LOFA - Lesisure & Outdoor Furniture Association

A number of other types of plastic furniture are to be found on the market including that made from tubular plastic similar in form to material used for plastic drain pipes. Since the material is used in straight lines, the tubular plastic forms a framework with the seat and back being created from fabric. Recent developments in fabrics have produced materials which are extremely weather resistant and used in conjunction with special cushions which do not absorb water. This type of furniture has proved highly practical for outdoor use.

Fibreglass has also been used for garden outdoor furniture. It is, by its nature suitable for designs similar to that usng injection moulded synthetic resin. It does however normally require individual manufacture of each piece of furniture by hand and has not therefore been used extensively. A recent innovation has been the use of glassfibre strand to produce a lightweight type of furniture similar in appearance to Cane / Woven furniture. Being made from synthetic materials it is, of course, much more resistant to the weather but, due to its method of production, the range of items which can be produced are somewhat limited in form.

If plastic furniture is left outside for very long periods of time, it may become soiled and, in this case, should be cleaned with warm soapy water. Some colours of plastic may discolour if left for long periods of time in strong sunshine, this is particularly noticeable if the furniture is always left in the same position, since the discolouration is then uneven across the surface of the furniture. Many fabrics will also lose colour under the influence of strong sunshine and even if rain repellent should therefore not be left out permanently. Some folding plastic furniture may include metal pivot parts and these may require oiling from time to time to avoid rust. Some plastic furniture may also include metal frames which should be cared for in the same way as other tubular metal furniture.