Cost-Benefit Analysis: Investing in Durable Outdoor Furniture

Beautiful, comfortable outdoor furniture makes a vast difference to the ambiance of a BBQ. Everyone is comfortable and shaded, and conversation flows for hours without moving seats to follow the shade. Yet, so much of the furniture we see today is subpar. One season, it’s here; the next, it could be gone. Does durable outdoor furniture still exist, and is it worth the price tag? Today, we do a cost-benefit analysis.

Patio Furniture Costs Explained

Why is patio furniture so expensive? Prices on the higher end of the scale can easily surpass $1,000 for outdoor couches and benches. Durable outdoor patio furniture is designed to withstand the elements all year around and should last at least 15 years. As prices drop, so does longevity in most cases. Budget patio furniture often needs replacing after a mere 5 years. 

What drives up the price of patio furniture?

• Materials – weatherproof couch cushions and table legs are more expensive than those designed for indoor use. Heavier, thicker materials tend to be the most costly.
• Production location – labor costs in low-income countries are cheaper, often translating to more affordable furniture. However, high shipping fees can drive up the price.
• Brand reputation – sometimes, you pay for the name. Furniture brands with a good track record for quality enjoy higher pricing and loyalty from their customers.

The Hidden Costs of Cheap Outdoor Furniture

What you see on the price tag isn’t always the full cost of the furniture. Cheap furniture often comes with hidden future costs. Considering these costs when weighing up your options between budget and high-end outdoor furniture is essential.

• Maintenance – cheaper metal patio furniture sets may be coated with surface-level colorings that can chip and peel. This creates additional refinishing costs for you. The same goes for budget wooden furniture that is improperly sealed against moisture.
• Repairs – budget furniture may be less sturdy and, therefore, more prone to breaking. Constant repairs to your patio set can eventually cost you hundreds of dollars. Sometimes, furniture may not be salvageable, leaving you with a mismatched set.
• Replacements – inexpensive outdoor furniture will need replacing more often, costing you more in the long run. Investing in a high-quality set now and looking after it well can save you from having to re-decorate your patio every few years.

Signs Outdoor Furniture Is Made to Last

High-Quality Materials

Long-lasting outdoor furniture is made from high-quality materials built to withstand all weather conditions. They should be moisture- and heat-resistant to prevent water damage, fading, and cracking. Here are some materials to look for.

• Aluminum – strong and lightweight with no chance of rusting since it contains no iron. Look for heavy-duty aluminum grades that contain magnesium, which improves corrosion resistance. Examples are aluminum grades 6063, 6061, and 5052.
• Teak wood contains high levels of wood oil and resin, making it naturally moisture-resistant. Teak is also a very dense wood with a tight grain that prevents water from seeping in to cause damage.
• Resin wicker – an artificial version of wicker made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It does not absorb water and is completely weatherproof.
• Solution-dyed acrylic – a synthetic material that is dyed before being made into fabric. This fabric makes cushions and umbrellas more UV-resistant and prevents them from fading in the sun.

Sturdy Construction

The most durable outdoor furniture is handcrafted for stability and strength. It should not creak when you use it or feel wobbly and off-balance. Below are some signs of sturdy construction to look for in patio furniture.

• Fully welded frames – all the joints in metal furniture should be welded instead of screwed together. This creates a seamless look and less opportunity for corrosion.
• Strong wood joints – wooden outdoor furniture should be joined together with secure woodworking joints like Dovetail or Mortise and Tenon instead of screws only. 
• Corrosion-resistant bolts – stainless steel bolts and screws will not rust. However, they can cause corrosion when used in aluminum frames. In this case, check for coated bolts instead.
• Double-stitched seams – a double or even triple row of stitching makes upholstery much stronger. Look for heavy-duty zippers and extra stitching around cushion stress points.

How to Do a Cost-Benefit Analysis for Furniture Purchases

A cost-benefit analysis is an exercise business owners do to compare the cost of buying something versus the benefits it will provide. You can also use this technique for personal purchases, like outdoor furniture. Here’s a cost-benefit analysis template you can use when furniture shopping.

Costs

How much will this patio set cost you? Consider direct costs (the actual price) and indirect costs (maintenance, cleaning, transport fees). You should also consider opportunity costs – the downsides of choosing this option over other options.

Benefits

Companies measure the benefits of buying something by how much revenue it will earn. Unless you rent out your patio furniture, we can’t quite put a cash figure on its value. Instead, you can assign each benefit a score of 1 – 5, with one least- and 5 most beneficial. In this example, we’ll also give our costs a rating of 1 – 5 to help with comparison.

Example: buying a 3-piece wooden bistro set on Amazon for $300.

In this example, we can see that there are more costs than benefits. Ultimately, buying this patio set would not be worth it, and you’d want to find something else with a higher benefit-to-cost ratio.

Find Durable Outdoor Furniture For Your Patio

It’s important to consider all the hidden costs and benefits outdoor furniture can bring before you buy it. Budget furniture may sound appealing, but it is often more expensive in the long run. Wabash Valley offers high-quality, durable outdoor patio furniture built to last. Please contact us for a quote.