From Bali to Your Backyard: The Story Behind Our Outdoor Pieces
Behind every Balè piece is a journey that crosses oceans and connects cultures through heritage and thoughtful design. When you trace the soft grain of our teak benches or settle into one of our woven lounge chairs, you are connecting with something far deeper than furniture. You are touching generations of Balinese craftsmanship, a way of living that values patience, and a respect for nature that guides every detail.
This story takes you behind the scenes of how our outdoor collections come to life, from the way we source materials to the care of our makers, and how each piece arrives in your backyard carrying meaning.
A Philosophy Rooted in Place
Balè began at weekend markets in Brooklyn, but its spirit has always belonged to Bali. We (founders Lita and Matt) were drawn to the island’s quiet beauty and its devotion to craftsmanship. We wanted to create a brand that honoured that rhythm, preserving quality and intention rather than chasing volume.
Every Balè piece is a conversation between design and heritage. We collaborate with Balinese artisans who continue to craft furniture using traditional joinery techniques, carving methods, and natural finishes passed down through generations. Their work carries the heartbeat of the island, one careful piece at a time.
The Journey of a Balè Outdoor Piece
Creating outdoor furniture that endures begins with material choice and care in every stage of making.
1. Sourcing Sustainable Teak
We use only Grade A teak, grown in certified sustainable plantations in Central Java. This ensures each piece comes from responsible forestry, not deforestation. Plantation teak grows slowly, developing a dense grain that resists moisture and time.
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2. Drying and Seasoning
Before any carving begins, the raw teak is air-dried for weeks. This simple but vital step allows the wood to stabilize naturally and prevents warping when exposed to outdoor climates.
3. Handcrafting by Local Artisans
Each item is built entirely by hand. Our makers rely on traditional joinery rather than industrial fasteners or glues. Methods like mortise and tenon joints keep the design strong and timeless.
From a teak dining table to a sculptural lounge chair, every detail carries the care of its maker.
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4. Natural Finishes
We never hide the natural character of the wood. Instead of harsh sealants, we allow teak to breathe and age gracefully. Over time, it develops a soft silver patina, a finish shaped by the elements rather than by chemicals.
5. Ethical Packaging and Transport
We limit plastic use, choose recyclable materials, and ship primarily by sea to reduce emissions. Once in the United States, we partner with local logistics teams who share our care for both craft and environment.
Sustainability Beyond the Materials
True sustainability runs deeper than a certification. It is about the people who make, the places they work, and the balance that guides the process.
At Balè, we:
Pay fair wages to our artisans and partners
Produce in small batches to avoid overstock and waste
Reuse timber offcuts for smaller designs and prototypes
Create pieces designed for longevity, not turnover
The Materials That Tell the Story
Teak: The Foundation
Naturally dense and rich in oil, teak is built for outdoor life. It resists insects, rot, and sun damage without synthetic treatments. Its golden color softens over time into a silvery tone that speaks of character, not age.
Handwoven Webbing and Rattan
Many of our lounge pieces feature rope or natural rattan, woven entirely by hand. These fibers bring flexibility and lightness, offering comfort that suits warm weather and open-air living.
Leather Accents
Some collections combine teak with natural and synthetic leather. Each material is chosen for authenticity and feel. Every surface has a purpose.
From Village Workshop to United States Backyard
We know where every Balè piece begins. Many of our artisans work in open-air studios in central Bali, often with family nearby. The pace is slow on purpose. That rhythm, shaped by community and care, gives the furniture its soul.
Once crafted, each piece travels by ocean freight to reduce its footprint, then through responsible United States distribution. The result is furniture that carries the warmth of Bali straight into your backyard.
Why It Matters
In a world that often values speed, handcrafted furniture feels like a quiet rebellion. You can sense the difference the moment you touch it. No two benches are the same. Each bears the marks of the hands that shaped it.
Choosing Balè means choosing:
Patience instead of production lines
Purpose over perfection
Connection in place of convenience
Our Signature Outdoor Pieces
Shop Dining TablesTeak Lounge Chairs
Stylish and made to last. Angled for ease and hand finished with care. There is a style for everyone to enjoy.
Balinese Daybeds
Spacious and refined. Crafted from solid teak with soft curves and generous depth.
Outdoor Counter Stools
Sleek and supportive. Ideal for outdoor kitchens and relaxed dining spaces.
Dining Tables
Each table holds room for gathering and memory, designed to age beautifully in the open air.
Our outdoor space should hold the same intention as the rest of your home. It should reflect your rhythm, your values, and your love for time spent well.
Balè exists to offer presence. We craft pieces shaped by tradition, time, and human touch. When you sit on one of our benches, you rest on years of craft and a piece of Bali itself. This is furniture made not to be replaced but to be remembered.