The Best Outdoor Office Furniture Pieces of 2023

Introduction

Do you remember when you were a kid and the worst punishment you could get was being grounded? You would be in your room, looking longingly out of the upstairs window while your friends rode bikes or played tackle football.

If you were really lucky, it didn't last more than a day.

But why was that the worst form of punishment? Maybe it's because humans need outdoors and fresh air just as much as we need food and shelter. The multitude of ways that science has uncovered (and is still uncovering) how the outdoors improves our mood and overall well-being cannot be overstated.

For example, the American Psychological Association states that children who have the lowest levels of exposure to green spaces in their childhoods are 55% more likely to develop mental illness. And what about adults? USC Davis Health reports that access to outdoor spaces lowers the risks of depression and improves concentration and attention.

If we think of these facts purely from a general standpoint, it means that regular time outdoors is important. If we think of them from a work standpoint, time outdoors is monumental.

No one wants a depressed workforce. Even more so, no one wants to create environments or jobs where workers feel trapped, with few options to rest and recharge throughout the day. All evidence indicates, therefore, that creating spaces, including outdoor spaces, can benefit the overall work environment in the form of mood and productivity boosters.

So if we're on the same page with fostering better environments for our employees, then how do we go about doing that?

Let's take a look at the outdoor space.

If you work from home, create an outdoor office space. Outdoor home offices exist in the form of sheds, garages, and converted, seasonal deck space.

If you're a decision-maker at a dedicated office building, an office patio or balcony would be the best place to create an easily accessible lounge area for your workers. If your building doesn't include one as a feature, a ground-floor area, outside, near the entrance, with the help of the right outdoor office furniture pieces, can be just as beneficial.

The Benefits of Outdoor Office Furniture

At this point, you may be fully onboard and ready to head to the nearest big box store to grab some home patio furniture in the form of a poolside table or wicker chair, right? Not so fast. Just as much as commercial office furniture is built according to its use, so it is with commercial outdoor furniture. Here are a few of the reasons why you should prioritize it when looking to furnish an outdoor office.

1. Outdoor office furniture is made to be long-lasting

If you've read our article on commercial office furniture then you know that commercial furniture, in general, is made to last. 

Think of how many employees come and go, using your office's desks and chairs. How much foot traffic and items interact with your office furniture daily. Not to mention any rearranging of workstations that tends to happen yearly. 

Office furniture needs to stand up to dents, dings, movements, and just normal use. Commercial office furniture has planned this from design to manufacture, to assembly and delivery. The same goes for outdoor office furniture pieces.

2. Outdoor office furniture is made to withstand the elements

What makes a normal office desk an outdoor desk? What turns a normal home office into an outdoor home office? Is it just the location? Not necessarily, it's actually what it's made to do. 

Outdoor office furniture has been made especially to be weather-resistant. This means it can withstand rain because the materials used are water-resistant. It also could mean it won't blow away in a storm or heavy wind because it has ground-bolted brackets. 

Light from the sun, shade, acorns, or just nature itself has less of a chance of contributing to the wearing down of outdoor furniture integrity because it was made with materials that protect it. 

It should be stated that it is important to expect wear and tear but know that if you've invested in outdoor office furniture for this purpose you can worry less while completing a full day's work surrounded by the beautiful nature of your garden. 

3. Ergonomically designed features for correct posture and comfort 

Another feature that helps outdoor office furniture stand out from traditional outdoor office furniture pieces is that it is specially designed for long hours of sitting. 

Whether it be an outdoor bench or chair or even just an outdoor table, creating an outdoor lounge space for employees to relax and have lunch or to sit and decompress doesn't quite work if the space is uncomfortable. 

Office furniture is designed with ergonomics in mind and that takes forethought on the part of manufacturers who need to consider what sorts of activities the pieces will be used for. 

An outdoor lounge chair may be well-made for someone sitting near the pool, but not so much for someone who may want to eat or sit with their laptop.

The Best (In Our Opinion) Outdoor Pieces

The Outdoor Office Bench

The Cortina bench from Via Seating is a stylish and durable piece of outdoor furniture that is perfect for parks, schools, and other public spaces. The bench is made from hot-dip galvanized steel, which means that it is weather-resistant and will last for years. The bench also has a matte polyester powder coat finish, which makes it easy to clean and maintain.

• Features:

• The Cortina bench is available in 7 colors and is perfect for all outdoor spaces.

• Stackable up to 6 high for easy storage

• Available in three lengths: 600 mm, 1200 mm, and 1800 mm

• The bench is backed by a 5-year warranty.

The Outdoor Office Table

The Cortina table from Via Seating is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a versatile, durable, and low-maintenance outdoor table. It can be paired with the Cortina bench for a complete outdoor seating set. The table also has a matte polyester powder coat finish available in 7 colors making it a versatile option for all outdoor office styles. 

Features:

• Made from hot-dip galvanized steel for durability and weather resistance

• Stackable up to 6 high making it easy to store when not in use.

• Available in three sizes: 600 mm, 1200 mm, and 1800 mm

• Can be used as a standalone table or as part of a larger seating arrangement

• The table is backed by a 5-year warranty.

The Outdoor Trash Can

The Cortina outdoor garbage cans are a great choice for anyone looking for a durable, and easy-to-clean garbage can for your outdoor waste disposal needs. All of these outdoor garbage cans have a weather-resistant finish that will protect them from the sun, rain, and snow. They are also a good choice for offices that want to recycle, as they can be easily labeled for different types of recyclable materials.

Features:

• Made from galvanized steel for corrosion protection

• 7 color options of powder-coat finish to complement your outdoor décor

• 15-gallon capacity to accommodate a sizeable amount of waste

• Fully assembled and ready for immediate use

• 5-year warranty for peace of mind

The Outdoor Office Chair

The Cortina Series outdoor chair showcases modern design principles, characterized by clean lines, and minimalist aesthetics, with the perfect blend of form and function. This chair, designed by a renowned Italian design team shows their dedication to creating pieces that enhance the aesthetics of outdoor spaces but also include ample support for the back. The seat offers a comfortable and inviting place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

Key Features

• Comfortable backrest and seat 

• Durable weather-resistant steel frame 

• Protective polyester powder coat finish available in a variety of colors

• Versatility to suit various outdoor spaces and styles

• Stackable design for easy storage and portability

• 5-year manufacturers warranty

Answers to Your Outdoor Office Furniture Questions

What is the best furniture to leave outside?

When looking to buy furniture to last beyond the season, you should use cast aluminum, woven wicker, and galvanized steel or other weather-treated materials.  Sturdy timber such as teak acacia are also durable choices.

Is it worth it to buy expensive patio furniture?

Expensive office patio furniture has the potential to pay off because the investments are worthwhile. Although the furniture you choose may have a higher price point, the right furnishings can make an immense difference in terms of comfort and style. Pieces will not change every year because the unit breaks but they will retain their look and functionality for longer. 

How do I set up an outdoor workspace?

To set up an outdoor workspace, first choose the location. Consider where the sun will be at certain points of the day and whether you prefer to have cover from a shade tree canopy or shed.

Then, take note of everything you will need to get your work done. Generally, an outdoor chair, outdoor desk or table, and power source will be the most important items. 

Put it all together by playing around with the configurations of your items. Sit and work for a bit and see if the layout is right for you, how your arms and back feel, and how often you rearrange throughout the day. Adjust as needed.

What are some useful office accessories for working outside?

The most common and beneficial outdoor accessories include:

• A laptop shade: A laptop shade will help to protect your laptop screen from the sun's glare.

• A portable fan: A portable fan will help to keep you cool on hot days.

• A portable charger: A portable charger will make sure that your devices stay charged while working.

• A lap desk: A lap desk to either raise the height your laptop is from the outdoor table or to work from a bench can also prove beneficial. 

These are just a few office accessories that you can use to create a comfortable and convenient workspace outdoors.

Conclusion

Creating an outdoor space that balances work with rest and all in a natural setting can have its challenges. The important thing is letting your workers know there is a dedicated area where they can lunch, rest, and get a change of scenery. But equally important to the space itself are quality, weather-resistant, and visually appealing outdoor office furniture pieces.