Traverse Garden Collection

HAY Traverse Garden Collection

The HAY Traverse garden collection combines lightweight aluminium frames with slatted heat-treated ash to create outdoor furniture that develops character through use and exposure. Designed by Erwan Bouroullec, the range includes dining chairs, armchairs, benches, tables, stools, lounge chairs and coordinated outdoor sets.

Introduced in 2025, Traverse has been designed to sit naturally in different landscapes. Its restrained structure works in compact urban gardens, paved courtyards, terraces and larger country settings without relying on heavy visual forms.

Contemporary outdoor furniture by Erwan Bouroullec

Erwan Bouroullec designed Traverse as a complete family of outdoor furniture rather than a group of unrelated pieces. Dining, lounge and occasional furniture share the same clear structural language, allowing different areas of a garden to feel connected.

The contrast between the aluminium frame and timber slats gives the collection its character. Aluminium provides a stable exterior structure, while heat-treated ash introduces warmth, visible grain and a surface that changes naturally over time.

Traverse belongs to the wider HAY garden furniture collection, alongside Palissade, Palissade Cord and Crate.

Heat-treated ash and natural weathering

The timber used across Traverse has been heat treated to improve its suitability for exterior use. The treatment changes the properties of the wood without removing its natural grain and variation.

When exposed to sunlight and weather, the ash will gradually patinate. Its original tone may develop towards a softer grey appearance. This change is a normal feature of outdoor timber rather than necessarily an indication of damage.

The rate and consistency of weathering will depend on the furniture’s position. Areas exposed to direct sunlight and rain may change faster than surfaces under cover. Objects left on the timber for long periods can also produce uneven colour development.

Customers who prefer a more consistent appearance should follow HAY’s care and maintenance instructions closely and protect the furniture during extended periods when it is not being used.

Traverse dining chairs and armchairs

Traverse dining chairs use closely spaced ash slats across the seat and back, supported by a die-cast aluminium frame. Their open construction allows rainwater to pass through and gives the chair a visually light profile.

A dining armchair provides additional side support and a more enclosed sitting position. Chairs without arms may fit more efficiently around a table, particularly where space is limited or several seats are required.

When selecting dining chairs, consider the table width and the space available between its legs. The number of chairs shown in a styled photograph may not reflect how many can be used comfortably in your setting.

Optional cushions can add softness to selected chairs. Check that each cushion is designed for the exact Traverse model, as dining chairs, armchairs and lounge pieces have different proportions.

Traverse benches

The collection includes dining benches, dining benches with arms and lower lounge benches. Each serves a different type of outdoor seating.

A dining bench can provide flexible places along a rectangular table and is useful when the number of guests changes. A version with arms creates a more defined seat and offers additional support at either end.

The Traverse lounge bench has a lower, more relaxed position intended for conversation and informal sitting. It can be paired with lounge chairs and an occasional table to form a separate relaxation area.

Benches can also be used independently against a wall, beside planting or at the edge of a terrace. Ensure the surface beneath the furniture is level and stable.

Traverse garden tables

Traverse tables are designed to coordinate with the dining chairs, armchairs and benches. The repeated slatted timber surfaces connect the furniture visually, while the aluminium frames provide a consistent base.

Choose a table according to everyday use rather than occasional maximum capacity. A table that leaves enough circulation space will be more comfortable than one that fills the entire terrace.

Allow chairs and benches to move away from the table without meeting walls, planters or steps. People should also be able to walk behind occupied seating where it forms part of a regular route.

Use coasters or protective mats beneath damp, coloured or hot items where recommended. Do not leave wet textiles, tablecloths or plant pots in one place for extended periods, as they can affect the way the timber weathers.

Traverse lounge furniture

Traverse lounge chairs and benches have lower proportions than the dining furniture, supporting a more relaxed sitting position. Their timber slats retain the collection’s open construction, while optional cushions provide additional softness.

A lounge chair can create a useful reading place in a small garden or balcony. Two chairs with a compact table form a conversational arrangement, while a lounge bench adds capacity without requiring several separate seats.

Consider the direction of sunlight and prevailing wind when positioning lounge furniture. Some shade may make the area more useful throughout the day, while portable lighting can extend its use into the evening.

Browse outdoor portable lights for rechargeable illumination that can be moved between lounge and dining settings.

Traverse garden furniture sets

The collection includes curated dining, picnic and patio configurations. These sets combine compatible Traverse furniture, helping establish a coordinated outdoor area without selecting every component separately.

Small, medium and large dining sets suit different garden sizes and seating requirements. Picnic sets use benches to create a more informal arrangement, while patio sets can combine seating types for dining and relaxation.

Review the exact products and quantities included in each listing. Cushions, lighting and decorative accessories shown in styled images may be sold separately unless specifically listed as part of the set.

Browse the wider collection of designer garden furniture sets to compare Traverse with other outdoor ranges.

Traverse cushions

Fitted cushions are available for selected Traverse armchairs, dining benches, lounge chairs, lounge benches and stools. Both smaller seat cushions and fuller designs may be offered depending on the furniture model.

A full cushion covers more of the seating surface and backrest, while a smaller cushion provides targeted softness without concealing as much of the timber.

Outdoor cushions should be brought indoors during wet weather and stored in a dry, ventilated place. Water-resistant or water-repellent fabric should not be treated as completely waterproof.

Check the colour, dimensions and furniture compatibility before ordering. A cushion intended for a dining bench may not fit a lounge bench even when their widths appear similar.

Caring for HAY Traverse furniture

Clean aluminium and timber using the methods stated in the product instructions. Remove dirt, food, sun cream, tree sap and bird droppings promptly before they affect the finish.

Avoid abrasive pads and aggressive chemicals unless specifically approved. Lift the furniture when moving it rather than dragging the legs across paving or decking.

The timber should be allowed to dry and should not remain in standing water. Position the furniture on a stable, well-drained surface, and avoid trapping moisture beneath objects or covers.

Dry, ventilated winter storage offers the greatest protection during prolonged severe weather. If the furniture is covered, it should be clean and dry first, with enough airflow to reduce condensation.

Comparing Traverse with other HAY collections

Traverse combines aluminium and heat-treated ash, giving it a warmer material expression than all-metal Palissade. Browse HAY Palissade garden furniture if you prefer a powder-coated or galvanised steel collection with a more architectural appearance.

The HAY Crate garden furniture collection uses broader solid-pine slats and is based on Gerrit Rietveld’s 1934 design. Traverse has a lighter frame and a more refined contrast between timber and metal.

Explore the complete HAY collection for indoor furniture, lighting, accessories and the brand’s full approach to contemporary design.

With dining, lounge and bench seating designed as one family, HAY Traverse provides a flexible foundation for outdoor spaces while allowing its natural timber surfaces to develop character over time.