Summer Terrace Furniture in Almaty: Climate, Materials and Winter Storage

The best materials for a summer terrace in Almaty are powder-coated aluminium, synthetic rattan (HDPE), glass-fibre reinforced polypropylene, and teak or other outdoor timber with a protective finish. They cope with summer heat and strong sun, do not mind rain, and survive the freeze-thaw cycles of spring and autumn. Cushions, fabric parts and uncovered wooden furniture should be stored indoors in a dry room for the winter.

Why is Almaty’s climate hard on outdoor furniture?

Almaty sits at the foot of the mountains, and outdoor furniture faces several loads at once. In summer — heat above +35 °C and intense UV: the city lies more than 700 m above sea level, so the sun is harsher than on the plains and unprotected plastics and fabrics fade and turn brittle. In spring and autumn — frequent freeze-thaw cycles: water in gaps and seams freezes and splits timber and coatings. In winter — frost down to −20 °C and below, snow, and de-icing chemicals on nearby pavements. Add sharp day-night temperature swings and dust, and it is clear why ordinary garden furniture quickly loses its look on a restaurant terrace.

Which materials survive an Almaty summer and winter?

Powder-coated aluminium does not rust, is light and needs no seasonal care; it heats up less than steel and the coating protects against scratches and UV — the most versatile material for chair, armchair and table frames. Synthetic HDPE rattan handles UV and moisture, unlike natural rattan, which quickly breaks down outdoors; weave on an aluminium frame is a terrace classic. Glass-fibre reinforced polypropylene gives light, stackable, low-maintenance chairs; choose UV-stabilised models or the colour will fade in a season. Teak and other outdoor timbers look and feel warm but need oil once a season and cover in winter. Steel is acceptable only with proper anti-corrosion treatment and powder coating — every scratch is a future rust spot.

Terrace materials for Almaty

Regular upholstery fabric, MDF, chipboard, natural rattan: not suitable for an open terrace.

Which fabrics and cushions work on an open terrace?

Use outdoor fabrics — solution-dyed acrylic or polyester with UV protection: they do not fade in a season and do not soak up water. Cushion filling should be quick-dry open-cell foam that lets water drain through. Covers should zip off so they can be washed and taken in at night. Under an awning, water-repellent treated fabrics are acceptable, but the furniture should still be stored for winter.

How to store terrace furniture in winter?

At the end of the season, usually in October, wash the furniture with water and mild detergent and dry it completely — moisture trapped under a cover causes mould and stains. Wash and dry cushions and fabric covers and store them in a dry, ventilated room, not in sealed bags. Stack chairs no higher than the maker recommends so legs do not deform; stand tabletops upright. Oil wooden furniture before storage. If furniture stays outside, use breathable covers and lift the legs off the ground so meltwater does not pool beneath them. In spring check fixings and leg caps — they loosen most often over winter.

How much furniture does a terrace need?

Terrace seating is usually more generous than indoors: allow 1.5–1.8 m² per seat and a 120 cm aisle along the railing and to the door. Tables for 2 and 4 are easier than large ones — they can be moved with the weather and the shade. A parasol table needs a hole and a stable base; on open, windy sites choose heavier models or floor fixing. If the terrace works in the evening, leave room for heaters at a safe distance from furniture and fabric.

When should you order terrace furniture?

Almaty’s terrace season usually opens in April–May, and every venue looks for outdoor furniture at the same time. Stock items ship from the SANDALUCI warehouse in Almaty in 7–10 working days, and to other cities of Kazakhstan in 10–14 days. Made-to-order furniture in custom colours and sizes takes 30–45 days, so finalise the layout and models in February–March. Outdoor collection: sandaluci.com/en/products/outdoor.

Where can you see terrace furniture in person?

Outdoor furniture and fabric samples are on display in the SANDALUCI showroom in Almaty, 193g Zhangeldin St (Mon–Fri 09:00–19:00, Sat 10:00–15:00). We have worked since 2011 and completed more than 1,000 projects across Kazakhstan; the portfolio includes open-air venues such as Eden Pool Bar in Almaty with 100 seats. Send a plan and photos of your terrace — we will match materials to its orientation and prepare a quote within 24 hours; price on request. Warranty: 1 year.