Fortunoff Backyard Store: Complete Guide to Outdoor Furniture Shopping
Fortunoff Backyard Store operates 29 retail locations across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, specializing in premium outdoor furniture and patio accessories. Founded in 1922, the family-owned business offers high-quality products with warranties up to 10 years, Sunbrella cushions, and expert backyard design consultations at competitive prices.
Looking for outdoor furniture that lasts more than a few seasons? You need more than cheap imports that fall apart after one summer. You need quality pieces backed by real warranties and expert advice.
Fortunoff Backyard Store has built its reputation over 100 years by delivering exactly that. This guide covers everything you need to know before shopping there, from product quality to pricing and what sets them apart from big-box competitors.
What Makes Fortunoff Backyard Store Different
Fortunoff Backyard Store isn’t your typical outdoor furniture retailer. The company started in 1922 when Max and Clara Fortunoff pushed a cart full of pots and pans through Brooklyn streets. That small family operation grew into a trusted name in outdoor living.
Today, the store operates 29 retail locations throughout New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. Each showroom employs Backyard Living Specialists who help customers design their outdoor spaces.
The store focuses exclusively on outdoor furniture and accessories. You won’t find indoor furniture or unrelated products. This specialization means staff actually know what they’re talking about when you ask technical questions about materials or weather resistance.
Product Quality and Warranty Coverage
Quality separates Fortunoff from budget retailers. Their furniture features 10-year warranties, stainless steel hardware, and Sunbrella cushions with multiple configuration options. Some collections include 5-year warranties with handwoven wicker and fully welded aluminum frames.
Here’s what that means for you:
- Stainless steel hardware resists rust and corrosion in humid climates
- Sunbrella fabric maintains color for years without fading
- Welded aluminum frames provide stability without the weight of wrought iron
- Extended warranties protect your investment beyond typical 1-2 year coverage
According to recent customer reviews, these warranties aren’t just marketing talk. Multiple buyers report successful warranty claims for damaged cushions and hardware issues without hassle.
Where You Can Find Fortunoff Locations
Fortunoff Backyard Store maintains 29 showrooms across five states in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. Major locations include:
- New York: Westbury, Brooklyn, Long Island
- New Jersey: Cherry Hill, Eatontown, Edison
- Pennsylvania: Allentown, multiple Philadelphia suburbs
- Connecticut: Various suburban locations
- Delaware: Select areas
Most stores operate Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, with Sunday hours from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. Peak season hours (April through July) may extend slightly.
Store layouts typically feature large showrooms with fully assembled furniture displays. You can sit on sofas, test dining sets, and see how pieces look together before buying. Many locations also maintain outdoor display areas so you can see how furniture weathers natural conditions.
Shopping Experience and Customer Service
Walk into any Fortunoff location and you’ll meet Backyard Living Specialists within minutes. These aren’t commission-only salespeople pushing expensive upsells. They’re trained consultants who measure spaces, suggest layouts, and help solve specific outdoor living challenges.
The specialists wait in stores to help you find the perfect outdoor furniture for your needs and space. Bring your patio measurements and photos. They’ll create mock layouts and suggest pieces that fit your budget and style preferences.
Customer satisfaction ratings across locations average 4.9 stars based on recent reviews. Common praise points include:
- Knowledgeable staff who understand product specifications
- No-pressure sales approach
- Accurate delivery timeframes
- Quality assembly services
Some customers note delivery fees can run $150-$250 depending on distance. Factor this into your budget if you can’t transport furniture yourself.
Product Selection and Brand Offerings
Fortunoff markets itself as having America’s largest selection of outdoor furniture. While that’s a big claim, their inventory does exceed most regional competitors.
Product categories include:
- Seating: Deep-seating sets, conversation groups, loveseats, sectionals
- Dining: Tables, chairs, bar sets, bistro sets
- Lounging: Chaises, daybeds, hammocks, swings
- Shade: Umbrellas, pergolas, gazebos, canopies
- Accessories: Fire pits, outdoor rugs, pillows, planters
Brand selection focuses on mid-to-premium manufacturers. You’ll find both established names and exclusive Fortunoff-branded collections. Materials range from synthetic wicker and aluminum to teak and wrought iron.
Seasonal inventory shifts occur twice yearly. Spring arrivals (March-April) bring new colors and styles. Fall clearance (September-October) offers significant discounts on remaining stock.
Pricing and Value Comparison
Fortunoff positions itself between budget big-box stores and ultra-premium outdoor specialists. A standard conversation set with four chairs and a table typically runs $1,200-$3,500, depending on materials and brand.
Compare that to:
- Big-box stores: $600-$1,500 (lower quality, 1-year warranties)
- Premium specialists: $3,000-$8,000 (comparable quality, similar warranties)
The middle-ground pricing reflects quality construction with accessible price points. You pay more than Walmart but less than luxury outdoor showrooms.
Financing options include:
- Store credit cards with promotional periods (12-24 months interest-free)
- Third-party financing through major providers
- Layaway programs for spring purchases
What Current Customers Say About Fortunoff
Recent customer feedback reveals consistent patterns. Positive reviews highlight product durability, helpful staff, and smooth delivery experiences. Customers appreciate the larger-than-expected showrooms and note you need to pull around back to park and enter.
Common complaints center on:
- Delivery scheduling conflicts
- Limited discount opportunities outside clearance seasons
- Higher prices than online-only retailers
One customer reported confusion about whether furniture would fit in their vehicle, resulting in unexpected delivery fees. Always confirm dimensions and transportation requirements before finalizing purchases.
How to Get the Best Deals
Smart shoppers follow these strategies:
Time your purchase: September through November offers the deepest discounts as stores clear summer inventory. You can save 30-50% on floor models and discontinued styles.
Ask about floor models: Display furniture sells at reduced prices with minor imperfections. Inspect carefully and ensure warranty coverage transfers.
Bundle purchases: Buying complete sets (dining plus seating) often triggers package discounts. Sales staff can apply these at checkout.
Join the email list: Promotional emails announce exclusive sales 24-48 hours before public advertising. You’ll get first access to limited inventory.
Negotiate delivery fees: If you’re buying multiple pieces, ask about reduced or waived delivery charges. The store may accommodate to close larger sales.
Design Services and Support
Beyond selling furniture, Fortunoff provides complimentary design consultations. Bring your outdoor space measurements and photos. Specialists will:
- Suggest furniture arrangements that maximize space
- Recommend color schemes and style combinations
- Calculate how many pieces fit comfortably
- Create visual layouts using store software
These consultations don’t obligate you to buy. Use them to clarify your vision before shopping with competitors or making final decisions.
For complex projects involving custom cushions, specialty fabrics, or unique configurations, ask about the Custom Program. This service sources specific materials and builds custom pieces to your specifications with extended lead times.
Maintenance and Long-Term Care
Quality furniture requires proper maintenance. Fortunoff staff provide care instructions at purchase, but here are key points:
Fabric cushions: Remove and store indoors during the winter months. Clean with mild soap and water monthly during use. Sunbrella fabric resists most stains, but address spills immediately.
Aluminum frames: Wash with soap and water quarterly. Check welds and joints annually for looseness. Tighten hardware as needed.
Wicker pieces: Keep wicker off direct ground contact to prevent moisture damage. Touch up protective coating every 2-3 years in high-humidity areas.
Wood furniture: Apply protective sealant annually. Clean with specialized wood cleaners. Store indoors during freezing weather if possible.
Following these guidelines extends furniture life well beyond warranty periods. Many customers report 10-15 years of use from properly maintained pieces.
Final Thoughts
Fortunoff Backyard Store serves customers who value quality over bargain hunting. You won’t find rock-bottom prices, but you will find furniture that survives multiple seasons without falling apart.
The company’s century-long history and specialized focus create an advantage over general home stores. Staff knowledge, product warranties, and service support justify the premium over budget retailers.
If you’re furnishing an outdoor space you plan to use regularly for years, Fortunoff deserves consideration. Visit a showroom to compare quality and pricing against your alternatives. Bring measurements, sit on everything, and ask detailed questions about warranties and care requirements.
Your outdoor living space should provide comfort and durability. Fortunoff delivers both if you’re willing to invest appropriately.
FAQs
Does Fortunoff offer price matching?
Fortunoff doesn’t advertise a formal price-matching policy. However, sales staff may negotiate on individual purchases, especially for floor models or during clearance periods. Always ask before assuming prices are fixed.
How long does delivery typically take?
Standard delivery runs 2-4 weeks during off-season (November-February) and 4-8 weeks during peak season (April-July). Custom orders require 8-12 weeks regardless of season. Confirm timeframes at purchase.
Can I return outdoor furniture after using it?
Return policies vary by location but typically allow returns within 30 days for unused merchandise in original packaging. Once assembled or used outdoors, returns become difficult. Review specific terms before buying.
Do warranty claims require original receipts?
Yes. Save all purchase documentation. Warranty claims require proof of purchase and may need photos documenting damage or defects. Some warranties also require annual maintenance records.
Are assembly services included with delivery?
Assembly typically costs extra beyond base delivery fees. Expect $100-$300 for assembly, depending on furniture complexity. Some promotions include free assembly, so ask about current offers.
