Here Comes the Sun

Make 2020 the year that you start enjoying your outdoor living space to the fullest. New patio furniture can take your space from ordinary to fresh-air extraordinary, so you can get the most out of your outdoor time—whether its spent relaxing in the company of a favorite novel, or clad in your best hosting apron, flipping burgers and surrounded by family and friends. However, not just any new patio set will do. It’s important to choose furniture that fits your space, suits your unique style preferences and accommodates your favorite outdoor activities. (Or lack of activities…pass the lemonade, please!) A custom patio set can suit your exact outdoor living requirements, and help you get the most out of your space. In fact, by investing in quality, custom patio furniture that suits your space and your tastes, you can continue enjoying your personalized patio or other outdoor living space well into the new decade.

What is the best time to buy custom order patio furniture?

If you’ve started looking at patio furniture and set your sights on a bespoke, custom look, the next question is, “when is the best time to order custom patio furniture?”. The answer? Sooner than you may think! In the Midwest, the outdoor living season can be short, and it’s important to make the most out of the months that aren’t covered in snow. And while Jack Frost may still be nipping at your nose, the spring entertaining season is approaching fast. Whether you have a soon-to-be-graduate and are planning a graduation party or are hosting events for a spring wedding, there are plenty of festivities just around the corner. Even if you don’t have a large event on deck, there are lots of opportunities for hosting, including Easter gatherings and other spring-time celebrations.

As soon as the weather starts to warm, it’s nice to direct your guests to your outdoor living space. To get the most out of the 2020 season and enjoy spring and early summer gatherings, custom patio furniture and other custom outdoor furniture orders should be placed by early March for delivery and set-up in early spring. Porch and patio custom orders typically take 4-12 weeks to be manufactured and shipped to the delivery warehouse. Some items may come from different factories and need to be consolidated for delivery. For example, the umbrella and protective cover may come from California while the dining set is made in Florida.

Most Midwest outdoor furniture retailers understand that the snow and ice may stay late and will hold custom orders for warmer weather delivery or pick-up. Note: It’s always good to err on the side of ordering early when custom ordering furniture, especially if you are ordering in advance of a specific party or event.

Why should I custom order patio furniture?

Are you still not sure if custom patio furniture is worth the investment? Consider this. Over the past several years, advances in technology have allowed many improvements to patio furniture. For instance, new materials are more robust than ever before. There have been many advances in wicker, increasing their durability and expected lifespans. We are also seeing more options made out of recycled materials, such as quality, high-density polyethylene HDPE. These products offer many advantages in addition to their eco-friendly benefits. They resist fading and offer easy care and maintenance. Since new technologies have made these and other products more durable and longer lasting than ever before, it’s important to invest in patio furniture that you truly love. This is different for everyone. Perhaps you’ll find just the thing in stock! Otherwise, you may choose to order custom pieces that you can enjoy for many years to come and create a unique style in your neighborhood.

Additionally, industry-leading brands, such as Sunbrella, are pioneering new developments in performance fabrics, making these fabrics brighter and easier to clean. The result is brighter and more color options available in outdoor dining chairs and deep seating such as outdoor sectionals, sofas and loveseats. If you have a specific color palette or pattern in mind for your porch, patio or poolside space, you many choose to select from a broad range of custom order cushion options that will enhance and update your personalized space.

What are the options for custom order patio furniture?

Many of today’s top brands offer custom order options for their patio furniture, including outdoor dining sets, outdoor sofas, and additional outdoor seating. Here are some of the most common custom order options:

• Style – Contemporary to country, natural to highly polished, there are a variety of styles to work with outdoors—just like there are indoors—and custom order options further open up the possibilities. Consider the old-world comfort of wooden Adirondack chairs or the simple design of mid-century modern deep seating. There’s styles from classic wicker porch rockers to sleek aluminum frames with soft rope weave on high gloss finishes. No matter your style preference, it’s always recommended to “sit” in the styles you find appealing to make sure the relaxed comfort is there for you and your guests to enjoy in your outdoor space.
• Size – Today’s outdoor furniture is available in a wide range of standard sizes, starting with dining sets. You can choose from many small 3-piece bistro sets to large patio tables that will accommodate ten or more guests. Even with all the standard options that are available, however, there are some outdoor spaces that many benefit from a custom dining set. For instance, a custom size set may help you get the most out of the available footprint in uniquely shaped spots, such as front porches, poolside plots, long and narrow patio spaces, and even small outdoor decks and patios. You may also choose to custom order outdoor deep seating for your unique size requirements.
• Frame and finish options – Perhaps you’ve found the perfect patio set with one exception—you have a different frame color in mind. Many patio sets allow custom frame orders. Speak with a patio expert to look at different materials and finishes that are available and discuss how they will impact the performance and look of your patio furniture.
• Cushion fabrics – Custom fabrics can be ordered for both function and fashion. For example, by upgrading to a top-quality fabric, such as a durable Sunbrella Sling fabric, you can ensure you’ll get top performance and durability. You can also choose a custom fabric that will truly pop in your space, or choose a neutral color that will add subtle style to your outdoor living. Different patterns and textures will also enhance the look of your pieces, creating just the style that you’ve dreamed of for your outdoor oasis.

By choosing from virtually limitless size, frame, finish and fabric combinations, you can create the look that will best suit your outdoor living space and create luxury outdoor furniture that’s tailored to your tastes.

How can I update my existing patio furniture?

Special orders aren’t just for brand new patio furniture. You can also breathe new life into your existing patio furniture with new custom order cushions or a new patio umbrella. By upgrading your worn-out cushions, you can get more wear out of your dining chairs and other pieces. Plus, you’ll get to choose a fresh color that can give your whole outdoor living space a much-wanted style transformation. A new patio umbrella can also bring extra comfort into your patio, deck or poolside, allowing you to stay outside longer without suffering the effects of the harsh summer sun. By custom ordering your patio umbrella, you can get just the size you need for your existing patio set or choose a free-standing umbrella and stand that will fit well in the available space. Patio umbrellas are also available in custom hues to add that pop of color that your space has been missing.

How can I get the most out of my custom patio furniture?

By choosing a size that will suit your space and pairing your favorite premium finish option and fabric, you can create a custom patio set or other outdoor furniture that you can enjoy this year. Plus, with proper maintenance, you can enjoy these pieces for years to come. Part of the maintenance and care equation includes covering these pieces when they aren’t in use. Protective covers help keep your favorite pieces cleaner, dryer so they are ready to use as soon as the weather turns nice, and extend the life of the fabrics. You can special order protective patio covers for most outdoor porch and patio furniture. Many sizes are in stock, but now manufacturers and suppliers provide more sizes to fit your outdoor furniture investment on a custom order basis.

Whether your purchase includes all new furniture or new cushions to upgrade your existing pieces, you should order now to get your patio furniture and accessories delivered and set up in time for early-season enjoyment.