Summer Classics Outdoor Furniture 2017 New Introductions
At the invitation of Summer Classics, Sally and I spent several days last week at their Pelham, Alabama factory, meeting with their designers and marketing staff as they introduced their 2017 additions to the product line.
While we have been regular specifiers and feel we know the product well, this was an opportunity to dig deeper into what makes Summer Classics so special.
We quickly learned that much like Wilson Kelsey Design, they are obsessed with design, have relentless attention to detail from concept thru creation and are committed to responsive client services.
We first toured the factory floor and encountered their commitment to design and quality during our visit to their quality control center where prototypes, new products, finishes and materials are tested. This is good stuff…
Quality Control.
Checking that the finish coats were bonded properly.
Sally and were very impressed with the computer aided fabric cutting. NO waste whatsoever.
Our second day was spent taking a close look at 2017’s new product with our New England rep, Amy Katz. With our New England climes in mind, our favorites were the Haley Teak Collection, here shown with the Club End Table. I see this on a terrace on the Cape.
The Regent Collection, shown with the Clarice End Table on the left and Marco Coffee Table. The Marco table top is a synthetic stone. The base comes in a variety of heights, including a hi-top height. Extremely versatile! Location? The Lakes Region in New Hampshire or Maine.
The Peninsula Collection shown with Club Dining Table in the foreground and Croquet Teak Coffee Table. LOVE the ottoman! The synthetic open weave fabric is on both sides of the chair frame and is gorgeous! Here, I sense a Martha’s Vineyard/Nantucket vibe – overlooking the beach.
Del Ray Collection chair shown with Teak Pedestal Table. The teak insert in the stainless steel chair arm is a delight, completely changing how the chair feels to the hand. I’d find a Boston roof deck for this chair.
Sally and I were very impressed by Resysta, a new line made from a compound of rice husks, salt and mineral oil as the chair frame and table finish. Looking remarkably like weathered teak or oak, it is perfect of those locations prone to exposure to salt air. Can you say New England coastline? Cape Cod?
Looking closer at the chair Sally was sitting in, it reminded both of us of furniture designed by Charles and Ray Eames. It turned out the chair’s designer was very familiar with their work.
By now you’ve noticed how easily products from the various lines can be mixed beautifully. It’s one of the reasons Sally loves Summer Classics.
Another reason we love Summer Classics is their commitment to detail and construction quality. For example, only marine grade teak is used in the fabrication of their teak wood lines. Manufacturers of lesser quality furniture will use a lower grade teak that is prone to rot. Every joint is a mortise and tenon joint.
The corner blocks in the chair frames are glued and screwed in place. Even the screw holes are bunged! (See how the head of the screws are covered with a small piece of wood?)
This attention to detail was evident across the entire product line and gives Sally and me a great deal of confidence in the durability of their product.
The Summer Classics installation Wilson Kelsey Design is most proud of is the terrace of our Prides Crossing project. Photos by Laura Moss.
Photo by Sally Wilson, Wilson Kelsey Design
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this post. If you have questions or would like assistance planning your new terrace/outdoor kitchen, please give us a call.
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