As someone who loves spending time in my backyard, having high-quality outdoor furniture is a must. That’s why a few years ago I decided to invest in some pieces from Berlin Gardens.
If you’re considering Berlin Gardens for your own outdoor space, here’s my honest take on whether or not their products are worth the cost.
Overview of Berlin Gardens
For those not familiar with the brand, Berlin Gardens is known for their European-style outdoor furniture.
They use weather-resistant materials like powder-coated aluminum, all-weather wicker, and UV-protected fabrics.
The style tends to be more contemporary and streamlined versus classic wicker.
Berlin Gardens offers a wide range of patio furniture like dining sets, lounge chairs, bar sets, and more.
They have collections designed for the poolside, balcony, garden, and backyard. Besides furniture, they also sell outdoor rugs, cushions, umbrellas, and accessories.
Most of their furniture is on the expensive side, with full dining sets ranging from $1,500 up to $5,000. However, I’ve found the investment worthwhile for the quality. Keep reading for the pros and cons of my Berlin Gardens furniture.
The Pros of Berlin Gardens Furniture
Here are the key benefits I’ve experienced after using Berlin Gardens furniture for a few years now:
- High-Quality Materials and Construction
The materials used in Berlin Gardens furniture are meant to withstand the elements. Powder-coated aluminum frames won’t rust or corrode. All-weather wicker is fade- and crack-resistant. And the plush fabric cushions feature Sunbrella fabric that resists fading.
Equally impressive is the sturdy construction. All pieces feel solid and well-built. The furniture has withstood years of use without any issues like loose joints or instability. This high-quality craftsmanship really shows.
- Contemporary Stylish Designs
If you like the modern farmhouse or contemporary style, then you’ll appreciate the Berlin Gardens aesthetic. Their designs manage to be sleek and elegant but still casual enough for the outdoors. I get compliments from guests all the time on how stylish yet livable my Berlin Gardens set is.
They offer lots of customizable options too. For my set, I was able to choose from over a dozen frame colors and multiple wicker and cushion colors to make it my own. Their sets have a refined style difficult to find from other brands.
- Comfortable for Entertaining or Lounging
While stylish, my Berlin Gardens set is also extraordinarily comfortable. The chairs have contoured seats and backrests that make it easy to sit outside for hours. The thick cushions have just the right amount of pillowy softness too.
I’ve had big family dinners, laid out for hours reading, and done my fair share of afternoon napping thanks to the comfort. The deep seating lounge chairs are especially great for relaxation. Comfort was a huge factor for me, and Berlin Gardens delivered.
- Many Design Options Available
As I mentioned above, Berlin Gardens excels at customized options.
But beyond colors, they have tons of furniture pieces to make it easy to create your ideal set.
There are deep seating sections, chaises, bar carts, coffee tables, and just about anything you could want.
No matter the size or layout of your space, they have pieces to make it work. I was able to get a customized curved sectional and accompanying pieces that were tailor-made for my smaller back patio. The diverse selection really impressed me.
- Long-Lasting Quality
After three years, my Berlin Gardens patio set still looks and feels brand new. None of the pieces have any scratches, dents, stains, or other wear and tear. The powder-coated aluminum frame and all-weather wicker clean up beautifully year after year.
I can tell this furniture is in it for the long haul. The sturdy construction and weather-resistant materials will surely give me many more years of use. Considering the price, I find the longevity well worth the investment.
The Cons of Berlin Gardens Furniture
However, Berlin Gardens isn’t perfect. Here are a few downsides to consider:
- Pricey Compared to Other Brands
There’s no getting around the fact that Berlin Gardens commands a high price. Budget-conscious shoppers can likely find cheaper sets from other retailers. Brands like Home Depot’s Hampton Bay offer similar styles for less.
However, cheaper furniture tends to look…well, cheaper. It likely won’t have the same level of quality materials, construction, comfort, and durability as Berlin Gardens. But the high price is prohibitive for some buyers.
- Heavy Items Difficult to Assemble
While the furniture is well-made, it’s also extremely heavy. The substantial materials like powder-coated aluminum come at the cost of making the pieces heavier than your average outdoor set. It also makes DIY assembly rather difficult.
I would strongly advise having professional delivery and assembly done. Trying to construct the furniture on your own risks damage or injury. The pricey shipping and assembly fees are the trade-off for the quality.
- Limited Color and Style Options
If you like customizable furniture, Berlin Gardens will deliver. But if you want a ton of colors and fabric options, they may fall short for some buyers.
While they offer around 15 standard color options for frames and wicker, other brands provide even more choices. And the fabric cushion color swatches are much more limited than indoor upholstery. Those wanting a huge spectrum of hues may be underwhelmed.
- Can Feel Too Formal for Some Backyards
For prospective buyers with a more casual backyard aesthetic, Berlin Garden’s sleek, refined style could seem out of place. The polished vibe may come off as too fancy compared to a laid-back setting.
Additionally, their collections lack any rustic, farmhouse, or tropical designs. So the sets don’t necessarily mesh with those decoration styles. For my contemporary backyard, the style was perfect. But it’s too formal for some.
Is Berlin Gardens Furniture Worth the Investment?
For me, Berlin Gardens was absolutely worth the splurge. The unrivaled quality, comfort, and longevity make the high prices worthwhile. While cheaper sets may save money upfront, they likely won’t last as long or function as beautifully.
However, I recommend the investment only if your outdoor space gets frequent use. If you’ll only lightly use the furniture or want budget prices, other brands may suit you better. The value comes from regularly enjoying these pieces for years to come.
But for homeowners who frequently entertain outdoors and want high-end style and comfort, Berlin Gardens delivers. The furniture excels in design, materials, construction, customization, and durability. Just be prepared to pay premium prices for a premium product.
Is Berlin Gardens a Good Brand?
Berlin Gardens is certainly considered one of the best brands for luxury outdoor furniture. They offer an unmatched selection of contemporary outdoor furniture designs from basic sets to expansive modular collections.
The quality of their materials and construction is top-notch, lending to the long-lasting durability of their collections. And their focus on comfort provides an ideal user experience.
The brand does command high prices, but devoted outdoor entertainers find the investment worthwhile. For contemporary outdoor spaces, Berlin Gardens is one of the go-to high-end brands.
What Is A Good Brand Of Garden Furniture?
Some examples of recommended brands for quality garden furniture include:
- Brown Jordan – Known for sleek, minimalist designs often using teak or aluminum. Very high-end.
- Gloster – Offers collections with teak, all-weather wicker, and aluminum. More traditional styling than Berlin Gardens.
- Harmonia Living – Focuses on sectionals and deep seating pieces. Excellent quality and comfort.
- O.W. Lee – Casual, comfortable styles using weather-resistant materials. Middle price range.
- Summer Classics – Known for durability and comfort. Features many collections in various styles.
- Woodard – Around for over 140 years producing steel and aluminum furniture. Wide range of collections.
The best brands invest in weather-resistant materials, durable construction, and comfort for an enjoyable user experience that lasts.
Is It Worth It to Buy Expensive Outdoor Furniture?
Paying more for luxury outdoor furniture is only worth it if you’ll frequently use the space for lounging, dining, and entertaining.
Those who will only casually use the set may be better off saving money on budget-friendly options.
However, investing in quality materials and construction often pays off long-term.
Inexpensive sets tend to deteriorate faster and need replacing more often. Higher-priced furniture maintains its beauty and function for years, avoiding the need for costly replacements.
For homeowners who consider their outdoor living space an extension of their home, spending more on furniture they’ll regularly enjoy is justified. The right set can enhance outdoor ambiance and experiences. But occasional users who just need basic seating are better off keeping costs low. Evaluate your needs and usage before deciding.
What is Berlin Garden Furniture Made Of?
Berlin Gardens uses several high-quality materials to create durable, weather-resistant outdoor furniture:
- Powder-coated aluminum – This rust-proof, lightweight aluminum is used to construct frames. Powder-coating helps it resist scratches and corrosion.
- All-weather resin wicker – Hand-woven resin replicates the look of wicker but withstands outdoor exposure better. It resists fading, staining, and cracking.
- Cushions – Cushions feature moisture-repellent polyester wrap cores with UV-resistant Sunbrella fabric covers.
- Tempered glass – For tabletops, they use tempered glass designed to handle temperature changes.
- Marine-grade polymer – Some surfaces use this weatherproof polymer that won’t crack or peel.
Prioritizing these durable materials enables Berlin Garden’s furniture to maintain beauty and function season after season. The quality materials withstand the elements to deliver lasting performance and style.
Final Thoughts
I sincerely love my Berlin Gardens patio set. The quality has held up wonderfully after years of use, so I wholeheartedly recommend the brand. For frequently used outdoor living areas, Berlin Gardens delivers unmatched contemporary style, customization, comfort, and longevity.
Just be prepared to pay a premium for the luxury quality. But for the right customer, Berlin Gardens furniture is a worthwhile investment that can upgrade any outdoor space.
