Market Watch

Outdoor Dining

In the desert, warm days have arrived. At mountain altitudes, there’s a hint of spring in the air. This is the time of year when clients start thinking about dining outdoors in our wonderful Western climate. Here are some product choices to help make clients’ dinners al fresco–be they at home or in a contract setting–even more enjoyable.

In 2010, Richard Schultz Design is going back to 1966–to the firm’s iconic modern outdoor furniture collection, that is. New to the 1966 collection is a 90-inch dining table, generously proportioned for larger dining groups, shown here with new armless dining chairs. The collection comes in 16 standard powdercoated frame colors plus custom colors, and the mesh and seat cushions are available in custom hues as well. Available through John Brooks, Inc., 601 S. Broadway, Denver, CO 80209, (303) 698-9977 and 2712 N. 68th St., Scottsdale, AZ 85257, (480) 675-8828; www.johnbrooksinc.com or www.richardschultz.com.

Teak Warehouse eclectically pairs its Hampton teak outdoor dining table with woven Lili boxes, which can double as accent tables by a pool or on a patio. The table, featuring extra chunky legs, is made of sustainably grown teak and solid brass hardware. The boxes are made of European-weave outdoor wicker, utilizing recyclable polyethylene fibers and aluminum framing. www.teakwarehouse.com.

Grange’s new outdoor collection, Velum, speaks of the Caribbean or the antebellum South. Made of faux-finished bamboo aluminum frames and weather-safe resin rattan, the pieces, such as the dining table and chairs shown here, have the look and feel of the real thing, but are impervious to the elements. Available through Grange Denver, 595 S. Broadway, Denver, CO 80209; (303) 777-1866 or www.grangeny.com.

Metroluxe by Lawrence Lake is an outdoor furniture line designed by Scottsdale, Arizona interior and furniture designer Lawrence Lake in classic, modern forms with brilliantly colored finishes. Shown here, the chair features a suspended seat and a back anchored to box-style arms, while the table has a floating top set on a modernist square base. Constructed of aluminum, the pieces are done in an automotive-quality finish. Available through Inside/Out Showrooms, Inc., Arizona Design Center, 7350 N. Dobson Road, Suite 134, Scottsdale, AZ 85256; (480) 994-1060 or www.insideoutshowrooms.com.

Diamond Teak’s Spirit Song dining table and chairs are made of teak grown in Costa Rica as part of a reforestation project. The table is available in lengths ranging from 60 to 108 inches, perfect for large-scaled outdoor spaces. The collection is suitable for residential or hospitality use. Available through Natural Territory, 15816 N. Greenway Hayden Loop, Suite 300, Scottsdale, AZ 85260; (480) 998-2700, www.naturalterritory.com or www.diamondteak.com.

For those who do not take their barbecue lightly, Viking’s Gravity Feed charcoal smoker offers heavy-duty power and the equipment for championship barbecue. The gravity-feed charcoal system automatically lights fresh coals as old ones burn off, and the special Elliptical airflow system plus precision temperature control combine to offer versatility to cook everything from smoked meats to desserts. It comes as a portable 30-inch model or as freestanding 30- and 36-inch models. Available through SunWest Appliance Distributing, 8370 S. Kyrene Road, Suite 107, Tempe, AZ 85284; (480) 784-6611, www.sunwestdist.net or www.vikingrange.com.

Landscape Forms’ popular Carousel table is now ADA compliant for fixed seating, making it a good choice for commercial, institutional and public applications. The three-seat table, with attached seating, is available with backed or backless seats in wire grid or perforated metal, with several table top choices. The table is finished with a Pangard II polyester powdercoat, available in a selection of standard and optional colors, and comes with a built-in umbrella holder. The table is also available in four-, five- and six-seat styles. www.landscapeforms.com.

The new Fifty Five collection from Giati Designs, Inc. features a nautically inspired design for tables, chairs and chaises that can stack for easy storage. Designed by company president Mark Singer in celebration of his 55th birthday, the collection is made of plantation-grown teak and stainless steel tubing, and suitable for residential and contract applications. Available through John Brooks, Inc., 601 S. Broadway, Denver, CO 80209, (303) 698-9977 and 2712 N. 68th St., Scottsdale, AZ 85257, (480) 675-8828; www.johnbrooksinc.com or www.giati.com.

The Tunis line from Jane Hamley Wells is highlighted by an open weave and elegant metallic bronze color, crafted of UV-resistant synthetic rattan anchored to an aluminum structure. The collection, which also includes a glass-topped dining table, has a more formal armchair, as well as a stackable armchair, a good solution for flexible hospitality spaces. Both chairs have optional cushions. The design recently won HDExpo’s Award of Excellence in outdoor seating. Available through Egg & Dart, Ltd., 595 S. Broadway, Denver, CO 80209; (303) 744-1676, www.egg-and-dart.com or www.janehamleywells.com.

PolyConcepts’ outdoor dining pieces are made of Andure, a resin product with titanium alloy that resists deterioration from sun, water and freezing temperatures, making the line a sturdy solution for contract use. Each piece of the line, which includes tables, chairs, rockers and benches, is carved from a solid block of Andure, with trimmings recycled back into a new block, leaving no waste. Colors are white or khaki. Available through Camelback Sales Agency, 2732 N. 68th St., Suite 4, Scottsdale, AZ; (480) 421-0221, www.floorstyles.com or www.polyconceptsllc.com.

Walters Wicker’s new outdoor dining chair might be called Millennium, but its triangular aluminum legs and contoured, woven resin seat speaks of mid-century modernism. It’s part of a collection that also includes a matching end table and bar stool. The chair, appropriate for contract and residential applications, comes in white, but custom colors are available. A leather version is offered for indoor use. Available through Wren Collection, 18296 N. 92nd St., Scottsdale, AZ 85255; (480) 948-8078 or www.walterswicker.com.

Take the chill off cocktail hour or an outdoor meal with the new Linear Burner System Outdoor from Spark Modern Fires. Specifically designed for outdoor applications using stainless steel construction and waterproof internal components, the modular system allows designers to create custom “firescapes.” Fire pits, ribbons or standard fireplaces can be made with the natural gas components, which come in lengths from 24 to 96 inches. A stainless steel weather cover is provided when the system
is not in use. www.sparkfires.com.

As simple as a little black dress, Mamagreen’s Sparta high table with granite top and stainless steel frame, ringed by Quilt bar chairs in black woven Batyline, creates a chic, minimalist setting for poolside cocktails or nibbles. Shown here, the pieces are framed and shaded by the Sombrero canopy, with adjustable Batyline canopy hung from a stainless steel frame. Available through The MN Collection LLC, 2724 N. 68th St., Suite 2, Scottsdale, AZ, (480) 946-2664, www.themncollection.com; and Egg & Dart, Ltd., 595 S. Broadway, Denver, CO 80209, (303) 744-1676, www.egg-and-dart.com; or www.mamagreenusa.com.

Created by London-based designer Mark Gabbertas, the Axis dining table and arm chairs from Gloster Furniture feature bold lines and a rich sable-colored finish. With a solid mahogany base, the glass-topped table seats eight comfortably, while the chairs, also made of mahogany, come with an optional seat cushion. www.gloster.com.