Our Heritage

1954

Founding Tropitone Mr. Burt M. Baker, a retired Lockheed Aircraft engineer and executive at Grand Rapids Chair Co., moves to Sarasota, FL, and bought the Sarasota Redwood Furniture Company. He creates the Tropitone Furniture Company and the Tropitone® brand to serve the contract market, including hotels, motels, clubs and resorts with high performing outdoor patio furniture.

1960s

Revolutionizing Outdoor Furniture Quickly breaking away from traditional wood furniture, Tropitone® introduces powder coated aluminum finishes to the industry. Utilizing a multi-step wash process that ensures a lasting finish, Tropitone’s aluminum frames last longer under any environmental conditions. Finishes are offered in an ever-increasing palette of colors, styles, and textures ranging from sleek contemporary metallic to a charming antique patina. Tropitone also pioneers the technique of double-wrapping vinyl straps around the powder coated aluminum frame for extra durability. This technique continues today.

1970

California, Here We Come Tropitone Furniture Co., Inc. establishes operations in Irvine, CA, to serve the ever-growing demand for outdoor patio furniture in the western USA. This western base houses a full-service manufacturing facility and eventually becomes corporate headquarters. This move provides a bi-coastal manufacturing advantage and close proximity to North American customers that is crucial to respond quickly to ever-changing marketplace conditions.

1980s

Comfort is Key Cushion and sling seating are released. Available in several patterns and colors, Tropitone cushion seating is key to creating a comfortable entertaining space. Tropitone sling seating is the perfect combination of clean lines, designer fabrics and carefree maintenance. Sling seating provides a sleek, modern profile, without compromising the comfort of lush fabric seating. Tropitone sling and cushion seating options enhance any outdoor living space and will withstand the elements – season after season.

1990s

Superior Design for Seating and Umbrellas Basta Sole® Umbrellas and EZ Span brands are introduced. Basta Sole® patio and market umbrellas and cabanas deliver superior design and enduring value for both commercial and residential outdoor spaces. Available in a variety of shapes and colors, Basta Sole® Umbrellas provide shade and shelter to treasured friends and guests and have established an envied reputation for elegant details and masterful construction. Tropitone® EZ Span strap segments have the durability of the classic vinyl straps but take style, comfort and maintainability to a higher plane. EZ Span segments feature a ribbon or wave design, which brings vibrancy to the classic look, a wide surface area for greater comfort, and are a breeze to maintain.

2000s

Traditional Style with Modern Convenience TropiKane® woven furniture and RELAXplus® cushion seating are created. TropiKane® woven furniture offers a traditional style with modern materials. Replicating traditional rattan or wicker patio furniture, TropiKane® woven furniture utilizes man-made materials to ensure durability and will stand the test of time. RELAXplus® cushions bring enhanced comfort to chairs, chaise lounges, and sofas. Outdoor cushions now offer a construction comparable to the most comfortable and durable cushions used for indoor furniture, but utilizing materials specifically designed for the demands of the outdoors.

2012

Enjoy Outdoors The URComfort® seat adjustment system is launched. Utilizing multiple pivot points to allow articulated movement of both back and seat, URComfort® seating pieces can be adapted to any body size and weight with a simple adjustment of a single knob on each side of the seat. URComfort® seating is the first outdoor seating to be endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association (ACA). Tropitone launches a line of fire products to keep outdoor spaces warm year round. Fire pits and tables allow friends and guests to cook dinner, keep drinks cool, or share stories for years to come.

2013

High Quality Furniture on a Budget Tropitone® Valora outdoor patio furniture is designed to deliver long-lasting performance and affordable style in a variety of outdoor environments for both residential and commercial users. Constructed using an assortment of materials that complement a wide range of outdoor spaces, Valora patio furniture is made to fit within the constraints of tight budgets.

2014

Celebrating 60 Years Tropitone Furniture Co., Inc. joins the Brown Jordan International portfolio.