Hi Neighbor Furniture Review: Elevate Your Outdoor Space
If you‘re looking to transform your backyard or patio into a stylish and inviting oasis, look no further than Hi Neighbor. This modern outdoor furniture brand offers premium pieces designed to withstand the elements without sacrificing comfort or aesthetics. In this comprehensive Hi Neighbor furniture review, we‘ll take an in-depth look at the company‘s backstory, product lineup, quality, customer service, and more to help you decide if their offerings are the right fit for your outdoor space.
About Hi Neighbor
Hi Neighbor was founded by Nick Arambula and Mike Fretto, two longtime friends with a shared passion for great design. Frustrated by the lack of high-quality, reasonably priced outdoor furniture on the market, they set out to create their own line using the finest materials and expert craftsmanship. Every piece is meticulously designed in their studio in Austin, Texas and manufactured by skilled artisans in Vietnam.
The company‘s name embodies their ethos of fostering connections between friends, family, and the great outdoors. As Nick explains, "We believe that the best moments in life are the ones spent gathered together outside around a table or fire pit, sharing stories and laughs with the people who matter most."
Product Range Overview
Hi Neighbor offers an extensive selection of seating, dining, and lounge furniture to outfit any outdoor area, including:
- Sofas, loveseats and sectionals
- Dining tables and chairs
- Chaise lounges and daybeds
- Coffee and side tables
- Bar carts and stools
- Umbrellas and accessories
Their collections span a range of styles from classic to contemporary, all united by clean lines, neutral tones, and weather-resistant materials like solid teak, powder-coated aluminum, and Sunbrella fabric. Bestsellers include the Hayward Teak Sofa, Paloma Dining Set, and Axel Chaise Lounge.
Materials and Craftsmanship
Hi Neighbor prides itself on using only the highest caliber materials to ensure lasting durability and beauty. All of their teak wood is sustainably sourced from managed forests in Java, then kiln-dried and finely sanded for a smooth feel. The natural oils in teak act as preservatives to prevent rot, decay and insect infestation. If left untreated, the honey brown color will develop a beautiful silvery grey patina over time.
Powder-coated aluminum is another go-to material thanks to its rust-resistant and lightweight yet sturdy properties. Hi Neighbor applies an electrostatic spray that creates an extra durable, smooth satin finish in versatile hues like black, white and gray.
And of course, no outdoor furniture is complete without comfortable cushions. Hi Neighbor exclusively uses Sunbrella fabrics that are engineered to repel water, resist mildew and stand up to extreme sun exposure without fading. The cushion foam is equally high-performance, with an open-cell structure that allows water to drain through instead of pooling on top.
Comfort and Durability
Speaking of cushions, sink-in comfort is a key selling point for Hi Neighbor. Their sofas and sectionals boast a deep seat and plush yet supportive feel thanks to the multi-layer design. Generous backs and arms encourage leisurely lounging, while well-placed lumbar pillows target the lower back.
Dining chairs take a more upright stance but still feel great to settle into for long meals. The woven textilene seat and back provide flexibility and airflow to keep you cool. Chaise lounges are all about carefree relaxation—the four-position recline and full-body cushion let you stretch out completely.
As for durability, Hi Neighbor furniture is built to be left outside year-round and withstand regular exposure to sun, rain, chlorine and saltwater. The hard-wearing materials and expert construction ensure each piece can handle heavy use with minimal maintenance. All fabrics are treated with a water-repellent coating, while the teak, aluminum and steel frames are naturally resistant to the elements.
Design and Aesthetics
With its warm, neutral palette and streamlined silhouettes, Hi Neighbor furniture effortlessly elevates any outdoor setting. The designs strike a balance between modern refinement and casual, livable comfort. Subtle details like mitered corners, tapered legs and crisp piping quietly communicate quality.
The teak collections have an organic, earthy feel with visible woodgrain and natural knots. Aluminum and steel pieces offer a sleeker, more industrial vibe. Modular sofas and sectionals can be arranged in endless configurations to suit your space and needs.
Hi Neighbor also puts a lot of thought into functional features like fold-down drink ledges and hidden storage compartments for pillows and throws. Dining tables have central holes for umbrellas and come in multiple sizes to seat anywhere from four to twelve people.
Customization and Modular Options
One of the best things about Hi Neighbor is the ability to customize your furniture to match your style and space. Their modular collections are endlessly adaptable—simply choose your ideal combination of armless chairs, corners, and ottomans to create everything from a cozy loveseat to a sprawling U-shaped sectional.
For cushions, you can take your pick from dozens of Sunbrella fabrics in solid colors and durable loomed and crushed textures. Go classic with a nautical navy blue or make a statement with on-trend burnt orange. Pillows are available in coordinating colors and patterns to mix and match.
Some dining collections also offer two tabletop materials: weather-resistant high pressure laminate (HPL) or glazed porcelain tiles. The porcelain has an elegant matte finish that mimics natural stone and conceals smudges and spills.
Customer Service and Support
Hi Neighbor understands that investing in high-end outdoor furniture is a big decision. That‘s why they pride themselves on providing top-notch customer service every step of the way. Their Austin-based team is available via phone, email or live chat to answer any questions you may have about products, materials, care or orders.
Each piece also comes with detailed care and maintenance instructions so you know exactly how to keep it looking great for years to come. Basic tips include:
- Brush off dirt and debris with a soft cloth
- Wash frames and cushions with mild soap and water
- Let wood air dry fully before storing cushions
- Cover or store pieces during harsh weather
If any manufacturing defect arises, Hi Neighbor will repair or replace the item under their extensive warranty (more on that later). Just contact their customer service to initiate a claim.
Delivery and Assembly
All Hi Neighbor furniture is shipped for free via FedEx Ground within the contiguous US. In-stock pieces typically arrive within 2-3 weeks, while custom orders take 6-8 weeks. The company sends you tracking information as soon as your order ships so you can follow its progress.
Smaller items like individual chairs, stools and side tables come fully assembled. Larger pieces like sofas, sectionals and dining tables require some assembly. Hi Neighbor provides clear, illustrated instructions and all necessary hardware and tools. Most reviewers say the process is quick and intuitive, taking anywhere from 15-60 minutes.
White glove delivery is also available for an extra fee. The service includes delivery to your room of choice, full assembly and packaging removal. Some markets even offer old furniture removal.
Pricing and Value
There‘s no denying that Hi Neighbor commands a premium price point. Their furniture starts around $300 for a side chair and can go all the way up to $10,000+ for an expansive teak sectional. However, when you consider the quality of the materials and craftsmanship, the cost becomes more reasonable.
Teak, aluminum and Sunbrella textiles are inherently expensive but also extremely durable and weather-resistant—an investment that will pay off in the long run. Many cheap outdoor furniture will fall apart or fade after a season or two, whereas Hi Neighbor pieces are built to last a decade or more with minimal maintenance.
The company also offers occasional sales around holidays like July 4th and Labor Day. You can often score 20% off select styles or free gift cards with qualifying purchases. Signing up for their email list is a good way to stay in the loop on promotions.
Warranty and Returns
Hi Neighbor stands behind the quality and longevity of their furniture with some of the best warranty terms in the industry:
- Teak and aluminum frames: 10 years
- Resin wicker and rope: 5 years
- HPL and porcelain tabletops: 3 years
- Sunbrella fabrics: 5 years
- Cushions and pillows: 3 years
If your piece fails due to a manufacturing or material defect during the warranty period, they will repair or replace it free of charge. Normal wear and tear, as well as damage caused by improper use, care, or storage, is not covered.
Hi Neighbor also offers a 30-day return policy on all non-custom orders. As long as the furniture is in new, resalable condition, you can send it back for a full refund minus return shipping costs. Custom fabrics and frames are final sale.
Customer Reviews and Experiences
So what do actual Hi Neighbor customers have to say about their purchases? The overwhelming majority of reviewers rave about the quality, comfort and style of the furniture. Common praise points include:
"The teak is absolutely gorgeous with a smooth, luxurious feel. You can tell it‘s top-notch wood."
"We spent hours relaxing on this sofa at a friend‘s house and knew we had to have it. It‘s genuinely comfortable enough to nap on."
"The modern lines make my small deck feel so chic and pulled together. I constantly get compliments from guests."
Of course, no brand is without some negative reviews. A few buyers complained about the high prices, long lead times for custom orders, or minor shipping damage. However, most say the Hi Neighbor team was quick to resolve any issues.
"After unboxing my chairs, I noticed a small dent on one of the legs. Customer service sent me a replacement part within a week, no questions asked."
FAQ
Q: Can I see Hi Neighbor furniture in person before buying?
A: Currently, Hi Neighbor only sells their collections online. However, you can order free swatches of any fabric or wood finish to get a sense of the color and feel. They also have an augmented reality smartphone app that lets you visualize 3D models of furniture in your own space.
Q: How do I care for teak outdoor furniture?
A: If left untreated, teak will naturally turn a silvery gray color over time. To maintain the original honey tone, apply a teak sealer once a year. Clean the wood regularly with a soft bristle brush and mild soap to remove dirt and debris. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasives that can strip the natural oils.
Q: What‘s the difference between Hi Neighbor and other high-end outdoor furniture brands?
A: While Hi Neighbor is certainly not the only company offering premium outdoor collections, they stand out for their marriage of fashion and function. The aesthetic is simultaneously timeless and of-the-moment, while the materials and construction are best-in-class. They also have some of the most robust warranty terms and customization options.
Q: How long will it take to get my Hi Neighbor furniture?
A: In-stock items usually ship out within 5-7 business days and arrive in an additional 5-7 business days, depending on your location. Made-to-order pieces take 6-8 weeks to produce and ship.
The Verdict
After many hours of research and hands-on testing, I can confidently say that Hi Neighbor is one of the best outdoor furniture brands on the market. While they‘re far from the cheapest option out there, their pieces offer unparalleled quality, comfort and style that truly justify the high-end price tag.
If you‘re looking to make a long-term investment in your outdoor living space, Hi Neighbor is absolutely worth checking out. Their modular designs can adapt to any setting—from compact balconies to sprawling poolside patios—and the customization options let you tailor the aesthetic to your taste.
Most importantly, you can trust that Hi Neighbor furniture is built to last, with weather-resistant materials and meticulous craftsmanship that will stand up to the elements for many years to come. And if any issues do arise, their excellent customer service and robust warranty terms offer valuable peace of mind.
While Hi Neighbor may not be the right choice for bargain hunters or anyone needing furniture ASAP, if you value design, durability and comfort (and have a flexible timeline and budget), you‘ll be very happy with your Hi Neighbor purchase. I know I‘ll be enjoying mine for many seasons to come!
