Generations of comfort and style win outdoors living
A family business from Whanganui has taken out the Best Rural Living site – after providing visitors with a dream backyard on their site.
Lazy susans, loungers and umbrellas with LEDs – the setting displayed from Ethan Outdoor Furniture has many visitors picturing what their backyard could possibly look like.
The family-based company have won Best Rural Living Site at Fieldays.
The Parson family have created a backyard feel on their site, R85, with many variations of quality handmade furniture on display.
“We put a lot of effort into making it feel like an outdoor area that you would have in your backyard,”
said Simon Parson, manager of Ethan Outdoor Furniture.
The family company from Whanganui has been in business since 1984.
It consists of father and director Jon Parson, with his two sons Simon and Peter involved with management.
Ethan Outdoor Furniture has already tapped into the global export industry, taking 30% of their business to the UK and Europe.
Future plans consist of expanding further.
“We are planning to get into the American market,” said Simon.
The main timber they use for their custom made furniture is Iroko, a very different material from the usual timber used for furniture.
“The Iroko doesn’t bleed or leach the red sap that quila does, you don’t have problems with stained tiled areas or clothing. It ages into a really nice silver grey as well,” Simon said.
After showing off their handiwork for 20 years at Fieldays the family are pleased to win the award.
They have gained a lot of repeat customers and a large client base from the annual event.
“It’s great exposure with the sheer number of people at Fieldays, also getting into the rural market. We make furniture to last and our customers recommend it to their friends. It’s great getting existing customers’ feedback, it’s been really positive,” Simon said.
