The Hamilton Spectator: Defying mother nature

Pubdate:April 12, 2008

By Erika Engel

A Burlington business is boasting a solution to aged and
weather-damaged patio furniture.

Element Square claims its outdoor furniture made of nonporous plastic
will not fade, stain or discolour for at least 10
years.

Many cottage owners spend the first weekend of cottage season
repainting deck furniture. In fact, Brad Bender formed the company
for that reason -- he didn't want to paint his
chairs anymore.

"There was a problem, and I needed a solution," said
Bender.

The plastic repels mould, dirt and stains, and it's not
affected by bleach or chlorine, as the colour permeates the
material. Each piece can be left outside year-round without becoming
damaged, Bender says.

The Muskoka chairs, tables, a planter, a deck box and
an ottoman range in price from $200 for the ottoman
to $2,500 for a large deck box.

Bender explains that the high prices are due to the
labour involved and the high price of the material. Cuts
and detailing are done using laser technology, and stainless steel
fasteners are strategically hidden from view.

Furniture is available in eight colours: black, white, yellow, tan,
brown, blue, green and red.

The furniture is also protected from the sun's bleaching power
by UV inhibitors (industrial sunscreen) added during production.

The polymer is from King Starboard Plastics in Orlando, Fla.,
and has been in use in marine construction for 17
years.

"We've had the luxury of other people product testing this
material," said Bender. "It's simply the finest outdoor material available."

Element Square furniture is available at Insideout, 683 Plains Rd.
E., Burlington, and online at elementsquare.com.

Hamilton Spectator staff