A sealed outdoor seat holds water. It sits under the cushion, works its way into the foam and keeps the whole thing damp for days after a shower, which is where the smell comes from.

The seating platform here is acacia slats with gaps between them, which the maker says is there specifically to avoid water building up. Lift the cushion after a shower and the seat itself drains and dries.

What the five pieces are

Two corner sofas, one armless seat, a long ottoman and a coffee table. The wood is acacia on the seat platforms, the arms and both tabletops, and the legs and frames are black metal pipe.

Sizes and stated limits

Corner sofas are 25 in square, the armless seat 23.5 in by 25 in, both 25 in tall with a 12.5 in seat. The ottoman is 35.5 in by 23.5 in and the coffee table 35.5 in by 22 in at 18 in high. Capacities are 400 lb per seat, 800 lb for the ottoman and 175 lb for the table.

Three details of the build

The slatted seat, a bolted connection rather than a push fit, and adjustable foot pads under each leg. The pads are what take the rock out of the set on an uneven patio, and they screw by hand.

Cushions that stay put

3.2 in of high density sponge, zipped covers, and straps that tie each cushion to the frame. On a slatted seat that matters more than usual, because a loose cushion on slats will creep every time somebody stands up.

Gaps between the boards so water drains instead of pooling under the cushion.

35.5 in long and rated far above the 400 lb seats, so it doubles as a bench.

They tie the cushions to the frames, which stops them sliding off the slats.

Heavy duty pipe under the wood, with tightened bolt connections.

22 in deep and 18 in high with an acacia top, rated at 175 lb.

Threaded pads on every leg to level the set on old paving.

Ships from our United States warehouse. Delivery to Canada usually takes 8 to 14 business days, with no customs charges or duties to pay on arrival. Free shipping on orders over $150, a flat $18.90 below that, and tracking by email as soon as it leaves.

Return within 14 days of purchase, unused, in original condition and packaging.

Covered directly by the manufacturer under their warranty terms for material and manufacturing defects.

Found it cheaper at a Canadian retailer? Send us the link and we will match that price. It has to be the same item, in stock, sold and shipped inside Canada, and compared like for like on what comes in the box.

A seat that drains is worth more than one that merely claims to be water resistant when showers come through most weeks.

Acacia slats on black pipe reads more like modern indoor furniture than a woven patio set does.

What we stand behind

• Every dimension and all three capacities are read off the manufacturer's own drawing.
• High grade and built to last are the maker's own words for the wood and frame.
• Flowers, fruit and tableware in the photographs are styling.
• Ships from our United States warehouse, free shipping over $150, and 14 day returns unused in the original packaging.
• 14 day returns, unused and in the original packaging.

Why is the ottoman rated so much higher than the seats?

The maker prints 800 lb for the ottoman against 400 lb for each seat. It is a long low platform with legs close together, which is a simpler load path than a seat with a back on it.

Will the acacia weather?

Untreated acacia outdoors turns a silvery grey over a season or two. An outdoor wood oil once a year in spring keeps the honey tone if you prefer it.

What holds the cushions down?

Fixing straps that tie each cushion to its frame, plus the zips in the covers. On a slatted seat that is worth having, because there is nothing for a loose cushion to grip.

Can the layout be changed?

Yes. All five pieces are separate, so the L can face either way, or the ottoman can move in front of the armless seat to make a lounger.