A Comprehensive Hands-On Look at Outer’s Premium Patio Furniture
As the temperatures rise and patio season kicks into high gear, our attention shifts to creating an outdoor oasis perfect for relaxing and entertaining. And essential to that is choosing durable, comfortable outdoor furniture.
Enter Outer, the trendy direct-to-consumer brand that has taken the patio furniture scene by storm over the last few years. With their focus on high-quality construction and customizable modular pieces made from eco-friendly materials, they’ve won over savvy shoppers and snagged investments from “Shark Tank” stars.
But how does their product perform beyond the hype? As a consumer who has owned Outer sectionals for two sunny seasons now, I’m breaking down the pros and cons from personal experience living with these much-buzzed-about outdoor sofas.
An Overview of Outer as a Brand
First, let’s look at who Outer is and what they’re all about. Launched in 2017 by entrepreneur pals Terry Lin and Jiake Liu, their backgrounds were in ecommerce brands like Casper Sleep and Pottery Barn.
Noticing a lack of innovation in the outdoor furniture sphere, they sought out to modernize the category through direct-to-consumer business practices focused on:
- High-quality materials and construction
- Customization with modular components
- Competitive pricing by cutting out middlemen
- Socially responsible manufacturing
The company rose rapidly with investments from Lori Greiner of “Shark Tank” and other backers. Media outlets like Forbes took notice of their unique eco-friendly process of using recycled plastic to create durable all-weather wicker.
Outer‘s Product Lineup: Modular Sectionals Galore
Outer’s bread and butter is their selection of modular outdoor sectionals available in a range of sizes and configurations. Ranging from intimate two-seaters up to sprawling 8-armed sofas, their seating can be arranged in L-shapes, U-shapes or straight lines based on your space.
Shoppers choose a “base” number of seats depending on headcount, then can augment with add-on chairs, chaises, tables and more. The most popular options are:
- 3 Seat Sectional
- 5 Seat Sectional
- 6 Seat Sectional
- 7 Seat Sectional
Each base package starts with a combination of corner chairs (which have arms on two sides) and armless chairs (no arms) that connect together. So a 5-seat sectional gives you two corner chairs plus three armless middle chairs.
The armless chairs are brilliant for flexibility, as they can be swapped out to alter the layout anytime. Other add-ons like end tables, ottomans, coffee tables and more let you tweak to your needs.
Rounding out their offerings are outdoor rugs, pillows and rugs to accessorize. Plus protective furniture covers designed for wind and weather.
Now let’s get into the details on quality, construction, cost and more!
Materials & Manufacturing: Built from Recycled Plastic
A huge part of Outer’s appeal is their eco-friendly materials and production processes. Rather than natural rattan or virgin plastic, their signature all-weather wicker contains 30% recycled post-consumer plastic – like plastic bottles headed for landfills.
This proprietary material feels smooth, natural and substantial while resisting fading, stains, mildew and other outdoor hazards. Extruded onto an internal skeleton made of rustproof aluminum and magnesium alloy, it’s commercial-grade construction.
Cushions sport ventilated cores of quick-drying foam that allow air and moisture to pass through, covered in solution-dyed fabric with waterproof backing. This high-tech textile laughs off spills, grass stains and summer sprinkles while avoiding that sticky plastic feel of some outdoor fabrics.
Designed thoughtfully for real-world use, Outer sofas easily withstand routine exposure to sun, rain, dirt and active kids and pets without compromising comfort. Carefully engineered and uniform quality control ensures each piece over-delivers.
Customization & Modularity: Rearrange to Your Heart’s Content
Here’s where Outer really outshines much of its competition – the ability to customize your sectional’s size, shape and configuration in various ways over time.
As mentioned, the armless chairs freely interchange to alter the silhouette – great for renters or households with evolving space needs. Further tweak which sides have arms vs open access. The standardized sizing across pieces makes substituting and rearranging a breeze.
Each seat functions as its own individual module that securely clips together at the base. But they separate just as simply for moving, spacing differently or using solo. I love that flexibility compared to bulky sectionals fused permanently.
Currently, Outer sectionals are only available in two neutral colors – light “Palisades Cream” and medium “Pacific Storm.” Both hues mix into outdoor spaces beautifully while hiding dirt. But additional shades would open up design possibilities even further.
Setting Up Your Outer Sectional: Easy Assembly
When your Outer order arrives, you’ll find each component packaged with care in its own recyclable box. Individual styrofoam stabilizers keep parts from shifting during shipping.
Assembly is manageable solo thanks to the modules weighing under 50 pounds – but snagging a second set of hands makes quicker work. It took me about 90 minutes total to piece together my 7 seat sectional.
The included Allen wrench connects pre-attached bolts into inserts at the base of each unit. A pole supported by tiny «feet» slides in to link chairs. The agora holes ensure everything stays square.
Since connection points are few and hidden discreetly underneath, the overall aesthetic stays sleek and seamless. No eyesores detracting from those good looks!
Living With My Outer: How the Sectional Stacks Up
Now for the juicy details you’re really after – how does Outer fare based on nearly two years of real-world use as my primary outdoor seating? Pretty impressively overall:
Quality & Durability
My Outer sectional still looks and functions superbly despite exposure to all types of weather and family activity. The color has yet to fade substantially even in harsh sun. No visible cracking or damage to materials either despite fluctuating temperatures.
The all-weather wicker feels solidly fused to maintain its sculpted shape. Extreme heat and freezing cold brings no brittleness. Textured surfaces shed debris easily with a quick rinse of the hose.
Comfort
Lush cushioning strikes that sweet spot between plush yet supportive. High-density foam cores avoid flattening while thermo-regulating covers stay cool enough for hours of lounging, even on hot days. They even survived an overnight soaking in a downpour without growing moldy.
I especially appreciate how Outer’s low, deep seats make getting up easier for my elderly mom – no struggling out of an enveloping sinkhole. The angled backrests hit at a natural point along the spine for effortless relaxing.
Care & Maintenance
To uphold Outer’s outstanding 10-year frame / 5-year cushion warranties, some basic maintenance is required:
- Brush debris after use and hose down monthly
- Check and tighten bolts if needed
- Use furniture covers in extreme weather
- Fluff cushions to restore loft
- Spot clean stains promptly
- Avoid harsh cleaners
Following recommendations has kept my set pristine enough that guests often don’t believe it lives outside full-time!
Style & Decor Pairings
In terms of decor, Outer’s versatile neutrals and unfussy shape provide a flexible foundational piece. I adorned my sectional with toss pillows, ceramics and greenery for a cohesive look.
Some favorite accessories I’d recommend pairing with Outer seating:
- Sunbrella outdoor pillows
- Terrazzo garden stools
- Capri blue candles
- Galvanized metal buckets w/ trailers
- Olive tree in woven planter
- Outdoor string lighting
Such elements dial up the welcoming ambiance and polish. I’m thrilled at how my backyard oasis has come together by centering everything around the superb Outer sectional.
How Outer‘s Pricing Compares to Similar Brands
Given its exceptional quality and construction, Outer sits at the higher end of cost in the outdoor furniture playing field. But it helps to compare apples-to-apples against other premium players.
Below is a breakdown of how Outer stacks up price-wise on a typical 5 seat sectional against the likes of Restoration Hardware, Pottery Barn and other luxury retailers:
| Brand | Cost | Shipping |
|---|---|---|
| Outer | $5,750 | Free shipping & returns |
| Restoration Hardware | $6,395+ | Extra fees apply |
| Pottery Barn | $5,998+ | Extra fees apply |
| West Elm | $3,498+ | Extra fees apply |
| Crate & Barrel | $2,297+ | Extra fees apply |
| IKEA | $628+ | Extra fees apply |
| Amazon | $469+ | Free over $25 |
When comparing construction between Outer and brands like Restoration Hardware or Pottery Barn, Outer is:
- Just as durable but with more stain/water/UV resistance
- More customizable mix-and-match modularity
- Greener manufacturing and materials
- Lighter weight for portability between seasons
So the price feels on par with other makers of premium outdoor furniture, while offering unique advantages those pricier counterparts lack!
Outer Outdoor Sofa Review Roundup: What Owners Are Saying
Curious what feedback real-life customers have about Outer after extended use? I rounded up candid testimonials from buyers across various third-party sites:
"We’ve had our Outer patio sectional for three seasons now in rainy Portland and couldn’t be happier. They still look brand new! The color, the comfort and the quality are unmatched for outdoor furniture in our experience. Worth every penny." — A.M., Portland, OR
"I shopped around for over two months trying to find the perfect covered patio seating that was durable enough for year-round Pacific Northwest rain exposure. Outer was the number one choice hands down. We use our 6 seat sectional multiple times a week and it has held up flawlessly to soggy weather. Five stars across the board! Delivery was fast too." — S.W., Seattle, WA
"I‘ll be the first to admit I balked at Outer‘s prices initially, expecting cheaper knockoff quality. But now after nearly two years of owning a sectional through all four seasons in Vermont, we have zero regrets. Just an awesome company making outdoor furniture the way it should be – to last. If you‘re on the fence, take the leap!" — J.R., Burlington, VT
The vast majority of feedback skews positively from owners who confirm Outer’s exceptional durability across a variety of climates, especially wetter regions. Most call their purchase worthwhile for years of stylish and carefree outdoor enjoyment.
That bodes well for the brand’s generous warranty coverage should any defects arise. But most reviewers report their Outer goods aging beautifully with just basic maintenance – and no signs of deterioration on the horizon.
Key Takeaways: Who Outer Sectionals Are For
After extensive personal testing and vetting reviews, I confidently recommend Outer to the right buyers. Their outdoor sectionals make fantastic investments IF longevity, low-maintenance, eco-friendly materials and custom modularity matter more than rock-bottom pricing in your outdoor furniture.
I suggest Outer most strongly for:
🚩 Homeowners needing seating to stand up to tough weather exposure through multiple seasons
🚩 Green-minded folks who prioritize sustainability and recyclable materials
🚩 Anyone wanting flexibility to rearrange/expand their sectional down the road
🚩 Households needing a sturdy, stylish focal point when entertaining outdoors
🚩 Pet owners and parents avoiding delicate fabrics that shows every speck of dirt
If those factors align with your patio goals and priorities, then yes – Outer sectionals deliver impressive quality and craftsmanship worth the reasonable splurge. Just be sure to measure carefully first!
Parting Thoughts
Hopefully this comprehensive review tackling durability, customization, cost comparisons and more helps you determine if Outer merits your hard-earned dollars. I‘m happy to answer any other questions from an owner‘s perspective before you pull the trigger.
At the end of the day, Outer sectionals may exceed budgets for some buyers. But from eco-conscious materials to weather-defying construction to flexible modularity, they check all the boxes that matter most for our backyard sanctuary here in the Pacific Northwest.
Now who‘s down for some sun tea on the patio? These awesome outdoor sofas await…
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