B&B Italia Outdoor Materials – Quality That Lasts for Decades

What distinguishes B&B Italia outdoor furniture from ordinary garden furniture is not just the design – it's the materials. Every material is selected according to precise criteria: durability for outdoor use, compatibility with powder-coated aluminum frames, and aesthetic quality that does not diminish over the years. This page provides a complete overview of all materials in the B&B Italia Outdoor collection.

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Frame Materials

Aluminum – the Backbone of the Collection

The framework of almost all B&B Italia outdoor furniture consists of extruded or cast aluminum. The material is naturally corrosion-resistant, UV-stable, and load-bearing with a fraction of the weight of steel. B&B Italia finishes the frames with an electrostatic powder coating process that creates a uniform, scratch-resistant surface in several colors – white, sand, taupe, anthracite, black, and other collection-specific tones.

Aluminum allows for the precise geometries and delicate profiles for which B&B Italia is known – without compromising stability or durability. The frames can remain outdoors permanently and do not require seasonal treatment.

Used in: All sofas, armchairs, chairs, sun loungers, and tables of the Outdoor collection.

Stainless Steel – Precision in Details

Connecting elements, fittings, hinges, and decorative details are made of stainless steel (V2A or V4A). Stainless steel is permanently corrosion-resistant – even in salty sea air – and retains its shine without treatment. B&B Italia uses brushed or matte stainless steel, which subtly blends into the overall picture and does not demand design attention.

Tabletop Materials

Teak – Natural Durability

FSC-certified teak wood from sustainable forestry. The exceptionally high natural oil content makes teak resistant to moisture, mold, insects, and UV radiation – without any chemical treatment. B&B Italia uses teak for tabletops, slatted bases for sun loungers, and decorative wooden elements.

Untreated, teak weathers within a season to a silvery-grey natural tone, which many find particularly elegant. With regular care using high-quality teak oil (2–3 times a year), the warm honey color of the fresh wood is preserved. Both options are easy to maintain and durable.

Used in: Gio dining table (TGO220), Gio side table (TGO6), Titikaka bench (TK) and others.

Lava Stone – Unique from the Volcano

Lava stone is solidified volcanic rock (basalt) – one of the hardest and most durable natural materials available. B&B Italia uses lava stone for tabletops that are heat-resistant (hot dishes can be placed directly), frost-proof, and extremely impact-resistant. The characteristically porous, matte surface gives each piece a distinctive texture.

Every lava stone slab is a natural product – color (deep black to dark grey) and surface structure vary slightly from slab to slab. This is not a defect, but a characteristic of a genuine natural material.

Used in: Borea side table (TBE4), Nooch side table (TNH95Q) and others.

Marble – Timeless Representation

Genuine natural marble – predominantly white with characteristic grey veining – for tabletops that blur the line between indoor and outdoor. The slabs are impregnated at the factory to repel stains, moisture, and weather influences. Despite the natural coolness of marble, the material is suitable for outdoor use if protected from permanent waterlogging.

Color and grain are naturally variable – no two pieces of marble are alike.

Used in: Butterfly side table (BT9R), Button Tables (OBT54) and others.

Cement & Concrete Material – Industrial Precision

Finely ground, sealed cement slabs for a minimalist-modern aesthetic. The surface is matte and has a slightly rough feel, which deliberately contrasts with the precise elegance of the aluminum frames. Cement is frost-proof and UV-stable; its homogeneous appearance blends seamlessly into contemporary architecture.

Used in: Pablo side table (TPB55), Tobi-Ishi tables (OT162, OT146) and others.

Stoneware & Ceramic – Robust, Easy to Clean, Durable

High-fired ceramic (stoneware) as a technically superior alternative to natural stone: scratch-resistant, heat-resistant up to 600 °C, completely waterproof and frost-proof without restriction. B&B Italia uses stoneware in concrete, stone, or marble look for tabletops that visually mimic natural materials, but are significantly easier to care for and more robust.

Ideal for intensely used outdoor areas – hotel pools, restaurant terraces, family gathering spots.

Used in: Colosseo Outdoor (OCL40T), Spool Outdoor (OS40T), Allure O Outdoor (OA125TQ_6) and others.

Upholstery and Covering Materials

Outdoor Textile – Technical, Comfortable, Colorfast

All cushions and covers are made from technical outdoor fabrics developed exclusively for outdoor use. The properties at a glance: UV-resistant for many years (dyed with lightfast reactive dyes), water-repellent, dirt-resistant, and quick-drying. The filling consists of quick-drying foams that release rainwater completely within a short time.

The range includes solids in natural and earth tones, as well as textured fabrics in a wide range of colors. Special fabrics are available upon request for contract projects.

Rope & Woven Cord – Craftsmanship Meets High-Tech

Woven seats and backrests made of technical polyethylene cord are the design hallmark of several B&B Italia collections – prominently in Canasta and Canasta 13, designed by Patricia Urquiola. The synthetic cord is UV-resistant, water-repellent, and dimensionally stable: it does not stretch, it does not rot, and it retains its color and tension permanently.

The handmade weaving work is time-consuming and refers to traditional wickerwork – the result is a piece of furniture that appears both handcrafted and architectural.

Used in: Canasta Sofa (CN190B), Canasta Armchair (CN98PB), Canasta 13 (CNC190B, CNC98PB, SCNC63) and others.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Materials

Which material is the easiest to care for outdoors?

Stoneware (ceramic) is the lowest-maintenance tabletop material: wipe-clean, no sealing necessary, insensitive to all weather conditions. Aluminum frames are also maintenance-free. Teak requires optional care (oil), marble and lava stone require occasional impregnation.

Can I leave B&B Italia furniture outdoors permanently?

Yes – the powder-coated aluminum frames and all tabletop materials are designed for permanent outdoor use. Cushions should be stored dry during longer periods of non-use (winter months) to maximize the lifespan of the textile.

Are the materials also suitable for proximity to saltwater (seaside, pool)?

Yes. Powder-coated aluminum and V4A stainless steel are explicitly suitable for salty environments. The textiles and polyethylene cord weaving also resist chlorine and saltwater. We recommend regular cleaning with clear water to remove salt deposits.

Can the teak material be replaced or reordered?

Individual teak elements (e.g., slatted bases for sun loungers) are available as spare parts from B&B Italia. For inquiries, please contact our customer service.

Which tabletop materials are best suited for commercial use (gastronomy)?

For commercial use, we recommend stoneware/ceramic and cement: both materials are particularly impact-resistant, hygienically easy to clean, and insensitive to hot food and beverages.

Care & Maintenance Overview

• Aluminum Frame: Wash with lukewarm water and mild soap. No abrasives. No acids.
• Teak: Leave untreated (silvery-grey) or treat with teak oil 2–3 times a year (honey tone). Remove dirt with teak cleaner.
• Lava Stone: Wipe with a damp cloth. Treat with natural stone impregnator once a year.
• Marble: Never use acids (citrus juice, vinegar). Wipe with a damp cloth. Impregnate 1–2 times a year.
• Cement / Stoneware: Wipe with a damp cloth, no special treatment needed.
• Outdoor Textile: Wash by hand or wipe with a damp cloth. Store dry in winter.
• Rope Weave: Rinse with clear water. No solvents.

Get Advice & Discover the Collection

Do you have questions about a specific material or would you like to know which combination is best for your project? Our interior designers will be happy to help you.

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