Comparing Outdoor Furniture Materials: GEM's Sourcing Cheat Sheet

At GEM, we understand that no two projects are alike. Whether you're expanding your direct-to-consumer outdoor line, furnishing a boutique hotel, or sourcing for a major retail brand, our goal is simple: deliver furniture that performs exactly as you need it to.

While we also welcome technical buyers, expert product knowledge is not a requirement to work with us. We guide every client through design and development to find the right balance of performance, price, and presentation. We won’t upsell beyond your needs or cut corners when durability matters.

To help you understand your options, we typically organize our materials into Good, Better, and Best tiers. Here's how that breaks down:

GOOD

Reliable performance at a competitive price.

  • Best for: Mid-market residential brands

  • Typical Warranty: ~2 residential

  • Comparable to: Higher-end lines from Home Depot, Wayfair, JYSK

BETTER

Durable, refined furniture ideal for high-end residential or hospitality use.

  • Best for: High-end residential or commercial use

  • Typical Warranty: 5 years commercial, 8–10 years residential

  • Comparable to: Crate & Barrel, RH, Harbour, Manutti

BEST

Materials in this tier are designed for high-exposure environments or elevated comfort and customization.

  • Best for: Projects requiring maximum durability, cruise lines, waterfront resorts, legacy custom builds

  • Typical Warranty: Custom-defined; can be 10 years with minimal upkeep

  • Comparable to: Cruise ship and marina-grade furnishings


Material Guide by Tier

Below is a summary of GEM’s core material options by quality level. In addition to these, we source and integrate a range of specialty materials, like sintered stone, tempered glass, concrete, and wood, based on your project’s needs.

Please note that this chart is very simplified, and there is a lot of nuance based on the furniture design in question. However, knowing a few basic material pointers can be helpful when defining what you are looking for.

*Everything is REACH and Prop 65 compliant.


Not Sure Which Tier Is Right for You?

We’re here to help. Our engineers and sourcing team are happy to recommend the right combination of materials based on your project goals, environment, and budget. It can be as simple as letting us know what warranty you want to sell your furniture under and who you consider to be your competitors in terms of quality.

Let’s build something lasting together.

For more information or to begin your sampling and development process with GEM, contact us or visit our factory and showroom near Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

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A Beginner's Guide to Sourcing High-Quality Outdoor Furniture in Vietnam