Where to Buy Outdoor Patio Furniture
Creating a comfortable and stylish outdoor space starts with the right patio furniture. Whether you’re setting up a relaxing backyard lounge, an al fresco dining area, or a cozy front porch, choosing quality outdoor furniture is key to both function and aesthetics. But with so many retailers and options available, the question many homeowners face is: where to buy outdoor patio furniture? From local stores and custom builders to national chains and online marketplaces, this guide covers the best places to find outdoor patio furniture that fits your budget, space, and style.
Determining Your Outdoor Furniture Needs
Before deciding where to buy, assess your specific needs. Consider the size and shape of your outdoor space, how you plan to use it, and what styles or materials best suit your environment. Are you furnishing a compact balcony, a sprawling patio, or a shaded garden nook? Will the furniture be used for dining, lounging, or entertaining?
Understanding your needs helps narrow your search and ensures you buy the right pieces. Think about:
- Seating capacity: how many people will typically use the space?
- Function: do you need dining tables, coffee tables, sectionals, or accent chairs?
- Durability: what type of weather will the furniture need to withstand?
- Storage: do you need stackable or foldable options for off-season storage?
Once you’ve outlined your priorities, you’re ready to begin exploring where to buy outdoor patio furniture.
Local Outdoor Furniture Retailers
Shopping local is a great way to see and feel furniture before you buy. Local outdoor furniture retailers often carry curated selections suited to your regional climate. You can test comfort, examine construction quality, and get personalized recommendations.
Additionally, local stores may offer white-glove delivery, assembly, and even design consultations. If supporting small businesses is important to you, shopping locally helps your community economy and can lead to more responsive customer service.
Be sure to check for seasonal sales or clearance events, especially during late summer or early fall when outdoor furniture is often discounted.
Specialty Outdoor Living Stores
Specialty retailers that focus solely on outdoor living tend to offer high-quality, durable pieces designed specifically for year-round use. These stores often carry reputable brands known for craftsmanship and weather resistance.
Expect a wide selection of materials—like teak, aluminum, resin wicker, and poly lumber—as well as outdoor fabrics like Sunbrella that resist fading and mildew. Many of these stores also carry accessories like fire pits, umbrellas, and outdoor rugs that enhance your space.
Specialty stores may also offer custom furniture ordering, allowing you to choose colors, finishes, and fabrics that align with your personal style and outdoor aesthetic.
Big Box Retailers and National Chains
Major retailers such as Lowe’s, Home Depot, Target, and Walmart provide affordable and convenient options for outdoor furniture. Their offerings typically include seasonal collections that range from budget-friendly sets to more durable mid-range options.
While the quality may not always rival specialty retailers, these stores offer convenience, in-store pickup, and accessible customer service. Additionally, their frequent promotions and bundled deals make it easy to furnish an entire patio on a budget.
If you need furniture quickly or are furnishing a secondary outdoor space like a rental property, national chains are often the most practical choice.
Online Furniture Marketplaces
Buying patio furniture online opens the door to endless variety and styles. Online retailers like Wayfair, Overstock, Amazon, and Hayneedle offer thousands of options in every size, color, and configuration imaginable.
Shopping online is ideal for comparing prices, reading customer reviews, and finding unique or trendy pieces. Many retailers offer free shipping and easy returns, although it’s important to check return policies and assembly requirements.
Be sure to look closely at product descriptions, weight limits, dimensions, and material details to ensure you’re getting quality furniture that meets your expectations.
Custom Furniture Makers and Artisans
If you’re looking for something unique, handcrafted, or built to last a lifetime, consider working with a custom outdoor furniture maker. These artisans can create personalized pieces that fit your exact space, aesthetic, and comfort preferences.
Custom furniture can be built from high-grade materials like cedar, teak, or poly lumber, which are known for their longevity and low maintenance. It’s also an excellent way to ensure you’re getting sustainably sourced materials and supporting small-scale craftsmanship.
In regions like Northeast Ohio, companies such as Hartville Outdoor Products offer a wide selection of handcrafted outdoor furniture made with Amish craftsmanship and attention to detail. They provide delivery across Ohio and surrounding areas, ensuring your custom-built furniture arrives in perfect condition.
Outdoor Furniture at Garden Centers and Nurseries
Some larger garden centers and nurseries carry high-quality outdoor furniture that complements their landscaping products. These retailers often feature furniture that blends naturally with gardens and patios, emphasizing wood, wicker, and earth-tone materials.
Because they cater to outdoor enthusiasts, these stores may offer collections designed for durability and ease of maintenance. Plus, you may find unique decorative accessories, planters, and patio lighting that aren’t available at big box stores.
Shopping at a nursery or garden center can help you envision your furniture in a lush, real-world setting—ideal if you’re designing a cohesive backyard environment.
Recycled and Eco-Friendly Furniture Options
As environmental awareness grows, more retailers are offering eco-friendly outdoor furniture made from recycled materials. Poly lumber furniture, made from recycled plastics, is durable, low-maintenance, and highly resistant to weather.
Companies like Polywood, Breezesta, and Berlin Gardens offer a variety of outdoor dining sets, Adirondack chairs, benches, and more—all crafted from recycled plastics. These pieces come in a wide range of colors and styles, and they often carry long warranties.
Eco-friendly furniture can be purchased from online retailers, specialty stores, or local dealers that carry sustainable brands.
Buying Furniture in Off-Seasons
If you’re wondering when to buy outdoor patio furniture for the best deal, aim for the end of summer through early fall. Many retailers offer clearance pricing to make room for indoor seasonal items, allowing you to score high-quality pieces at reduced prices.
While selection may be more limited, patient shoppers can find great value on display models or overstock items. Shopping during off-seasons also gives you time to plan your outdoor layout before spring arrives.
What to Look for in a Retailer
When deciding where to buy outdoor patio furniture, consider the following factors:
- Product quality: Look for materials and construction built to withstand your climate.
- Warranty and support: Reputable retailers back their products with clear warranties and customer service.
- Customization options: Some stores allow you to choose fabric colors, frame finishes, and sizes.
- Delivery and setup: Ask about shipping fees, delivery times, and in-home setup availability.
- Customer reviews: Read feedback from others to gauge product durability and retailer reliability.
Conclusion
Finding the right place to buy outdoor patio furniture depends on your budget, style, and how you plan to use your outdoor space. Whether you prefer browsing local shops, exploring national retailers, or ordering from custom builders like Hartville Outdoor Products, there are options to suit every lifestyle. By taking the time to understand your needs and evaluate your choices, you can invest in patio furniture that transforms your outdoor area into a beautiful and functional extension of your home.