DESIGNING FOR OUTDOOR Behind The Bend
When you decide to start manufacturing furniture, there are many things to consider. After deciding on the style and materials that you want to work with, you start to think about the design and the form. However, you are always keeping function in the back of your mind. With Bend, knowing that this would be a product line that we would want to use in our own lives, the major question was, where would we want to use it? The answer was pretty simple, everywhere! So now with the question of what and where answered, it was time to answer the how. How do you make a product with a stylish and unique design that is also extra durable so that it can be put virtually anywhere?
A few weeks ago, we talked about the process behind powder coating. Powder coating is our chosen finish for all of our indoor/outdoor products. Having done considerable research in the early days on virtually every finish on the market, powder coating is the best way to achieve the vibrant colors with intricate patterns on our designs. Powder coating is also one of the most durable finishes on the market. Therefore, it has always been a no-brainer to us.
With over five years of furniture manufacturing now under our belt, we can definitely say that we've learned a lot. We've learned that powder coating is still definitely the right way to go. It really is a durable finish that withstand the elements. We've also learned that powder coating, like all finishes and materials, needs to be cared for and maintained, especially when being used in harsh environments like coastal climates.
All moisture, but especially salt water is extremely corrosive. Living in Los Angeles, it is something that we deal with on a regular basis. At the Bend house, we make it a point to wipe down both the goods and the rest of our outdoor furniture everyday. It is especially important on those mornings when we wake up to gray, drippy skies. It's a preventative practice that we employ to make sure that our furniture stands the test of time and always looks its best. It's a practice that we strongly recommend to everyone whether they have our furniture or not.
No finish or material on this planet is perfect however with the right care any finish or material can be maintained and be enjoyed for a very long time. Our ultimate goal is to make products that will last for generations. They are products that you will be proud to pass down to your children and that they will want to give to their kids. We promise to keep learning and finding new ways to make our products as strong and durable as possible.
