Yes, Fermob is worth it for those who prioritize vibrant design, European craftsmanship, and long-term durability in outdoor furniture. The brand excels at producing high-quality, powder-coated aluminum pieces that resist rust and hold their color for years, making them a solid investment for stylish outdoor spaces.
Fermob is a premium brand with a price tag to match, offering significantly better longevity and aesthetic appeal than mass-market options from Wayfair or IKEA. If you value unique design and are willing to pay for furniture that can last over a decade with minimal care, Fermob delivers excellent quality and fair value.
How Is Fermob's Quality?
Fermob's reputation is built on high-quality materials and meticulous manufacturing based in France. While priced at a premium, the construction is designed to withstand the elements and heavy use for many years. Here’s a breakdown:
- Materials: The majority of Fermob's furniture is crafted from high-grade, powder-coated aluminum. This material is lightweight yet strong and inherently resistant to rust and corrosion. The powder-coating finish is thick, evenly applied, and specially formulated to resist UV fading, chipping, and scratches from normal outdoor use.
- Construction & Craftsmanship: Manufactured predominantly in France, Fermob pieces exhibit a high standard of craftsmanship. You can see the quality in the seamless welds, precise bends in the metal, and attention to detail. This level of finish is a significant step up from the often-visible hardware and less robust joinery found on cheaper outdoor furniture.
- Durability & Longevity: With proper care, Fermob furniture is reported to last between 8 and 15 years. The aluminum frames maintain their structural integrity and the finish holds its color exceptionally well, even after years of sun and rain exposure.
- Common Issues: The most common complaints are relatively minor. Owners occasionally report small chips in the powder coating, especially on edges or high-impact areas if the furniture is handled roughly. While cushion fabrics are weather-resistant, bright colors can fade slightly over many years in intense, direct sunlight if not covered.
Is Fermob Good Value for the Price?
Fermob positions itself in the high-end outdoor furniture market, delivering value through design flair and exceptional durability rather than low prices. For the right buyer, it represents a strong long-term investment.
Price Positioning
Fermob is a premium brand, with prices significantly higher than big-box stores. Expect to pay between $300-$900 for a single chair and $600-$1,800 for a dining table. This puts them in a competitive bracket with other design-forward European brands like Royal Botania or Janus et Cie, but far above the $200-$500 all-in-one sets you might find at mass-market retailers.
What You're Paying For
You’re paying for three things with Fermob: vibrant French design, superior materials, and long-term durability. The extensive color palette and collaborations with notable designers offer an aesthetic you can't find elsewhere. The use of high-grade, rust-proof aluminum and meticulous powder-coating means you won’t be replacing the furniture every 2-3 seasons, justifying the higher initial cost over its 10+ year lifespan.
Where You Get Good Value
- Metal Chairs & Tables: The brand's signature collections, like the Bistro or Luxembourg lines, offer the best value. These pieces are the bedrock of Fermob's reputation, providing iconic style and an extremely long service life for their cost.
- Lounge Chairs: Larger pieces like lounge chairs offer good value for those wanting a durable, high-design statement piece that serves as outdoor art as much as functional seating.
Where You Don't Get Good Value
- Cushions & Accessories: While well-made, Fermob’s cushions - priced from $50 to $150 each - can feel disproportionately expensive. Their durability depends heavily on user care (storing them indoors, regular cleaning), making them a less reliable long-term value compared to the virtually maintenance-free metal frames.
- Small Decorative Items: Smaller accessories often carry the same brand premium but don't provide the same quality standout as the core furniture pieces.
Fermob Quality by Category
Quality is exceptionally consistent across Fermob's core metal furniture lines, but here's how specific categories stack up.
Dining Chairs & Tables
This is Fermob's strongest category. Made from powder-coated aluminum, dining sets are lightweight, easy to move, and incredibly resistant to rust and weather. They are built to be left outside year-round (though storing them can prolong life). Priced from approximately $900 to $4,000+ for a set, they are an excellent investment for anyone wanting a durable, stylish outdoor dining area that will last over a decade.
Lounge Furniture
Fermob lounge chairs and sofas feature the same high-quality aluminum frames and durable finishes as their dining collections. They offer excellent comfort and striking modern designs. Priced from $800 to $2,500 per piece, the primary consideration here is whether the unique, playful aesthetic aligns with your taste. The quality and longevity match the price point.
Cushions & Accessories
Made with weather-resistant polyester or acrylic fabrics, Fermob cushions are designed to withstand sun and moisture. However, like all outdoor textiles, they are a point of failure compared to the metal frames. They will require cleaning and should be stored indoors during winter or prolonged rain to prevent mold and significant fading. Their quality is good for outdoor cushions, but they don't offer the same set-it-and-forget-it durability as the furniture itself.
Our Verdict: Is Fermob Worth It?
For shoppers seeking vibrant high-design outdoor furniture and wanting to invest in pieces that won't need replacing for a decade or more, Fermob is absolutely worth it. Its blend of playful aesthetics, robust construction, and proven durability provides a strong justification for its premium price.
Quality Grade: A-
Fermob earns an A- for its exceptional material choices (powder-coated aluminum) and meticulous European craftsmanship visible in its seamless welds and flawless finishes. The furniture performs extremely well in real-world outdoor conditions, resisting elements that degrade cheaper alternatives. The grade is held back from a perfect A only by minor reports of chipping on high-impact areas and the natural, expected wear on textile accessories over time.
Value Grade: B+
At a B+, Fermob offers good value for buyers prioritizing design and durability over budget. The high initial price is offset by an impressive lifespan of 8-15 years, meaning the cost-per-year is often better than buying and replacing cheaper sets multiple times. While not a bargain brand, the price feels fair and justified for the quality of design and construction you receive.
More Quality Brands Like Fermob
If you appreciate Fermob's focus on quality and design, here are other brands that share a similar commitment to stylish and durable outdoor furniture.
Polywood
Polywood uses a completely different material - high-density recycled plastic - to achieve exceptional durability. Resistant to rot, splinters, and weather, their furniture often comes with a 20-year warranty. The aesthetic is more classic and subdued than Fermob's playful vibe, offering fantastic value for those prioritizing eco-friendly, ultra-low-maintenance pieces.
Shop now at polywood.com
Royal Botania
This Belgian luxury brand offers sleek, modern designs with exceptional craftsmanship, using materials like teak, aluminum, and stainless steel. Prices are typically higher than Fermob, but the aesthetic is minimalist and sophisticated, making it a great choice for those seeking heirloom-quality, high-end design.
Shop now at royalbotania.com
Janus et Cie
Known for its refined and highly versatile outdoor collections, Janus et Cie uses top-tier materials like powder-coated metals and performance fabrics. Their aesthetic is often more understated and traditional than Fermob's bold colors, and prices can be slightly higher, but they command immense respect in the design world for their durability and timeless appeal.
Shop now at janusetcie.com
Tuuci
While specializing in high-end umbrellas and cabanas, Tuuci's lounge and seating options are engineered with marine-grade materials built to withstand the harshest environments. Their designs are sculptural and performance-driven. It's a significant price step-up, but Tuuci is a leader for those who need ultimate durability without compromising on style.
Shop now at tuuci.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Fermob furniture rust?
No, Fermob furniture made from aluminum should not rust. Aluminum is inherently rust-proof, which is why it's a superior material for outdoor use. The multi-layer powder-coating adds even more protection against corrosion and the elements.
Can I leave Fermob furniture outside all winter?
Yes, the metal frames are designed to be left outside year-round without structural damage. However, to preserve the finish and extend its life, it's a good practice to cover the furniture or store it in a sheltered location during harsh winter weather. Cushions should always be stored indoors.
Is Fermob painted a solid color throughout?
No, Fermob furniture is not solid color plastic, it is metal protected by a colored finish. The furniture base is aluminum that is treated and then coated with a colored powder that is baked on. If this coating chips deeply, the silver-colored metal underneath may become visible.
How long is the warranty on Fermob furniture?
Fermob typically offers a 2-year warranty that covers manufacturing defects in its furniture. This includes issues with the structural integrity of the frame and significant flaws in the integrity of the finish, helping protect your investment.
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