What No One Tells You About the Cost of Outdoor Furniture (Especially in a Condo!)

Selecting Outdoor Furniture for Florida Condos

If you live in Florida, your outdoor space isn't just a nice-to-have. It's prime real estate for sunset lounging, cocktail sipping, and catching coastal breezes. At Lisa Gilmore Design, we think of patios, balconies, and terraces as extensions of your home (just with better lighting and fewer walls). But if you're dreaming of turning your condo balcony into a breezy retreat, there’s one thing most owners don’t see coming: the cost of outdoor furniture.

Designing Magical (and Durable) Outdoor Spaces

Let’s be honest, outdoor furniture has quite a job. It has to survive the Florida sun, sudden downpours, salty air, and sometimes even a hurricane or two. That means the materials need to be first class. Think teak, powder-coated metals, and UV-resistant fabrics like Sunbrella. These materials are gorgeous, but they don’t come cheap or without care and maintenance.

Durability is everything. Nobody wants their cushions to fade into pastel ghosts or their table to rust after one summer. So yes, those chic chairs you saw online for $199 might be tempting, but they will probably only last one season.

And let’s not forget style. Outdoor furniture has come a long way from plastic lawn chairs and wobbly tables. We’re talking sculptural sofas, curved sectionals, performance upholstery in designer patterns, and even outdoor chandeliers. Function + fashion = investment.

photo: Al Fresco Dining Balcony

The Add-Ons That Surprise Every Condo Owner

Many of our clients are surprised by what outdoor spaces need to feel finished. It's going to cost more - especially if you don't want to settle for plain, boring white. Here are a few common curveballs:

Cushions & Fabrics: Outdoor cushions need to be moisture, mold, and UV-resistant. And that luxe designer fabric? It's going to cost more than indoor fabric.

Outdoor Rugs and Lighting: If you want to define your outdoor room and set the mood, you’ll need more than just furniture.

Shade: Think umbrellas, canopies, or even pergolas. Not glamorous until you’re sweating through your silk kaftan.

Delivery and Installation: High-rise condos mean scheduling elevators, navigating hallways, and white-glove delivery.

photo: Outdoor Seating Area

Outdoor Furniture for Condo Living

Condos come with their own set of unique considerations like size. You can’t throw a full sectional out there and hope for the best. Every piece has to be carefully measured and selected to balance function and flow. Custom-sized outdoor furniture often becomes the star of the show.

Then there is wind. Florida balconies can be breezy, so lightweight, big-box furniture won’t cut it. Heavy, wind-rated pieces are essential. (Yes, they’re pricier.) And, some condos make residents pull all furnishings inside, which is also a big consideration.

And don’t forget HOA rules. Some buildings restrict what you can place on your balcony, which may require custom solutions. We always check the fine print before placing any orders.

photo: Florida Condo Balcony

How Lisa Gilmore Design Handles Outdoor Design

We treat outdoor rooms just like indoor ones: with intention, artistry, and a healthy dose of liveable glamour. We’ll talk about budget, goals, and how you want to feel in the space. Then, we curate pieces that fit your vibe and hold up to the elements.

We educate our clients on the true investment of outdoor furniture from the start. No sticker shock here, just stylish, functional spaces ready for morning coffee or a twilight spritz.

photo: Florida Condo Outdoor Furniture

FAQs: Answering Your Top Questions About Outdoor Furniture

1. What is the best outdoor furniture that holds up to the weather?

When it comes to braving the elements, not all outdoor furniture is created equal. The best weather-resistant options are made from materials like teak (which ages oh-so gracefully but does require oiling once a year), powder-coated aluminum (sleek and rust-resistant), and all-weather wicker (practically impervious to rain and humidity). Cushions covered in solution-dyed acrylic fabrics, like Sunbrella, are also must-haves for withstanding sun, storms, and wine spills. If your furniture can handle Florida’s tropical mood swings, it can handle just about anything!

2. What is the best month to buy outdoor furniture?

If you love a good deal and a good lounge chair, mark your calendar for August and September. As summer starts winding down, retailers often slash prices to make room for fall inventory. That’s your moment to pounce! But if you want the widest selection (and don’t mind paying a bit more), spring is prime time for fresh finds. Just remember: great outdoor furniture is an investment in your backyard retreat.

3. What kind of patio furniture can stay out all year?

If you don’t want to play musical chairs with the weather forecast, go for patio furniture built to live outdoors full-time. Look for teak, eucalyptus, or other hardwoods that weather beautifully over time. Powder-coated aluminum and resin wicker are also stars of the all-season stage. Want cushions that won’t cry in a thunderstorm? Choose quick-dry foam and weatherproof fabrics. Bonus tip: furniture covers and regular care keep your pieces looking gorgeous, rain or shine!

Outdoor furniture may be an investment, but it’s one that pays off every time you step outside with a good book or a great friend. When thoughtfully planned, your balcony or patio becomes a magical oasis that expands the way you live in your home.

Dreaming up a fabulous space - indoors or out? Let’s chat! Fill out our design inquiry form, and we’ll be in touch. Want even more inspiration, peeks behind the curtain, and tips for adding liveable glamour to your home? Follow us on Instagram or sign up for our newsletter and let the design daydreams begin.

Lisa Gilmore Design is a luxury interior design firm based in sunny Tampa Bay, Florida. We specialize in creating one-of-a-kind spaces for busy professionals—with a flair for the bold, the beautiful, and the brilliantly unexpected. From Clearwater to St. Pete, Hyde Park to South Tampa, we turn everyday homes into showstopping sanctuaries filled with soul and style.