It really depends on where you order from, what you order, and how your building handles deliveries. For a city apartment, the fastest realistic timeline is usually 1–3 business days if the piece is in stock at a local warehouse or a retailer with same-city courier delivery. Most standard outdoor furniture orders take about 3–10 business days to arrive. That’s common for flat-pack chairs, small bistro sets, side tables, and planters.
If you choose made-to-order, custom cushions, or a large sectional, expect closer to 4–8 weeks. White-glove delivery and assembly can add another 3–10 days because the company has to schedule a crew, get building approval, and work around elevator reservations or loading dock hours. Walk-up buildings, narrow stairwells, and tight corners can also slow things down.
A few practical things can speed it up: confirm the item is actually in stock, enter the correct apartment or unit number, check whether your building requires a certificate of insurance for delivery, and book the first available delivery window. In dense metros like New York, Chicago, or Los Angeles, some local stores can even do next-day or two-day delivery on smaller items. But if you need it for a specific weekend, order at least two to three weeks ahead—especially for anything oversized or assembled.