When the price of custom outdoor furniture catches you off guard, you might pause and wonder what exactly you would be paying for. From materials no catalog furniture brand sources to craftsmanship that mass production abandons in the name of speed, there are several reasons why bespoke furniture is worth every dollar.
Why does custom outdoor furniture cost more than store-bought?
Custom furniture is an investment. A craftsperson designs, engineers, and builds each piece for one client, one space, and one vision. The meticulous design process, the sourced materials, the skilled labor, and the quality checks all apply to that single commission.
As for mass-produced furniture, it’s typically more affordable because manufacturers spread design, tooling, and labor costs across thousands of identical units. Each piece in a production run absorbs a fraction of those costs. Furthermore, if you visit enough homes or commercial spaces, you’ll eventually spot your exact sectionals on someone else’s patio.
The materials account for much of the price difference. Reputable bespoke furniture artisans choose materials based on durability and climate suitability, which costs more upfront but performs better long-term. They also have decades of training and expertise that, in many cases, factory workers executing repetitive tasks don’t possess.
For a complete side-by-side comparison of custom versus off-the-shelf furniture across every category, our guide to Custom Outdoor Furniture vs. Off-the-Shelf covers everything in depth.
What materials for outdoor furniture are best, and why?
Here at CC Patio, these high-end materials make the investment worth it:
1. Dekton
The Cosentino Group developed Dekton as an ultra-compact surface through a manufacturing process called Particle Sintering Technology (PST). This process subjects compacted porcelain, glass, and quartz to extreme heat and pressure. Under these conditions, the materials fuse into a surface that resists scratches, stains, UV fading, and dramatic temperature fluctuations without cracking or warping. Unlike natural stone, Dekton needs no sealing.
CC Patio’s Dekton surfaces come with a 25-year warranty, a guarantee no mass-produced piece can match.
2. Sunbrella and Ultraleather
Sunbrella produces its outdoor fabrics from solution-dyed acrylic fibers, meaning the color goes into the fiber at the production stage rather than on top of it. This process yields upholstery that withstands relentless sun exposure, resists mildew and moisture damage, and cleans with mild soap and water.
On the other hand, Ultraleather is a premium, 100% polyurethane-based synthetic leather known for its extreme durability, soft texture, and high-performance, breathable construction. It mimics the look of European calfskin, is resistant to stains, scratches, and fading, and is often used for high-wear furniture.
These materials outlast mass-produced alternatives by years, even decades, with minor upkeep.
3. Steel and Aluminum
CC Patio builds frames from top-quality steel and aluminum, each finished with double powder coating for rust-proof, corrosion-resistant durability.
These materials cost more than the generic equivalents found in off-the-shelf furniture. While they’re more expensive, they also last longer.
What does the custom outdoor furniture design process involve?
Our design process is a skill-intensive phase that contributes to overall costs. Here’s a quick overview of what we do:
1. Immersive Consultation
Before any sketches or renderings, you may request a property visit. We’ll take measurements, as well as learn how you use your outdoor space and how you hope to maximize it. Do you host dinners frequently or prefer quiet mornings with coffee? Does your backyard face west and bake in the afternoon sun, or does a pergola provide enough shade most of the day?
Your answers to these questions will help us design the perfect custom furniture for you. We will also note your home’s architecture, existing materials, and color palette to ensure your bespoke commission truly complements your space.
2. Custom Design
Once we grasp your space and requirements, including your preferred frame, fabric, and surface colors, we’ll produce 3D renderings of the proposed furniture in context. We’ll scale the models to your patio, positioned relative to your pool or fire pit, and rendered in your location’s lighting conditions.
This stage illuminates any design flaws before production begins. It gives you the opportunity to modify dimensions, alter finishes, or reconsider the layout before the building process.
3. Manufacturing and Quality Assurance
Once you approve the samples, we’ll move on to turning your vision into reality. Our fabricators will cut the steel or aluminum frames, weld the joints, apply the powder coat, and upholster the cushions. The furniture we’ll deliver to your property will conform to the designs, materials, and finishes you approved.
4. White-Glove Delivery and Installation
CC Patio’s furniture delivery and installation crew will set up your furniture on site. They’ll place each piece according to the approved layout, ensuring proper clearances around your pool, deck, garden, and traffic paths. After which, they’ll level each frame, shimming where necessary to account for drainage slopes or uneven pavers. They’ll also inspect the powder coating, fabric seams, and surface treatments under your property’s sun and shade conditions to confirm everything appears as specified in the samples you approved.
The Bottom Line: Custom Outdoor Furniture Is Worth the Investment
When you invest in bespoke outdoor furniture, you’re paying for:
- Problem-solving expertise: Designers assess your property’s exposure to sun, wind, and weather to create furniture solutions that work for your specific conditions.
- Quality materials: CC Patio selects steel, aluminum, and fabrics based on performance and durability, not cost savings.
- Skilled labor: Custom furniture artisans with years of experience hand-build every piece.
- Accountability: We design, build, and install everything, which means no finger-pointing between different companies when issues arise.
- Long-term value: Quality furniture lasts decades with proper care, eliminating the cycle of frequent replacements.
Learn more about the benefits of custom outdoor furniture here.
How to Commission Custom Outdoor Furniture with CC Patio
CC Patio operates as a designer, retailer, and manufacturer in one. You’ll work with the same team from the first consultation to the final installation, with all manufacturing carried out in the US. Browse our product categories or visit the CC Patio showrooms to see the materials and craftsmanship in person. Once you’re ready to customize your piece, call us at (480) 949-4500 for Scottsdale or (619) 220-2000 for Solana Beach.
FAQs About Custom Outdoor Furniture Pricing
Why is custom outdoor furniture more expensive than mass-produced options?
Made-to-order, bespoke furniture costs more because you’re paying for (1) materials built to last decades, (2) skilled craftspeople who spend hours on joinery and finishing, and (3) professional design work tailored to your space. Mass-produced furniture uses cheaper materials, machine assembly, and generic sizing.
How does CC Patio’s pricing compare to other high-end outdoor furniture brands?
Our pricing is around the same range as other premium outdoor furniture brands. The difference is that our pieces are fully customized to your space and specifications, handcrafted in the United States, and come with extended warranties. You’re getting bespoke furniture at luxury brand pricing.
Do custom furniture prices include delivery and installation?
Yes. CC Patio includes white-glove delivery and professional installation.
What warranty does CC Patio offer?
Our industry-leading warranties include, but are not limited to, *10 years on structural frames, *5 years on powder coating finishes, *25 years on Dekton surfaces, and *5 years on Sunbrella fabrics. Please review our Warranty and Care Instructions for more information.
