We Tried The Cozey Shinuk Outdoor Sectional

My family has had the same outdoor picnic set for more than 10 years. And while the super-affordable (and surprisingly high-quality) table and chairs have weathered well, I've been dreaming of an outdoor setup that's a little more comfortable.

I reviewed the Cozey Atmosphere couch last year, and it's still working well for our family. It's made our living room even more of a family hub, because we all want to hang out on the couch. So when Cozey launched their outdoor collection and offered me an opportunity to try out the new product line, I was thrilled.

What is the Cozey Shinuk?

• The Shinuk is a customizable, modular outdoor seating system. It can be as small as an armchair or as big as an eight-seater sectional.
• It has a synthetic wicker base with a metal frame and waterproof, weather- and UV-resistant cushions.
• Like our Atmosphere couch, each section of the Shinuk has hidden storage under the seat. In this model, the hidden storage features zippered compartments that keep throw cushions and protective covers clean and dry.
• The Shinuk also comes with optional ottomans or inline coffee tables.

Ordering and customization

We chose a three-seater sofa with an inline table and ottoman. The choice was mostly based on what size sectional our yard would accommodate. Our configuration is 312.5 cm long, and although we are a family of four, it offers enough room for everyone.

The Cozey website makes it easy to choose your configuration because the product image updates as you add or remove sections, arms, and other options. And you can easily view the dimensions and price as you build.

Delivery and assembly

Be prepared for a major delivery. As we learned with our couch, you will receive many boxes—and they're big. My kids were thrilled. So make space ahead of time, and if you won't be putting it together right away, try to keep the boxes indoors or at least covered.

• Assembly isn't hard, but it does require more than one adult. The pieces can be heavy and a bit tricky to slot together.
• The actual set-up is pretty intuitive, and the labels on the boxes that outline what part of the couch you're unboxing help a lot.
• It's true that you don't need any tools.
• Most of the hardware can be used in multiple places. The same feet go on every seat, for instance, so you can't really mix those up.

The hardest part is probably putting the covers on the cushions. When you first pull out the cushion cover, you won't believe that it will fit over the seat cushion. I was sweating doing it, and I needed a helper to get the zipper closed.

Expect it to take more than an hour to put a couch together. Cutting open the boxes and then cutting them up to recycle takes a fair bit of time.

First impressions

The Shinuk has upgraded our outdoor space and turned it into a place to hang out, rather than somewhere we eat only when guests come over. I love heading out to the backyard in the evening to relax—especially if I get some alone time and the ottoman is all mine.

I love the look of the synthetic wicker and the cushion fabric. I will say that the coffee table top is a thick, textured plastic that comes in two pieces and is not quite as sleek as it could be. But overall, the Shinuk looks both comfortable and elevated. The cushions are sturdy and supportive, and I imagine they will stand up to years of wear. Hint: Spring for the protective covers to keep your outdoor furniture clean and dry.

Comfort, practicality and weather resistance

The cushions on the Shinuk are super firm and supportive. Our outdoor living room is now just as comfy as the one indoors. I love the ottoman and the inset table, which doubles as a way to separate grumpy kids.

While the built-in waterproof storage is handy, it's best to cover your outdoor couch when it's raining to keep both the cushions and the stuff inside the storage compartment completely dry. Having said that, the cushion covers are water-resistant and even more impervious to stains.

Is it worth the price? Pros and cons

Value-wise, the Cozey Shinuk is more expensive than big box options but less expensive than designer decor brand sectionals. It's a happy medium that blends convenience and style.

Pros

• Cozey offers a 30-day trial and a 5-year warranty
• The furniture is relatively easy to put together
• The deep seats are extremely comfortable and roomy
• Looks very stylish
• Weather-resistant and durable materials
• Customizable for your space

Cons

• On the expensive side
• The coffee table top could be sleeker
• The protective covers cost extra

Final verdict

If you're looking for a family-friendly outdoor couch or sectional, the Cozey Shinuk is a good choice. Backyards, terraces and decks come in many sizes and configurations, so the ability to customize the look and layout makes Cozey products super convenient. Buy this if you can't find a sectional you love that will fit your yard. Skip it if you have a very small space or a small budget.