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The Spruce / Chloe Jeong
To enjoy warm those summer days and nights, consider creating a relaxing outdoor space with outdoor patio furniture that is comfortable, spacious, and fits your personal style. Shopping—especially online—can be confusing, though, since many retailers stock the same or similar pieces and full sets. "Companies like Wayfair, Joss and Main, and Overstock often have the same items, rotating through different sales and promotions all year long,” acknowledges Caron Woolsey, Founder and Principal Designer at CW Interiors. “A little bit of patience can be worth the wait in savings!"
After consulting with Woolsey, we researched the best places to shop and selected the best options based on their range of options, service provided, and return policy. And "best options" don’t always mean online only. "Don't overlook wholesale retailers!” Woolsey stresses. "There are times when your existing membership benefits include things like free shipping and delivery. Plus, cash-back options on different membership levels can be combined to create the lowest price and the highest convenience."
One of our favorite places to buy outdoor patio furniture is Wayfair. The retailer makes shopping online easy and has options at every price point. It’s truly a one-stop shop for all different kinds of styles of outdoor furniture.
Wayfair
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Huge selection
Orders over $35 ship free
Partners with hard-to-find brands
30-day return policy
Online only
Items need to be disassembled to return
Wayfair is among the most popular online shopping platforms for patio furniture sets, as well as dining sets, umbrellas, and patio bar furniture. It's known for its wide variety of options and range of price points, with plenty of items that appear high-end but cost less than you might believe. We suggest keeping an eye out for sales (especially at season end and on holiday weekends), as it's rare to pay full price on the site.
Wayfair also offers fast shipping on most items and gives you an estimated delivery date when you enter your zip code. It has a shopping assistance line if you have questions before buying, and of course, you can read through a lot of reviews that can help you make that final decision. If you're unhappy with your purchase, Wayfair has a 30-day return policy. Still, items need to be unassembled or disassembled, so be sure you intend to keep the item before you put it together (or keep the tools nearby). Overall, with so many options and conveniences readily available for shoppers, we recommend putting it high on your list of retailers.
Type: Dining sets, patio furniture, umbrellas︱Delivery: Varies by product, free on orders over $35︱Return policy: 30 days (unassembled or disassembled items only)︱Customer service options: Phone, Chat, Text
Amazon
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Wide range of choices
Lots of price points
Most products ship free
30-day return policy
No product knowledge assistance
It's nearly impossible to compile a list of retailers without mentioning Amazon. When it comes to outdoor furniture, in particular, it has many options from many different manufacturers at a wide range of price points. We like that you can search for anything on your outdoor furniture wishlist, from chairs to dining sets and patio umbrellas, and then add any necessary extras to your cart, like strings of lights, citronella candles, and sunscreen.
Amazon offers fast shipping on most items, especially for Prime customers, but be sure to check the estimated delivery date on each item. The return policy depends on the item's vendor but must qualify for a 30-day return if you are unhappy. Don’t expect a lot of one-on-one assistance when it comes to product care, but each item’s page has detailed product information that should tell you what you need to know—and always check the reviews from other customers.
Type: Dining sets, patio furniture︱Delivery: Vendor dependent︱Return policy: Vendor dependent but usually within 30 days︱Customer service options: Contact each vendor through an Amazon account
Article
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Costs less than many competitors
High-quality materials and construction
Mid-century design
In-room assembly service
Online only
Shipping charge for returns
Article has made a big push in the last few years with its focus on the mid-century style, and their prices seem more affordable compared with similar retailers of high-end modern furniture. When you head to the site, you’ll likely find a nice selection of outdoor furniture, from modern sectionals to outdoor daybeds. They are an online-only retailer with a fair return policy offered within 30 days of purchase for a small return shipping charge.
You can chat online, call them, or email them if you have any questions about products or placing an order. They offer free shipping on orders over $999, and you can select their $169 in-room and assembly service if you don’t want to be bothered with furniture assembly. You may not find as many customer reviews as some of the larger retailers, but we're generally impressed with the amount of information and photos available for each item.
Type: Dining sets, patio furniture, umbrellas︱Delivery: Estimated date based on zip code︱Return policy: 30 days; $19 to $49 shipping charge; product must be in original packaging; free exchanges︱Customer service options: Phone, live online chat, email
World Market
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Courtesy of World Market
Mix of classic and contemporary styles
Wide range of price points
Available online and in-store
60-day return window
Delivery fee
With over 240 locations around the U.S., you've maybe had a chance to browse World Market's original inventory in-person (if not, we highly recommend it). The retailer brings in products from all over the globe, with competitive price points with the larger chains, and the best part? Their outdoor selection is a great example. We appreciate the charming and chic aesthetic they curate and the wide range of price points.
Since they have IRL locations, you have more options for returns than you do with online-only options. Returns for most items are accepted for up to 60 days (as long as the item is in its original condition), and you can take items to the store or return them by mail, too.
Type: Dining sets, patio furniture, umbrellas︱Delivery: Estimated date based on zip code and shipping type︱Return policy: Within 60 days, item in original condition | Customer service options: Phone, email, in-store
IKEA
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Courtesy of IKEA
Affordable
Good product range
Great return policy
In-store experts
Curbside pickup for online purchase
Not all products delivered
Delivery fee
When looking for inexpensive, contemporary, and even cheerful options, IKEA should always come to mind. They have a mid-sized selection of dining sets, sofas, chairs, and outdoor umbrellas, all with basic designs and affordable prices. You can search for a range of pieces, from a small balcony-sized table and chair set to a large dining table, and you'll find that many pieces can work on their own or within a coordinated set.
You can also shop in-store, where you can see all of their products (and most likely end up picking up some additional items to create your backyard oasis). Click-and-collect, where you can shop online and pick up curbside, is available, too. If you're hoping for home delivery, they don’t offer it on all products and charge a fee. However, as long as there's a delivery or pick-up option that suits you, we think IKEA's products are always worth a browse.
Type: Dining sets, patio furniture, umbrellas︱Delivery: Click-and-collect pickup, shop in-store, ship to home (available only on certain products)︱Return policy: 365 days to return unopened items, 180 for opened items︱Customer service options: In-store experts, phone, chat
The Home Depot
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Carries trusted brand names
Can shop online or in-store
Lots of price points
90-day return policy
Helpful customer service
Highly seasonal inventory
Every year, The Home Depot offers a selection of outdoor furniture to choose from, both online and in-store. Depending on what you need for your area, you can shop for small and large dining tables and patio furniture, plus accessories such as grills, rugs, and pillows. They have a range of price-point options and a selection of leading brand names, including Hampton Bay and Polywood. But the selection is very seasonal, with more summer options than winter.
You can order through their website to ship to your home; most products offer free shipping. Not all options are available for pickup at one of their many stores, but if it is, you pay nothing for shipping. If the return policy is important to you, The Home Depot gives you a reasonable 90 days to change your mind and has a helpful customer service team available in-store and over the phone.
Type: Dining sets, patio furniture︱Delivery: Free on some items; in-store pick-up available︱Return policy: 90 days︱Customer service options: Live chat, email, phone, in-store experts
Pottery Barn
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Custom options available
High-quality materials
Responsibly made
30-day return policy
High price point
Non-refundable delivery fees
If you are looking to splurge on your outdoor furniture, this is a great option. Pottery Barn’s impressive patio furniture line teems with higher-end items, such as teak dining sets and mahogany materials, and products hold up well against the elements. They have pieces for all types of spaces, from small sets of chairs and tables to extra-large dining sets for large gatherings. They have a wide selection of products, and you can select from over 25 collections that give you a fresh look at outdoor relaxation.
Most options are made to order and take anywhere from 4 to 12+ weeks to ship, so plan ahead if you go this route. Also, made-to-order items are not available to return, whereas all other items can be returned within 30 days. Shipping charges vary depending on the item ordered.
Type: Dining sets, patio furniture, umbrellas︱Delivery: Stock product, 4-5 business days; custom made, 4-12+ weeks︱Return Policy: Made-to-order cannot be returned; 30-day returns for in-stock items; non-refundable delivery fees︱Customer service options: Free design chat online, in-store staff, phone
Neighbor
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Neighbor
Universally high-quality materials
Knowledgeable customer service team
Free shipping and easy returns
Sustainable practices
Free swatch kits available
Online only
Limited selection
Expensive
Neighbor is a brand specializing in high-quality teak outdoor furniture that is durable, modular, and modern. While it doesn’t have many options for patio seating or dining tables, the products have lots of positive reviews. They are backed by a knowledgeable and friendly customer service team that can walk you through the entire process.
Before buying, you can order a swatch kit to help you choose from Neighbor's Sunbrella fabric colors. If you’re around Phoenix, Arizona, where the brand is headquartered, you can also shop at their retail showroom. After your purchase, you’re covered by the brand's generous warranty and 45-day risk-free return policy.
Type: Lounge furniture, dining tables, modular, accessories︱Delivery: Free shipping on all orders︱Return Policy: 45 days︱Customer Service Options: Live chat, email, phone
Frontgate
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Frontgate
Huge selection of outdoor furniture
10-year warranty
Great customer service
Design blog has lots of inspiration and design tips
Shipping can be costly
Expensive
Frontgate is an online-first outdoor furniture brand with flagship stores in Texas and Georgia. Its focus is high-quality pieces made with the best materials and fabrics, and the brand backs up its products with a 10-year structural frame warranty. Frontgate offers a huge selection of furniture and other outdoor essentials and accessories, such as fire tables, outdoor decor, planters, pool accessories, and umbrellas. We like that the website offers plenty of outdoor living-related content and design inspiration to help design your space. If you're not quite sure what you want, a few minutes of browsing will likely help you come up with some great ideas. Some of Frontgate's products are pricier, but we have confidence in the quality (and noticed some promotions, too).
The Frontgate customer service team is dedicated to ensuring you are happy with your purchase; you can contact them via live chat, email, or phone. You can also return your item within 90 days of purchase, and Frontgate replaces defective items within 1 year of purchase.
Type: Patio furniture, outdoor decor, and accessories︱Delivery: Standard shipping fees based on cart totals, Truck and in-home delivery for larger items︱Return policy: 90 days︱Customer service options: Phone, live chat, email, in-store
Crate & Barrel
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Courtesy of Crate & Barrel
Stylish selection
Large collection of slipcovered patio furniture
Lots of variety, can customize purchase
Pricey
Somewhat limited return policy
Style reigns supreme with the timeless patio furniture collections available from Crate & Barrel. The always-chic home retailer brings the same level of elegance and quality to the great outdoors with a selection of patio furniture ranging from sleek patio chairs to sectionals and dining sets. Like some of our other favorites, you can visit Crate & Barrel online and in-store, at one of their 100 locations.
When perusing the patio furniture collections at Crate & Barrel, you’ll notice some familiar trends—mixed materials, muted color palettes, and modern designs are recurring themes. What makes this retailer stand out for patio furniture is its collection of upholstered patio furniture featuring the retailer's exclusive Sunbrella® material, which promises to stand up to the elements and resist stains. Of course, all this style and convenience don’t come cheap, and you will pay a premium price for these stylish pieces. Though, with the opportunity to customize many of them, you can create the patio set of your dreams.
Type: Patio furniture, outdoor decor, and accessories︱Delivery: Standard shipping fees based on cart total︱Return policy: Furniture in new condition within 30 days, no returns for customized orders︱Customer service options: Phone, live chat, text, in-store
Blu Dot
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Blu Dot
Well-made, highly durable furniture
Variety of price points
Award-winning modern design
Limited selection
Charge for returns
Shipping can be costly
Blu Dot is known for eye-catching modern designs and high-quality indoor and outdoor furniture. Its versatile outdoor patio furniture includes lounge seating, dining tables and chairs, and bar carts that can work inside and outside. Also, you can browse or buy from eight different outdoor collections, which can feature single pieces or entire sets. It's a favorite design enthusiast brand with a team of in-house designers working on new designs throughout the year. The service team is very helpful and has a lot of product knowledge.
They deliver, but heads-up that the white-glove delivery service can cost a couple of hundred dollars, depending on the item. Also, it doesn't offer free returns, instead charging 10 percent of the returned item’s cost, which can be hefty.
Type: Dining sets, patio furniture, outdoor seating︱Delivery: Shipping rates vary︱Return policy: 30 days with 10 percent return fee︱Customer service options: Email, phone, in-store
Target
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Courtesy of Target
Budget-friendly prices
Offers on-trend patio pieces
Target-exclusive brands
Seasonal inventory
If you want stylish patio furniture options at budget-friendly prices, check out Target’s collection of outdoor furniture. The retailer offers on-trend patio pieces, including a small bistro and conversation sets with cozy chairs and accent tables. Plus, you can find pieces that aren't available anywhere else, like Target-brand exclusives Threshold and Project 62. While the large variety and modest pricing have us thinking that there's something for almost everyone here, we especially want to call out Target for its transitional pieces that can work well for households that are still growing and acquiring furniture and housewares. In other words, if you consider yourself to be new to "adulting," their pieces are made for you.
Target’s return policy is 90 days, and with so many retail stores, you also have the convenience of in-store customer service and return options. One potential downside we want to mention is that, like many other large retailers, their selection is fairly seasonal.
Type: Dining sets, patio furniture, outdoor seating︱Delivery: In-store, pick-up, delivery, shipping︱Return policy: Most items accepted in new condition, within 90 days︱Customer service options: Phone, web, in-store
Lowe's
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Good range of price points
Can shop online or in-store
Good selection of materials
90-day return policy
Seasonal inventory
Lowe’s is a popular place to shop in-store and online for patio furniture, and their selection includes single pieces and full, coordinated sets. The Lowe’s in-house brand, Allen + Roth, has plenty of stylish options exclusive to the store, but you can also find brand-name furniture such as Polywood. As with many big-box stores, Lowe's offers more selections in the season than out, so you'll want to plan accordingly.
Lowe’s is a nationwide retailer, so you get the benefit of different options for shipping, plus a big customer service team. You can chat via the website, call, or visit a store for help with your product before or after you buy. And, free shipping is available for purchases over $45.
Type: Dining sets, patio furniture︱Delivery: Free on orders over $45, in-store pickup︱Return policy: 90 days, in-store or shipped︱Customer service options: Live chat, phone, in-store experts
What to Look For When Buying Outdoor Furniture
Range of Options
Shopping for any kind of furniture is easier when a single retailer has a wide variety of options. If you’re not sure what you’re looking for, shop at a place that has options at different price points and different styles, so you can get a sense of what's available. On the other hand, some shops have a limited selection based on style or material but offer more in other areas such as customer service and product support.
Delivery and Assembly
Furniture is a bulky item and usually carries expensive freight costs. Check how much it costs to deliver your outdoor patio furniture to your home. Also, make sure your purchase is easy to assemble and includes all the tools you need to assemble it. (Some retailers do not accept assembled items for return.) Check the reviews on specific items for a better idea of what other customers are saying.
Return Policy
It's possible that you're not always going to love your new outdoor furniture after it arrives in your home. To be more confident in your purchase, especially big-ticket items such as sofas, check whether the retailer offers fabric or material swatches to help you make the right buying decision. It’s wise to learn about the retailer’s return protocol before you buy; while many retailers offer generous return policies, such as more than 30 days and no fees, others may not. In addition to any return fee, you may be charged for shipping and a restocking fee. Finally, be sure you understand anything that may nullify the return policy. In summary: Read all the information before purchasing to know what to expect.
Customer Service Options
Not all large retailers have the ability to offer customer support about specific furniture items—especially if they sell a multitude of brands in one place. A retailer may not be able to answer questions about your furniture, such as how to clean or assemble it. Shopping at a small store is more likely to get you access to customer service and product experts who can walk you through any problems.
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What’s the best time to buy outdoor patio furniture?
"End of season sales are in full swing as soon as school begins," says Caron Woolsey, Founder and Principal Designer at CW Interiors. "This is the perfect time to splurge on the pieces that you just couldn't justify at full cost or the items that stay out in the elements all year long. So a high-quality version will last longer and save you from needing to renew year after year."
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What is the most durable material for outdoor patio furniture?
Durable materials for outdoor furniture include various metals, plastic, wood, and rattan. All outdoor furniture should be able to handle water from rain and spills without rusting. Fabric, pillows, and cushions are often made of fade- and mold-resistant acrylic, polyester, synthetic blends, cotton, and water-resistant vinyl. Waterproof fabric is common on sofa cushions but not required. If your item is not waterproof, check that it can dry quickly or is resistant to mold and mildew.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Deanna McCormack, a freelance writer, and product reviewer who has contributed to The Spruce since 2017. While researching the best places to buy outdoor furniture, we consulted with Caron Woolsey, Founder and Principal Designer at CW Interiors, and looked over the many online and brick-and-mortar retailers. We prioritized retailers with good return policies, free shipping, and a wide range of options.
Dena Ogden, commerce writer at The Spruce, updated this piece and contributed additional research. She’s been writing professionally since 2016 and with The Spruce since August 2022. Her current favorite piece of outdoor furniture is the bench that sits on her front porch.