Questions to Ask When Shopping at an Outdoor Furniture Store

July 22, 2020

Shopping at an outdoor furniture store can sometimes feel like a maze without an exit. Choose something too quickly and you could end up with a piece that's oversized or otherwise unsuitable for your patio. Deliberate for too long though, and you'll never pick anything at all. Before you waste your time or do anything you'll regret, we're here to tell you the questions that can help you narrow it down.

1. What Kind of Maintenance Is Needed?

This is usually the most important question you can ask when you're considering outdoor furniture. The right answer depends on how much care and attention you plan to give your furniture. Regardless of the type of outdoor furniture you need, there will be some degree of cleaning involved. Some pieces just need to be hosed off, while others may need to be maintained after enough wear and tear. Outdoor furniture is as much an investment as indoor furniture, and a quality piece that can fend for itself can be worth its weight in gold.

2. Can You Customize These Pieces?

If you're looking for a specific size, color, or pattern, you may be able to work with the furniture store to get the look you want. If you have very specific tastes, you may need to have your furniture custom-made from scratch. However, most people can find something that they can use via a premade selection and just a few alterations. Maybe all you need to do is change the fabric or add some accent pillows to really bring your design together. Even a small adjustment can go a long way.

3. Do You Have Similar Items in The Same Price Range?

This particular question can be a tricky one to ask, especially if you find yourself prone to indecision. Still, it's good to know the options you have at your particular price point. If you've already explained your needs to the salesperson, including the size and general purpose of the furniture, they should be able to show you similar items that will give you a better idea of what's available. The purpose of this question is to give you a better sense of your options before you make your final choice.

4. What Kind of Delivery Do You Offer?

There aren't always hard-and-fast rules when it comes to delivery. Some stores may deliver certain pieces to certain areas. Some may offer help when it comes to setting the furniture up. You don't want to make assumptions when it comes to how your furniture is getting from the store to your home. If you value the convenience factor, we recommend going with a furniture store that will take care of the details.

5. What Kind of Warranty Do You Offer?

The best outdoor furniture store is one that offers affordable quality. The only problem is that this isn't always easy to do if they don't actually design their own furniture. They may work with trusted brands of course, but the store is still taking chances if the staff isn't overseeing the production. Whenever possible, it helps to choose someone who both designs and sells each piece. It's these stores that generally offer the best warranties in the industry, largely because the store can count on the fact that you won't have any problems.

6. Do You Offer Consultations?

An experienced designer can see things about your home and yard that you can't. They can tell you more about how to arrange furniture to create the best possible traffic flow. They can tell you how to make use of that little corner in your yard that no one ever seems to tread on. Whether you just want a few tips on the best color scheme or you want someone to take over the whole project, the right design guide can work wonders you never even knew you needed.

7. Can You Try Before You Buy?

Having the option to exchange or return your purchase can be a great way to determine what you really need. Maybe you think you could use a large dining room table on the patio, only to find that your family's erratic eating schedule means you're unlikely to use it anytime soon. In your case, it may make more sense to go with a large sofa that everyone can use when they finally have a moment to relax.

8. Do You Have a Price Guarantee?

If you find something for less, is the outdoor furniture store willing to match the price? Quality furniture will never be bargain-basement prices, but there's no reason not to buy with confidence.

9. What's Happening in the Near Future?

Maybe the furniture shop will run a store-wide sale, or maybe they'll have new pieces coming in next week that are perfect for what you need. The best outdoor furniture store will usually advertise major events, but they can't give you every detail or update via a huge sign at the front of the shop. Starting a conversation with the salesperson can end up revealing all the information you need to make a more informed decision.

10. Why Should I Choose You?

A great outdoor furniture store will be passionate about what they do. This isn't just about providing you with a place to sit or lounge on a Sunday afternoon. Outdoor furniture helps you get the most out of every square foot of the property you worked so hard to buy. It helps families spread out and allows them to get out in the sun that much more often. Being indoors for too long can inevitably start to wear down everything from your mood to your immune system. It should be about creating a lifestyle that will give you more from every moment at home.

The Paddy O' Furniture Difference

There are so many reasons why our customers choose us, but it all boils down to our priorities. Because we design each piece, we know its quality inside and out. Because we know the value of each product, we can tell you exactly where it fits best in your home. Whether you're looking for a fire pit or a patio umbrella, it's all about adding equal parts style and functionality to your home. Plus, we offer design consultations over video conference, so you can start planning your dream yard. No matter the season, we're here to help.

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