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.” Our favorite place to buy outdoor patio furniture is Wayfair. They make shopping online easy and have options at every price point. It’s truly a one-stop shop for all different kinds of styles of outdoor furniture. Here are the best places to buy outdoor patio furniture. They offer fast shipping on most items and give you an estimated delivery date when you enter your zip code. You can call their customer service line; they also have a shopping assistance line if you have questions before buying. You can read through a lot of reviews that can help you make that final decision. If you are unhappy with your purchase, Wayfair has a 30-day return policy, but this only exists for unassembled items, so be sure you intend to keep the item before you put it together. You can order through their website to ship to your home; free shipping is offered for most products. 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 generous 90 days to change your mind, and has a helpful customer service team at each location and over the phone. Lowe’s is a nationwide retailer, with different options for shipping and 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. Shipping costs depend on the item you buy and where you want the item delivered. They don’t offer expedited shipping, but you can pick up some items in-store, free of charge. You can chat online, give them a call, or send them an email 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. 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. You can 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 such as outdoor cutlery). They also offer click-and-collect, where you can shop online and pick up curbside. If you are hoping for home delivery, they don’t offer it on all products, and they do charge a fee. The site is easy to navigate, through the search bar at the top. If you have questions, you can chat, text them, or give them a call. They deliver, for a fee, depending on the item. It’s important to note the return policy is not great for furniture, so we recommend that you be sure of keeping what you purchase. Before you buy, you can order a swatch kit to help you choose from Neighbor’s selection of Sunbrella fabric colors. If you’re around Phoenix, Arizona, where they are 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. The Frontgate customer service team is dedicated to making sure you are happy with your purchase; you can reach out to them via live chat, email, or phone. You can return your item within 90 days of purchase, and Frontgate replaces defective items within 1 year of purchase. They deliver, but their white-glove delivery service costs you a couple of hundred dollars, depending on the item. Also, they don’t offer free returns, instead charging 10 percent of the returned item’s cost, which can be hefty. Bistro sets, dining table sets, patio furniture, and chaise lounges are all available at affordable prices. If you sign up for their mailing list, you receive coupons and stay up-to-date on other promotions. We like that you can return items in-store and talk to someone in person about your purchase.
Delivery and Assembly
Furniture is a bulky item and usually carries expensive freight costs. Check how much it costs to have your outdoor patio furniture delivered to your home. Also make sure what you purchase is easy to assemble and includes all the tools you need to put it together. (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
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 that can 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 also may be charged for shipping, as well as a restocking fee. Finally, be sure you understand anything that may nullify the return policy. In summary: Read all the information before you purchase, so you 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.
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.
