Kingsley Smythe has introduced a new Plasteak® outdoor furniture range following growing demand from councils, schools and hospitality venues for low-maintenance outdoor seating, particularly in commercial settings such as public spaces, managed gardens and heritage sites.

The range offers a practical alternative alongside the company’s established teak collections, giving customers another option where durability is important.

“We’re regularly approached by councils, schools and hotels that want the longevity of teak, but don’t necessarily want the maintenance,” explains Laura Clark, business ownerof Kingsley Smythe.

Teak is still a core part of the business and is valued for its natural character and durability. However, it will gradually weather over time, developing a silvery-grey finish. This can be slowed through regular treatment.

For some customers, particularly in commercial settings, keeping furniture looking as it did on day one isn’t always practical. This led Kingsley Smythe to look at alternative materials that could meet that need.

As a long-established family-run business, the decision to introduce a new material was considered carefully.

The aim was not to replace teak, but to introduce an additional option.

“We didn’t want to overshadow teak – it’s what we’re known for,” says Laura. “We wanted something that would complement the range, not replace it.”

The result is Plasteak, a material made using recycled plastic that would otherwise go to landfill or enter the waste stream.

The products are supplied with certification confirming they are made from genuinely recycled materials.

The range was initially developed with commercial environments in mind.

The initial range focuses on a small selection of outdoor seating, including garden benches, reflecting where demand has been strongest — particularly in public and commercial settings.

Teak and Plasteak are intended to sit alongside each other, allowing customers to choose based on their priorities.

“For customers who like the look of teak but don’t want the maintenance, this gives them another option,” says Laura.

One of the key differences is how the material performs over time.

“You don’t have to oil it or treat it,” she adds. “From the day you put it out there to years down the line, it will look the same.”

As a new addition to the range, the company is in the early stages of building awareness around it.

“We see teak and Plasteak as equal options, each with their own benefits,” says Laura Clark. “It’s about giving customers a choice depending on what matters most to them.”

More information about the Plasteak range can be found at:
https://www.kingsleysmythe.com/product-category/plasteak/

Background on the introduction of the range can be found here:

https://www.kingsleysmythe.com/news/new-plasteak-outdoor-furniture-range/

Kingsley Smythe is a UK manufacturer and supplier of premium outdoor furniture, offering traditional teak collections alongside a new alternative recycled material option designed for long-term outdoor use across residential, hospitality and public environments.