Why Are Lounge Sets So Expensive? What Drives the Price
Furniture Advice

Why Are Lounge Sets So Expensive? What Drives the Price

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If you're looking at lounge sets for the first time, the prices can be a shock. A few sofas, a table and some cushions: why does that cost so much more than an ordinary garden set? And why does one lounge set cost far more than another when they look alike in the photo? In this article you'll read what determines the price of a lounge set, from the frame and the weave to the cushions, the size and the finish. You'll also learn where you can and can't save, and how to use the price graph to see whether a deal really is cheap.

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In short: a lounge set is expensive because it's a large piece of furniture with a lot of material: a weather-resistant frame, often rope or wicker and a generous stack of thick cushions. The bigger the set and the more weave and cushions it has, the higher the price. You save on size and extra pieces, not on the frame and cushions. And buy when the price is low: you can see that in the price graph.

What determines the price of a lounge set?

A lounge set is not a small piece of furniture. A corner sofa for five or six people is soon more than two metres wide, with a frame that has to be able to stay outside all year and cushions that feel comfortable after a long evening. On top of that, a lounge set usually consists of several parts: sofas, a corner element, a table and sometimes stools. Together, all those parts determine the price.

The table below shows the features that make the biggest difference. They each come back one by one in the rest of the article.

FeatureWhy it costs moreWhat to look for
FrameWeather-resistant material, more piecesAluminium with powder coating or wood that gets oiled
WeaveMore material and more workRope or wicker, tightly woven
CushionsMore foam and fabricThickness, number and water-repellent cover
SizeLarger frame, more cushionsSeats you'll actually use
TabletopVironwood, wood or ceramicMaintenance and use as a dining table
FinishWide armrests, detailsWarranty and care tips

Brand and design also play a part. A set with its own styling and colours is harder to make than a simple straight sofa. You see that in the price, but it doesn't automatically mean the set will last longer.

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The frame: aluminium or wood

The frame is the foundation of every lounge set. It carries the weight of several people at once and has to withstand rain, sun and wind. That's why lounge sets mostly use materials that can cope with the elements.

Aluminium

Most lounge sets in our comparison have an aluminium frame. Aluminium doesn't rust, and it's light and strong. It often gets a powder coating: a layer that gives the frame its colour and protects it. Such a frame needs little maintenance: a wipe with mild soapy water is usually enough. You pay for that convenience at the point of purchase, but you save time and maintenance products later. You can read all the pros and cons in aluminium lounge set: pros and cons.

Wood

Wooden lounge sets, for example in acacia or teak, have a warm, natural look. Solid wood is heavy and requires more craftsmanship than an aluminium profile. Teak is a well-known expensive timber, because it naturally contains a lot of oil and is therefore good at resisting moisture. Bear in mind that wood needs maintenance: acacia wood should be treated regularly with wood oil. For wood, also look for a certification such as FSC, which shows that the timber comes from responsibly managed forest.

Weave: rope and wicker

Many lounge sets don't have solid sides but weave: rope or wicker wrapped around the frame. That gives a soft, airy look, but it also costs more. Extra material goes into it, and the weaving itself is labour, especially with an open pattern or hand-woven wicker. The more weave a set has, the higher the price is usually going to be.

Rope

Rope is a strong, weather-resistant cord that is wound around the armrests and backrests. It feels soft and looks modern. Some manufacturers use their own type of rope; with the Lea corner lounge set, that is Qualicord. Clean rope with lukewarm water and a soft brush. You can also read buying a rope lounge set.

Wicker

Wicker is plastic weaving strand that is woven around a frame. It is weather-resistant and low-maintenance. A tight, even weave is a sign of good finish: loose ends and large gaps are more often seen on cheaper sets. You can read about the difference between the two in rope vs. wicker.

Lounge set with wicker and rope in the garden

Cushions and foam

The cushions make up a large part of what you pay for a lounge set. A large corner set can easily have eleven or more cushions, and each cushion consists of foam with a cover. The thicker the foam and the more cushions there are, the more material there is and the higher the price.

With the Garden Impressions lounge sets, the thickness of the seat cushion ranges from 5 cm in a compact set to 25 cm in a generous corner set. You feel that difference straight away: thin cushions sit firmer and more upright, thick cushions let you sink in. The covers on all these sets are polyester, often with a water-repellent layer. As a result, light raindrops roll off, but in a heavy shower you're better off stacking them away.

Also think about what comes after the purchase. Thick cushions need more storage space and dry more slowly. A storage box is then not an unnecessary luxury. You can read how to keep your cushions clean in how to wash lounge set cushions, and when replacing them is the smarter option in replacing lounge set cushions.

Sit on a similar sofa in the shop or at home before you choose. A thick cushion feels wonderful in the showroom, but can you also sit upright to eat or read a book? A firmer cushion is often more comfortable for that, and you pay less.

Size, configuration and tabletop

A lounge set for two people costs less than a corner set for six. That sounds logical, but the difference isn't only about more seats. A larger set has a larger frame, more weave, more cushions and often more loose pieces. Large sets are also delivered as a big package, which makes delivery more of a hassle.

The configuration matters too. A standard lounge set has a low lounge table. A dining lounge set has a higher table you can eat at, often with extra stools. Such a set effectively replaces a lounge set and a garden dining set at the same time, and so it costs more. Not sure what you need? Read how much space you need for a lounge set or take a look at dining lounge sets.

The tabletop also makes a difference. An aluminium top is simple. Vironwood is a strong plastic with the look of real wood, without the maintenance of wood. An acacia wooden top looks natural but needs oil. You also see glass or ceramic glass on lounge dining sets. The richer the top, the higher the price usually is.

Finish, warranty and maintenance

With a more expensive set, you often see more attention to detail: wider armrests, neat powder coating, cushions that fit exactly into the frame. That finish isn't always visible in photos. So look at the dimensions in the product information, such as the width of the armrest, the seat depth and the seat height.

A warranty is a reason for a higher price with many products, but not always. The Garden Impressions lounge sets state 2 years' warranty in the product information, from the compact sets to the large corner sets. Some of the 4 Seasons Outdoor sets state 5 years, while most others don't specify a term. A more expensive set therefore doesn't automatically give you more security for longer. How long a set lasts in practice depends mostly on maintenance. You can read more about that in how long does a lounge set last and can a lounge set stay outside.

Where you'd rather not save

  • Frame: a weather-resistant frame that can stay outside
  • Cushions: a thickness that suits how you sit
  • Cover: a protective cover if the set stays outside over winter
  • Dimensions: seat depth and seat height that suit you

Lounge sets in different price segments

To show how the features from this article together determine the price, we've placed six available lounge sets side by side, from simple and compact to large and luxurious. The specs come from the product information. You'll find the current price at the shops on the product page.

SegmentWhat you getExample
CompactAluminium, thin cushionsMorella
Mid-rangeAluminium, Vironwood topRicca
Rope corner setRope, 11 cushionsLea
Wicker diningWicker, dining table, stoolsBahama
Extra comfort25 cm cushionsLevanto
Wood and ropeAcacia, 15 cushionsSantos

Simple and compact: Morella

A 4-piece set with a two-seater sofa, two armchairs and a lounge table. The frame is aluminium with a powder coating, and the seat cushions are 5 cm thick and made of water-repellent polyester. Little weave, thin cushions and a small format: that's why this set sits in the lower segment. It fits well on a smaller terrace or balcony.

Morella aluminium 4-piece lounge set in taupe with valley sand cushions
Garden Impressions

Morella lounge set 4-piece taupe / valley sand

Aluminium framePowder coatingSeat cushion 5 cm4 seats
€270.95at bol.com

Mid-range: Ricca

An aluminium lounge set for four people with eight cushions. The seat cushions are 8 cm thick and the tabletop is Vironwood, the low-maintenance plastic with a wood-look finish. A bit more comfort and a richer tabletop than a basic set.

Ricca aluminium lounge set in carbon black with desert sand cushions
Garden Impressions

Ricca aluminium lounge set carbon black / desert sand

Aluminium frameVironwood tabletopSeat cushion 8 cm8 cushions
€549at bol.com

Rope and more seats: Lea corner lounge set

This is where you see what size and weave do. The Lea measures 266.5 by 203.5 cm, suits 6 people, and has armrests and backrests in taupe rope (Qualicord). You get 11 water-repellent cushions with 10 cm foam. The set consists of two sofa sections, a corner element and a middle element.

Lea corner lounge set with aluminium frame and taupe rope
Garden Impressions

Lea corner lounge set 4-piece carbon black / rope taupe

Aluminium frameRope (Qualicord)11 cushions, 10 cm266.5 x 203.5 cm
€999at bol.com

Wicker and a dining table: Bahama

A lounge dining set with an aluminium corner sofa featuring hand-woven wicker, two stools and a dining table with a light teak Vironwood top. It comes with 15 cushions and seats 5 people. Weave, a dining table and plenty of cushions all add up here.

Bahama lounge dining set with wicker corner sofa and Vironwood table
Garden Impressions

Bahama lounge dining set 5-piece left

Aluminium frameHand-woven wickerVironwood tabletop15 cushions
€1,099at bol.com

Extra comfort: Levanto corner lounge set

The Levanto shows what thick cushions do. The 11 seat and back cushions are 25 cm thick, and the armrests are 12 cm wide. The corner sofa measures 231.5 by 231.5 cm and seats five people. Here you're mainly paying for seating comfort and a generous look.

Levanto corner lounge set with aluminium frame and thick sand-coloured cushions
Garden Impressions

Levanto corner lounge set 3-piece carbon black / valley sand

Aluminium frameCushions 25 cm11 cushions231.5 x 231.5 cm
€1,468.08at bol.com

Wood and rope: Santos

A lounge dining set made of FSC-certified acacia wood with a white wash finish and taupe rope. It comes with 15 cushions, 11 cm thick, and an acacia wooden table measuring 154 by 90 cm. Solid wood, rope, a large table and plenty of cushions: everything that pushes up the price comes together here. Keep in mind that the wood needs oil regularly.

Santos lounge dining set in acacia wood with white wash and taupe rope
Garden Impressions

Santos lounge dining set 5-piece right / acacia / rope taupe

FSC acacia woodTaupe rope15 cushions, 11 cmTable 154 x 90 cm
€2,299at bol.com

You'll find more recommendations for each situation in the best lounge sets of 2026. Or browse by material:

How to save on a lounge set in 5 steps

A lounge set remains a considerable purchase, but you don't have to pay more than you need to. With these steps you can keep the price under control without compromising on what you actually use.

1
Be honest about how many seats you need

How often do you really sit outside with six people? A set with one or two fewer seats saves on frame, weave and cushions. For guests, you can add loose stools or chairs.

2
Choose the configuration you'll use

A dining lounge set is handy if you want to eat outside. If you eat at a different table, an ordinary lounge set with a low table is enough.

3
Choose materials for maintenance, not status

Aluminium needs little maintenance, wood adds atmosphere but needs oil. Rope and wicker look lovely, but a set with less weave is simpler and often better value.

4
Check the price graph and set a price alert

On every product page you can see the price history over 30 days, 90 days or the full period, with the lowest and highest price. Is today's price not below the lowest price of the past 30 days? Then set a price alert with your target price. You'll need a free account for that.

5
Buy at a smart moment

Late summer and autumn often bring clearance sales. The deals page lists all products that are currently below the shop's was-price. Around Black Friday there are promotions, but even then, check the price graph.

Watch the was-price

A big discount says little if the was-price is high. If a shop announces a price reduction in the Netherlands, the was-price must be the lowest price of the 30 days before. You can check that yourself with the price graph. You can read more about the best time to buy in when to buy a garden set.

Factor in maintenance

A set that you have to oil every year, or whose cushions you have to bring indoors all the time, costs you more time. A protective cover and a storage box often come with it. Take that into account when you compare prices.

Checklist before you order

Tick off these points before you click to order. That way you can be sure you're paying for what you need.

  • I've measured my terrace and the set fits with room to walk around it
  • The number of seats suits how often I sit outside
  • I know whether I want a low lounge table or a dining table
  • The frame can stay outside and I know what maintenance it needs
  • The cushion thickness suits how I like to sit
  • I've checked the price graph or set a price alert
  • I have a place to store the cushions somewhere dry
  • I have a protective cover if the set stays outside over winter

Not sure yet which lounge set suits you? Try the selection tool. If you'd rather read the basics first, take a look at buying a lounge set: what to look out for.

Luxury lounge set on a terrace

4 common mistakes when choosing on price

Buying too big

A large corner set looks generous, but you pay for every seat, every cushion and every metre of weave. If the set fills your terrace or you never use half of it, you've paid too much.

Only looking at the discount

A high discount percentage on a high was-price is no bargain. Look at the price itself and compare it with the lowest price of the past 30 days in the price graph.

Forgetting about maintenance

A wooden set needs oil, thick cushions need storage space, and a set that stays outside over winter needs a cover. If you don't factor that in, you'll face extra costs later or a set that wears out faster.

Thinking more expensive always lasts longer

A higher price often means more material or more comfort, not automatically a longer lifespan. For the lounge sets we compare, the warranty is 2 years across the board. Good maintenance makes more difference.

Frequently asked questions

Why is one lounge set so much more expensive than another?

The difference mainly comes down to materials, size and comfort. A large corner set with lots of cushions, rope or hand-woven wicker, and a wooden or Vironwood tabletop, takes more material and more work than a compact aluminium set with thin cushions. The brand and design also play a part.

Is an expensive lounge set always better?

Not necessarily. A higher price often means a larger set, thicker cushions or more weaving, but you don't always need those. All the lounge sets we compare also list a 2-year warranty in their product information. So focus on whether the set suits your space, how you'll use it and the maintenance you're willing to do.

Where is the best place to save money on a lounge set?

On size and extra pieces. Don't buy more seats than you'll actually use, and only choose a dining lounge set if you also want to eat outdoors. Rather than cutting costs on the frame and cushions, which are the parts you notice every day, look elsewhere.

When is a lounge set at its cheapest?

It depends on the set. Late summer and autumn often bring clearance sales, and there are deals around Black Friday. To see whether a price is genuinely low, check the price chart on the product page: compare today's price with the lowest price over the past 30 days, and set a price alert.

Why are thick lounge cushions more expensive?

A thick cushion contains more foam and more fabric, and a set with thick cushions often has more cushions overall. For Garden Impressions sets, seat cushion thickness ranges from 5 cm to 25 cm. Thicker cushions feel softer, but they need more storage space and take longer to dry.