Brown Jordan is a leading manufacturer of high-quality outdoor furniture and accessories. With origins dating back to 1944, Brown Jordan has been an innovator in outdoor furniture design for over 75 years. Their products are made to withstand the elements while also providing comfort and style. Knowing how to identify authentic Brown Jordan furniture is important to ensure you are purchasing genuine pieces to enjoy for years to come.

A Look at Brown Jordan’s History and Brand

Brown Jordan was founded in Pasadena, California by Robert Brown and Hubert Jordan in 1944. Their initial focus was on metal furniture, designing aluminum chairs and tables. In the 1960s, they pioneered the use of aluminum strapping in furniture construction which became a signature look.

Throughout the decades, Brown Jordan has partnered with world-renowned designers such as Richard Frinier, Claude and Francois, to create stylish collections for both residential and commercial settings. Some of their most iconic collections include the Classics, Minimalist, and Steelwood lines.

Brown Jordan has always been on the forefront of innovation. They were the first to use materials like resin wicker, woven fiberglass, and teak. Their patented powder-coating process changed the outdoor furniture industry. In recent years, Brown Jordan invested in technologies like hydrolysis finish systems and antimicrobial treatments to keep materials looking good and help resist mold and mildew.

Today, Brown Jordan is synonymous with quality. Their furniture has graced luxury hotels, resorts, restaurants and high-end residential spaces. Every piece is built to look beautiful while standing up to the outdoor elements year after year. They operate manufacturing facilities in both California and Mississippi to design and produce their extensive product line.

Evaluating Workmanship and Construction

One of the hallmarks of Brown Jordan furniture is its meticulous craftsmanship and durable construction. There are several things to inspect to determine if a piece exhibits Brown Jordan’s exceptional workmanship:

Hardware – Brown Jordan uses high-quality hardware including fasteners, bolts, screws and strapping made of stainless steel, brass and aluminum. Check that all hardware matches and has a uniform finish.
Welds and Joints – Examine all the connection points and welds. Brown Jordan’s welds are clean with smooth finishes.
Fit and Finish – Look for tight seams, smooth surfaces and uniform edges. Pieces should fit neatly and align properly without gaps.
Weight and Balance – Quality materials lend a comfortable heft. Pick the piece up and see that it feels substantial without being unwieldy. It should be well-balanced.
Feet and Glides – Brown Jordan uses levelers, pads and glides to allow pieces to sit solidly on uneven surfaces. High-quality glides will have rubber or felt pads.
Upholstery – Inspect fabric, stitching and cushion fill. Brown Jordan uses premium materials like Sunbrella® fabrics, quick-dry foam and fiberfill.

Paying attention to these construction details will help confirm that a piece was built to Brown Jordan’s meticulous quality standards. Lesser quality workmanship is a sign it may not be authentic.

Recognizing Signature Styles and Designs

Over its history, Brown Jordan has pioneered some iconic styles that have become synonymous with the brand. Being able to identify these signature designs is a key to spotting authentic pieces. Some of Brown Jordan’s most recognizable designs include:

Aluminum Strap Furniture

Brown Jordan introduced aluminum strap furniture in the 1960s and it became one of their most iconic looks. It features thin strips of aluminum woven together to form chair seats and backs or table tops. This versatile material creates furniture that conforms to the body. The lightweight aluminum holds up against sun, salt and chlorine. Brown Jordan still uses high-quality marine-grade aluminum in their strap collections.

Cast Aluminum Furniture

Cast aluminum furniture first appeared in Brown Jordan’s collections in the 1950s. Fluid lines and molded seats and backs characterize this style. Cast aluminum starts as a liquid form that is poured into molds and hardens. This allows for flowing organic shapes and detailing. Brown Jordan caster furniture has a modern sculptural look along with durability.

Teak Furniture

Brown Jordan was one of the first companies to use teak wood for outdoor furniture in the 1950s. The rich brown color, beautiful grain and natural weather resistance of teak wood make it ideal for outdoor use. Look for high-quality teak with mortise and tenon joinery in Brown Jordan pieces. Their teak furniture spans traditional to contemporary looks.

Resin Wicker Furniture

In the 1980s, Brown Jordan pioneered the use of resin wicker. They developed a proprietary synthetic wicker material called Elan® that had more durability and color options than natural wicker. Intricately woven resin wicker became a signature look for Brown Jordan patio furniture. It captured the aesthetic appeal of natural wicker while being resistant to cracking and fading.

Modular and Custom Designs

Brown Jordan has always tailored pieces to suit customer needs. Many of their collections feature modular components so customers can customize configurations. The company also offers made-to-order custom furniture to meet specific requirements. Their in-house design team can customize existing styles or create new concepts.

Being able to recognize Brown Jordan’s major design innovations will help you identify authentic pieces from imitations. Each era in their history brought new forms and uses of materials to enrich the outdoor furniture market.

Checking Labels, Logos and Brand Marks

Authentic Brown Jordan outdoor furniture will have distinctive logos, labels and markings that can verify it is an original piece. Always look for and inspect these types of Brown Jordan identifiers:

Brown Jordan Logo

This logo has changed subtly over the decades but always includes the name Brown Jordan in a simple serif font and a dotted line underneath. Older logos may say “Brown Jordan Co.” while newer ones just say “Brown Jordan”. The logo is printed on adhesive labels applied to furniture pieces.

Brown Jordan Brand Marks

In addition to paper labels, Brown Jordan stamps brand marks directly into some furniture pieces. These can be found stamped on cast aluminum parts or teak table slats. The mark will say “Brown Jordan” in simple block lettering.

Manufacturing Location

Brown Jordan operates facilities in California and Mississippi. Authentic furniture will have a label or stamp indicating the manufacturing location such as “Brown Jordan – California” or “Brown Jordan – Mississippi”.

Patent Numbers

Some unique Brown Jordan designs may be patented. Look for patent numbers stamped into furniture pieces like tables or chair frames. Having an assigned patent number is a sign of an original design.

Date Stamps

Brown Jordan often stamps a date code into their furniture pieces. This usually indicates the year the item was manufactured. The date code will be subtle, often stamped on an interior surface or underneath.

Collector and Artist Marks

For certain high-end collections, Brown Jordan includes special marks noting the designer or collection name. This could be “Richard Frinier Collection” or “Claude & Francois” etched into a surface.

Inspecting for these logos, labels, and brand markings is key to validating that a furniture piece came from the Brown Jordan factory. Fakes are less likely to have accurate branding.

Spotting Common Red Flags

When shopping for Brown Jordan furniture, there are some red flags that can indicate a piece may not be authentic. Watch for:

Generic labels – Items labeled just “Outdoor Furniture” or with non-Brown Jordan branding may be counterfeit.
Inconsistent materials – Low-grade woods, plastics, fabric or hardware can indicate imitation not original.
Poor quality welds/joints – Messy welds with excess spillover or uneven gaps/misalignments are signs of inferior workmanship.
Faded logos – Genuine Brown Jordan pieces will have crisp, clear labels with complete un-faded text.
Missing or incorrect stamps – No manufacturing location, patent number or date stamps hints that proper branding protocols were not followed.
Wonky proportions – Items with proportions or shapes that are a bit “off” compared to true Brown Jordan style may not be authentic.
Low pricing – Authentic Brown Jordan commands a premium price. Deeply discounted items should raise suspicions.

While not definitive, these red flags should prompt you to perform extra due diligence to confirm legitimacy of the piece. An informed eye can spot the subtle clues to avoid buying counterfeit goods.

Asking Key Questions to Sellers

If purchasing pre-owned Brown Jordan furniture from an individual seller, you should ask some careful questions to gain insight on provenance. This can help sniff out any story that seems suspicious or inconsistent. Key questions include:

Where/when did you originally purchase this?
Do you have the original receipt or paperwork?
How long have you owned this piece?
What condition is the furniture in? Any repairs?
Has this been examined by Brown Jordan or another expert?
Are there any brand stamps/markings you can show me?
Why are you selling this now?

The responses can help ascertain if the seller has solid knowledge about the item’s background. Push for specifics on branding, purchase location, age, repairs, authenticity verification, etc. Lack of detail or overly vague stories are red flags.

Seeking Professional Authentication

For particularly valuable Brown Jordan furniture or uncertain pieces, consider seeking professional authentication before any purchase. Brown Jordan offers authentication services. Provide detailed photos and information, and their experts can provide an opinion on legitimacy. There are also independent authenticators who specialize in certain brands. Seek out someone experienced in verifying vintage and modern Brown Jordan specifically. This extra step protects against spending significant sums on counterfeit goods.

Shopping Brown Jordan Retailers You Can Trust

To eliminate doubts, your safest option is to shop directly from authorized Brown Jordan retailers. Stores like Design Within Reach, Neiman Marcus, and specialty outdoor furniture stores only stock items direct from the company. You can rest easy knowing these pieces came straight from Brown Jordan’s factory to the retailer. Many high-end stores can also provide ownership history and paperwork for resale pieces to verify authenticity. For peace of mind, a reputable retailer is hard to beat.

Maintaining Your Investment in Authentic Furniture

Once you’ve purchased genuine Brown Jordan furniture, it is important to care for it properly to keep it looking pristine. Here are some tips:

Follow all manufacturer care instructions for fabric, finishes and materials.
Wipe down furniture regularly and clean spills promptly to prevent stains.
Check and tighten hardware if needed to keep joints secure.
Inspect furniture for cracks or damage after extreme weather.
Consider purchasing Brown Jordan maintenance products tailored for your furniture materials.
Repair small nicks and scratches to protect wood and maintain finishes.
Provide proper winter storage for cushions, umbrellas and accessories.
Arrange to have a technician do deeper cleaning, restaining or repairs annually.

Proper care will help real Brown Jordan furniture last for decades looking like new. Don’t let an imitation piece disappoint down the road. By staying vigilant and doing your homework, you can identify authentic Brown Jordan furniture built to provide enduring quality and comfort.

How to Spot Genuine Brown Jordan Furniture

Investing in Brown Jordan outdoor furniture means buying a piece of furniture legacy. Their high-quality craftsmanship and innovative materials have made them an industry leader for over 75 years. However, with popularity comes imitators looking to cash in on the cachet of the Brown Jordan name. Here are some insider tips to avoid buying counterfeit goods and spot genuine Brown Jordan furniture.

Study Typical Brown Jordan Construction

Brown Jordan’s painstaking construction sets them apart from knock-offs. Examine these details:

Durable aluminum, teak, or hand-woven wicker
Mortise and tenon joinery in teak pieces
Marine-grade, powder-coated aluminum framing
Premium, quick-dry foam and fiberfill cushioning
Stainless steel and brass hardware

Lesser quality materials and workmanship are a red flag.

Know the Signature Styles

Get familiar with some of Brown Jordan’s most iconic collections:

Aluminum strap furniture – Woven strips form lightweight, flexible seating
Cast aluminum furniture – Molded, sculptural frames in modern shapes
Modular seating – Customizable sections fit together in configurations
Teak collections – Traditional and contemporary looks in weather-resistant teak
Resin wicker – Brown Jordan’s proprietary, all-weather Elan® wicker

Examine Brand Marks

Authentic Brown Jordan pieces will have:

Clear, crisp Brown Jordan logo on labels
Manufacturing location stamped on frame
Production date stamp (ex: Est. Pasadena 1950 or MI 2015)
Patent numbers on unique or patented designs

Evaluate Provenance

For pre-owned and vintage pieces, ask about ownership history. Push for purchase location and date information. Original paperwork helps confirm authenticity.

Seek Expert Authentication

For high value purchases, consider having Brown Jordan’s experts examine detailed photos and descriptions to provide an official opinion before buying.

Shop Reputable Retailers

Authorized dealers like Design Within Reach and specialty boutiques exclusively stock true Brown Jordan furniture straight from the source.

With close inspection and a critical eye, you can avoid overpaying for counterfeit goods. Seeking out authentic Brown Jordan furniture is the smart investment for design and quality that endures.

What to Look for When Buying Authentic Brown Jordan

Since 1944, Brown Jordan has been an innovator and leader in outdoor furniture and accessories. Their signature designs grace homes, hotels and restaurants worldwide. However, the high-profile Brown Jordan name also attracts counterfeiters looking to dupe buyers into overpaying for knock-offs. Here’s an insider’s guide to spotting authentic Brown Jordan furniture when making a purchase:

Construction and Materials

Brown Jordan uses premium quality materials assembled with meticulous workmanship, including:

Cast and extruded aluminum frames with powder coated finishes
Teak wood with mortise and tenon joinery
Custom-woven resin wicker in exclusive patterns and textures
Upholstery-grade Sunbrella® fabric
Quick-dry foam and hollow-core fibers for cushion filling
Hardware of solid brass, stainless steel and aluminum

Inspect furniture closely for top-grade materials and hand craftsmanship. Lower quality is a red flag.

Signature Design Elements

Certain looks have become quintessentially “Brown Jordan” over the decades:

Iconic strapping on chairs and chaise lounges made of colorful woven aluminum
Cast aluminum furniture with fluid, sculptural profiles
Contemporary modular seating with customizable configurations
Traditional collections crafted from substantial teak timber
Whimsical silhouettes and shapes from renowned designers

Study Brown Jordan collections to recognize authentic styles.

Brand Markings to Look For

Genuine Brown Jordan furniture will have:

Clear manufacturing origin – “Brown Jordan California” or “Brown Jordan Mississippi”
Unfaded Brown Jordan logo on adhesive labels or directly stamped
Production date code on interior frames – example “06/2015”
Patent numbers stamped on unique designs protected by law
Special edition marks ie “Richard Frinier Collection”

Documentation and Provenance

Ask for purchase receipts, invoices, appraisal paperwork or other documentation that confirms origin. For pre-owned pieces, inquire about ownership history.

Professional Authentication

For expensive purchases or uncertain items, many dealers can provide third-party authentication to eliminate doubts before money changes hands.

Knowing what makes Brown Jordan special allows you to identify authentic furniture worth the investment. With a discerning eye and care, you can furnish your surroundings with true iconic outdoor style.

Shopping for Genuine Brown Jordan Outdoor Furniture

When searching for durable, stylish outdoor furniture, Brown Jordan is a top choice among homeowners, hotels and restaurants. The company’s innovative, high-quality products have made it an industry leader for over seven decades. However, knock-offs and lookalikes abound in the secondary market. Here are tips for shopping savvy to identify genuine Brown Jordan furniture:

Learn Brown Jordan Hallmarks

Study signature characteristics that set Brown Jordan apart:

Cast aluminum with fluid, flowing lines
Iconic hand-woven aluminum strapping
Teak construction using mortise and tenon joinery
Custom resin wicker in exclusive weave styles
Modular systems allowing customized configurations
Partnerships with leading designers like Richard Frinier

Knowing unique Brown Jordan traits helps spot authentic items.

Examine Construction and Materials

Brown Jordan uses premium quality components:

Powder coated aluminum, anodized aluminum or marine-grade stainless steel
Grades A and B select teak with hand-rubbed finishes
Custom extruded, woven or cast aluminum pieces
Upholstery-grade Sunbrella® fabric and quick-dry cushion fill

Lesser materials hint that a piece may not be genuine.

Verify Brand Markings

Authentic Brown Jordan furniture features:

Brown Jordan logo on mylar adhesive labels
“Brown Jordan California” or “Brown Jordan Mississippi” stamps
Production date codes like “05/2021” stamped on interior frames
Patent numbers on protected designs
Markings like “Richard Frinier Collection” for certain editions

Review Provenance

For pre-owned items, ask for purchase location, date, receipts, appraisals or other ownership records. Unclear history raises doubts.

Seek Professional Authentication

Many dealers can provide third-party authentication services to eliminate uncertainty for valuable pieces.

With a trained eye and verified provenance, you can invest in open-air style knowing your Brown Jordan furniture is the real deal built to endure.

How to Spot Authentic Brown Jordan Outdoor Furniture

For over 75 years, Brown Jordan has been a leading innovator in outdoor furniture and accessories. But with popularity comes counterfeits looking to bank on Brown Jordan’s reputation. Here are insider tips for identifying genuine Brown Jordan furniture when shopping:

Examine the Materials

Brown Jordan uses premium quality components like:

Cast and extruded aluminum with powder coated

How to Identify Brown Jordan Outdoor Furniture