Are you in the market for new patio furniture? Then you might’ve balked at the prices when you went shopping.
The high price tags aren’t for the faint of heart, and you may be hesitant to clear out your entire savings account just for a few pieces. Surely you can adopt a bohemian lifestyle and just sit on some nice rugs to save a few bucks. But realistically speaking, this isn’t very comfortable, nor is it a long-term solution.
So what’s the deal: why is patio furniture so expensive? And is expensive outdoor furniture worth it? Keep reading to find out the answers to these questions and more.
Why Is Patio Furniture So Expensive?
Asking, “Why is outdoor patio furniture so expensive?” won’t get you a quick answer. It’s not as simple as the manufacturers being greedy and hiking up price tags just because they feel like it. While that may be the case with some retailers, there’s much more going on behind the scenes.
Here are the factors that affect the cost of outdoor furniture.
Materials
Patio furniture is often made from durable materials, such as teak, cedar, wrought iron, aluminum, stainless steel and high-quality plastics.
For example, teak and cedar are hardwoods that are highly resistant to water/rot and insects. But as you know, trees take time to grow (teak trees take 20-25 years to harvest!). Plus, there must be sustainable harvesting practices, which means these woods don’t come cheap.
As for metals, wrought iron and aluminum are commonly used for high-end patio furniture since they each have their own strengths. Wrought iron’s labor-intensive to produce though, and both metals require protective coatings for extra durability, which will definitely add to the cost. Stainless steel is also the strongest material for patio furniture, but because it’s produced with multiple alloys, this drives the cost up.
Also, you’ll see high-quality plastics like high-density polyethylene (HDPE) in durable garden furniture since they’re strong and resistant to UV rays. As you’d expect, these plastics are more expensive to produce than standard plastics, even though they’re more environmentally friendly.
And have you been asking, “Why are outdoor cushions so expensive?” The reason is that outdoor pillows and patio cushions must look good while resisting wear and tear from the outside conditions. Materials like polyester, Sunbrella fabric, olefin and canvas are commonly used and they’re not the cheapest to pick.
Design and Demand
The design process involves creating visually appealing and stylish pieces that enhance your outdoor space. This means that not only do manufacturers have to hire designers, but they also have to perform trend research. On top of that, they’ll need to do prototype testing before selling the final product.
Also, you may not think of ergonomics when it comes to patio furniture, but it’s definitely a feature in the pieces. So why is furniture so expensive for your patio? Because it’s created for comfort as well as appearance.
Closely examine the look and feel of your favorite pieces and you’ll understand immediately. The seating angles, cushion support and overall user experience are guaranteed to be top-notch.
You’ll have to consider what’s trending too. If you want to follow the crowd, then what you desire will be in high demand. This, added to dwindling supplies, equals bumped-up prices.
Manufacturing Processes
Take a look at any patio furniture set and you’ll realize that they’re just as diverse as we are. Not only are they made of different materials, but they also consist of different designs. This combination results in various manufacturing processes, some of which cost more money and time to do.
For instance, many high-end wicker and rattan furniture pieces are hand-woven. As you can guess, this is a labor-intensive process that requires skilled artisans to carry out, and they have to be fairly compensated for their work. This craftsmanship ensures durability and a refined finish, which is well worth the money spent.
Wrought iron is another material for outdoor patio furniture that’s pricey to manufacture. It often has intricate designs that are hand-forged and welded. The attention to detail and the time required for it mean that these pieces can’t be quickly produced.
You also have to keep in mind that some modern outdoor furniture have specific design and functional requirements. These usually can’t be achieved without complex assembly processes or the use of precision machinery, which doesn’t come cheap.
Longevity and Durability
Have you ever bought a cheap lawn chair, hoping to use it regularly? But after a few times of use, it’s already buckled, and it’s not even because you’re overly heavy. These cheaply made pieces aren’t made to last and even a feather would cause it to break eventually.
They say you get what you pay for and this is exactly the case with luxury outdoor living furniture. It’s built to endure the tests of time, and you’ll find additional features like reinforced joints, high-quality hardware and robust finishes.
In addition, outdoor patio furniture is more expensive than indoor furniture since it needs to hold up to weathering. Furniture exposed to the sun can fade and become brittle over time, so manufacturers use UV-resistant coating and materials that can withstand prolonged sun exposure without degrading.
Outdoor furniture also needs to resist mold, mildew and rot. This means that manufacturers use water-resistant treatments or they use inherently water-resistant materials, which can include special finishes on wood or rust-resistant metals.
Another thing that the pieces have to resist is the fluctuating temperatures. If you don’t use the right patio furniture materials, they can crack or warp. This necessitates the use of advanced materials and treatments that can handle extreme conditions.
Of course, these construction techniques come at a higher price. But they’ll drastically improve the long-term value if you compare buying one carefully crafted chair to purchasing 10 from a big box retailer like Walmart over a decade.
Brand and Warranty
As with any product, the big dogs can charge more than the little brands. Think about it: would you rather give your money to someone you know or a stranger you know nothing about?
Established brands have a proven track record of both quality and customer satisfaction. Consumers are willing to pay a premium for trust and reliability, and furniture companies know this.
Think of it as a deposit to secure peace of mind, as you won’t have to worry about non-delivery or your furniture falling apart.
In addition, high-end brands usually offer extensive warranties, which cover defects and damage for several years. Again, this is a long-term investment that can actually cut costs if things go wrong with your pieces (which isn’t likely).
On the other hand, you might save a good chunk of money buying lower-end furniture, but those won’t have warranties, or they won’t be as generous. As a result, you’ll end up spending more to replace the broken pieces.
Supply Chain Factors
Then more reputable brands will typically lean towards sustainable sourcing practices, which aren’t always the cheapest. However, consumers are willing to pay more to ensure they get furniture that’s ethically sourced and made.
Plus, the cost of materials like metals, wood and plastics can fluctuate. This can be from market demand, availability, or environmental factors. To recoup their losses, furniture brands will raise their prices.
Consider the transportation costs as well. Shipping bulky and heavy furniture requires significant logistics and handling. Import duties and tariffs on international goods can also further add to the cost.
Customization Options
There’s a reason why furniture from big box retailers is so affordable: it’s mass-made and every piece looks identical. Sure, they do in a pinch, but honestly, they’re not very classy or elegant.
Bigger brands have customization services in terms of color, fabric, size and configuration. But this means that their pieces can’t be pushed out as quickly and they need additional manufacturing capabilities too. Also, they require more inventory management, which means more staffing and equipment.
If you’re considering a brand that takes special orders, then that’ll certainly make things expensive. This is especially true if you want unique materials or designs that aren’t mass-produced or locally inventoried as part of a quick ship program. The upside is that your bespoke pieces will be truly one-of-a-kind and they’ll last for decades to come.
Outdoor Patio Furniture Is a Worthwhile Investment
Now you know the answer to the question, “Why is patio furniture so expensive?” There are several factors at play, from the starting materials to the production processes involved. But ultimately, the price you pay will be worth it.
If you buy from lesser brands, you may initially be happy. But eventually, you’ll realize that the quality isn’t great, and you may even have to replace your furniture constantly since it’s breaking so much.
So do yourself a favor and don’t fall victim to attractively low price tags. Instead, make a wise investment in high-quality patio furniture. This will pay off, as you won’t have to buy replacements every few years.
Check out our patio furniture now if you want quality pieces for your backyard.
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