High inflation has driven up the prices of goods and services, as well as affecting utility rates, the cost of imported items, shipping fees, and material costs. All of this has affected outdoor home products, which now cost significantly more than they did a few years ago according to Reddit users. From patio furniture to grills and sheds, we reveal the products homeowners have stopped buying in 2026 due to their high prices.
Large Patio Furniture Sets
A complete patio furniture set can cost between $1,500 and $3,000, making outdoor home products significantly more than a few years ago. Rising raw materials costs, particularly for aluminum, are a key factor driving this increase. Consequently, some people are turning to buying individual pieces or restoring their existing sets gradually. Reddit user snackofalltrades commented: “I’ve had better luck with antiques and stuff from Ikea for half price than new furniture.”
Outdoor Sectional Sofas
Outdoor sectional sofas are among the outdoor home products that tend to cost more than indoor furniture, and buyers generally expect them to last longer. Weather is a key factor that causes continuous wear and tear on these pieces, leading some people to invest less money. Reddit user abbottj44 revealed: “Outdoor furniture is so expensive that I’m a carpenter now. All I needed was a jigsaw, sander, drill and two small clamps to make my new outdoor sofa.”
Premium Gas Grills
The cost of premium grills, such as Napoleon, Weber, one of the most expensive outdoor home products, has been rising, leading homeowners to seek ways to extend the lifespan of the grills they already own by making improvements or carrying out necessary repairs. Some people wait for seasonal clearance sales to afford the high cost of stainless steel, the material from which many grills are made. Reddit user mahmutgundogdu revealed: “Don’t buy a gas grill they are more expensive than $600, they are hard to clean and the food gets a similar taste from using a pan in home oven.”
Pergolas
The cost of materials and installation for a pergola has risen and can cost on average $8,000, making these outdoor home products harder to justify. This has led homeowners looking to add a pergola to their outdoor space to consider aluminum instead of cedar, though it remains quite expensive. Others opt for pergola kits from Costco, but assembling them is not always a one-person job. Reddit user wall2wall2wall opined: “Pergolas are a complete waste of time and money. You’ll get tired of using it and actually doesn’t look good on the house!”
Outdoor Kitchens
Outdoor kitchens are among the luxury outdoor home products available in either built-in or portable versions, though material costs have remained high for years. It is one of the luxury categories that saw widespread adoption up until a few years ago. Reddit user republicanmillenial revealed: “It could cost you more than $50,000 for the appliances, setting the posts and other materials.”
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Patio Heaters
Patio heaters are very expensive due to the materials used to make them and the propane required to operate them. It’s one of the outdoor home products that remain very expensive and doesn’t make much sense to use them when you could simply use blankets and fire pits instead. Furthermore, climate patterns have become more extreme in recent years due to global warming. Reddit user Simple-Tip-769 recommended: “Just use an electric blanket, it’s easier and cheaper. There are millions of them and they work perfectly fine.”
Fire Tables
Fire tables are a stylish outdoor home products trend, but they are very expensive. Compared to a standard fire pit, the cost is significantly higher, arguably more than aesthetic appeal is worth. Additionally, propane costs can add up, and the unit requires ongoing maintenance. Reddit user Gillzy18 noted: “I think this is a thing that you use once or twice and then forget about it.”
Decorative Outdoor Fountains
Decorative outdoor fountains are outdoor home products viewed as a luxury purchase. Beyond the initial price, one must also factor in maintenance and transport costs, factors that often deter potential buyers. Replacing the water pump can be extremely expensive, as can the cost of the materials themselves, whether resin or stone. Solar-powered water fountains might offer a better alternative. Reddit user [borrado] stated: “I get the appeal of the sound of running water but that’s a mud-hole-mosquito magnet in the yard.”
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Storage Sheds
Rising transportation and energy costs have driven up the price of lumber, as well as resin, a petroleum derivate that has also become more expensive. This has made storage sheds one of the outdoor home products less cost-effective at such high prices. Some people are turning to the “do-it-yourself” approach, yet they still weigh the costs to determine if they really need one. Reddit user Ok_Effective6233 mentioned: “I’ve had one for six years and I hate it. Door sticks, too short, not enough thickness to the doors to install any locking ability. Also avoid using it in the winter.”
Outdoor Dining Sets
Instead of buying outdoor dining sets, which have become luxury outdoor home products, families are looking to purchase tables and chairs separately to take advantage of clearance sales. They are also trying to keep their current dining sets in the best possible condition to avoid spending money. Reddit user SafetyMan35 revealed: “I had a premium patio set that is six years old and looks brand new. But also a cheaper one of about two years that is already starting to show its age.”
Hot Tubs
Hot tub remain among the prices outdoor home products, even for “plug-and-play” models, but the chemicals needed for cleaning and the electricity required to run them also add to the cost. Likewise, if you decide to sell it because you have second thoughts, the value drops significantly since it has already been used. Reddit user macanadcheesehole explained: “They break and are more useless than anyone can possibly imagine. I would never buy one of these, even if I had all the money in the world.”
High-End Outdoor Rugs
Designer rugs are outdoor home products that are far more expensive than standard alternatives, often costing over $150, and while they don’t need replacing as frequently as others, budget-conscious shoppers can find lower prices, albeit still affected by inflation. Also, keep in mind that cleaning these rugs, high-end or not, is a major undertaking. Reddit user Symbiosis11845 opined: “Outdoor rugs are a great way to get moisture trapped under there.”
Landscape Lighting Systems
Professional landscape lighting systems are outdoor home products that can be costly to install, though they have improved thanks to solar panels. You could try DIY solutions, which would save you installation costs, but you would likely have to deal with wiring or LED lights. Ultimately, the best option is to look for a system that saves energy in the long run. Reddit user Glum-Equipment810 revealed: “They usually charge between $275 and $350 per light range but it depends on the fixtures you are going with and doesn’t include the bulb.”
Decorative Planters
Ceramic planters are outdoor home products that come with a very high price tag, so homeowners are reluctant to spend money on them. Even cold-resistant fiberglass models are not budget-friendly. Reddit user Avergile noted: “I don’t know how people can spend that money on decorative planters. I normally purchase all my pots at estate sales.”
Retractable Awnings
Retractable awnings are outdoor home products that come with the added cost of professional installation, which will double the price of the new fixture. And if you want a motorized awning, you can expect to pay an additional $1,000 to $3,000. Reddit user Existing_Top_7677 revealed: “I have a retractable arm awning and wouldn’t get it again. It has sagged over time and bounces & groans alarmingly in the slightest breeze.”
Outdoor Pizza Ovens
The onset of the pandemic drove up the cost of many outdoor home products, such as outdoor pizza ovens. Once people buy such an oven, they often realize they do not use it very much, recognizing it as an impulse purchase. I can also be more expensive to operate if it runs on propane rather than wood. Reddit user OnSugarHill commented: “The pizza oven is worth it if you like Neapolitan style, if you just want NY style, your home oven with a steel is sufficient.”
Conclusion
Given this landscape, homeowners are not completely ruling out the purchase of outdoor home products. Nevertheless, they are being more selective about when to replace their current furnishings and are seeking seasonal deals for these investments. With this new mindset, the value of the items matters more than the aesthetic appeal they add to the home.
