Affordable patio furniture in Canada: Ashley Outdoor set review

Jul 13, 2023

We put the sofa and matching table to the rainy west-coast test

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Patio furniture is not just a summertime purchase in Canada — we love to get outside and enjoy our outdoor space, right until it’s covered in snow or rain. You may be one of many hopping on the modular furniture trend, or you may wish to stick with a classic, clean and timeless look, like me.

I’m often drawn to simple, minimal and elegant designs that incorporate neutrals and wood tones but tend to baulk at the price tag associated with high-end furniture. Do I want the Haven Teak Outdoor Sofa from All Modern? Yes. Can I afford it? No.

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I found the much more affordable (less than half the price) version in the Outdoor Clare View Sofa from Ashley and knew I had to put it to the test. I live in coastal B.C., so we can experience 35-degree heat one moment and pelting rain the next. This sofa has held up against the elements and has struck the perfect balance of style, quality and affordability. See my full review below.

Overall dimensions: 81” W x 37” H x 35” DBox dimensions: ​​81.5″ W x 50.25″ D x 14.75″ HArm height: 22.75″Distance between arms: 76″Seat depth: 22.5″Seat height: 16.5″Seat width: 76.5″Materials: Frame: eucalyptus wood; cushions: foam core, high-performing Nuvella fabric, five-step protective coating processAssembly: YesWarranty: One yearCost: $1499.99Where to buy: AshleyAdd-on: Outdoor Gerianne Rectangle Cocktail Table | Patio Furniture Sofa Cover

Delivery: This was straightforward, though the company has strict delivery locations. Before proceeding, input your postal code into the widget on the product page to ensure they will deliver to your location. As I’m not in a major city, I had the couch delivered to a family member’s house and had to pick it up with a truck. Delivery ended up being very smooth. The driver contacted the number I provided and shared his location – a feature included with most of their delivery options. I could see exactly where he was and the exact delivery time was updated regularly. I saw how many deliveries were ahead of me which made it easy to be home at the right time, rather than waiting around for hours.

Assembly: I opted for the brand’s “White Glove Delivery,” which essentially enables a customer to sit back and watch the pros deliver and set up new furniture, plus remove or reposition your old items. The price for this service ranges from $99-$400, depending on the order.

If you opt for regular delivery, expect to assemble the sofa on your own using hard-copy instructions and tools, both included.

My favourite features: High-quality materials, sturdy frame, sophisticated look, comes with throw pillows

This sofa feels like a major upgrade from the outdoor IKEA couch I used previously. The materials used are very clearly high quality, which leaves me confident in the sofa’s ability to be long-lasting. Both cushions and frame look and feel very durable – there’s no shifting or movement when my family plonks themselves down. The eucalyptus wood combined with neutral cushions gives my space a modern yet sophisticated look and the couch comes with four throw cushions to add a pop of colour (or use the reverse side which is the same neutral beige).

My least favourite features: Cushions could be softer, doesn’t come with a cover

Initially, I felt the cushions were too stiff. They have certainly loosened up with regular use but are still stiffer than I expected. If you’ve read any of my mattress reviews, you’ll know that I like to live on a cloud. While I prefer my cushions, pillows and mattresses ultra-cushy, my partner much prefers a stiffer, more supportive base, so he has absolutely loved the addition of the Outdoor Clare View Sofa.

While the couch is designed for the outdoors and has been weather-proofed, I still feel more comfortable covering it for longevity particularly when it is pouring outside (a regular occurrence on the west coast of Canada). The couch has been uncovered many a-rainy-day and has held up very well. The cushions dry quickly once the sun reappears and I don’t notice any signs of water damage on the cushions or the frame. However, I found a very reasonably priced waterproof sofa cover on Amazon that gives me additional peace of mind.

Suggested add-on: I opted for a matching table. I love that it matches perfectly with the couch’s frame and that it’s made from the same eucalyptus wood that is treated in a five-step all-weather protective coating. I also appreciate that the top of the table is slated to help drain rainwater. In terms of sizing, it’s large enough to host a small backyard dinner party. The table is also just as sturdy as the couch — it’s been kid-tested and approved (meaning my toddler has climbed all over it with no issues).

If you have the space, there are matching lounge chairs available, too.

Recommendation: I’d recommend this sofa (and table) to anyone looking for a sturdy, well-made set that will elevate the appearance of your outdoor space with a classic, timeless look. It’s reasonably priced against competitors and seems as though it is built to last.

Where to buy: Ashley

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