How to Identify Brown Jordan Outdoor Furniture

Brown Jordan is a name synonymous with luxury, elegance, and enduring quality in outdoor furniture. For over 75 years, the brand has been a leader in design innovation, creating iconic pieces that transform patios and gardens into stylish extensions of the home. As these pieces are highly sought after, the market has seen its share of imitations. Whether you are a collector, a homeowner with a vintage find, or simply shopping for high-end patio furniture, knowing the difference between a genuine article and a look-alike is crucial. This guide will provide a clear, step-by-step process on how to identify Brown Jordan outdoor furniture, ensuring you can confidently recognize and appreciate the real thing.

One of the key indicators of authentic Brown Jordan outdoor furniture is the presence of proper branding. Look for the manufacturer’s logo or name, which is often discreetly engraved or labeled on the frame. These markings are typically clean and precise, reflecting the brand’s attention to detail and craftsmanship. Additionally, authentic pieces usually feature high-quality materials like powder-coated aluminum or weather-resistant vinyl, which contribute to their longevity. Inspect the construction as well; genuine Brown Jordan furniture is known for its seamless joinery and solid feel, distinguishing it from lower-quality replicas.

Why Identifying Brown Jordan Outdoor Furniture Matters

Distinguishing authentic Brown Jordan pieces from replicas is important for several reasons. First and foremost is the issue of quality. Brown Jordan built its reputation on using premium materials, such as high-grade aluminum and all-weather wicker, combined with meticulous craftsmanship. This results in furniture that is not only beautiful but also incredibly durable and capable of withstanding the elements for decades. Imitations often cut corners with cheaper materials and inferior construction, leading to pieces that may look similar at first but will quickly fade, rust, or fall apart.

Beyond durability, there is the matter of investment and design legacy. Genuine Brown Jordan furniture, particularly vintage pieces from iconic collections, often holds or even increases in value over time. Owning a piece is like owning a part of design history. By verifying authenticity, you ensure you are acquiring a valuable asset and a testament to timeless American design, not a disposable copy.

8 Methods for How to Identify Brown Jordan Outdoor Furniture

Method 1: Check for a Brand Label or Stamp

The most definitive way to identify a Brown Jordan piece is to find a brand marking. Depending on the age and collection, this could be a metal tag, a decal, or a stamp. Look in inconspicuous places, such as underneath the seat, on the inside of a leg, or on the back of the frame. Vintage pieces might have a small metal plaque, while newer items may feature a more modern logo. While labels can sometimes fall off over time, their presence is the strongest evidence of authenticity. A clear, well-affixed label is a hallmark of the brand’s pride in its product.

Method 2: Examine the Frame Material and Weight

Brown Jordan is renowned for its pioneering use of tubular aluminum, which makes its furniture surprisingly lightweight for its size and strength. If you lift a chair and it feels exceptionally heavy, it might be made of steel, which is not a material typically used for their classic frames. The aluminum is often finished with a durable powder coat that is smooth and uniform. Feel the surface and inspect its quality. The substantial yet manageable weight, combined with the high-quality feel of the material, is a key indicator of a genuine piece.

Method 3: Inspect the Quality of the Welds

One of the most telling signs of high-end furniture construction is the quality of the welds. On a genuine Brown Jordan piece, the welds will be clean, smooth, and consistent. The points where different parts of the frame join together should look seamless, with no messy, globular, or uneven soldering. Turn the furniture over and examine the joints from all angles. Poor-quality imitations often have sloppy, visible welds that may even show signs of cracking or rust. This attention to detail in the construction is a critical part of learning how to identify Brown Jordan outdoor furniture.

Method 4: Look for Signature Design Elements

Brown Jordan has introduced many iconic collections over the decades, each with its own signature style. The “Tamiami” collection, for example, is famous for its vinyl lace weaving in a distinctive diamond pattern. The “Kantana” collection features sleek, sharp lines and angles. Researching Brown Jordan’s historical collections online can help you match your piece to a specific design. Recognizing these signature elements—be it the curve of an armrest, the pattern of a weave, or the shape of a leg—is an excellent way to authenticate a piece, as imitators rarely capture these nuances perfectly.

Method 5: Assess the Weaving

For pieces that feature woven elements, such as those in the “Florentine” or “Calcutta” collections, the quality of the weave is a major clue. Brown Jordan uses a proprietary synthetic material called “Resinweave” that is hand-woven and highly resistant to fading and cracking. The weave on an authentic piece will be tight, even, and consistent throughout. Imitations often have a looser, less uniform weave made from lower-quality vinyl or plastic that may feel brittle or look shiny. The precision of the hand-woven craftsmanship is difficult to replicate and is a strong sign of authenticity.

Method 6: Evaluate the Comfort and Ergonomics

Brown Jordan places a high premium on comfort. Their furniture is designed not just to look good, but to feel good. Sit in the chair. Does it feel supportive and well-balanced? Is the pitch of the backrest comfortable? Even without cushions, a well-designed Brown Jordan chair will have an ergonomic shape that cradles the body. Imitators often prioritize looks over comfort, resulting in pieces that may have awkward angles or feel unstable. The inherent comfort and solid feel of the furniture is a subtle but important indicator of its quality and origin.

Method 7: Check the Hardware and Fasteners

Examine the small details, like the screws, bolts, and other hardware used in the furniture’s construction. Brown Jordan uses high-quality, corrosion-resistant hardware that is often designed to be unobtrusive and blend in with the frame. The hardware should look and feel substantial, not flimsy. On lower-quality pieces, you might find cheap, standard-sized screws that are already showing signs of rust, or plastic parts that feel brittle. The quality of these small components reflects the overall commitment to durability that is a hallmark of the Brown anJordan brand.

Method 8: Look for Integrated Levelers on Feet

Many Brown Jordan pieces, especially tables and chairs, feature small, adjustable glides or levelers on the bottom of the feet. These are designed to protect the furniture and the surface it sits on, as well as to allow for minor adjustments to prevent wobbling on uneven ground. These glides are typically made of a durable nylon or plastic and are integrated cleanly into the design of the leg. The presence of these high-quality, purpose-built feet is another small detail that often separates authentic pieces from cheaper knock-offs, which may have simple plastic caps or no feet at all.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where Is the Label Typically Located on Brown Jordan Furniture?

The location of the label can vary by the age and style of the piece. Common places to look include:

• On a metal plaque welded to the back or underside of the frame.
• On a decal or sticker on the inside of a leg.
• Stamped directly into the aluminum frame, often on the bottom of the seat structure.
  Always check thoroughly, as they are often placed in discreet locations.

Are All Brown Jordan Pieces Marked?

While the vast majority of Brown Jordan furniture is marked in some way, it is possible for a label or decal to fall off over time, especially on older pieces that have lived outdoors for decades. In these cases, you must rely on other indicators like the quality of the welds, the material, the weight, and the specific design details to confirm authenticity.

How Can I Tell the Age of a Vintage Brown Jordan Piece?

Dating a vintage piece often involves design forensics. You can research the history of Brown Jordan’s collections online. For example, the iconic “Leisure” collection dates back to the late 1940s, while the “Tamiami” collection is from the early 1960s. The style of the logo on the label can also indicate the era, as it has evolved over the years.

Is It Worth Restoring an Old Brown Jordan Piece?

Absolutely. Because the frames are so well-made, Brown Jordan furniture is an excellent candidate for restoration. The pieces can be professionally sandblasted and powder-coated to look brand new. Straps and woven elements can also be replaced. Restoring a vintage set is a sustainable choice and allows you to customize the piece with modern colors and fabrics while preserving its timeless design.

Does Brown Jordan Only Make Metal Furniture?

While Brown Jordan is famous for its aluminum furniture, the brand has worked with a variety of materials throughout its history. They have collections that incorporate teak, cast resin, and their proprietary Resinweave synthetic wicker. However, their core identity is closely tied to their mastery of metal, and it remains the primary material in many of their most iconic designs.

Conclusion

Identifying authentic Brown Jordan outdoor furniture is a skill that combines careful observation with a bit of research. By examining the piece for official markings, assessing the quality of the materials and construction, and recognizing the signature design elements, you can confidently distinguish a genuine treasure from a fleeting imitation. This process ensures you are investing in a piece of lasting quality and timeless style.

Now that you know how to identify Brown Jordan outdoor furniture, you can appreciate the craftsmanship and design legacy that makes these pieces so special, ensuring they will be a source of pride and enjoyment for many years.