Outdoor furniture can transform your patio, deck, or backyard into a comfortable oasis for relaxation and entertaining. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to decide where to purchase quality outdoor furniture that suits your style, space, and budget. This guide will walk you through the best places to buy outdoor furniture and what to consider when making your purchase.
Local Furniture Stores
Visiting local furniture stores is a great way to see outdoor furniture selections in person before you buy. Many dedicated furniture stores have expansive outdoor departments and displays that allow you to test out furniture for comfort, visualize arrangements, and get a feel for construction and materials. Stores often carry major brands as well as their own exclusive lines.
Benefits of shopping local furniture stores include:
- Immediately see and try furniture in real life.
- Talk to knowledgeable sales associates for recommendations.
- Avoid shipping costs and delays.
- Easy to make returns or exchanges.
- Get guidance on measurements and layout.
Things to keep in mind when visiting local stores:
- Selection may be limited compared to online retailers.
- Higher prices compared to online-only brands.
- Pressure from salespeople to make a purchase.
Big Box Retailers
Major big box stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s, Costco and Walmart also carry outdoor furniture collections. As mass retailers, they aim for broad appeal with budget-friendly prices. Brand selection emphasizes value over luxury.
Benefits of big box outdoor furniture:
- Inexpensive pricing, frequent sales and markdowns.
- Convenient one-stop shopping for patio accessories.
- Immediate in-store pickup or fast home delivery.
Downsides to consider:
- Cookie-cutter designs without custom options.
- Cheap quality that lacks durability.
- Limited availability of replacement parts.
- Poor customer service.
Online Outdoor Furniture Companies
Shopping online opens up a huge selection of outdoor furniture from national retailers, direct-to-consumer brands, and independent artisans. Online shopping makes it easy to filter by style, material and price to hone in on the perfect set.
Look for these benefits when buying outdoor furniture online:
- Huge selection of styles and customization options.
- Direct pricing from manufacturers cuts out retailer markup.
- Convenient home delivery.
- Easy to compare between brands by reviews and specs.
- Great return policies make it risk-free.
Keep these potential disadvantages in mind:
- No ability to see and test furniture before purchasing.
- Extra charges for shipping and delivery.
- Assembly is required for most online purchases.
- Delayed shipping and damage risks.
Top online retailers for outdoor furniture include:
- Wayfair: Massive selection across styles with competitive pricing.
- Overstock: Reliable discount retailer with a huge patio section.
- Amazon: Find major brands along with inexpensive Amazon-only sets.
- Walmart: The retail giant offers online-only outdoor furniture.
- Lowe’s: Major home improvement store with an extensive outdoor shop.
In addition, many direct-to-consumer brands like Outer, Yardbird and Ledge Lounger sell high-quality sets directly through their own ecommerce sites. This allows you to buy right from the manufacturer.
Outdoor Furniture Considerations
Once you’ve determined the best places to buy for your needs, keep these important factors in mind as you shop:
Types of Materials
Outdoor furniture comes in a variety of materials with different qualities:
- Wood: Teak, eucalyptus, shorea, and acacia are naturally weather-resistant woods ideal for outdoor use. Look for sustainable forestry sourcing.
- Wicker: Hand-woven from synthetic resin or natural rattan for an airy texture. All-weather wicker resists fading and mildew.
- Metal: Wrought iron, aluminum, and steel are durable, supportive materials for outdoor furniture. Look for powder-coated finishes to prevent rusting.
- Plastic: Affordable, low-maintenance plastic like HDPE poly lumber and recycled milk jugs are gaining popularity for their durability, custom colors and imperviousness to weather.
Style Preferences
Select furniture that fits your preferred aesthetic style:
- Modern: Contemporary designs in bold colors and minimalist silhouettes. Metal and plastic are common.
- Rustic: Weathered, distressed wood textures for an earthy feel. Often incorporates natural stone.
- Classic: Traditional shapes and carved details for an elegant and timeless look. Teak and wicker materials.
- Eclectic: A vibrant mix of whimsical patterns, textures and colors. Great for boho patios.
Weather Resistance
Look for outdoor-rated construction that can withstand sun, rain, snow and moisture:
- Stainless steel hardware: Prevents rusting.
- UV-resistant fabrics: Block fading from sun exposure.
- Waterproof barriers: Seal out rain and spills from rattan and cushions.
- Powder-coated paints/stains: Prevent chipping and corrosion.
Size and Arrangements
Measure your space and map out an optimal layout for circulation and conversation areas before purchasing. Outdoor sets typically include a sofa or loveseat, armchairs, a coffee table, side tables and ottomans. Make sure items fit together well and suit your intended function.
Cushions
Outdoor cushions should have:
- Fade-resistant fabrics: Look for solution-dyed acrylics and olefin blends.
- Waterproof liners: PE or PP water-barrier backing prevents mildew.
- Durable fill: High-density foam, synthetic down or quilted fiberfill suitable for outdoor use.
- Ties: Secure ties keep cushions from blowing away in wind.
- Washable covers: Removable covers allow machine washing to keep cushions fresh.
Assembly and Maintenance
Keep these tips in mind for ongoing care:
- Self-assemble: Less expensive to ship unassembled but requires work to put together.
- Weatherproof: Use furniture covers, sealants and storage pads to protect from elements when not in use.
- Clean regularly: Wash fabric cushions, hose down synthetic wicker and touch up nicks in wood.
- Replacement parts: Save hardware and order replacements for damage to extend lifespan.
Where to Buy Quality Outdoor Furniture
The ideal outdoor furniture selection will hold up for years while enhancing your living space and providing comfort. With so many retailers to choose from, take time to evaluate quality construction, materials, comfort and style when investing in new outdoor furniture. Visit local stores to experience sets in person, order online for ultimate selection and convenience, or look to big box retailers for budget-friendly deals. No matter where you decide to buy outdoor furniture, take proper measurements and read reviews to ensure your purchase is optimized for lasting enjoyment.