O.W. Lee Difference

Made in America

Truly an American family tradition, O.W. Lee Company was established in Pasadena, California, by Oddist W. Lee in 1947 as a wrought-iron gate manufacturer for the luxurious estates of Southern California. Due to increased requests from local patio furniture store owners, Oddist began to design and sell high-end patio furniture directly. In 1954, he incorporated under the name O.W. Lee Company.

Oddist’s son, Bob, joined his father after high school and continued in the business after Oddist retired. Throughout the 1970’s, 80’s, and early 90’s, Bob Lee and his wife, Beverly, established O.W. Lee Company as a well-known and reputable manufacturer in the ever-growing outdoor furniture industry. In 2008 Bob and Beverly received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Casual Furnishings Association in recognition of their exemplary contributions to the casual furniture industry and to their communities.

The third and fourth generation of the Lee family maintains Oddist’s commitment to quality more than 74 years later. Bob’s daughter Terri and son-in-law Chris are continuing to build O.W. Lee into the premier name in casual furnishings. The O.W. Lee name stands for quality, and as a family-owned business, they have pledged to continue the tradition started in 1947.

The International Casual Furnishings Association is a global leader in promoting business development and partnerships in the outdoor and casual furnishings industry. The Manufacturer of the Year award is one of the ICFA’s top honors. ICFA members are invited to vote for this award using the following criteria: design and quality of products, merchandising, customer service, ethics, communications, and trade relations.

O.W. Lee outdoor furniture and fire pits are built to last, starting with premium raw materials. From the beginning of the manufacturing process, O.W. Lee adheres to the highest quality standards, using some of the most durable aluminum and iron rods, tubing, and sheets available. These materials form the foundation of our chair, table, and fire pit frames, ensuring long-term strength and performance in outdoor environments.

Wherever metal components intersect, O.W. Lee uses full-circumference welds to create a strong, unified structure. Steel and aluminum pieces are precisely bent into shape using advanced equipment, then hand-forged with a hammer and anvil–a time-honored process rooted in traditional blacksmithing that has remained largely unchanged since the Middle Ages. This combination of precision forming and hand craftsmanship ensures both structural integrity and refined detail.

For simpler and high-volume components, O.W. Lee utilizes robotic welding technology to achieve exceptional consistency and accuracy in seconds. These robotic welders work alongside skilled artisans, allowing O.W. Lee to maintain exacting standards while ensuring efficiency and repeatable quality across products.

To protect each frame from the elements, O.W. Lee applies a long-lasting powder-coated finish using an extensive multi-step process. Powder coating relies on a chemical reaction that causes fine, paint-like particles to bond evenly to the metal surface. This process allows the coating to flow into every corner and crevice, eliminating exposed metal that can lead to corrosion.

O.W. Lee’s five-step powder coating process includes two thorough washing cycles, a zinc-rich primer coat, a controlled baking process, and the application of the final finish color. The result is a 4–6 mil thick protective finish that provides exceptional resistance to moisture, corrosion, fading, and everyday outdoor wear–ensuring each piece maintains its beauty and durability season after season.

Thread & Velcro

O.W. Lee uses PTFE thread, a specially engineered fluoropolymer, instead of standard polyester thread. This high-performance thread is UV- and water-resistant and will not break down when exposed to harsh chemicals such as bleach or chlorine. For cushion attachment, O.W. Lee employs polyester Velcro, which offers superior UV resistance compared to traditional nylon Velcro, ensuring cushions stay securely in place and last longer in outdoor conditions.

Fabrics

All O.W. Lee stock fabrics are either solution-dyed acrylic or 100% polypropylene. In solution-dyed fabrics, every fiber in the yarn is infused with color, providing exceptional fade resistance compared to traditionally dyed fabrics. These fabrics are also mold- and mildew-resistant, highly chemical-resistant (including pool chlorine and bleach), and feature water-wicking and quick-drying properties, making them ideal for outdoor furniture in all climates.

Cushions

O.W. Lee cushions are designed for long-lasting comfort and outdoor durability:

• Spun water-resistant liner: Repels moisture while allowing high breathability, keeping cushions comfortable and dry.

• Polyester fiber dacron wrap: Provides soft, durable cushioning that holds its shape over time.

• High-density foam core: Offers indoor-quality comfort and maintains its original shape, even with regular outdoor use.

Together, O.W. Lee’s thread, fabrics, and cushion construction create outdoor furniture that is durable, weather-resistant, and designed to look and feel great season after season.

O.W. Lee fire pits are certified according to ANSI and CSA (Canadian) safety standards by Labtest Certification Inc., located in Las Vegas, NV. Labtest is an accredited independent third party testing certification laboratory that performs various tests to ensure the reliability and safety of every OW Lee fire unit. In addition, every fire pit and fire table is tested in the factory before shipping.

Information about our firepits:

• Made in America
• Portable as one unit
• Natural gas conversion kit included
• 32k-65k BTU Rating (depending on unit)
• ANSI and CSA certified
• Easy Tank Access

Learn more about Casual Fireside.

O.W. Lee stands behind one of the most comprehensive warranties in the outdoor furniture industry. Our warranties reflect the durability, quality, and craftsmanship built into every piece of furniture and fire pit we manufacture.

For full warranty details and terms, visit our Warranty page to learn more and ensure your O.W. Lee furniture is protected.