Hey there, outdoor fanatic! If you‘re anything like me, you know that a comfortable, stylish outdoor sofa is the centerpiece of any alfresco living space. But with so many options on the market, it can be tough to know which one is truly worth your hard-earned cash.
That‘s where Outer comes in. This innovative direct-to-consumer brand has been making waves in the outdoor furniture industry with their high-end, modular sofas that claim to outperform the competition in every way. Intrigued? I sure was!
In this post, I‘m diving deep into the world of Outer to bring you the inside scoop. As a self-proclaimed design snob and outdoor enthusiast, I‘ll share my honest hands-on experience with Outer sofas, along with insights from other real customers. We‘ll cover everything from the materials and construction to the comfort, style, and customer service.
By the end, you‘ll have all the info you need to decide if an Outer sofa is the missing piece in your outdoor oasis. Spoiler alert: your backyard is about to get a major upgrade! Let‘s go.
Why Outer? The Brand Story
First, let‘s talk about the masterminds behind the magic. Outer was co-founded in 2017 by CEO Jiake Liu, a former Pottery Barn designer, and Chief Design Officer Terry Lin, a Casper mattress alum.
The pair saw a glaring gap in the outdoor furniture market: you could either buy cheap, flimsy sets that would fall apart after one season, or shell out serious dough for high-end designer pieces. They dreamed of creating a "Goldilocks" solution – sofas that were just right in terms of quality, style, and price.
Outer‘s mission is simple but ambitious: "to reinvent the outdoor sofa for the way people live today." In a recent Forbes interview, Liu elaborated on this ethos: "We want to create products that are so comfortable, so durable, and so innovative that they completely change people‘s perception of what outdoor furniture can be."
To achieve this, Outer adopted a direct-to-consumer business model, cutting out the middleman markups of traditional retail. They also prioritized sustainable materials and ethical manufacturing to minimize environmental impact. But more on that later.
Deconstructing an Outer Sofa
Alright, pop quiz: what‘s the most important part of a sofa? If you said "the frame," you get a gold star! A sturdy, well-constructed base is the literal foundation of any quality couch. And let me tell you, Outer doesn‘t cut corners here.
Outer sofa frames are made from a lightweight yet ultra-strong aluminum-magnesium alloy that can support up to 400 lbs per seat. That‘s like having a linebacker sit on your lap – not that I‘m suggesting you try that! This unique material also resists rust and corrosion, so you don‘t have to stress about your sofa turning into the Titanic after a rainstorm.
Attached to this rock-solid frame are polished stainless steel legs with nifty adjustable levelers. No more wobbles or uneven surfaces – your sofa will stay put and look sharp.
But the real showstopper is Outer‘s signature "wicker" fabric, which is actually made from recycled plastic bottles. I know what you‘re thinking – eco-friendly is great, but will it hold up to the elements? Honey, this ain‘t your grandma‘s wicker.
Outer‘s wicker is insanely durable and weather-resistant, with a soft, supple feel that rivals traditional wicker. In fact, a whopping 30% of the material comes from recycled plastic, and 100% of it can be recycled again at the end of its life. So you can feel good about your environmental impact while you kick back with a cold one.
The cushions are no slouch either. Outer uses a proprietary memory foam that‘s as comfy as your favorite La-Z-Boy while still being totally weatherproof. The cushions are wrapped in a stain-resistant, fade-proof cover that‘s been tested to the moon and back. I‘m talking waterproof zippers, oil coatings, bleach resistance – this fabric can handle anything short of a flamethrower. Trust me, I‘ve put it through its paces!
The Built-In Cover: Outer‘s Secret Weapon
Now, raise your hand if you hate fussing with outdoor furniture covers. Yeah, I thought so. Wresting a bulky tarp over your soggy cushions is about as fun as a root canal. But what if I told you there was a better way?
Enter Outer‘s patent-pending built-in cover system, aka the design feature that made my jaw drop. Here‘s how it works:
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Flip up the seat cushions and voila – there‘s a hidden compartment at the back of the sofa frame.
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Pull the integrated cover out and drape it over the cushions. It takes seconds and zero muscles.
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Tuck it in at the sides using the handy straps, and you‘re done! Your sofa is now safe from rain, dew, dirt, and neighborhood critters.
When you‘re ready to lounge again, just slide the cover back into its secret den and fluff your pillows. It‘s so brilliant, I‘m mad I didn‘t think of it first.
This self-storing cover design eliminates the need for a separate storage bag or garage space. Plus, you‘ll never play the "where did I put that damn cover" game again. Believe me, your future self will thank you.
Customizable Comfort
In my experience, modular sofas can either be a lifesaver or a logistical nightmare. Nobody wants to spend hours playing Tetris with awkwardly shaped sections. Luckily, Outer makes configuring your dream sofa a snap.
Their universal interlocking system allows you to mix, match, and rearrange the individual pieces to your heart‘s content. You can opt for a classic 3-seater sofa, a spacious 7-piece sectional, or anything in between. The best part? You can always add more chairs, ottomans, or tables down the line as your needs change.
Outer offers both armless and corner chair options, so you can fine-tune the flow and function of your space. I love how the low, 16-inch seat height and deep, 29-inch seats create a relaxed, lounge-y vibe. You can‘t help but sink in and stay awhile.
The memory foam cushions strike the perfect balance of softness and support, conforming to your contours like a custom hug. Even after hours of Netflix bingeing, I never felt stiff or sore. That‘s a rarity for outdoor furniture!
One thing to note: Outer exclusively ships their products as flat packs to reduce freight costs and carbon emissions. That means some assembly is required, but don‘t panic. The modular design makes putting your sofa together a fairly painless process, and there are helpful video tutorials on the website. If you can handle a few Allen wrenches and bolts, you‘ll be golden.
Aesthetic Appeal
Of course, a sofa isn‘t just a place to park your rear – it‘s a style statement. And in my opinion, Outer‘s minimalist, Scandinavian-inspired silhouettes are a breath of fresh air in a sea of clunky, ornate outdoor furniture.
The clean lines and low profiles give Outer sofas a timeless, effortlessly cool look that works with a variety of decor styles. Whether your vibe is coastal chic, modern farmhouse, or bohemian oasis, an Outer sofa will fit right in.
I appreciate that Outer doesn‘t overwhelm you with fabric choices, instead curating two not-too-bright, not-too-boring neutrals: a warm white called Palisades Cream and a sophisticated gray called Pacific Fog. Both are versatile enough to play well with colorful accents while hiding the occasional red wine spill (speaking from experience).
The teak armrests and back slats add a touch of organic warmth and visual interest. Teak is known for its exceptional weatherability and rich patina that only gets better with age. It‘s like the George Clooney of wood, am I right?
The Social Proof
Okay, you don‘t just have to take my word for it. Outer has an impressive 4.9-star average rating based on 400+ verified buyer reviews on their site. That‘s a lot of happy behinds!
Here are a few highlights:
"We absolutely LOVE our Outer sofa! It‘s so comfortable and the built-in cover is a game changer. We leave it outside year-round and it still looks brand new." – Lauren S.
"I was hesitant to buy a sofa online without seeing it in person, but I‘m so glad I took the leap. The quality is outstanding and the customer service is top-notch. I had a small issue with one of the legs and they sent a replacement part overnight." – Mike T.
"We get so many compliments on our Outer sectional. It‘s become the go-to spot for family gatherings and cocktail nights with friends. Worth every penny!" – Rachel K.
Of course, no product is perfect. A few folks mentioned that the cushions can take a while to break in and may feel a bit firm at first. Others noted that the fabric tends to hold onto pet hair. But overall, the vast majority of customers seem thrilled with their Outer sofas.
The Bottom Line
Whew, that was a lot of info! Let‘s recap the key takeaways:
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Outer sofas are built to last with lightweight yet sturdy aluminum-magnesium frames and weatherproof cushions.
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The integrated cover system is a game-changing feature that keeps your sofa pristine with minimal effort.
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Modular design allows for endless configuration and expansion options to suit any space.
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Minimalist aesthetic and neutral color options pair well with a variety of decor styles.
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Rave reviews from verified buyers back up Outer‘s claims of quality and comfort.
So, is an Outer sofa worth the splurge? In my humble opinion, absolutely. Yes, the price tag is steeper than your average big box store couch. But when you consider the premium materials, innovative features, and 10-year warranty, it‘s an investment that will pay dividends in comfort, style, and durability.
Plus, Outer offers a risk-free 14-day trial period and free shipping on all orders. If you don‘t love your sofa, you can return it for a full refund – no questions asked. Although based on my experience, I doubt you‘ll want to send it back.
At the end of the day, your outdoor space should be an extension of your home – a place where you can unwind, entertain, and make memories with the people you love. And I firmly believe that an Outer sofa is the perfect foundation for all those summer barbecues, stargazing sessions, and morning coffee moments.
So go ahead, take the plunge and treat yourself to an Outer sofa. Your backyard (and your bum) will thank you.
