Tough, durable and surprisingly sculptural, concrete makes the ideal material for contemporary outdoor furniture.

McDonalds have partnered with Italian furniture brand Alias and designer Patrick Norguet to develop a line of outdoor furniture for its restaurants. The range features different tables of mixed dimensions and ergonomic seating made from sheet steel and cement.

Each piece from Domitalia's 2014 Urban Collection is set in a sturdy cast concrete base, while stems and surfaces are made from anthracite or white lacquered metal, MDF or HPL. The extensive collection includes a coat rack, bookshelf, lamp, tables, chairs and a screen. Domitalia explain that the collection is a celebration of concrete – a material that is ordinarily considered unsightly: "We have uncovered the material and highlighted all its hues, its inconsistencies and its splendid imperfections."

The Concrete Things chair by Nola features a simple geometric grid pattern inspired by the humble sidewalk.

Made from concrete canvas, a material embedded with concrete, the Stitching Concrete stools by Florian Schmid are made by folding and stitching the canvas into shape before drenching it in water and letting it harden.

Impervious to rain and wind, the Table_One Bistro by Herman Miller has a concrete base that ensures that it won’t tip over in a strong breeze. The anodized aluminum frame and square or round high-pressure laminate top are black while the concrete base has a transparent coating.