Outdoor Living

Your backyard has so much potential, but the right pieces to actually enjoy it can feel hard to pin down. That is where we come in. For more than 40 years, Early Settler has helped families turn empty patios and bare decks into the spot everyone gravitates to.

Outdoor living furniture is the sofas, armchairs, daybeds, coffee tables and side tables that make a backyard, deck or balcony somewhere you want to sit. Our outdoor furniture collection is designed to suit real homes and everyday life, so your space works as hard for a quiet morning as it does for a long lunch with friends.

Comfortable outdoor seating starts with the way a piece feels to sink into. Our outdoor sofas have deep seats and outdoor cushions made to handle full sun and the odd shower, in all-weather wicker and fabrics that wipe clean and hold their colour, soft pinks, eucalypt greens, natural timbers and easy neutrals.

There is a shape for every backyard. A single hanging chair suits a quiet corner, an armchair or two makes a cosy spot, and a sun lounger is ready whenever you want to stretch out in the sun. Daybeds or a full outdoor lounge setting take over a bigger deck.

Our in-house Melbourne design studio works the proportions on every piece, so a sofa or lounge chair feels as good as it looks the moment you settle in.

A good table earns its spot fast. Outdoor side tables keep a cuppa and a book within easy reach of your chair, and there is always room for one more beside the lounge. Outdoor coffee tables do a bigger job, anchoring a lounge setting and holding the snacks when people gather around.

Ours come in powder-coated metal, ceramic tops, acacia and reclaimed teak, so it is easy to find one that sits happily with the pieces you already have.

Good outdoor furniture should be easy to live with, not another chore. We source weather-resistant materials responsibly and build pieces to last, so a little care goes a long way.

A quick routine, sorted by material, keeps everything looking its best:

• Wipe metal and powder-coated aluminium frames with mild soapy water.
• Freshen up all weather wicker with that same gentle wash.
• Oil timber, like acacia, now and then to hold its colour, and let reclaimed teak age into its own character.
• Bring outdoor cushions undercover in wet spells, or when they are not in use for long periods, and pick covers with good UV resistance to slow fading.
• Give glass and ceramic tops a quick wipe whenever they need it.

Once your lounging spot is sorted, there is dinner to think about. Our outdoor dining range takes it from there, with outdoor dining tables, outdoor dining sets and outdoor dining chairs that make alfresco dining feel easy. Add a few outdoor umbrellas for shade, and a weekend BBQ or a long lunch outside suddenly has a proper home.

For a proper setup outside, roll out an outdoor bar cart and add a few bar stools so people can gather and chat while you pour. It turns any backyard into the easy hosting spot.

We make pieces for every room of the house, so your outdoor dining setup can carry the same easy, lived-in feel as the rest of your home.

There is no rush to get it all at once. At Early Settler, you can add the finishing touches whenever the mood takes you, an outdoor rug to soften the space, fire pits for cooler nights and outdoor lighting to keep the evening going. If your space opens onto a garden, our patio furniture is ready when you are.

Come and sit on things in store, or shop the range online. And if you join Home Club, you will hear about new outdoor arrivals and member offers first.

Yes, acacia is a good choice for outdoor furniture. It is a dense hardwood that handles sun and rain well, and a light oiling once or twice a year keeps its warm colour from fading. In Australia's climate, that quick upkeep helps it last for years.

The best material depends on your climate and how much upkeep you want. Popular options include powder-coated aluminium for low maintenance, all-weather wicker for shaded spots, and timbers like teak or acacia for warmth. Match the material to your conditions and the shade you get.

Choosing outdoor furniture starts with how you will use the space. For lounging, look for deep seating and weather-friendly cushions, and for hosting, add a table and a few extra seats. Then pick materials that suit your climate, so everything lasts outside.

Yes, teak is one of the best timbers for outdoor furniture. Its natural oils help it resist water, warping, and insects, so it copes well with Australian weather. Left untreated, it fades to a soft silver-grey, or you can oil it to keep the honey tone.

Yes, most outdoor furniture can handle rain, though a little care helps it last. Metal, teak, and all-weather wicker cope well with the odd shower. Bring cushions undercover when it is wet, and use covers during long rainy spells to protect the fabric.