of sophisticated outdoor living. Its mix of durability, good looks, and practical benefits explains why concrete has become the go-to material for homeowners across Australia who want to create lasting outdoor spaces.

 

Visit Our Showrooms

Ordering our outdoor furniture is simple with our secure online purchasing system. However, if you prefer to experience the quality firsthand, why not visit any of our 7 outdoor furniture showrooms across NSW, VIC, and QLD? Our showrooms are located in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, and the Gold Coast. At each location, our friendly and knowledgeable team members are ready to assist with your outdoor furniture needs.

At Remarkable Outdoor Living, we offer more than just concrete outdoor furniture – we showcase a comprehensive range of outdoor furniture to elevate your outdoor living spaces. Our extensive selection includes Outdoor Lounges, Outdoor Chairs & Benches, Outdoor Tables, Outdoor Dining Sets, Outdoor Bar & Balcony Furniture, Outdoor Daybeds & Sunlounges, Outdoor Umbrellas, Outdoor Cushions & Accessories, and more. We are also the #1 Australian retailer for popular brands like Nardi Furniture, Couture Jardin Furniture, EcoSmart, and Heatsope.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can concrete furniture be left outside?

Yes, concrete furniture is designed for outdoor use. It is made from high-quality Featherstone GFRC concrete, which provides both beauty and durability. While it can withstand various weather conditions, proper maintenance and care are recommended to ensure its longevity.

Can concrete furniture be left in the rain?

Concrete furniture can be left in the rain, as it is a durable material that can handle exposure to moisture. However, it’s best to wipe up any spills promptly to prevent possible staining. The furniture is treated with sealants during manufacturing to protect against marks and minor stains, but it’s always good practice to maintain your furniture to keep it looking its best.

How do you clean outdoor concrete furniture?

Cleaning outdoor concrete furniture is simple. For detailed instructions, including best practices and tips, visit our Concrete Furniture Care Guide. There, you'll find step-by-step cleaning methods and maintenance advice to keep your furniture in top condition.

Is concrete good for outdoor furniture?

Yes, concrete is an excellent choice for outdoor furniture due to its strength, durability, and fire resistance. It can withstand heavy loads and various weather conditions, making it a versatile option for patios and outdoor spaces.

Does concrete outdoor furniture last?

Absolutely! Concrete outdoor furniture is built to last for decades with minimal maintenance. While hairline cracks may occur due to natural shrinkage during the drying process, these do not affect the structural integrity or lifespan of the furniture. Regular care, such as resealing every 6-12 months, can help enhance its durability and appearance.