You know, it all started because I couldn’t find a quiet place to read the paper. True story. I had this vision of sinking into one of those plush outdoor daybed with canopy pieces. Shade drifting gently above me, birds chirping somewhere off in the distance, and maybe a cocktail in hand if the moment called for it. Simple, right?
But actually doing that… turning your backyard into a space that feels like a five-star hideaway? Well, it took a bit of trial and error. And a few storm-drenched cushions. And more than one “What was I thinking?” moment involving online orders that looked better in the photos than on my patio.
So if you’re investing in luxury outdoor furniture to create your own ultimate outdoor sanctuary, you want to get it right the first time. And the Patio Productions team is a great resource for making all the best choices for your outdoor vision. And today, I’ve compiled some of the best bits from their combined decades of experience in the high-end outdoor living biz.
This might seem obvious, but hear me out. Location changes everything. Originally, I had outdoor sanctuary near the pool. It looked gorgeous. But it also meant that every time the kids cannonballed, the cushions got soaked. Then I moved it near the house, under the eaves. Better, but no breeze. Now? It’s tucked into a corner with some climbing jasmine behind it, dappled light in the afternoon, and just far enough from the outdoor kitchen that I don’t get splattered when someone’s flipping steaks.
If you’re working with a smaller space, consider a modular model. Some break into segments that can be arranged as lounge chairs or even as a curved conversation set. The one I looked at recently was about 82.3 inches wide and could be split into four seating sections and a center ottoman. Really clever.
If I could shout one thing from the rooftops it would be this: resin wicker is not all created equal. The cheaper stuff fades fast, gets brittle, and turns an odd gray-green color if you’re near salt air. But high-quality HDPE (high-density polyethylene) wicker, especially handwoven over powder-coated aluminum, is what you want. It looks great, is super low-maintenance, and is often made where the pigment runs all the way through the individual cords… so scratches and dings don’t show nearly as much.
Another great option you should consider? Teak. Stunning, though admittedly you’ll need to be ready to put some effort into its upkeep. That said, if you love that natural aged look and don’t mind the maintenance, teak is still the gold standard in wood. Take care of it and it’ll take care of you for years and years.
Here’s what I always look for now, especially if I’m shopping high-end:
Retractable canopy with gas lift arms (not manual slide rods—those catch)
Deep seating: at least 6 inches of cushion thickness with foam density over 1.9
Built-in side trays or drink holders—sounds silly until you need a spot for your glass
Adjustable backrests (6-position is ideal for reading, lounging, or accidentally dozing off mid-brunch)
Hidden storage under the seat—game changer if you hate cluttered cushion baskets
One friend of mine went with a circular sunbed that had an integrated Bluetooth speaker system and—get this—built-in USB charging ports. Honestly? Bit much. But kind of cool. Depends on your taste.
If you’re serious about building a luxury setup, expect to spend $2,500 to $6,000 for something truly well-built. That usually gets you:
| Price Range | What You�re Paying For |
|---|---|
| $2,500�$3,200 | Quality aluminum frame, weatherproof fabric, mid-range cushion fill, retractable canopy |
| $3,500�$4,500 | Premium fabric (Sunbrella or similar), denser foam, design details, better warranty support |
| $5,000+ | Sculptural aesthetics, modular flexibility, unique design finishes, and often custom sizing |
Some of the best-looking pieces I’ve seen come out of collections that never make it onto showroom floors—you have to ask. The team at Patio Productions actually let me peek at their design catalog last spring, and it changed the way I thought about outdoor furniture.
Right now, in mid-summer, it’s peak outdoor furniture use season. But don’t get lulled into thinking these setups are set-and-forget. Last winter, I forgot to put the waterproof cover on before a surprise storm hit. Woke up to cushions that weighed about 40 pounds each. Spent the whole weekend drying them out in the garage with every fan we owned.
So now I use breathable, UV-resistant furniture covers (not the ones with cheap elastic—get the kind with cinch straps), and I bring the throw pillows indoors if I know rain’s coming. Also helps to elevate the base if you’re in a flood-prone zone or your patio gets standing water.
When it comes down to it, creating your own outdoor sanctuary isn’t just about furniture. It’s about building a space that makes you want to slow down. To spend time outside. To read the book. To have the conversation. To fall asleep under a canopy with a breeze on your face and the smell of the rosemary hedge drifting past.
And for me? That space centers around a beautiful, functional, incredibly comfortable outdoor daybed with a canopy. Once you have one, you’ll wonder how you ever did without it.
So if you’re standing in your backyard right now, trying to figure out what’s missing… check out the Patio Productions site. And while you’re shopping, make sure to ask questions. Test fabrics. And if it squeaks when you sit down, walk away. You deserve better.