It’s hard shopping for an outdoor couch. You need to consider the material so that it can weather the elements, potentially buy a storage box to store cushions, and consider the color, because who wants visible stains? That’s why I was so intrigued with Outer. The company’s couches come with OuterShell, a built-in cover that wraps around the couch cushions to keep them protected from bird droppings and rain. Just pull it over the cushions when you’re not using them, and affix the Velcro to the underside. If you’re going to be away from home for extended periods, or there’s a big storm on the way, there’s a grab handle on the cover that lets you easily grab them all one-handed and bring them indoors.
I am lazy, and have only brought the cushions inside once before a big storm. Otherwise, I’ve just left the OuterShell over the cushions, and in the two months of testing, they still look and feel fabulous. (That’s with various rainstorms and heat waves.) There’s no mildew or anything of the sort on Outer’s performance fabric cushions, which are made from recyclable materials and have a waterproof protective barrier as well, and they look just as new. I have the navy color, so I don’t spot anything, but the good news is the cushion covers are machine washable.
It’s super easy to get the couches ready for lounging—you can roll the cover up and tuck it away, or just fling it over the seat. And it has my wife’s seal of approval! That’s a high bar, considering she’s very picky. As I type these words, she’s blissfully napping on the couch outside. The OuterCloud cushions are super plush and soft, and the fabric doesn’t feel rough on skin.
The couch itself uses Forest Stewardship Council-certified wood, which means the Grade A teak employed here is harvested from responsibly managed forests. It looks gorgeous and feels sturdy. But you don’t have to feel limited by teak—Outer also has wicker and aluminum options. Speaking of, you can completely build out your preferred seating layout using Outer’s Modular Seating tool, or choose one of the preconfigured options, whether that includes an L sectional or two armless chairs.
It’s spendy, and I’ll need to see how the Outer couch fares over the course of a year—especially when winter comes around—but there’s a lot to love so far, and the overall quality is promising. If I could make one wish, it would be that the arms of the chairs were wider so that I could plop a cup of coffee down, though that also could just invite a spill. —Julian Chokkattu
