If you’re looking for a new garden furniture set, one question comes up more than any other: is it cheaper to buy online or in store?
With so many UK retailers offering everything from lounge sets to dining tables and chairs, it can be tricky to know where to find the best garden furniture prices — especially when comparing online vs in-store shopping.
At Lazy Susan, we’ve always believed that great design and quality shouldn’t come at a premium. And as an established online retailer, we’ve seen firsthand how shopping online has transformed the way people furnish their outdoor spaces in the UK.
Let’s explore how garden furniture prices differ between digital and physical stores, and why more UK consumers are choosing to purchase online than ever before.
The Changing Landscape of Garden Furniture Shopping Online
In the past, most people bought outdoor furniture from local garden centres or large brick-and-mortar home improvement stores. You’d drive out on a sunny summer weekend, test a few chairs, and maybe leave with a new table set strapped to the roof rack or crammed in the car.
But with the rise of e-commerce, that landscape has changed dramatically. Today, online shopping offers an incredible range of furniture styles, materials, and brands at your fingertips — from classic cast aluminium dining sets to modern modular sofa configurations.
At Lazy Susan, we bring over a decade of industry experience and a genuine passion for garden furniture to our patio dining collection. Our cast aluminium sets are crafted with care, ensuring durability, timeless style, and comfort for UK gardens.
Shopping online with us means you can browse, compare prices, read authentic customer reviews, browse real customer photos, and order directly from the comfort of your home — often at a lower regular price than you’d find in store.
Outdoor Furniture Price: Why Online Shopping Often Wins
One of the biggest factors behind the rise of shopping online is cost. Online retailers typically offer lower garden furniture prices because we don’t carry the same overheads as brick-and-mortar stores.
No large showrooms to heat and light, fewer staff costs, and a streamlined distribution process all contribute to better prices for you.
At Lazy Susan, for example, we pass those savings directly to our customers — meaning you get beautifully crafted outdoor furniture, durable materials, and timeless style for less than you might pay in store.
You’ll also find frequent sales and promotions on our website, allowing you to take advantage of seasonal discounts without the rush of an in-person clearance event.
And because we specialise exclusively in outdoor furniture, we maintain a comprehensive understanding of what UK gardens need — from weather-resistant finishes to elegant, space-efficient designs.
Online Shopping: Bringing Convenience, Choice, and Control to Your Outdoor Space
The convenience of online shopping for garden furniture sets is hard to beat. You can compare collections, view measurements, and even see how furniture looks in different colours — all without leaving your sofa.
You can research, compare, and purchase online at any time, with no need to travel, park, or lift heavy boxes. Most online retailers, including us, also provide detailed delivery information, easy assembly guides, and clear returns policies.
Other key benefits of shopping with us include:
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Wider Choice
You’re not limited by showroom floor space, so you can explore a far greater range of designs, finishes, and materials. -
Transparent Pricing
Every product page clearly displays prices and specifications, so you know exactly what you’re paying for. -
Customer Reviews
Real feedback and photos from other shoppers help you make informed decisions. -
Home Delivery
Forget hiring a van — your outdoor furniture arrives directly at your home, ready to assemble and enjoy.
While shipping costs can vary between retailers, Lazy Susan offers free or low-cost delivery across the UK — giving customers peace of mind and no hidden surprises at checkout.
In-Store Shopping: What It Still Offers (and What It Doesn’t)
For those who still prefer in-store shopping, there are definite perks. You can see furniture up close, test the comfort of chairs, and visualise how a table might look in your outdoor space.
However, in-store shopping has limitations, too. Brick-and-mortar stores often carry a limited range, meaning the exact style or size you want may not be available. They also tend to have higher prices due to overheads, and in-store shoppers may find fewer promotions than those available online.
There’s also the issue of practicality. Large items of furniture can be difficult to transport, and local stores may charge extra for home delivery. By contrast, shopping online eliminates the need for a showroom visit and ensures your purchase arrives at your door — ready to enhance your outdoor space.
So while visiting a store offers a tactile experience, online purchases deliver far greater flexibility, convenience, and often, better value.
Consumer Behaviour: The Shift Toward Online
Modern consumer behaviour shows a clear shift. More consumers are now choosing to purchase online, driven by convenience, trust in e-commerce, and improved digital shopping experiences.
According to Cylindo’s “Profile of a Modern Furniture Shopper”, more than two-thirds (68%) of furniture shoppers in the UK include online research as part of their buying journey — a trend echoed across retail more broadly, with Invoca estimating that 81% of shoppers are now researching online before buying.
Why? Because online shopping gives consumers confidence. You can compare prices, brands, and materials instantly, and see real-life reviews and photos shared by other customers.
At Lazy Susan, we’ve built our entire experience around that digital trust.
Our website allows you to explore collections by style, colour, or size, and every listing includes detailed specifications and care guidance — with customer photos, and metal and fabric samples available so you know exactly what you’re buying.
Factors That Influence Garden Furniture Prices
Whether you’re buying outdoor furniture online or in store, several factors affect price:
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Materials
Durable cast aluminium or teak wood costs more upfront but offers superior longevity compared to cheaper plastics, etc. -
Design
Well-crafted furniture built to withstand UK weather carries lasting value. -
Seasonality
Buying outside peak months (late autumn or winter) can lead to significant savings. -
Shipping
Always check whether delivery is included in the price or charged separately. -
Promotions
Online retailers often run flash sales, while brick-and-mortar stores rely on seasonal events.
By understanding these elements, consumers can make smarter, more cost-effective choices for their garden.
The Advantages of Buying Garden Furniture Online
For most shoppers, shopping online for garden furniture sets now provides the best balance of price, choice, and service. Here’s why the digital route often wins out:
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Better Prices
With fewer overheads, online retailers can offer consistently lower garden furniture prices than physical stores. -
Year-Round Availability
Unlike garden centres that swap outdoor displays for Christmas stock, online retailers like Lazy Susan keep their full garden furniture range available year-round, ready to browse and buy anytime. -
Larger Range
From compact bistro tables to spacious corner sofas, online stores offer far more options to fit your outdoor space. -
Convenience
Shop at any time, from anywhere — ideal for busy households. -
Customer Support
At Lazy Susan, our dedicated team is available online to answer questions and guide your purchase. -
Peace of Mind
Clear return policies, secure checkout, and transparent reviews make online shopping safer and easier than ever.
The Lazy Magazine Verdict: Why Online Offers the Smartest Value
So, is garden furniture cheaper online or in-store in the UK?
For the majority of consumers, the answer is clear: online shopping delivers the best combination of value, choice, and convenience.
You’ll often find lower prices, a wider range of styles, and fewer hidden extras like shipping costs or transport fees. Plus, the ability to compare products, explore collections, and read verified reviews all contribute to a more informed, confident buying process.
In-store shopping will always appeal to those who enjoy the tactile experience of browsing a store, but the modern e-commerce experience gives shoppers everything they need — from high-resolution product images to easy delivery tracking — at the click of a button.
At Lazy Susan, we’re proud to make online shopping for garden furniture simple, secure, and enjoyable. Every piece we design is built to last, ensuring you can create a beautiful outdoor space that reflects your style and stands the test of time.
Ready to transform your garden?
Whether you’re looking for a family dining set, a sun lounger to catch the sun, or a table and chairs to enjoy morning coffee outdoors, our designs combine durability, elegance, and exceptional value — all available exclusively online.
Your outdoor space tells a story — and we’d love to see yours. Share your favourite garden furniture set moments with us on Instagram or Facebook by tagging @LazySusanFurniture, or join our Do Some Good campaign by uploading photos of your beautifully styled tables to inspire others.
FAQ: Online vs In-Store Garden Furniture Shopping
Q1: Can I shop in-store for Lazy Susan furniture?
Lazy Susan is a dedicated online retailer, so we don’t have physical brick-and-mortar stores. This allows us to offer lower garden furniture prices, a wider range of styles, and detailed product information online. You can browse, compare, and purchase your perfect outdoor space furniture anytime from the comfort of home.
Q2: Why should I buy garden furniture online instead of in a brick-and-mortar store?
While in-store shopping offers the benefit of seeing and testing chairs, tables, and sun loungers, shopping online gives you convenience, choice, and often better value. Online, you can explore full collections, read reviews, check detailed dimensions, and order directly to your door — all without worrying about transporting bulky outdoor furniture.
Q3: How do shipping costs work for online purchases?
Transparent shipping costs are one of the key advantages of buying garden furniture online. At Lazy Susan, we offer low or free delivery options depending on your order size and location. This eliminates the need to hire transport or carry furniture home from a brick-and-mortar store, making your outdoor space setup hassle-free.
Q: I love instant gratification — can I get my garden furniture right away?
Many shoppers enjoy the instant gratification of leaving a store with a new table, chairs, or sun lounger in hand. While Lazy Susan is an online-only retailer, we’ve designed our shopping online experience to be just as satisfying. With clear product information, customer reviews, and fast delivery options, you can plan your outdoor space with confidence and have your new furniture delivered directly to your home — often within days, so you can enjoy your garden without delay.
Q4: What if I prefer in-store shopping?
Many consumers prefer in-store shopping for tactile reassurance or instant gratification. While Lazy Susan doesn’t operate physical stores, our online experience is designed to replicate the benefits of in-store shopping: high-resolution images, detailed product descriptions, and real customer reviews help you make confident choices from home.
Q5: How can I ensure the furniture fits my outdoor space?
Before ordering, measure your outdoor space carefully. Each product page includes dimensions, and our customer service team is available to help with questions. Shopping online lets you compare multiple styles, tables, chairs, and sets side by side, ensuring you choose pieces that complement your garden perfectly.
Q6: Are online prices better than in-store prices?
Generally, yes. Because we don’t carry the overheads of brick-and-mortar stores, online retailers like Lazy Susan can offer lower garden furniture prices, frequent sales, and year-round availability — unlike many garden centres or home improvement stores that rotate stock seasonally.
