What Is Deep Seating Outdoor Furniture?

Deep seating outdoor furniture is designed to bring the comfort of your living room to your patio. Unlike standard outdoor dining chairs with their upright backs and shallow seats, deep seating pieces feature seat depths of 22-26 inches (compared to 16-18 inches for dining chairs) and thick cushions ranging from 5 to 8 inches. The result is furniture you can genuinely relax in — not just sit on.

At Carolina Patio Furniture, deep seating collections are some of our most popular sellers. Charlotte homeowners are increasingly using their outdoor spaces as true extensions of their homes, and deep seating makes that transition seamless. Here’s what you should know before investing in deep seating for your patio.

What Makes Deep Seating Different

The differences between deep seating and standard outdoor furniture go beyond just seat depth:

• Seat depth: 22-26 inches vs. 16-18 inches for dining chairs
• Cushion thickness: 5-8 inches vs. 2-3 inches
• Back height: Taller backs with separate back cushions for lumbar support
• Seat height: Typically 16-18 inches — similar to indoor sofas for easy sitting and standing
• Armrest width: Wider, flat armrests that can hold a drink or plate

This combination creates seating that encourages you to lean back, stretch out, and stay awhile — exactly what outdoor living should be about.

Deep Seating Frame Materials

Wicker (Synthetic Resin) Frames

Synthetic wicker over aluminum is the most popular frame material for deep seating. The wicker weave provides a warm, textured look while the aluminum core keeps the frame lightweight and rust-free. Wicker deep seating is available in numerous colors and weave patterns to match your outdoor decor.

Aluminum Frames

Powder-coated aluminum frames offer a sleek, modern aesthetic. They’re the lightest option — easy to rearrange for different occasions. Cast aluminum deep seating provides more ornate, traditional styling with the same corrosion resistance. Both types pair well with thick cushions in any fabric pattern.

Teak Frames

Teak deep seating combines the warmth of natural wood with outdoor durability. The dense, oil-rich timber naturally resists moisture, insects, and decay. Teak deep seating is a premium option that develops a beautiful silver patina over time (or can be maintained in its original golden tone with annual oiling).

Poly Lumber Frames

Poly lumber (recycled HDPE plastic) deep seating offers zero-maintenance durability in a wide range of colors. It won’t rot, crack, fade, or splinter, and it’s heavy enough to resist wind. Poly lumber deep seating tends to have a more casual, cottage-style aesthetic.

Cushions: The Heart of Deep Seating Comfort

With deep seating, the cushions matter as much as the frame — arguably more. Here’s what separates great outdoor cushions from forgettable ones.

Sunbrella Fabric

Sunbrella is the industry standard for outdoor cushion fabric, and for good reason. It’s fade-resistant, water-repellent, mildew-resistant, and available in hundreds of colors and patterns. We offer the full Sunbrella fabric line at Carolina Patio Furniture — you can see swatches in person at our showroom.

Cushion Fill

Look for these features in quality outdoor cushion fill:

• Quick-dry foam: Open-cell foam cores that drain water and dry rapidly after rain. This prevents waterlogging and mildew — the #1 enemy of outdoor cushions.
• High-density foam: Denser foam (1.8 lbs/cu ft or higher) maintains its shape and support over years of use. Cheaper low-density foam compresses permanently within a season or two.
• Dacron wrap: A polyester fiber wrap around the foam core adds softness and helps cushions maintain their plump appearance.

Cushion Construction

Quality deep seating cushions feature double-stitched seams, corded edges (welting) for durability, and tie-downs to keep cushions in place during wind. Some premium options include hidden zippers for washing the cover separately.

Types of Deep Seating Pieces

Sofas and Loveseats

Outdoor sofas (seats 3) and loveseats (seats 2) serve as the centerpiece of a deep seating arrangement. Place them facing a coffee table or fire pit for a natural conversation area.

Club Chairs

Oversized individual chairs with deep seats and thick cushions. Club chairs are flexible — they can flank a sofa, pair with a side table as a reading nook, or sit independently on a small balcony.

Sectionals

Modular sectional sofas let you configure deep seating to fit any patio shape. L-shaped, U-shaped, and curved configurations are all possible with modular pieces. These are ideal for large patios and pool areas where you want to seat 6-10 people comfortably.

Swivel Rockers and Gliders

These motion chairs add movement to deep seating comfort. Swivel rockers rotate 360 degrees and rock gently — perfect for keeping an eye on kids in the pool or following a conversation across the patio. Gliders offer a smooth back-and-forth motion that many people find soothing.

Ottomans

Often overlooked but essential for true lounging. An ottoman lets you put your feet up and turns a club chair into a full reclining station. Many double as extra seating or side tables with a flat tray on top.

Arranging Deep Seating on Your Patio

The right arrangement depends on your space and how you use it:

• Conversation layout: Sofa + 2 club chairs around a coffee table. Seats 4-5 people facing each other — ideal for entertaining.
• L-shape: Sectional in a corner with a coffee table. Maximizes seating in a defined area.
• Fire pit circle: 4 club chairs or 2 loveseats around a fire table. Creates an intimate gathering spot.
• Linear layout: Sofa against a wall + chairs opposite. Works well for narrow covered porches.

Leave at least 18-24 inches between pieces and walkways for comfortable movement. And always measure your space before buying — deep seating pieces are larger than they look in a showroom.

Care and Storage Tips

• Cushions: Remove or flip cushions after rain to promote drying. Store in a dry bin or indoor closet during extended non-use periods.
• Frames: Wipe down frames monthly with a damp cloth. Deep-clean with mild soap and water seasonally.
• Winter: In the Charlotte area, deep seating can stay outside year-round, but covering the furniture with breathable covers during winter extends its life. Bring cushions indoors if you won’t be using the furniture for months.
• Sunbrella cushions: Machine-wash covers in cold water with mild detergent if removable. Spot-clean with a bleach solution (1/4 cup per gallon) for stubborn stains.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is deep seating outdoor furniture worth the investment?

If you use your patio regularly — for morning coffee, evening relaxation, weekend entertaining — deep seating pays for itself in comfort. Standard patio chairs are fine for meals, but deep seating is where you’ll actually want to spend hours. Think of it as creating an outdoor living room.

What’s the best deep seating material for humid climates?

For Charlotte’s humid summers, synthetic wicker over aluminum is the best all-around choice. The aluminum won’t rust, the resin wicker won’t mold, and paired with quick-dry Sunbrella cushions, the whole setup handles humidity without issue.

How many pieces do I need for my patio?

For a 12×12-foot patio, a loveseat + 2 club chairs + coffee table is a comfortable arrangement. For 16×16 feet or larger, a sofa + 2-4 chairs or a sectional gives you room to spread out. We can help you plan the layout at our showroom.

Experience Deep Seating at Our Charlotte Showroom

Deep seating is one of those things you need to experience to appreciate. The difference between a 3-inch dining cushion and a 6-inch deep seating cushion is something you feel immediately. Visit our Charlotte showroom to sit in our deep seating collections, compare materials, and browse hundreds of Sunbrella fabric options. As a manufacturer, we offer factory-direct pricing on every piece.

Visit Carolina Patio Furniture in Charlotte, NC — helping homeowners create comfortable outdoor living spaces since 1979.