The beginnings

Teak's grand entrance and the rediscovery of outdoor living

Tectona was founded in 1977 with the aim of helping France rediscover outdoor living. The outdoor "furniture" available at the time had not changed for years: unimaginative armchairs and tables in white or green plastic and cumbersome parasols that fell over with the slightest gust of wind.

Initially, Tectona drew inspiration from British models (Exbury) that had proved their worth over decades in private and public gardens and parks. This choice was vindicated by the demand from a clientele avid for a new outdoor lifestyle.

From the outset, Tectona has created models whose design is perfectly adapted to their environment: the garden. They are extremely comfortable, resistant to all weather conditions and to year-wide temperature variations thanks to the use of tried-and-tested materials such as teak, and fabricated using traditional carpentry techniques. Over time, our furniture came to be known as "fine" garden furniture (Circle Bench, the famous circular bench that can be adapted around different trees).

The launch

Diversification of materials and evolution of uses

Gone are the days when Tectona was just a by-word for teak. Over the years, the range of materials has grown to encompass painted balau wood, woven resin, wrought iron then powder-coated aluminium, traditional (cotton) and synthetic (Batyline or Leisuretex) fabrics.

Our outdoor furniture has diversified, with collections for verandas, the poolside and even for tennis courts.

Our customers also appreciate the great strides we have made in developing practical and usable furniture: ingenious table extension systems; furniture that is lighter, foldable, easy-to-move and for both indoor and outdoor use. These qualities are exemplified by our models of woven resin over an aluminium frame, a popular choice for outdoor cafés.

In the more traditional sphere of wooden furniture, all our innovations put emphasis on comfort: the wooden slats are curved (Somerset benches); the backrests recline by lifting up the armrests; the seating is wider; the tables extend easily to welcome more guests...

Innovation & Design

Constant quest for innovation and entry of design

The Tectona identity today finds novel expression with the input of designers who have been entrusted with renewing its repertory. The projects were astute in seeking evolution not revolution. As a result, the new products are destined to become long-term favourites, as they fall outside the constraints of fast-moving fashion.

These collaborations go back to 1992, with the bench designed by Andrée Putman for the CAPC contemporary art museum of Bordeaux. In 2008, the Bouroullec brothers revisited the concept of the swimming pool lounge. In 2010, Normal Studio gave a new twist to use of everyday furniture with their simple and precise design.

Tectona massive entry of is representative of a living, dynamic brand that dares to innovate and cast a critical eye on its own activities. Design is a research tool. It is a way of bringing forth creative solution and staking the future after examining our habits and needs. The future is being written now !

The international dimension

A high presence in Europe

After France and Switzerland (1992), the first international market chosen by Tectona was southern Europe – Spain and Italy – with the opening of boutiques in Madrid (2002), three years later in Milan and recently in Rome (2010). Today, the worldwide distribution of our sales catalogue (available in 5 languages) and our participation in major furniture tradeshows in Milan and Paris, and also the south of France and Belgium, are a testimony to the dynamic and vivacious brand that is Tectona.

From mail order to e-commerce

A unique model of direct distribution

From the very beginning, Tectona implemented a mail-order system that today is an example for others. The lack of an intermediary translates into a more personalized and effective service for the client: customized after-sales service, rapid delivery...

Concerned about keeping up with the times, Tectona reinforced its special ties with its clientele by creating, from the year 2000, its website www.tectona.net offering not only the Tectona catalogue in full detail but also advice, such as how to set up the furniture and how to care for it.

In 2011, Tectona is proud to present its new website, a veritable communication and sales tool, which also optimizes accessibility and utilization for its clients.