Craigslist Patio Furniture (2024)

FAQs

Is there a patio furniture shortage? ›

Likewise, patio furniture is a commodity that has become hard to buy, as warehouses are depleted and prices increase.

Q: How much does the average person spend on patio furniture? A:Most people spend anywhere between $500 and $15,000 for a patio furniture set.

1) Measure Your Space

The first step in selecting your new patio furniture is to figure out exactly how much space you have to work with. There's no point in doing all of your thorough research, falling in love with a piece of furniture, and then realizing it won't even fit on your patio.

“If you want to save some money, look for furniture closeouts at the end of the season. Fourth of July and Labor Day sales are perfect for this. If you haven't found what you need during those sale periods, it is best to wait for the Memorial Day weekend sales to kick in,” explains Ruddy.

The best durable outdoor furniture pieces are those made of wood, galvanized steel, and synthetic rattan. Other furniture material types will be as durable as you intend to maintain them continuously.

Steel. Steel is often used in high-end outdoor furniture designs, as it's corrosion-resistant, durable, and feels modern in an outdoor space. Steel is heavier than aluminum, and won't blow away in heavier winds. Its durability will allow stainless steel pieces to hold their shape for years to come.

Takeaway. A well-made piece of patio furniture can last for 15 years or more. Of course, some will go on for a more extended period than others, but there is no predetermined timeframe.

“To get the right outdoor furniture that will last years, if not decades, it is definitely an investment up front,” says Taryn Whiteaker, owner of Taryn Whiteaker Designs in Seattle, Washington. “But trust me, it's money well spent.”

Cost Savings: Buying pre-made outdoor furniture can be quite expensive, especially for high-quality pieces. By building your own, you can save a significant amount of money. Sourcing affordable materials and utilizing your own labor can result in substantial cost savings without compromising on quality.

Wooden outdoor furniture requires more frequent maintenance than patio wicker furniture. If you don't mind the effort, wood can be a great option. However, if you prefer something that wouldn't require cleaning all the time, wicker is a better choice.

How to tell quality patio furniture? ›

Appearance: The materials should maintain their looks year after year. Design: The right furniture will fit your outdoor aesthetic. Utility: The piece you're considering must meet your family's needs. Upkeep: Outdoor furniture needs to be easy to clean and maintain.

Wrought iron and stainless steel are popular choices for outdoor furniture for their durability and ease of maintenance. In most cases, metal patio furniture will easily return to “like new” condition by using a sponge or brush to clean surfaces with a quarter cup of mild dish soap added to a gallon of warm water.

On the other hand, if you're shopping on a tighter budget, the best time to get outdoor patio furniture on is typically in late summer or early fall. As the summer season winds down, retailers run more clearance sales to make room for new inventory.

Holidays such as Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day are big sales pushes by furniture retailers. The biggest event typically is, not surprisingly, Black Friday. “Post-Thanksgiving is an amazing time to shop,” says Laura Williams of ATX Interior Design.

In 2022, demand is down for furniture, giving all of the back-ups a chance to catch up, but the impact of the past two years is still slowing down the whole industry. Now rather than waiting over six months for furniture, waits are only three to four months.

The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly contributed to the delay on furniture orders, but there are several other related factors including increased demand, supply shortages, and import issues. This has made it difficult for many furniture retailers to get furniture to consumers in a timely manner.

According to the U.S. Commerce Department's monthly survey, furniture store sales totaled $10.7 billion in March, down from $11.4 billion in March 2023. By comparison, overall retail sales rose 4% to $709.6 billion, from $682.2 billion in March 2023.

Market Trends:

Industrial and minimalist aesthetics: Concrete furniture is gaining popularity due to its ability to seamlessly blend into industrial and minimalist interior design styles.