6 Things to Know Before You Buy a Modular Outdoor Sectional Online
Buyer's guide · Published by Outdoor Nook, which makes and sells the furniture shown
A modular sectional is a big purchase, and you usually can't sit on one before it arrives. The fix is to know exactly what you're buying, how it will fit, how it shows up and what happens if it isn't right. Here are the six things we'd check first, with what owners told us and the plain trade-offs.
Plenty of our owners admit they were nervous buying furniture they hadn't sat on. What usually tipped them over was the return window, which we cover in section 6.
“Ordering on line, site unseen is nerve racking. Your return within 14 days made me trust giving you a try. I love the chairs!”
1. Know exactly what is in the set
“Modular” means the sofa is built from separate units rather than one frame: corner units, an armless middle unit, an ottoman or a console. Each set below pairs those units with two swivel glider recliners. Here is what each in-stock option contains.
| Set | What is in it | Seats | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malibu II 4-piece modular loveseat set | Modular loveseat (2 corner units) + 2 recliners | 4 | $3,192 |
| Malibu II 5-piece modular console loveseat set | 2 corner units + console unit + 2 recliners | 4, plus the console | $3,510 |
| Malibu II 5-piece modular sofa set | 2 corner units + 1 armless unit + 2 recliners | 5 | $3,703 |
| Malibu II 6-piece modular sectional set | 2 corner units + armless unit + ottoman + 2 recliners | 5, plus the ottoman | $4,360 |
| Huntington 4-piece modular seating group | Stationary loveseat + 2 aluminum recliners | 4 | $3,205 |
| Huntington 5-piece modular seating group | Stationary sofa + 2 aluminum recliners | Sofa + 2 recliners | $3,645 |
Malibu II is wicker (handwoven HDPE resin wicker over a rust-proof aluminum frame). Huntington is an all-aluminum frame. Not sure which suits your space? Our wicker vs. aluminum guide walks through it.
2. Know which seats move
In these modular sets the sofa is stationary. The recline, the glide and the 360-degree swivel all come from the two recliners. That suits most living-room-style layouts: the sofa anchors the space, and the recliners turn toward the conversation, the view or the TV.
“It looks great on my deck. It is so comfortable. Everyone loves the recliners and how spacious the couch is.”
If you want the sofa to recline too, that is a different product: a reclining sofa conversation set, such as the Malibu II reclining sofa set with a pair of recliners ($4,743), where the sofa has footrests on its two end seats. Browse all of them in reclining sofas.
3. Expect the sofa to sit lower than the recliners
This is the one surprise owners mention most. The Malibu II modular sofa is a low, lounge-style piece. Its size charts put the seat at 18.3 inches high on the sectional and 18.5 inches on the modular loveseat, while the matching recliner seat is 20.1 inches. Photos taken at an angle don't always make that obvious.
“The sofa is a bit lower to the ground than it appears in the photos, but we are not tall so it's not a problem.”
If the people who will use it most are tall, or anyone prefers a higher seat that is easier to stand up from, give the recliners to them and check the seat height on each product page. The Huntington stationary sofa and loveseat are higher, at 20.5 inches.
4. Measure the whole layout, not just the sofa
A sectional plus two recliners takes more room than the sofa alone, and recliners take more room again when they are reclined. Use these numbers to tape the layout on the ground, then walk around it.
| Piece | Width | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| Malibu II 6-piece set: sofa (3 units) | 101.6" (35.8 + 30 + 35.8); ottoman module 35.8" | See size chart |
| Malibu II modular loveseat | 76" | 35.5" |
| Huntington stationary sofa / loveseat | 77.6" / 51.3" | 35.8" |
| Malibu II recliner | 32.2" | 67" fully reclined, footrest out |
| Huntington recliner | 27.5" | 64.5" fully reclined, footrest out |
Leave space behind each recliner so it can recline and glide, and remember it swivels a full circle. Our modular seating layout guide has floor-plan ideas, and the size chart on each product page has every dimension.
5. Know how it arrives, goes together and stays put
Delivery is free by FedEx to the 48 contiguous states. Orders ship within 1–2 business days and arrive in 5–8 business days. The boxes are large, so decide before delivery day where you will unbox: owners often open everything near the door and carry the pieces out. Our delivery-day guide covers the rest.
Assembly is minimal and needs no tools. Owners describe sliding each recliner back onto its base until it clicks, then clipping the seat cushion in; the sofa sections join with clips. One owner put the couch together alone and asked for a hand with the recliner base, so plan on two people for that part.
“The shipping boxes were VERY well packed with no damage and the assembly took just minutes with no tools required.”
Two practical notes from owners. First, one reviewer said the modular sections can shift a little front to back, and another, with a windy yard, found their stationary couch a little light. If that matters where you live, set the sofa on an outdoor rug, push its back against a wall or railing where you can, and check that the joining clips are fully seated after assembly. Second, if a box arrives damaged, report it right away with photos. Defects are repaired or replaced within the first 14 days.
6. Know how the covers work, and the safety net
Every swivel glider recliner has our patent-pending cover built in, tucked out of sight when you are not using it, so it never gets lost. Sofa covers vary by collection. The Malibu II modular sofa ships with a separate sofa cover in a carry bag. Modular sofa pieces in our other collections work the same way: the cover isn't built in, it comes separately in a carry bag for easy storage.
“The built in covers are a great touch and the couch and ottoman come with separate covers as well.”
Then the safety net. You have 14 days from delivery to return an undamaged item in its original packaging for a full refund, and we arrange the pickup. From day 15 to day 90, returns are still accepted, with a 20% restocking fee, and you pay the return shipping. The frame carries a 5-year limited warranty and the cushions 2 years. See the returns policy and warranty.
“we were pleased with the logistics for the return. carrier came and picked up the huge boxed item at our front porch.”
The checklist: take it to any seller
Good to know before you order
- Delivery is free. We ship by FedEx to the 48 contiguous states. Orders ship within 1–2 business days and arrive in 5–8 business days. Assembly is minimal and needs no tools.
- You get a 14-day return window. Return an undamaged item in its original packaging within 14 days of delivery for a full refund, and we arrange the pickup. From day 15 to day 90, returns are accepted with a 20% restocking fee and you pay the return shipping. See our returns policy.
- The frame carries a 5-year limited warranty and the cushions 2 years, against defects in materials and workmanship, for the original buyer. Read the full warranty.
Choose your modular set
Pick the configuration first, then check it against your measurements. Building a full outdoor living room? Start at The Outdoor Living Room.
Questions before you order? Call 1-800-296-0232 or email cs@outdoornook.com.
Quick answers
Can I sit on one before I buy?
How long does delivery take?
Do the sofa sections lock together?
Why does the sofa look lower than the recliners?
What if I return it after 14 days?
Prices as of October 2026.
Sources. Reviews: Outdoor Nook customer reviews on REVIEWS.io (4.8 average across 650+ reviews), retrieved October 2026, quoted as written; excerpts are marked. Prices and specifications are from our product pages as of October 2026. Prices can change; check the product page for today's price.
