The 12 Best Outdoor Sectionals for Resort-Level Lounging in Your Own Back Yard

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One of the best ways to unwind with friends or family is by gathering on a gorgeous patio or other outdoor room—whether for game night, roasting marshmallows around a fire pit, or even an alfresco movie. But how best to comfortably seat a crowd outside? Enter the outdoor sectional, a workhorse piece of furniture available in a wide variety of materials, designs, sizes, and styles.

For advice on how to select the best outdoor sectional, we turned to designers with loads of experience furnishing outdoor spaces. It turns out many of the same guidelines for choosing indoor furniture apply to shopping for outdoor furniture. For example, notes interior designer Elizabeth Lawrence, “The key to a good layout—inside or outside—is making sure that you aren’t blocking off a space or access to doors or walkways.” Lawrence also says it’s important to think about how outdoor furniture looks from inside. “We always make sure you aren’t looking straight into the back of a sofa in a living room, and the same rule applies to the outdoors,” she says.

As for when an outdoor sectional is better than an outdoor sofa, designers agree it’s important to consider the function of the space. “We choose outdoor sectionals…if there is a focal point such as a fire pit or fountain that we want guests to enjoy,” says Tracey Jones, consulting senior director of capital planning and design management for Montage International. Function and layout also play key roles in determining what outdoor sectional configuration—u-shape, chaise, or corner—is best for your space.

Read on to discover our 12 top picks for outdoor sectionals, plus advice for what to look for from these design pros.

Arhaus Bal Harbour Outdoor Curved Two Piece Sectional

We love the streamlined look of this curved, hand-crafted teak outdoor sectional by Arhaus. The super-deep seats encourage lounging for hours, and the modular design makes it easy to configure for any space. Sectional components lock into place with aluminum connectors to prevent shifting. This same outdoor sectional also comes in a three-piece model, which seats one additional person.

Serena & Lily Pacifica Corner Sectional

Is there anything better than classic woven furniture that endures the elements? In this beloved collection from Serena & Lily, the wicker-looking weave on the powder-coated aluminum frame gives old-money porch vibes but can be used on pool decks, patios, and other uncovered spots. (Talk about timeless!) Another bonus: In-stock frames and cushions arrive within 2-3 weeks and custom cushions only take another 2-3 weeks.

Four Hands Sherwood Outdoor 3-Seat Patio Sectional

The simple silhouette and bronze finish of this aluminum outdoor sectional by Four Hands make it an easy addition to any outdoor living space, regardless of its aesthetic or setting. But with the rope-wrapped arm rests and cotton weaving on the back, we’re especially into this sectional for waterfront homes. The textured detailing makes for a subtle but chic nod to a boating lifestyle. If possible, you’ll want to float this sectional to show off its back!

Lausaint Home 8-Piece Outdoor Sectional Sofa

Good news: Your search for a luxe-looking outdoor sectional for under $1,000 is over. This Lausaint Home 8-Piece Outdoor Sectional comes in a versatile warm beige finish with clean lines that will work with any patio, porch or deck style. Speaking of versatility, this piece is modular, with two corner pieces, four armless seats, and two ottomans that allow for nearly endless configurations. Pull up the ottomans to extend sofa sides into chaises or use them as coffee tables. Extra deep cushions (six-inch back cushions and 5-inch seat cushions) boost comfort and stand up well to wear and tear.

RH Byron Teak U-Sofa Sectional

With its reeded design, this solid teak outdoor sectional is a contemporary take on reeded rattan furniture from the mid-twentieth century and we’re smitten with its subtly groovy look. Each vertical reed is hand-crafted by Indonesian artisans to fit the sectional’s curved form which makes it particularly well-suited to a u-shape configuration (though it can be customized to others). We’re partial to the warmth of the natural finish, which is untreated and will weather to a silvery gray if left uncovered; the sectional is comes in an aged teak finish. Extra deep cushions are sure to encourage hours of outdoor lounging.

OUT-FIT Outdoor Modern Sectional No.1

This streamlined modular sectional by OUT-FIT is designed with durability in mind, from its materials to its aesthetics. The fully welded frame with a scratch- and UV-resistant powder coat finish will endure through years of outdoor use, as will the cushions covered with Sunbrella solution-dyed acrylic fabric. As important to its long-lasting nature is its style: Clean lines with minimal details and timeless color combinations mean you’ll love this outdoor sectional for years to come. We’re partial to the sun kissed look of the White/Canary Yellow colorway, which is giving Slim Aarons vibes.

CB2 Cabra 4-Piece Teak Outdoor Sofa and Ottoman

Great design is all about the details, and this outdoor sectional from CB2 delivers beautifully. Just take the sofa’s vertical seat back slats, which curve slightly for added comfort and support, or the back cushion anchor, which fits between the slats to keep the cushions in place. The sectional, which was designed by Jannis Ellenberger, features a frame crafted in Indonesia from sustainably harvested and unfinished teak. If left uncovered and untreated, the natural teak will patina to from its warm tan hue to a silvery gray shade. To maintain its original color, CB2 recommends using an outdoor furniture cleaner, teak oil, and a protective cover (which is not included).

Kingsley Bate Lotus 4 Piece Sectional Ensemble

With simple lines and a platform design, the Lotus outdoor sectional by Kingsley Bate takes its design cues from modern Asian furniture. But this minimalist form offers maximal comfort, thanks to generously sized plush bench and back cushions plus an upholstered back. Bonus: The attached side table and included coffee table mean refreshments are always within reach.

Crate & Barrel Seascape 3-Piece Upholstered L-Shaped Outdoor Sectional Sofa

When it comes to comfort, slipcovered seating just cannot be beat. But if you’re skeptical about opting for a fully upholstered outdoor sectional, you’re not alone. Enter the Crate & Barrel Seascape 3-Piece Upholstered L-Shaped Outdoor Sectional Sofa. The low-slung, armless profile and linen-like upholstery make it a timeless choice for any home style. Most importantly, the comfort of the plush bench cushions and ample back and throw cushions cannot be beat. Reviewers note the components are lightweight and easy to move. One reviewer writes: “Everyone falls asleep on it.”

Neighbor Roundabout Chaise Sofa

This is not your grandmother’s wicker: introducing all-weather, fade resistant synthetic wicker in a gorgeous shade of olive green from Neighbor. The best part: The color permeates through the core of each fiber, making it sure to last season after season. This outdoor sectional’s generous proportions (with extra deep, extra wide cushions) mean the chaise sits more like a daybed; the loveseat’s bench cushion allows comfortable stretching out as well. Plus, the Roundabout Collection’s modular components make it easy to adapt the sectional’s configuration.

Pottery Barn Tulum 5-Piece L-Shaped Outdoor Sectional

Talk about versatile: this modular 5-piece outdoor sectional looks just as at home on an urban terrace as it does on a waterfront patio, thanks to the combination of handwoven all-weather wicker and a powder coated black steel frame. Plus, with 62 options for cushion covers—including 20 Sunbrella fabric choices—this sectional can be customized to suit any style of décor.

Article Lubek Beach Sand Low Corner Sectional Set

When your space calls for an L-shaped sectional but you want the lounge-ability of a chaise sectional, you'll want to consider this low-slung number from Article. Crafted of acacia wood, this set (yes, that coffee table is included!) does double duty with seat backs lining the corner portion then giving way to armless design at the ends.

What do designers look for when sourcing outdoor sectionals?

Frame Material

Even before style, the most important considerations for selecting an outdoor sectional frame material are location and weather conditions, according to designers. “For example, wrought iron would be a least suitable choice for a beach location due to the salt air that can cause rust,” says Jones.

Designers also carefully consider how the furniture will be used. “Teak furniture is heavy and wears well when left outside for long periods of time and doesn’t always need cushions,” says Lawrence, who notes that while cushions can be a fun way to add personality outdoors, “some people don’t want to deal with covering and storing a lot of cushions.”

Cushion Material:

Designers agree selecting the right cushion material is critical for ensuring your outdoor sectional is comfortable and durable. “You want to ensure the cushion foam is dry-fast or reticulating to avoid moisture and mildew through all seasons,” says Jones. “There are a number of companies that have great technology in their fabrics and fillers that allows the water to go right through them and some that even have vented cushions,” adds Lawrence.

Configuration

For deciding which sectional shape is best, designers consider how the seating is meant to function first and foremost. “Determining how someone will be outdoors is important in figuring out the layout and orientation of the pieces,” says Lawrence.

For clients who intend to nap or read outside, for example, an outdoor sectional with a chaise works best, she says. For those who mostly want to entertain outside, Lawrence avoids the chaise configuration.

Maintenance

Designers recommend purchasing covers for outdoor furniture, even when not included. “I recommend placing them on every night—or if you know it is going to rain. This will preserve the life of your furniture and cushions,” says Lawrence, who also advises storing outdoor furniture and cushions inside during off season or extended periods of unuse. “I always recommend treating heavy pollen season like an extreme weather season too,” she adds.

Meet Our Experts

• Elizabeth Lawrence is an interior designer and a principal at Williams Lawrence, a New York City design firm.

• Tracey Jones is a senior director of Capital Planning & Design Management for Montage International, a luxury hospitality management company.

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