Outdoor living has grown into one of the largest investments for homeowners and commercial property owners. Whether the goal is a backyard sanctuary, a rooftop lounge, or a five-star resort patio, the furniture within that space elevates, or undermines, everything around it.
Commissioning ensures the furniture fits the space, complements the architecture, and survives years of use. Many people hesitate to begin the process because they assume it’s complicated, slow, or out of reach. The truth is the opposite. Working with an established manufacturer, such as CC Patio, gives you a seamless, transparent experience from the initial consultation to the final placement.
This guide covers every stage of the commission process, including:
- Initial consultation
- Design proposal and 3D renderings
- Material and finish selection
- Design approval and revisions
- Manufacturing
- Quality assurance and inspection
- White glove delivery and installation
And of course, the first step toward a successful commission is knowing what the term means.
What Does It Mean to Commission Custom Outdoor Furniture?
Commissioning involves hiring a designer-manufacturer to plan, build, and deliver pieces made for your space, taste, and intended use. Instead of choosing from a catalog of pre-made or mass-produced products, you’ll work with a design team to determine the size, materials, fabrics, finishes, and details of every piece.
Made-to-order differs from buying off-the-shelf. First, the entire process begins with your space and your vision, not a generic product description. Second, you have control over almost every detail, from the seat depth of a chaise lounge to the color of the powder coating on a steel frame. For a complete breakdown of how the two compare, our previous guide, Custom Outdoor Furniture vs. Off-the-Shelf, explains the differences in depth.
Going custom gives you a one-of-a-kind collection that fits like a glove, performs in your climate, and matches your aesthetic. For additional context on the broader benefits of custom furniture, please read our article, 13 Reasons to Commission Bespoke Outdoor Furniture.
How Long Does the Commission Process Take?
The timeline for commissioning furniture varies based on the size of the project, the complexity of the designs, and the quantity of pieces ordered. A small residential collection of two or three pieces takes less time than a full commercial installation for a resort with dozens of matching sectionals.
In general, the entire process from initial consultation to final installation can take several weeks to a few months. A myriad of variables affect the timeline:
- The number and complexity of pieces
- Material selections, including specialty surfaces like Dekton
- Whether the design goes through multiple rounds of revisions
- Production schedule at the manufacturing facility
- Delivery distance and installation requirements
Manufacturers with in-house production, including CC Patio, have a more predictable timeline than outsourced operations because they control every stage of the build.
For projects with strict deadlines, such as a hotel opening, share the target date during the initial consultation. The team will do what they can to accommodate it.
What Happens During the Initial Consultation?
The first step in commissioning bespoke outdoor furniture is a complimentary consultation, either on-site at your property or through a virtual consultation for out-of-state clients.
What Does a Custom Furniture Consultation Cover?
During the consultation, expect the design team to ask questions about your property and how you intend to use your outdoor space. The meeting covers the following topics:
- Your lifestyle, including how you unwind or entertain outdoors
- The architectural style of the property and any indoor design elements you want the outdoor furniture to echo
- The pieces you need, whether a daybed, sectional, dining set, fire pit table, cabana, etc.
- Climate considerations for your region, such as intense sun, frequent rain, or coastal salt exposure
- Any quirks in the space, including odd angles, slopes, or shaded zones
- Your budget range and target completion date
On-Site Measurements and Site Planning
After understanding your vision, the design team takes measurements of the space, including but not limited to the full footprint, gate and doorway for delivery access, height clearances for tall pieces, and the location of fixed features like fire pits, planters, pools, or built-in seat walls.
For local projects, the CC Patio team can measure the space in person. For clients farther out, the team may coordinate a virtual consultation through video call, then send a checklist on how to take measurements.
Residential vs. Commercial Considerations
Residential consultations revolve around homeowners’ aesthetic preferences, comfort, and indoor-outdoor integration. Commercial consultations factor in brand consistency across multiple installations, ADA compliance where applicable, fire-rated material requirements, and heavier-duty performance specifications for high-traffic environments. CC Patio works on residential and commercial projects with the same rigor.
How Does the Design Approval Process Work?
After the consultation, the design team begins translating your vision into a formal proposal.
3D Renderings and Design Proposals
The design team produces 3D renderings of each proposed piece within your outdoor environment. These visuals include the measurements of your space, the architecture surrounding it, and accurate representations of the proposed materials, fabrics, and finishes.
You will see multiple options at this stage, including different layouts, frame styles, and material combinations. These 3D renderings allow you to picture how a sectional versus a sofa-and-chair grouping might look in the same footprint, or how a darker frame finish would look against a lighter floor.
Showroom Proposal Review
Clients within driving distance are invited to review their proposal at the CC Patio Scottsdale or Solana Beach showroom. The designers will review the renderings with you, as well as lay out fabric swatches, frame samples, and surface finishes for you to see and compare in person. They will also answer any questions you may have.
Out-of-state clients and locals who prefer to skip the drive can request a virtual proposal review.
Approval and Revisions
The proposal stage may go through one or two rounds of revisions. You can request changes to sizing, swap out materials, add or remove pieces, and adjust the layout until the design parallels your vision. Once you approve the final proposal, the project enters production.
What Materials and Finishes Can You Choose From?
Choosing the materials is one of the most enjoyable parts of the commission process. You can pick from premium-grade options that most mass manufacturers avoid due to their cost and complexity.
CC Patio offers the following materials:
- Steel and aluminum frames: Double powder-coated, rust-proof, corrosion-resistant, and engineered to ensure harsh outdoor conditions for years.
- Sunbrella and Ultraleather upholstery: Solution-dyed acrylic fabrics and high-performance synthetic leathers that resist fading, mildew, and staining.
- Dekton surfaces: Ultra-compact sintered stone that withstands heat, scratches, stains, and UV exposure, and the surface needs no sealing.
Each material has dozens of colors, textures, and finishes. For example, Sunbrella has hundreds of upholstery fabrics across solid colors, patterns, and textured weaves, while Dekton comes in over 50 surface colors with matte, ultra-glossy, and textured finishes.
CC Patio backs every custom piece with a warranty, including 10 years against structural failure, 25 years for Dekton surfaces, and 5 years for Sunbrella. Few off-the-shelf brands come close to these coverage terms.
Review our Custom Furniture Warranty and Care Instructions for more information.
How Does the Manufacturing Process Work?
Once you approve the design and select your materials, production commences at CC Patio’s 35,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Phoenix, Arizona.
From Design to Finished Product
The fabrication process involves several stages. Skilled artisans cut steel and aluminum frames with laser-cutting technology, weld and finish the joints, sand and prepare the surfaces, apply the double powder coating, hand-stitch the upholstery, and assemble the final piece. Each step includes meticulous quality checks to catch any defects before the piece advances to the next stage.
Because CC Patio handles design, manufacturing, and delivery in-house, third-party contractors won’t slow the timeline or introduce inconsistencies. The team that designed your piece works hand-in-hand with the artisans who built it. This control over the entire production chain means tighter timelines, invariable quality, and a single point of contact throughout.
Quality Control and Final Inspection
Before a piece leaves the facility, a final inspection verifies that the measurements, finishes, and details match the approved proposal. The team checks fabric tension on cushions, seam consistency, frame stability, and surface integrity. Pieces advance to the delivery stage after they pass this inspection.
What Is White Glove Delivery and Installation?
The final stage of the commission process is white-glove delivery and installation. This step is where months of design and craftsmanship come together in your space.
What White Glove Delivery Includes
White glove service includes delivering your furniture from the manufacturing facility to its final position in your outdoor space. The CC Patio delivery team brings each piece into the outdoor area, unpacks it on-site, assembles any modular components, places the furniture according to the approved layout, and removes all packaging and debris when finished. You receive a turnkey result that’s ready to use the moment the team leaves.
Final Walkthrough
After installation, the designer who coordinated your project either visits in person or connects with you by video call for a final walkthrough. This step verifies that each piece is in the correct position, performs as intended, and matches what you approved during the design phase. If anything needs adjustment, the team manages it on the spot.
Nationwide Delivery
CC Patio commissions and delivers custom outdoor furniture nationwide. Out-of-state clients receive the same white glove treatment as locals, with CC Patio’s delivery personnel handling the final mile to your property.
How Much Does Custom Outdoor Furniture Cost?
The price of custom outdoor furniture varies based on the materials, size, and complexity of each piece. CC Patio pricing is comparable to other high-end brands, with the added benefit of full customization, expert design, and handcrafted construction.
A few sample price points from the CC Patio catalog are available below:
- An Outdoor Patio Swing at $3,900
- A Bravada Patio Daybed at $7,400
- A Bravada U Sectional at $10,800
These prices are starting points. Final figures vary with the materials, finishes, and sizes you choose. We quote larger commissions, such as multiple pieces for a hotel or resort installation, on a per-project basis.
When deliberating costs, think about long-term value. A custom piece built with Sunbrella fabric, Dekton surfaces, and a double powder-coated frame lasts for many years with minimal upkeep. Off-the-shelf alternatives at lower upfront prices may need replacement every couple of years, which adds up to a higher total cost than most buyers anticipate.
How Do You Prepare for a Custom Outdoor Furniture Commission?
Walking in prepared produces a better proposal. Before your consultation, gather the following items:
- Photos of your outdoor space from several angles, including any architectural details you want to incorporate in your new furniture.
- Rough measurements of the area where the furniture will be, even if the team will verify these on-site.
- Images of furniture styles, finishes, or color palettes you like, such as Pinterest boards or magazine clippings.
- A working list of the pieces you think you need, whether that’s a sectional, chaise lounger, or dining set.
- An idea of your budget range, which lets the team scope the proposal to your project’s size.
- A target completion date, if you have one.
You don’t need to have every decision made before the consultation. The design team will guide you through choices you may not have considered, including frame finishes, fabric weights, and cushion densities. The more open you are during the meeting, the better the proposal will suit your lifestyle and aesthetic.
Why Commission Custom Outdoor Furniture From CC Patio?
CC Patio operates as three (and sometimes four) companies in one. The team takes charge of design, retail, and manufacturing under one roof, plus delivery, which eliminates the back-and-forth communication and markup that occur between clients and craftspeople at other furniture brands.
Property owners and design professionals across the country choose CC Patio for the following reasons:
- Made in the USA: We design, build, and finish each piece of furniture in Phoenix, Arizona, at the CC Patio manufacturing facility.
- Industry-leading warranties: 10 years on structural frames, 25 years on Dekton surfaces, and 5 years on Sunbrella fabrics, with full warranty and care details on the CC Patio site.
- Two physical showrooms: Clients can visit the Scottsdale and Solana Beach showrooms to see, touch, and compare materials in person.
- Nationwide service: Virtual consultations and nationwide white glove delivery let clients commission custom pieces from anywhere in the country.
- Trade Partner Program: Interior designers, architects, builders, and developers can join the CC Patio Trade Partner Program to receive exclusive pricing and project coordination, among other perks.
- No outsourcing: Because everything happens in-house, you’ll communicate with the very people responsible for designing and building your furniture, not a chain of intermediaries.
Own a one-of-a-kind labor or love. Visit our showroom in Scottsdale or Solana Beach, or contact the CC Patio design team to schedule your complimentary consultation.
Additional FAQs About Commissioning Custom Furniture
Can I commission a single piece, or do I have to order a full set?
You can commission a single piece. Many clients start with one chaise lounge or sofa to try the process before committing to a larger order.
What if I want to add matching pieces to my commission later?
CC Patio keeps every commission on file. You can request matching pieces months or years later, and the team can replicate the original finish, fabric, and surface choices for a consistent look.
How long does it take to commission made-to-order outdoor furniture from CC Patio?
Most residential commissions take several weeks from approval to delivery. Larger commercial installations can take a few months.
Can I commission custom outdoor furniture if I live outside Arizona or California?
Yes. CC Patio works with clients nationwide through virtual consultations and ships completed pieces with white glove delivery anywhere in the United States.
Can bespoke outdoor furniture from CC Patio stay outside year-round?
Yes, in most cases. The steel and aluminum frames, Sunbrella fabrics, and Dekton surfaces are built to withstand sun, rain, snow, and salt air. Some clients in colder regions choose to cover or store cushions during winter to extend their lifespan, but the furniture itself can stay outside year-round.
What if I want to make a change after production has started?
Small adjustments, such as changing the fabric’s color, may be possible. Major changes or design overhauls after sign-off, however, can affect the timeline and the final cost.
Can interior designers and architects commission furniture for their clients through CC Patio?
Yes. Our Trade Partner Program supports interior designers, architects, builders, developers, and other trade professionals who want to source custom outdoor furniture for their clients.
What happens if my landscaping or construction isn’t finished when my furniture is ready?
This is a common scenario. CC Patio works with clients to coordinate delivery timelines around construction or landscaping delays. Clients may ask the team to store the finished furniture at the facility until the site is ready.
Can I order replacement cushions or parts down the road?
Yes. Since we document each commission, CC Patio can produce replacement cushions, slats, or other components years after the original installation.
Do I need to attend the white glove delivery?
You or someone authorized to make decisions should attend the delivery. The delivery team can also coordinate with a property manager, interior designer, or contractor if you can’t be on-site.
