Balcony Furniture Checklist: Weight, Wind, HOA Rules and Getting It Upstairs
Buyer's checklist · Published by Outdoor Nook, which makes and sells the recliners shown
A balcony adds questions a ground-floor patio never asks. What does the building allow? Will the box fit in the elevator? What happens when the wind picks up several floors up? This checklist covers what our reviewers rarely mention, so you can sort it out before delivery day rather than on it.
Measure the floor space first with our 5 rules for fitting outdoor recliners. This checklist covers everything else. It is part of our Small Patios & Balconies guide.
“two more were ordered in October for the new balcony”
1. Read your building or HOA rules first
Condo boards, HOAs and landlords often set rules for balconies. We can't tell you what yours say, and nothing here is legal advice. Ask for the current rules in writing and check these points:
- Furniture. Some buildings limit what can stand on a balcony, its color or whether it can be seen from the street.
- Covers. Some rules mention furniture covers. Our recliners have a cover built into the chair back, so there is no separate cover to leave out, but check the wording anyway.
- Open flame and propane. Our firepit tables run on a propane tank (not included) at 40,000–50,000 BTU. Many buildings restrict open flames and propane on balconies, so confirm before you order one.
- Weight and delivery. Ask whether the building has rules on heavy items, and whether you need to book the elevator or a delivery window.
2. Floor and weight: ask the people who know the structure
Every balcony is built differently, and only your building management or a qualified professional can tell you what yours can carry. We don't give load numbers, and we don't list product shipping weights on our product pages. If you need a figure for your building, call us before you order.
What we can tell you
- The 300 lb figure is for the person. Our recliners have a weight capacity of up to 300 lbs per seat. That is how much the seat supports, not what the chair weighs.
- One adult per recliner. Our safety guidelines say only one adult should sit in a recliner at a time.
- Pairs add up. Two recliners, a side table and two people are a real load. Mention the full setup when you ask your building.
3. Measure the route, not just the balcony
Each recliner ships in its own box, mostly assembled. Reclining loveseats generally ship as one box per seat. Our product pages don't list box sizes, so call us for them and check the whole route the box will take:
- The building entrance and any lobby doors.
- The elevator door width, and the cab depth from front to back.
- Every stair turn and landing. A tight half-landing is the usual sticking point.
- Your front door, hallway corners and the balcony door, including the sill.
Write the narrowest measurement down and compare it with the box size we give you.
4. Delivery is curbside, so plan the carry
Delivery is free by FedEx. Orders are processed in 1–2 business days, then transit typically takes 5–8 business days. FedEx delivers to your door or curbside, so plan on getting the boxes upstairs yourself. Our guide to what to expect on delivery day covers the day in detail.
“The boxes are pretty heavy so you will need help moving them, or a dolly”
Our suggestions for carrying up
- Line up two people or a dolly. The boxes are heavy. Book the elevator if your building needs it.
- Assemble on the balcony. Setup takes under 5 minutes with no tools: attach the back section to the main frame until it clicks into place. One person can do it.
- Keep the packaging for 14 days. Returns need all packaging and parts intact, so flatten the box and keep it until you're sure the chairs fit.
5. Wind: be realistic about height and exposure
Balconies and rooftops catch more wind than a backyard. We don't publish a wind rating, and our warranty excludes acts of nature, including wind. Owners' experiences vary. One pair came through a hurricane on a rooftop deck:
“withstood a hurricane on our roof top deck!”
That is one owner's experience, not a promise. Another owner found the built-in cover didn't hold in wind:
“The covers don't sync tight enough to stay on in wind”
Our suggestions for windy balconies
- Position the chairs against the wall, away from the railing edge and out of the strongest gusts.
- Return the chair upright with the footrest down when you're not using it.
- Cinch the cover snugly over the cushions, and check it after a windy night.
- Bring cushions inside when severe weather is forecast. Our care guide recommends this for heavy rain and storms too.
These are our suggestions, not product specs or a guarantee against wind damage.
6. Sun, privacy and neighbors
A balcony faces one way, so the sun and the view are fixed. Our recliners swivel 360 degrees, which lets you turn toward the morning light or away from a neighbor's window without moving the chair. A few more general points:
General tips
- Sun. Pull the built-in cover over the cushions when you're done. It shields them from harsh sun, rain and debris. Several owners keep it on in pollen season too.
- Privacy. A planter or screen can help, but check your building rules on what can be attached to railings.
- Neighbors. Below you, a chair being dragged is loud. Lift it to move it, and keep the swivel and glide for staying put.
7. Winter and off-season storage
Balcony owners rarely have a garage, which is where the built-in cover helps. It is patent-pending, hidden in the back of each chair, and pulls over the cushions in seconds. There is no separate cover to buy or store.
“No longer do I have to have extra storage just to keep covers”
Storage, from our care guide and warranty
- Use the cover whenever the chairs are not in use.
- Winterize the cushions. Our care guide recommends bringing them indoors and storing them in a dry area when you can.
- Off-season, our warranty asks you to store the furniture in a dry place.
For more on rain, sun and cover care, read our guide to weatherproof outdoor recliners. To plan where the chairs go, see Small Patio Layouts by Size: 6×8, 8×10 and 10×12 Floor Plans, or browse Small Balcony Ideas: 6 Setups for Two Recliners and a Table.
Good to know before you order
- Delivery is free. We ship by FedEx to the 48 contiguous states. Orders are processed in 1–2 business days, then FedEx transit typically takes 5–8 business days. Delivery is to your door or curbside. Assembly needs no tools.
- You get a 14-day return window. Return an item in clean, original condition, with all packaging and parts, within 14 days of delivery for a full refund. After that, returns are accepted up to 90 days with a 20% restocking fee. 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 recliner
Check the rules, measure the route, then choose the size that fits.
Questions before you order? Call 1-800-296-0232 or email cs@outdoornook.com.
Quick answers
How much does an outdoor recliner weigh?
Will the box fit in my elevator?
Can I use a firepit table on my balcony?
Does the warranty cover wind damage?
Sources. Reviews: REVIEWS.io, 654 product and company reviews, retrieved October 2026, quoted as written; excerpts are marked. Prices and specifications are from our product pages as of October 2026.
