We've been pretty obsessed with being outside lately, so let's continue with that train of thought. This week, we're talking about alternative tabletop surfaces. What does the above gif have to do with that? Nothing, really. But it made us chuckle –– and the following tabletops are much sturdier than whatever that is. Shall we?
Wait, we forgot. The reason that we are talking about tops in the first place is because using tropical hardwoods causes deforestation which is terrible for the environment for a myriad of reasons. So, just for you, we have a few alternative options so that you too can participate in saving the planet. Okay, now, we shall.
TRICOYA
What is tricoya, you ask? Well, it rhymes with Goya, so that will help you remember its name. Now, for a moment, imagine a tabletop made from MDF. Okay now replace that with MDF's sexy cousin, and you've got Tricoya. It's prettier, more durable, and can be used both indoors and outdoors. RAD furniture offers Tricoya as an option with their Solid Series. So if you're looking for something just a little bit different, give it a try.
KEBONY
Kebony on our - and by our I mean my, the person that is writing this - favorite RAD slatted signature lounge chair. The sit is just *chef's kiss.*
The Kebony technology was developed in Norway and serves the industry as an environmentally friendly, patented process that enhances the properties of sustainable softwood. Kebony is a low-maintenance material that does not require any additional treatment beyond normal cleaning, leaving you more time to unwind and enjoy the beauty of the natural world around us.
It should be noted that Kebony starts out as a rich mahogany brown and patinas to a silver-grey over time. The kind of silver-grey people were dying their hair 5 years ago. And still are? What we're trying to say is that the grey is beautiful and cool. See above!
TMT
TMT, or thermally modified timber - in this case, thermally modified Ash - is what Shift uses in place of tropical hardwoods for their 84" Rambler picnic table top. We'd sure like to ramble up this table for a picnic right about now. TMT, like Kebony, doesn't require any maintenance and will also patina to a beautiful silver-grey over time. However, if you dig the color of TMT before it patinas, the color can be preserved with maintenance.
“April hath put a spirit of youth in everything. (Sonnet XCVIII)”
~William Shakespeare
~William Shakespeare