|
SUMMARY Traditional timber may offer natural appeal, but it comes with ongoing maintenance, weathering, and lifespan challenges. TimberImageTM aluminium delivers the warm appearance of timber while offering greater durability, lower maintenance requirements, and long-term value for parks, streetscapes, and public spaces. |
When designing a park, choosing the suitable material for park furniture can make the difference between a beautiful park that will last a lifetime and a material that will provide short-term satisfaction with continual heavy costs.
Why Is Timber Still the Most Popular Choice for Park Furniture?
Many materials on the market can suit the needs of any plan, with timber being the most popular for park furniture, and we can see why. The durable material offers a warm, inviting look and feel for the end users and allows outdoor structures and nature to be brought together to create a unified space. From the classic park bench to platforms and shelters, timber is a versatile material with a variety of uses.
Why Are Councils Looking Beyond Traditional Timber?
Despite the compelling benefits of timber, its drawbacks are difficult to ignore. Unlike other timber outdoor furniture, timber park furniture doesn’t have the luxury of being put away when the Australian weather becomes volatile. Timber structures will fade in appearance and suffer structural damage over time due to sun exposure and rain. Under the harsh Australian sun, timber will heat up intensely and take longer to cool down, and it also needs frequent maintenance, including oiling to avoid colour fading and applications of sealants and wax to prevent further complications.
Despite these negatives, timber remains a popular choice but is there another material that features the aesthetics of timber without the negatives?
What Is the Best Alternative to Timber for Park Furniture?
GX Outdoors is proud to provide the ultimate alternative to timber, TimberImageTM aluminium. This material is the perfect choice for park structures as it features all the aesthetic qualities of timber without any drawbacks. TimberImageTM aluminium can handle sun exposure without retaining heat, strengthens in colder weather conditions, and is incredibly easy to maintain, needing only soap and water to look brand new.
In addition, aluminium is an abundant material with vast design potential, leading to TimberImageTM aluminium being available on the GX Outdoors table settings, seating, bins, and park platforms. Long-term peace of mind is also guaranteed for all park users when using GX Outdoors' TimberImageTM aluminium, as all products and materials are wholly Australian-made.
TimberImageTM aluminium has all the benefits park users enjoy, without the hassle found in other traditional materials including:
- 50% more durable than powder-coating
- Higher durability than composite
- Infinitely recyclable and does not promote deforestation
- Will not warp, rot, splinter or crack
- Non-combustible, zero fumes or sparks, making it ideal for bush fire prone areas
- Termite proof
- Will never need repainting
- Low maintenance and easy to clean
- Covered by GX Outdoor's 20 year warranty
As councils and landscape designers look for smarter long-term investments, the question is no longer whether there are alternatives to timber, but whether traditional timber is still the best choice at all.
Back to News 
