Shanghai Brilliant offers this model with mesh fabric as the seat and back material. The table has a steel and glass top.

China suppliers are enhancing the aesthetics and durability of their aluminum bistro sets.

The chairs of some new models now include mosaics for added visual interest and strength. Marble, stained glass and colored tiles are used. Other chairs feature canvas in a variety of colors and patterns. These are meant to give the impression of beach products.

The latest tables incorporate marble or glass surfaces that are designed to coordinate with the aluminum parts. Pieces may come in a square, rectangular or circular construction.

Makers are also using a variety of methods to ensure that aluminum bistro sets remain impervious to the effects of rain and direct sunlight. These include calcination and hot-zinc plating. The latter is a special treatment applied primarily on products for outdoor use.

Further, up to four rust-prevention steps may be employed. Suppliers also use paint that has weather-resistant properties.

In addition, some companies are releasing products that have triangular frames. These are said to provide stability even after long exposure to the elements.

Among companies interviewed for this report, Zhejiang Jojoy Leisure Products Co. Ltd's new models feature stained glass or colored tiles arranged as a mosaic. These are incorporated in both tabletops and chair backs.

The company's production processes include four separate rust-prevention steps.

The chairs of the latest aluminum bistro sets from Zhejiang Sopop Industrial Co. Ltd are designed to resemble products for beach use. This is in line with the trend for enhanced appearance.

The company's chairs use canvas for seats and backs. The material is available in a range of patterns and designs, including striped and solid-colored versions. Further, these products may have frames that are colored to match the canvas theme.

Zhejiang Sopop's KTA3104+TGA1421 model includes six chairs that use green striped canvas for seats and backs. They have aluminum frames that are painted to match.

Shanghai Brilliant Outdoor & Travel Products Co. Ltd offers the BHT-C018+T002 model, which has four chairs with mesh fabric seats and backs. These allow folding for greater space-efficiency.

The company is now incorporating triangular frames in sets for lasting stability.

To increase visual interest, many China suppliers are moving away from tables made only of aluminum. Instead, materials such as marble, stainless steel and tempered glass are being used for tops.

Aluminum bistro sets from ZhejiangTianlong Tour Article Co. Ltd come with tables that have tempered glass tops. These may also be equipped with a second level for storing small items.

The company's chairs come in a variety of designs, including swiveling versions with round bases. Some sets also have ottomans.

Both tables and chairs from Zhejiang Tianlong Tour use powder coating as the coloring method.

Tables from Ningbo Top Green Enterprises Co. Ltd are available with a variety of top materials. The company's model TLE002 set includes an aluminum-frame table with a stainless steel top. It comes with two five-slat chairs. The TLF001-1, on the other hand, has a 5mm-thick glass tabletop, and four chairs with fabric seats and backs.

China suppliers are taking several steps to ensure product quality. At Yuyao Easun Industrial & Trade Co. Ltd, for example, all materials and outsourced components are checked upon delivery. Further, inspection occurs at every stage of the company's production processes. All output undergoes a variety of tests before packing.

While the majority of materials are procured from domestic suppliers, some bistro set makers use imported paint for high-end models.

The majority of China's suppliers of bistro sets are based in Zhejiang province. Most have annual exports exceeding $5 million. Eighty percent of models are for OEM, and 90 percent of output is shipped overseas.

In 2006, China's exports of bistro sets increased by 10 percent. Sales value, however, experienced a downturn. This was due mostly to the rising cost of raw materials.