Outdoor Sofas

Lounging in the sun is as close to being a pampered housecat as possible.

Outdoor sofa sets are an ideal way to get into the sunlight and stock up on that much-needed vitamin D. Choosing the right outdoor sofa set and style can prove quite a task – how big or small should you go? Are they waterproof? Is the layout flexible? What about colours?

You’re in the best of hands with our outdoor sofa range, designed to blend into any aesthetic and combine to fit any patio size. Read on to find out more about our outdoor sofa sets and how they can work for you.
Read more

How do I choose the right size of outdoor sofa for my space?

The first step is to get a tape measure. You could nab one the next time you visit IKEA, but hopefully, you’ve got one of your own. Measure your outdoor space; ensure you have enough room to move freely and comfortably. If it helps, some experts say there should be at least one metre of space around furniture for it to be the ideal fit.

After that’s all squared away, you might want to mark the area on the floor with chalk or tape. This way, you can try different layouts and ideas, visualise the setup, and guarantee enough space.

What materials are commonly used for outdoor sofa frames and seating?

Outdoor sofas can be made of a variety of materials. What will work best for you depends on your own tastes and the climate of your city. Our pieces are water-resistant, UV-resistant, tear-resistant and great for indoor or outdoor use, making them Australian-friendly.

Metal Frames

Versatile and malleable, metal is one of the most common outdoor sofa and furniture materials. Credit to its nature, it is robust and long-lasting with proper maintenance. Although outdoor pieces can be heavier when made of metal, they make up for it by being particularly withstanding, such as with our heavy-duty aluminium or steel frames.

Wood Frames

The other side of the coin when it comes to common materials for outdoor sofas and furniture frames is wood furniture. Thanks to its flexibility and tasteful finish, this material is a favourite, with natural grains that don’t absorb heat and weather most climates with yearly maintenance.

Wicker Frames

Coming in several kinds of wood, wicker furniture gives you a comfy, country-esque vibe that suits most aesthetics. They’re lightweight and will enhance your patio, but they have a shorter lifespan – unless you choose the longer-lasting, synthetic version we prefer when designing our pieces.

Plastic Frames

Convenient and accessible, plastic is another option for outdoor furniture. They can endure most weather conditions and climates, be fashioned from recycled materials, appear as natural as real wood or rattan options, and tend to offer more diversity when customising.

Cotton Seating

Heavy-duty cotton suits outdoor sofas and furniture with a softer feel and look – but they are not waterproof and need to be stored under tarps or indoors when it rains.

Acrylic Seating

Loved for their low maintenance, acrylics are UV-protected and withstand all climates, making them a perfect choice for outdoor sofas and furniture.

Are outdoor sofas weather-resistant?

This depends on what materials your outdoor sofas are made from and how they’re cared for. A good rule of thumb is to use an outdoor umbrella to protect your outdoor furniture from all kinds of weather. Further maintenance for your outdoor furniture depends on its exposure to temperature, wind and rainfall.

Metal

  • Paste wax can protect your metal furniture from the elements, as well as rust neutralisers.

  • In summer, keep them in the shade with an outdoor umbrella or out of the sunlight.

  • On rainy days, the easiest method is to keep your furniture out of the rain. Weatherproof covers are your next best option.

  • During the winter months, consider storing your outdoor furniture to prevent any damage from harsh temperatures, frost and other severe weather complications.

Wood

  • The number one thing to do with wooden outdoor furniture is seal it with polyurethane – particularly one with UV blockers. This will protect your furniture from the sun.

  • While some versions of wooden outdoor furniture can be more weather-resistant than others, investing in outdoor umbrellas is still a good idea.

  • In summer, limit your furniture’s exposure and keep them in shady areas.

  • On rainy days, keep it out of the downpour to ensure minimal damage.

  • During the winter months, storage is the smartest choice – but if you absolutely need to leave it outside, then weatherproof covers are a must.

Wicker

  • Many forms of wicker can withstand the Australian climate, especially if they’ve been treated to be more weather-resistant, but they still require a solid amount of care to prolong their lifespans.

  • In summer, make use of those outdoor umbrellas and keep them out of direct sunlight.

  • On rainy days, keep your wicker tucked away. Even if your wicker furniture has been painted with waterproof coating and oiled to prevent it from absorbing too much water, wicker is not designed to get wet and can sustain a lot of damage with repeat exposure.

  • During the winter, pop your outdoor furniture into the garage or cover them up.

Plastic

  • As low-maintenance as plastic outdoor furniture is, it doesn’t mean no maintenance.

  • In summer, direct exposure to sunlight can damage plastic as it absorbs heat. Utilise outdoor umbrellas or keep your furniture in the shade to preserve them.

  • On rainy days, plastic outdoor furniture does well thanks to its water-resistant nature, but you can move them under some cover so you don’t sit down in a pool of water the following day.

  • During the winter, plastic can get brittle enough to crack or snap. Store them away for safekeeping in these cold months.

Fabric

  • No matter the material used for outdoor furniture cushions, they cannot be left outside in all weather conditions to fend for themselves. Cushion stuffing can develop mould or mildew when left unattended; fabric can be damaged in the cold by freezing and thawing.

  • You can buy outdoor cushion sprays that dry down and shield against sunlight and water and also prevent yellowing and fading.

  • Use of weather-resistant covers and outdoor umbrellas during the hotter seasons to prevent sun damage or dust collecting.

  • Bring your cushions inside during rainy days or store them away in the winter to prolong their lives.

Can I choose between single-seat and multiple-seat outdoor sofas?

Yes, you can! If you’ve got a narrower outdoor layout, you might prefer single-seat sofas; if you have a more open space and more people to entertain, 2-seater and 3-seater outdoor sofas are all the rage.

Are there bench-style outdoor sofas with backrests?

Our extensive collection features bench-style outdoor sofas with backrests in multiple styles, from white outdoor sofas to wicker outdoor sofas. We’re here to enable your vision, no matter your style and location.


You deserve to recline in style, knowing that your outdoor sofa set was crafted with Australia’s climate in mind. Uncompromising and with a dash of flair, Factory Buys is here for you to explore. If you need to learn more about our outdoor sofa sets, don’t hesitate to get in touch.