Furniture Questions
Q: Why does outdoor furniture cost more than indoor furniture?
A: Outdoor furniture must be manufactured with materials that are made to withstand the elements-powder coated aluminum, woven resin wicker, acrylic fabrics, outdoor approved cushion inserts, etc. Much of this material is simply more expensive to use but is critical to extend the usable life of the furniture. Outdoor furniture has to be able to handle extremes in weather and temperature that indoor furniture never experiences.
Q: How long will the furniture last?
A: The answer to that question is dependent on many factors. How is the furniture constructed? We have a section on Furniture Materials for care & information. Every manufacturer has their own warranty and care instructions. We can help you make an informed decision. Are you using your furniture in a sun room, screened porch, or around a pool? Will you cover your furniture when not in use, or just during the winter months? Use and abuse affect the lifespan of your investment. We tell our customers that it’s like anything else of value: the better care you take of it, the better it will look and longer it will last.
Q: What is deep-seating?
A: Deep-seating is simply sofas, love seats, lounge chairs (not chaise lounges). Deep-seating furniture can be stationary, swivel, glider or swivel-glider. The pieces are generally wider, deeper, taller and the backs have a little more slant so they don’t sit as upright as a dining chair.
Q: Why does it take so long for special orders to come in?
A: When we order custom designed furniture for our customers, it generally takes about 3-4 weeks to arrive. That’s because the furniture is made for you at the time of your order using the frame and fabrics that you have selected. As Spring & Summer near, lead times can jump to 4-6 weeks due to high demand. At Custom Outdoor Furniture, we have a great selection which you can purchase right off the floor. You can have it in days rather than weeks!
Q: What’s the difference between Big Box Store Furniture and Specialty Store Furniture?
A: Furniture at Big Box Stores and Warehouse Clubs is not commercial grade and, therefore, cannot be used in a commercial establishment such as a hotel, resort, HOA or restaurant. These stores import the majority of their furniture and cushions and “buy deep and sell cheap” as we say. The quality and workmanship is generally questionable and rarely offer the value they want you to think you’re getting. The selections are very limited and finding a knowledgeable sales person is almost impossible. When you buy from a specialty store, you should expect a great selection of colors, fabrics and complementary pieces. At Custom Outdoor Furniture, we buy “Made in the USA” whenever possible, and import products we offer are made to a much higher standard than what you will find at the discount stores. The attention to detail and workmanship is undeniably superior! You should also expect a friendly staff of knowledgeable sales people who will take the time to listen to your needs and offer suggestions specific to your particular requirements. In business since 1979, Custom Outdoor Furniture, has the experience in the casual furniture industry and we love what we do! Your shopping experience will be a pleasant one. That’s what keeps our loyal customers coming back year after year! Lastly, when you shop at your local independent specialty store, you support our local economy by keeping your buying power in our community. That’s important to us all!
Q: Why should I buy local when I can get the same thing for less on the Internet?
A: When you are making a purchase for a major category, it is important that you know what you’re getting. The best way to do that is to visit a local store, sit on the products, see the quality, review the entire selection, see fabrics in person. Talk to the sales staff and let them guide you through the process. We are here to serve your needs and make sure you’re completely satisfied with your decisions. At Custom Outdoor Furniture, we offer service before, during and after the sale. If you have a problem, we take care of it for you. We stand behind our products and help you get the value you deserve. We handle any issues you may encounter. When you buy online, there is no support staff to look at your furniture in person and help you when needed. Our staff will do whatever it takes to resolve issues when you purchase your furniture from us.
Q: Why charge extra for freight? Why is it not included?
When we order your furniture from the factory, we may be scheduling it to ship direct to your location or to a 3rd party location. Freight rates vary depending on the location. If we have your order shipped directly to us for pick up or delivery, we still have to pay freight on the shipment. Freight is included in the retail pricing. Contract orders have freight as an additional pass through cost.