Our Ikonik Buying Guide

Start With Your Space

Before browsing collections or falling for a particular silhouette, step outside with a tape measure and a clear eye. The most common mistake in outdoor furnishing is buying pieces that overwhelm a compact space or leave a generous terrace feeling sparse and underfurnished. Measure your patio, garden, terrace, or poolside — and measure honestly, accounting for planters, pathways, and the swing of a door.

Consider how you actually use the space. Is it primarily for dining? Lounging? Entertaining large groups, or quiet mornings with coffee? Most outdoor areas serve multiple purposes, and the best furniture plans acknowledge this. A modular sofa can host a book club of two or a birthday gathering of twelve. An extending dining table adapts to a Tuesday supper or a Saturday braai with ease.

Think about environmental factors. Which direction does the sun track across your garden? Where does wind funnel between buildings? Is there overhead shelter from a pergola or tree canopy, or is the furniture fully exposed? These details determine not only placement but material choice — a hardwood table under a covered stoep will age differently from one in full Karoo sun.

Plan for flow. Leave at least 80–100cm between furniture groupings for comfortable movement. Nobody wants to squeeze past a sun lounger to reach the braai. And consider the view — position your primary seating to take advantage of your best sightlines, whether that is a mountain backdrop, a garden border, or a swimming pool.

Understanding Our Materials

Every material in the Ikonik range has been selected for a specific balance of beauty, durability, and sustainability. Choosing the right one depends on your environment, your aesthetic, and how much maintenance you are willing to invest.

Hardwoods

Natural beauty that ages gracefully. Our FSC-certified hardwoods develop a rich silver-grey patina over time when left untreated, or can be oiled to maintain their original warm tone. Hardwood carries weight — both physical and visual — that signals permanence and craftsmanship. Best for: statement dining tables, accent pieces, and spaces where you want the furniture to feel rooted in the landscape.

Polywood

Engineered for weather resistance, polywood is virtually maintenance-free and fully recyclable. It will not crack, peel, or splinter — even after years of UV exposure and coastal salt spray. Polywood holds its colour with remarkable consistency, making it ideal for pieces that live outdoors year-round without covers. Best for: everyday outdoor seating, poolside furniture, and high-traffic areas.

Fibre Cane

Handwoven with an organic texture that brings warmth and artisanal character to any setting. Fibre cane is lightweight and sustainable, with a visual softness that pairs beautifully with harder materials like metal or concrete. Best for: accent chairs, decorative pieces, and sheltered areas where the weave is protected from prolonged rain.

Outdoor Fabrics

Solution-dyed acrylic fabrics resist UV fading, repel moisture, and maintain their colour and texture season after season. They feel remarkably close to indoor upholstery — soft, layered, inviting — while withstanding everything the South African climate delivers. Best for: cushions, upholstered seating, and anywhere comfort is the priority.

Epoxy Coating

A glass-like finish that is both scratch-resistant and heat-resistant. Epoxy protects surfaces from moisture rings, hot dishes, and the general wear of daily outdoor dining. It enhances the natural grain of the wood beneath while creating a surface that is effortless to clean. Best for: table tops and bar surfaces.

Explore our full range of materials and finishes →

“The best outdoor furniture doesn’t fight the elements — it embraces them. Choose materials that age with grace and character.”

Choosing the Right Pieces

With your space measured and your material preferences in mind, it is time to select the pieces that will define your outdoor living. Here is how to approach each category.

Outdoor Sofas & Sectionals

The anchor of any outdoor lounge. Modular configurations offer flexibility — rearrange for intimate conversations or open up for large gatherings. Fixed sofas provide a more tailored, architectural look. When sizing, allow 60–70cm of seat width per person. Choose frames in polywood or powder-coated aluminium for weather resistance, and invest in quality outdoor fabric cushions that can be removed and washed.

Dining Tables

Allow at least 60cm of table width per person for comfortable dining. A table for six should be at least 180cm long; for eight, 220cm or more. Extending tables are invaluable for South African entertaining, where the guest list is always fluid. Hardwood with epoxy coating is our recommendation for serious outdoor dining — it handles heat, moisture, and the inevitable red wine spill with equal composure.

Sun Loungers

Adjustable-back loungers let you shift from reading to sunbathing to napping without moving. Look for multi-position recline mechanisms in marine-grade materials. Polywood loungers are the low-maintenance choice for poolside placement — they handle chlorine splashes, sunscreen, and constant sun without deterioration. Pair with a deep, quick-dry cushion for all-day comfort.

Accent Tables

Side tables and coffee tables anchor a seating area and provide essential surface space. Choose materials that complement your primary pieces without matching too precisely — a concrete side table beside a polywood sofa, or a hardwood coffee table within an aluminium-framed setting. Scale matters: a coffee table should be roughly the same height as your sofa seat cushions.

Caring for Your Furniture

Quality outdoor furniture is designed to endure, but a little attention extends its life and beauty considerably. Here is a material-by-material care guide.

Hardwood Care

Oil your hardwood pieces annually with a quality teak or hardwood oil to maintain their warm tone. If you prefer the natural silver-grey patina, simply leave the wood untreated — it will weather beautifully. For a refresh, sand lightly with fine-grit sandpaper and re-oil. Cover during heavy storms or prolonged periods of disuse, though hardwood is robust enough to handle occasional exposure.

Polywood Care

The simplest material to maintain. Wipe down with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. No sealing, oiling, or special treatment required. UV-stable colours will not fade, and the material resists staining from food and drink. Polywood truly is a set-and-forget material.

Fabric Care

Most Ikonik outdoor cushion covers are removable and machine washable on a gentle cycle. For spot cleaning, use a mild soap solution and a soft brush. Store cushions indoors or in a ventilated storage box during the wet season or when you are away for extended periods. This prevents mildew and keeps the fabric looking fresh for years.

General Tips

Use breathable furniture covers when you are away for extended periods — avoid plastic covers, which trap moisture and promote mould. Bring cushions inside during prolonged rain. Wipe metal frames periodically to prevent salt or mineral buildup, particularly in coastal areas. And remember: most wear comes not from weather, but from neglect. A few minutes of care each month keeps your outdoor furniture looking as considered as the day it arrived.

The Ikonik Difference

Every piece in the Ikonik collection is built with a single conviction: outdoor furniture should be as intentional, as beautiful, and as enduring as anything inside your home.

Handcrafted quality. Every piece is built by skilled artisans who understand that durability and beauty are not opposing forces. Joints are engineered for decades of use. Finishes are applied by hand. The result is furniture with presence — the kind of presence that cheap, mass-produced alternatives simply cannot replicate.

Weather-tested materials. We design specifically for the South African climate — the intense Highveld sun, the coastal humidity of the Western Cape, the summer storms of KwaZulu-Natal. Every material is tested and proven for local conditions before it enters our range.

Customisation available. Choose your frame material, your finish, and your fabric. Whether you want a warm oiled hardwood dining table with charcoal cushion seating or a polywood lounger in driftwood grey, we build to your specification.

Trade program. Interior designers, architects, and hospitality professionals benefit from dedicated pricing, priority lead times, and access to our full material library. Learn more about our trade program →

Ready to transform your outdoor space? Browse our collections or contact our design team for personalised guidance.