Outdoor Sofas

Choosing the right outdoor sofa material for your climate

In coastal areas, an outdoor sofa with a powder-coated aluminium frame and UV-stabilised synthetic fabric will hold up far better than one with a steel frame or untreated timber, both of which are vulnerable to salt air corrosion. For cushion fabrics, solution-dyed acrylic resists fading up to five times longer than standard woven polyester, which matters when your sofa faces direct afternoon sun through Summer.

Pair with our outdoor cushions in a complementary colour to finish the look and add extra comfort to your seating.

Getting outdoor sofa sizing right for your patio or deck

A standard three-seater outdoor sofa measures around 210 to 240cm wide, so measure your available deck or patio space and leave at least 90cm in front of the sofa for a coffee table plus walkway clearance. If your outdoor area is narrower, a two-seater at 140 to 160cm wide paired with a separate armchair often makes better use of the space than forcing in a three-seater.

See our outdoor coffee and side tables to find a table that fits the proportions of your sofa and leaves the right clearance in your layout.

When an outdoor sofa set makes more sense than buying pieces separately

Buying an outdoor sofa set means the frames, cushion colours and weave finishes are matched from the start, which saves you the guesswork of mixing pieces from different ranges. Most sets include a sofa, one or two armchairs and a coffee table, giving you everything your outdoor lounge needs in a single purchase at a lower combined price than buying each piece individually.

Browse our outdoor lounge sets for matched configurations that include seating, a table and coordinated cushions.

Frequently asked questions

Can outdoor sofas stay outside all year in Australia?

Aluminium-framed sofas with solution-dyed acrylic or polyester cushions can generally stay outside year-round in most Australian climates. In areas with extended wet seasons or heavy hail, using a fitted outdoor furniture cover during prolonged bad weather will significantly extend the lifespan of both the frame and the cushions.

What is the best outdoor sofa material for a covered patio?

For a covered patio, powder-coated aluminium frames with olefin or solution-dyed acrylic cushions give the best combination of durability and low maintenance. Teak and other hardwoods are also well suited to covered areas but require oiling once or twice a year to maintain their appearance.

How deep should an outdoor sofa seat be?

A comfortable outdoor sofa seat depth is typically between 65 and 75cm, which allows you to sit back fully without your legs dangling. Deeper lounge-style sofas at 80 to 90cm seat depth are more relaxed but may require a lumbar cushion for upright seating.

How do I protect an outdoor sofa from UV damage?

Choosing cushion fabric with a UV protection factor of 50-plus is the most effective measure, as UV is the primary cause of colour loss and fabric weakening in outdoor sofas. Positioning the sofa under a pergola or umbrella during peak summer hours also reduces cumulative UV exposure significantly.

Can I leave outdoor sofa cushions outside overnight?

Quick-dry outdoor cushions can be left outside overnight in dry conditions, but storing them undercover or in a deck storage box when not in use is the best practice for longevity. Damp cushions left in contact with frames can accelerate corrosion on steel fixings, even when the frame itself is powder-coated.