Everybody Thinks This Walmart Outdoor Furniture Set Costs 3x Its Actual Price

Fast Facts

• Warranty: 3 years
• Materials: steel frame, polyester-filled cushions, 3M Scotchguard-coated fabric
• Dimensions: sofa,  30.31"D x 77.17"W x 30.31"H; tables, 25.59"D x 16.93"H and 18.5"D x 20.08"H ; chairs, 30.31"D x 29.13"W x 30.31"H 

At first, I was a little concerned: Any furniture that comes in a slim, flat-pack box can initiate a marital feud as you attempt to put it together. This set was surprisingly straightforward, with assembly taking less than 15 minutes per chair and for the sofa. (The tables were less than 10 for both combined.) It came with all of the tools you’d need—including a wrench my husband loved so much he kept it in his toolbox and has since used on other projects.

It’s Surprisingly Sturdy (and Heavy)

You may need a hand truck to transport the package, as the box containing the sofa and tables clocks in at over 100 on its own. But that’s a testament to the powder-coated, rust-resistant steel frame for each piece—there’s nothing flimsy about them. Each chair can hold up to 250 pounds, and the sofa can withstand weights of up to 500 pounds. There’s no creaking or sagging, either, even as the chairs and sofa were pushed close to their limits (at least not after a month).

Metal that’s decorated to look like wood gave me pause, but it’s only when you get really close that you realize it isn’t real wood. And honestly, after dealing with the maintenance of an actual wooden set, this was a relief. The faux-wood grain is hyper realistic, the furniture has clean lines, and the cushions are every bit as crisp and lush as they appear in the website’s pictures. (It looks so luxe, in fact, that people have wondered if it’s Serena & Lily or Pottery Barn.)

Under $1,000 outdoor furniture sets often skimp on the cushions. They’re typically pancake-thin, and if they start out thick, it’s not long before they flatten—and fade. I appreciated that these polyester-filled cushions were 4.5 inches thick, giving them a more high-end look—and, more importantly, a more comfortable place to perch. So far, there’s no sign of dipping or sagging.

Cream cushions with a toddler at home? And when said cushions will exist outdoors? I questioned my sanity shortly after unboxing the set, but thankfully, they’re coated in a 3M Scotchguard solution. That’s become crucial, as repeated thunderstorms pelted yellow-y pollen and dirt all over everything. (Not to mention a bird decided to christen it last week with a flurry of droppings.) Most of the grime wipes off, though I did need to whip out my Shark StainStriker to tackle the more stubborn stains. I’d say about 95 percent of the pollen has come off, but I couldn’t remove everything.

Since those early thunderstorms, I’ve bought furniture covers to extend the set’s lifespan, though given the weight of this set, I’ll be honest: It will be cumbersome to store this set in a “cool, dry place…away from direct sunlight” as the brand recommends. (It also suggests covering them, so hopefully that will be enough.)

With its sleek, Scandi-meets-coastal design and ultra plush-yet-firm cushions, this set easily becomes the focal point of any deck or patio. Given its size, construction and sturdiness, the price point can’t be beat, either.