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AllModern
A furniture set may be the most significant investment in your outdoor space, regarding both cost and time spent there. According to interior designer Demetrius Robinson, whether it's cocktails on the balcony or barbecues on the lawn, envisioning how you want to utilize your outdoor entertaining space is critical when shopping for furniture.
When shopping for a patio dining set, you can't go wrong looking for comfort, durability, and classic design, according to Brenna Gilbert, CEO and founder of Festive & Co. "Outdoor furniture is expensive for a reason. It needs to withstand the elements, and you don't want to regret a trend piece or seasonal print. I love to add personality later with pillows, plants, or pots, but keep the major investment pieces classic. They should last you a lifetime," she says. Wood and metal are the most durable materials to look for in outdoor furniture and require the least amount of maintenance, according to Gilbert.
With the input of Gilbert and Robinson, we researched the best patio dining sets on the market. Read on for our favorite furniture sets that combine form and function.
Best Overall Set
Castlery Rio Outdoor Teak Dining Set
It has a classic wooden design suitable for almost any backyard, and we like the bench for variation. Plus, it's customizable to your needs.
The teak wood may require diligent care, and it's best to keep the table covered when not in use to protect it.
There are a handful of reasons this beautiful, streamlined wooden patio dining set is on our list as the best option for the average outdoor space. Whether you need a short 63-inch table that fits in a smaller space or a 95-inch behemoth that can accommodate a large dinner party, this versatile set can be customized to fit your specific needs. And depending on the number of people in your household or how much you entertain, you can choose between two, four, or six chairs and a 51- or 71-inch bench. So basically, all the bases are covered.
We love the look of the bench for added seating variation, and the set also comes with sleek off-white cushions for added comfort. For sunny days, an umbrella hole provides relief, but you'll have to purchase the patio umbrella separately. Due to its solid wood construction, you'll want to take extra care to protect it and keep it in good condition, but luckily, you can add custom covers to your order to help with that. No matter your backyard or patio style, this solid dining set will fit right in.
Material: Solid teak wood | Seating Capacity: Customizable | Pieces: 3-8
Best Value Set
Ashley Furniture Palm Bliss Outdoor Dining Set
This stylish set is made from powder-coated and steel and has high-performance, all-weather upholstery to stand up to the elements. The chairs are stackable too.
If you don't purchase it from the manufacturer, you may have to buy the table and chairs separately.
With four chairs and a table totaling less than $600, this sleek black and gray outdoor dining set stands out as a great value. The frame consists of powder-coated steel, which resists the elements and rust, and the chairs also have a woven wicker backing. The tabletop is tempered glass for easy care, and the chair cushions are made with an all-weather foam cushion and high-performance fabric that's sturdy and easy to clean.
Though it only seats four, this is the perfect set for leisurely dinners, and you can even add some outdoor pillows to the seats for extra comfort and back support. If you have a small outdoor space, take note: This compact round table is only 35 inches in diameter, and the chairs even stack for easy storage when they're not in use. You can get it as a set directly from the manufacturer for only $400 dollars, but if you buy it from sellers, you may have to purchase the table and chairs separately.
Material: Powder-coated steel, wicker | Seating Capacity: Up to 4 | Pieces: 5
Best Oval Set
AllModern Rafael Oval 6-Person Dining Set
It's easy to assemble, and the chairs are lightweight, stylish, and comfortable to sit in. The table is also extendable.
The wood needs to be oiled and sealed at least once a season to keep its color.
Though stylish enough to live indoors, this slatted table from All Modern is made to withstand all kinds of weather — including being UV and mildew-resistant. And with a little care, this table will last a long time. Its six chairs come ready to dine, and their oval shape makes them comfortable to relax in for long periods of time. The table features an umbrella hole for extra sunny days, and a leaf comes with it so you can expand the table when the party gets bigger.
Though it does require some assembly, the necessary tools are all included. And once it's all set up, it's sure to be stunning in any backyard landscape.
Material: Solid wood | Seating Capacity: Up to 6 | Pieces: 7
Best Modern Set
AllModern Bette Rectangular 6-Person Outdoor Dining Set
A metal table frame and chairs make this set weather-resistant, and we like its modern design.
There is no expandable leaf included, so the table is a fixed size.
For a sleek set that stuns in its simplicity, we like this 6-person option from AllModern. Made of weather-resistant powder-coated aluminum, you won’t have to worry about leaving this chic set out in the elements. The table sits 71 by 35 inches wide and comes in four cool colors — gray, white, orange, and green — giving the classic patio set a modern edge. The chairs stack on top of each other for easy storage or maneuvering, and while they don’t come with cushions, you can easily add water-resistant ones to complete the look.
Material: Powder-coated aluminum | Seating Capacity: 6 | Pieces: 7
Best Set with Fire Pit
Lark Manor Allene Outdoor Dining Set
This elegant set has a classic wrought-iron look and accommodates two separate fire pits for each side of the table.
You have to purchase the fire stones separately, and assembly can be a bit confusing.
A fire pit can do wonders for your backyard ambiance, and luckily this patio dining set comes with two built right in. It's made of powder-coated cast aluminum for a classic wrought iron look that won't rust and can seat up to eight people at once. The fire pits sit on opposite sides of the table so that everyone can reach, and there's still some room left in the middle to set out plates, utensils, food, and other odds and ends.
Even though there's enough space for a place setting at each spot around the table with the pits exposed, the set also comes with grates so you can cover them up and utilize the whole surface area of the table when they're not in use. It is worth noting that you have to purchase the firestones separately, but it's more than worth it for lovely evenings dining fireside.
Material: Powder-coated aluminum | Seating Capacity: Up to 8 | Pieces: 9
Best 9-Piece Set
Pottery Barn Pimenta 9-Piece Dining Table Set
It doesn't sacrifice design for durability, and white glove delivery is also available.
The wood requires extra care, and Pottery Barn even recommends storing the set indoors when out of season.
With a table measuring 118 inches and eight ergonomic chairs with built-in back support, this extra-large patio dining set will accommodate everyone and then some. The table is made of superior eucalyptus wood, and the chairs are crafted with powder-coated aluminum and synthetic rope for a modern touch. If you’re entertaining a larger crowd, this set comfortably seats up to 12, and the stackable dining chairs can be purchased separately in sets of four if you’d like even more seats to store when not in use.
Material: Eucalyptus wood, aluminum, synthetic rope | Seating Capacity: Up to 12 | Pieces: 9
Best Bistro Set
Birch Lane Farrah 2-Person Bistro Set
This set has a simple, modern design that will look great in any setting, and it features weather-resistant resin material.
As it’s a two-person set, seating and table space is very limited.
If you’ve only got room for a small-in-size, two-person set, we like this modern-designed collection from Birch Lane. The small round table gives cozy cafe vibes, and the matte black color will fit any setting. With its resin construction, you can feel confident leaving it outside — rain or shine. We think it’s a perfect setting to enjoy a cup of coffee or share a bottle of wine with friends or family.
Material: Plastic, resin, acrylic | Seating Capacity: Up to 2 | Pieces: 3
Best Wicker Set
Frontgate Palermo 7-pc. Rectangular Dining Set
Wicker resin is strong and supportive, and Frontgate's outdoor furniture comes with a 10-year structural warranty.
Some may prefer natural wicker to the synthetic version, and only two of the six chairs have arms.
Frontgate's Palermo patio dining set has a classic feel with bronze wicker and streamlined shapes. Handwoven around rust-resistant aluminum frames, the premium resin wicker is dense and durable but also non-toxic, antimicrobial, and weather-resistant. The material can withstand extreme temperatures, so you won't have to worry about rotting or splintering, and the top table is covered with tempered glass, which won't feel scorching on hot days.
As an added bonus, it also has an umbrella hole so you won't have to scorch in the hot sun. And for extra comfort, the chairs have slight slopes and come with seat cushions, which are also available with waterproof Sunbrella Rain performance fabric.
Material: High-density polyethylene (HDPE) resin, aluminum | Seating Capacity: Up to 6 | Pieces: 7
Best Sofa Set
Yardbird Langdon Outdoor Fire Pit Table Set
The wicker is made from durable recycled ocean plastic, and the cushions are large, plush, and covered with easy-to-clean Sunbrella fabric.
It needs to be covered during inclement weather.
Did someone say swivel? No, this isn't a dining set, but you'll want to take advantage of this patio sofa set's big, comfortable swivel chairs and table with a fire pit built into the center (really!) to linger outside into the night. Each of the four cushioned chairs has extra-wide armrests for holding beverages and melamine snack plates. Also worth noting: the wicker boasts antimicrobial properties to ward off fungus and mildew. Though it looks like a natural fiber, the wicker is high-density polyethylene (HDPE) made from recycled ocean plastic wrapped around a strong, rust-proof aluminum frame. The frame comes with a 10-year warranty, and the Sunbrella-covered cushions have a five-year warranty. You'll want to make sure you invest in outdoor furniture covers for this to protect it from bad weather.
Material: High-density polyethylene (HDPE) resin, aluminum Seating Capacity: Up to 4 | Pieces: 5
Our Favorite Patio Dining Set
When it comes to patio sets, space, seating capacity, and materials make all the difference. Patio dining sets like the Castlery Rio Outdoor Teak Dining Set or the AllModern Rafael Oval 6-Person Dining Set are great for those with the space who are ready to make an investment. If you're hoping to entertain large crowds, the Pottery Barn Pimenta 9-Piece Set seats eight, but its streamlined design won't overwhelm your patio.
Factors to Consider
Patio Layout
"Space planning is crucial," says Robinson. "You'll always want to ensure that you and your guests have enough room to relax comfortably." So, it's important to assess your needs when it comes to your patio's layout.
How will the furniture fit the size and shape? Do you prefer quiet solo meals or casual outdoor get-togethers? Don't be afraid to take measurements a few times and map out your ideal floor plan. "If you have tons of space to work with, I suggest breaking the outdoor space into separate sections to create a more intimate feeling. Suppose you're working with a smaller space. In that case, I recommend adding dual-purpose furniture, like a fire pit that can be converted to an outdoor coffee table," Robinson adds.
Assembly
Some furniture sets are easy to assemble. Some are not. Most offer assembly onsite for a price, if bonding with your significant other over tightening screws doesn't sound appealing. Be sure to look over the assembly instructions before ordering. Reviews, meanwhile, can give you an idea of how long others have spent constructing their sets. If it seems complicated to build, it probably is.
Material and Care
All patio furniture requires a bit of maintenance, and you will want to wipe it clean as dirt and pollen build up. With metal, be on the lookout for rust, which can stain a deck or patio. Wood sets are known to last longer but require some care, usually oiling or sealing once a season. Cushions should never be left out in the rain if possible. If they are, immediately air or machine dry depending on the manufacturer's instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How do you clean patio furniture?
Any new furniture, especially wood like teak and eucalyptus, should be unboxed, assembled, and wiped down upon delivery to remove any dust or debris from manufacturing. As your patio furniture gets dirty over time, you can wash it down, no matter the material, whenever necessary with a hose, followed by some mild soapy water. Once a season, use a scrub brush to loosen up hidden dirt. Always rinse it thoroughly after using soap, and let it air dry.
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What kind of patio furniture is most durable?
"I'm a huge fan of wood or metal," says Gilbert. "They're the most durable, require the least amount of maintenance, and give you the most beautiful patina in the elements. Good materials will weather beautifully and give them even more character."
Finding durable patio furniture, however, takes more than a quick glance. "Look at the joints. Is it just held together with an allen key and a prayer? Keep looking. Make sure it's all wood, all-weather materials, or stainless steel connections, or it will rot," says Gilbert.
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How can you save money on patio furniture?
"If you're not looking to splurge a ton on outdoor furniture just yet, I recommend opting for furniture with metal frames instead of wooden ones. You and your guests will be just as comfortable, and you can keep cash in your pocket. A win-win situation," Robinson says. Luckily, there are a lot of places to buy patio furniture. You can also just look for patio tables and add pieces as you go.
Our Expertise
- Alissa Fitzgerald is a chef, recipe developer, and food writer with over 15 years of experience in the food industry.
- For this piece, she interviewed interior designers Demetrius Robinson and Brenna Gilbert, CEO and founder of Festive & Co. She then used data, market research, and her own expertise to curate this list.