Renters sometimes hold off on furnishing their outdoor space. The patio or balcony is small, the lease may be short, and nobody wants to buy furniture that becomes a burden at the next move. But an outdoor spot with a comfortable seat and a place to set a drink is one of the most valuable parts of a rental. The trick is choosing pieces that are easy to bring along when you go. This guide looks at the questions renters should ask and how the Plastic Furniture To Go lineup answers them.
Check Your Lease and Building Rules First
Before you buy anything, read the outdoor-space section of your lease and any building rules. Some rentals limit what can be stored on a balcony, restrict items near railings, or ask tenants to keep walkways clear. If your building is part of an association, our HOA balcony furniture checklist lists the questions worth asking. If you are unsure about tenant rights and responsibilities more generally, the background on renting is a reasonable overview, but your lease and your landlord are the final word.
Weight Decides How Easy It Is to Move
The first thing renters should compare is weight, because the day you move out is the day it matters most. These are the weights for each piece:
- Hampton Round End Table: 15 lb
- Hampton Square End Table: 15 lb
- Counter Height Stool: 21 lb
- Armless Café Chair: 27 lb
- Hampton Adirondack Chair: 52 lb
The end tables, stool, and café chair weigh between 15 and 27 lb, so each can be carried on its own. The Adirondack chair is heavier at 52 lb and is easier to slide across a patio than to lift. If you expect to move within a year or two, a starter set built from the lighter pieces is the most flexible choice.
A Small Set That Covers the Basics
For a typical small rental patio, one seat and one table is a complete outdoor space. The Armless Café Chair is a good first seat for renters. At 27 lb it is a manageable lift, and without arms it can pull in close to a table. Check the product page for its dimensions. Add the Hampton Round End Table, which has no corners to bump into on a narrow balcony, and you have a spot for coffee, a book, or a quiet evening. If your balcony has a wide ledge at standing height, the Counter Height Stool is worth a look, since it has a 25-inch seat height and a backless design.
Think About Storage and Space at Your Next Place
You may not know what your next patio looks like. It could be smaller, larger, or nonexistent. Furniture that is light keeps your options open. Choose pieces you would be willing to store in a closet or a garage if the next place has no outdoor space, and avoid buying more than you would want to relocate. A single chair and a table are easy to move. When you add a second piece later, check the product pages for color options so the set looks consistent.
Ordering Online When You Rent
Renters often have limited receiving options, such as a shared entryway, a lobby, or a locker. Every piece ships knock-down in a box. Shipping is free to the contiguous U.S. Orders generally ship within 3 business days, and carrier transit is estimated at 2 to 7 business days, so allow about 5 to 10 business days from order to delivery. If your building has specific rules about deliveries, plan around them. Our guide to measuring doorways for patio furniture delivery helps you confirm that a box will reach your patio.
Assembly Without a Workshop
Each piece is designed for simple assembly in about 20 minutes with the included 3/16-inch stainless steel hardware. Because the hardware is included, you do not need to source fasteners separately. Work on a soft surface such as a blanket, and check that all parts are present before you start. If you decide the piece is not right, returns are accepted within 30 days of receipt for new, unused, unassembled items in the original packaging with proof of purchase, so it is best to decide before assembling. The customer pays return packaging and freight unless the return is a seller error.
Protect the Floor and Be a Good Neighbor
Many rentals have a deposit at stake, so think about what the furniture will sit on. Lift the end tables and stool rather than dragging them, and slide the heavier chairs slowly. Keep the furniture within your own space and avoid blocking shared walkways or stairs. Sweep under the furniture from time to time so grit does not get ground into the surface. These simple habits can help protect your deposit.
Made in the USA, Backed by a Warranty
Renters sometimes worry that buying good furniture is a waste if they move. The pieces are made in the USA from Marine Grade Polymer by a family-owned company, and each carries a 7-year structural warranty and a 5-year warranty against fading. Full warranty terms are on the returns and warranty page.
Buy in Stages
Renters often want to spend less up front, since they are not sure how long they will stay. A practical way to handle that is to buy in stages. Start with one seat and one table, live with them for a month, and only then decide what else you need. Because every piece ships free within the contiguous U.S., ordering in stages does not add shipping cost. That approach also spares you from storing pieces you bought on impulse and never used. If you do end up moving, a smaller set is far easier to pack, and you can buy what you need at the next place once you see the space.
Small Checks Before You Order
Three quick checks save the most trouble for renters. First, confirm where a delivery can be left, since a box that sits in a lobby or hallway is easier to manage if you know the rules. Second, tape out the footprint of each piece on your patio or balcony so you know it fits with room to walk. Third, decide before you open the hardware, because the return window covers unassembled items. Taking ten minutes to do all three means the furniture you order is furniture you will keep.
Plan for the Move Itself
When moving day comes, light furniture is a real advantage. Together, a café chair, a stool, and two end tables weigh 78 lb, and each can be carried on its own. Wipe each piece down, let it dry, and load it last so it does not get crushed under heavier items. Keep the order confirmation with your moving paperwork so you have it if you need to refer to the warranty at your next address.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the lightest piece?
The Hampton Round End Table and the Hampton Square End Table each weigh 15 lb.
What is the best first piece for a small rental patio?
The Armless Café Chair is a flexible choice at 27 lb, and it pairs easily with an end table.
Can I return a piece if it does not fit my space?
Yes, within 30 days of receipt if it is new, unused, unassembled, and in the original packaging with proof of purchase. The customer pays return packaging and freight unless the return is due to a seller error.
Is assembly difficult?
Each piece is designed for simple assembly in about 20 minutes using the hardware in the box.
Ready to furnish your rental? Visit our shop to see the lineup, or contact us through the contact page if you have a question about your space.
