How To Shop For Patio Furniture
Before you start shopping for your next outdoor furniture set, consider these factors:
Price: Consider the price range best suited to your budget and choose retailers that cater to that range. For example, retailers like Amazon and Home Depot are better suited to those with smaller budgets than Crate and Barrel or Pottery Barn.
Think about the space you are furnishing and decide how many pieces you want to purchase; for $600 you could buy an entire patio set from Lowe’s or a single table from Pottery Barn. You can mix and match from different retailers, investing in key pieces, like a sofa or chaise lounge, and saving on chairs or accent tables. “The range of pricing can vary widely,” says Patrick Foley, owner of The Southern Company, which provides expert patio furniture repair services. “A decent set may sell for $2500 to $3500. Other sets can range from $15,000 to $30,000 and up, depending on the style and manufacture.”
Consider additional costs, like shipping fees or protection plans, when purchasing new patio furniture because they may impact your choice of retailer. For example, Houzz offers free shipping on all orders over $49, so you may be able to spend more on the actual furniture because you don’t have to pay for shipping.
Weather Resistance: Depending on the climate where you live, weather resistance may be a key factor to consider in choosing patio furniture.
“Weather is always a factor, mostly the sun,” explains Foley “Most of the materials are UV protected and will last many years with a little care.” Look for pieces that are designed to withstand the elements; if your patio is exposed to rain, sun, or extreme temperatures, choose patio furniture that won’t rust or fade.
The materials patio furniture is made from are vital to its durability in the face of weather. If you live in a location where you are likely to experience inclement weather, consider aluminum furniture, which is rust-resistant and can withstand the force of wind. Natural materials, like teak and acacia wood, are durable and will hold up in the face of changing weather conditions with proper care. Many types of wood need to be treated with oils a few times per year, but the trade-off is long-lasting, high-quality patio furniture.
If you like in a climate that experiences extreme heat or heavy snowfall, you may want to consider investing in outdoor furniture covers to protect your investment from weather damage.
Warranty: Before making your purchase, check if your preferred retailer or manufacturer offers warranty coverage or any guarantee to ensure your investment is protected. Some retailers, like Home Depot, sell products that come with a three-year warranty, while many other retailers don’t provide warranty coverage outside of their return windows.
Several retailers, like Wayfair, Target, and Houzz, offer shoppers the option to purchase protection at an additional cost. While the downside of this is an added expense, the advantage of opting for these protection plans is that they typically cover accidental damage, like stains or tears, whereas even the most comprehensive manufacturer’s warranties only cover defects in manufacturing. If your preferred patio furniture does come with a warranty, be sure to read the terms carefully before making your purchase.
Interestingly, it is often the more expensive retailers, like Pottery Barn and Crate and Barrel, that offer no warranty or options for additional protection.
Delivery and Assembly: In choosing a patio furniture retailer, consider which delivery and assembly services they offer, especially if you prefer not to transport or assemble the furniture yourself. Delivery options typically range from in-store pickup or curbside pickup to full-service white glove delivery. Some retailers, like Wayfair, require you to select your preferred delivery method at checkout, while others, like Crate and Barrel, offer one flat rate fee that includes white-glove delivery. If you opt for doorstep delivery, consider how you will move your new patio furniture to its desired location, as pieces made from materials like wrought iron can be very heavy.
While some retailers, like Pottery Barn, deliver furniture fully assembled or assemble it for you upon delivery, the majority of patio furniture retailers, like Amazon and Wayfair, sell pieces that you’ll need to assemble yourself. Be sure to read the product description and specifications carefully to assess how much assembly is required.