Southern California is patio furniture paradise. With 280+ sunny days per year, your outdoor space is basically an extra room. The right patio furniture makes it one of the best rooms in your house.
But patio furniture is also one of the most overpriced categories in home furnishing. A decent 5-piece patio dining set runs $1,000–$3,000 at retail. A quality outdoor sofa set? $2,000–$5,000.
Here's how to buy smart.
Step 1: Choose Your Material
The material determines how long your furniture lasts, how it looks, and how much maintenance it needs.
Aluminum
- Pros: Lightweight, rust-proof, low maintenance
- Cons: Can feel less substantial, cushions usually needed
- Best for: Dining sets, conversation sets, pool areas
- Lifespan: 10–20 years
Wicker (Resin/PE Rattan)
- Pros: Classic look, comfortable, weather-resistant (synthetic wicker)
- Cons: Can fade in intense sun, lower-end versions crack
- Best for: Lounge sets, sectionals, accent pieces
- Lifespan: 5–15 years depending on quality
Teak
- Pros: Beautiful natural wood, extremely durable, ages to silver-gray patina
- Cons: Expensive, requires oil treatment to maintain original color
- Best for: Dining tables, benches, Adirondack chairs
- Lifespan: 25–50+ years
Steel
- Pros: Very sturdy, heavy (won't blow away), affordable
- Cons: Can rust if not properly coated, heavy to move
- Best for: Bistro sets, industrial-style furniture
- Lifespan: 5–15 years with proper coating
Step 2: Plan Your Layout
Before you buy, think about how you'll use the space:
- Dining: Table + chairs for meals. Allow 24" per person around the table.
- Lounging: Sectional or sofa set with coffee table. Great for entertaining.
- Poolside: Chaise lounges, side tables, and an umbrella.
- Mixed use: A dining set + a couple of lounge chairs is the most versatile setup.
Measure your space and leave at least 3 feet of walking room around furniture groupings.
Step 3: Don't Overlook Cushions and Fabric
Outdoor cushion quality matters enormously in SoCal:
- Sunbrella fabric is the gold standard — UV-resistant, water-repellent, and fade-proof
- Olefin is a budget-friendly alternative with decent UV resistance
- Polyester is the cheapest but fades faster in direct sun
- Look for quick-dry foam in cushions to prevent mold after rain or hosing down
Step 4: Budget Smart
| Setup | Retail Price | Liquidation Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2-seat bistro set | $200–$500 | $80–$200 |
| 4-person dining set | $600–$1,500 | $250–$650 |
| 6-person dining set | $1,000–$3,000 | $400–$1,200 |
| Sectional sofa set | $1,500–$4,000 | $600–$1,800 |
| Chaise lounge (pair) | $400–$1,000 | $150–$450 |
Why Spring Is the Best Time to Buy
Spring is when new loads of patio furniture hit our warehouse. Retailers over-order for the season, and the excess comes to us. February through April is prime time for:
- The widest selection of styles and sizes
- The freshest inventory (brand new, never displayed)
- The best prices before summer demand kicks in
Shop Our Outdoor Collection
Visit our warehouse at 13544 Imperial Highway, Suite B, Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670 to see our full outdoor furniture selection in person.
Browse online at francisretail.com/collections/outdoor-furniture.
Planning a full patio makeover? Call (562) 568-8883 — we can help you put together a complete outdoor setup within your budget.