When is the best time to buy commercial property outdoor furniture?

【How often should patio furniture be replaced?】

Patio furniture care is especially important in keeping your outdoor dining, lounge and pool areas tidy. Keep in mind that outdoor furniture ages faster than indoor furniture due to weather and UV exposure. Hotels typically renovate interior spaces every seven years, but outdoor furniture fades faster (especially with fabric pillows).

Some furniture is definitely more durable than others (we'll talk about how to find durable outdoor furniture and how to replace all the parts later (see below)), but eventually all parts will need to be replaced.

【How far in advance should I order outdoor commercial furniture?】

So, the question is, when should you start shopping for those new patio sets, pool loungers, and cabanas? The correct answer is not to start shopping the day before Memorial Day. If you want to upgrade your property's outdoor patio furniture, keep in mind that getting high-quality commercial furniture will take longer than residential furniture. Ordering 200 patio chairs and having them delivered to your resort will take longer than purchasing a small patio set for your backyard. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t find quality furniture in a timely manner. It just takes some planning.

If you're really in a hurry and need to replace your pool chairs, you can get your outdoor furniture quicker if you're willing to go with basic colors and forego customization options. However, it's always a designer's dream when you have enough time to plan and customize your furniture before the summer. Many properties start shopping in late summer or early fall and schedule delivery for the following spring, before outdoor areas are open for season.

The good news is, whether you need to replace your outdoor furniture soon or in a few months, there are a variety of great ways to get furniture that is beautiful and long-lasting.

【When to Start Buying Patio Furniture】

When you operate a hotel, restaurant, resort, swimming pool, clubhouse or other commercial property, there are four considerations to keep in mind when deciding the best time to start shopping for new outdoor furniture. 

1. Consider opening dates for swimming pools and dining areas

The best time to buy outdoor patio furniture for commercial properties is usually a few months before the pool and outdoor dining area open. Unless your area opens these facilities year-round, you'll need to have your new furniture in place before guests begin using the spaces. This way, you can ensure a seamless transition and impress your customers.

2. Forecast shipping and delivery times

Please keep in mind that outdoor furniture orders, especially custom-made furniture, may take some time to arrive. Shipping time for custom orders is typically 2-3 months, and even off-the-shelf styles can take around a month to arrive. With reputable commercial furniture delivery, it's best to order well in advance of the furniture being needed to ensure it arrives on time. The more customized you are with your furniture (such as using custom fabrics/COMs or finishes), the longer it will take to have your custom furniture built to your specifications and shipped to your residence.

3. Keep up with the latest trends

New outdoor furniture is typically launched in the spring to coincide with trade shows such as the Hospitality Design Expo. For hotels that make reputation and style part of their brand, investing in the latest furniture styles in the spring can give your outdoor space a fresh, modern feel. Keeping up with trends can help your hotel stand out from the competition.

4. Find affordable options

If budget is a major consideration for your property, consider purchasing outdoor patio furniture in the fall or winter. At this time, last year's styles are usually available at clearance prices. Many of these discounted styles are classics that will remain stylish for years to come, making them an affordable option for budget-conscious businesses.

【Find durable outdoor furniture】

No matter what time of year you buy furniture, and no matter what you value most in your property, durability is key. When choosing outdoor furniture for your resort or commercial property, make sure it is commercial grade.

The outdoor furniture you find on Wayfair or Amazon isn't for commercial use; these cheap pieces of furniture are for residential use. Residential furniture cannot meet the demands of heavy commercial use. In fact, if you use residential outdoor furniture in a commercial area, even for just one day, it will void the warranty.

【What is commercial grade furniture?】

Chairs, tables, and other furniture built specifically for commercial use are considered commercial-grade furniture. It typically has a higher weight capacity, sturdier joints and hinges, and is made from fabrics and materials that won’t show signs of wear and tear as quickly as residential-grade furniture.

Look for heavy-duty outdoor furniture that can withstand the elements and is designed for commercial use. Check the weight capacity of chairs and tables. A high load-bearing capacity indicates a sturdy and durable structure. Plus, it's better suited for a wider range of guests and won't collapse when stacked for storage. Investing in high-quality, durable furniture will reduce the need for frequent replacement, saving you money in the long run.

【Final result】

All in all, the best time to buy outdoor patio furniture for your property depends on your priorities. Is it style, timing or price?

Style: If your top priority is getting the latest styles, then you'll want to wait until spring when the latest styles are available.

Timing: To receive your custom-made outdoor furniture in time for the perfect temperatures on Memorial Day, start shopping in January and February.

Price: If you want the best prices and discounts, shop clearance items in the fall and early winter.