Get the Patio Ready for Summer With a New Furniture Set Made to Withstand the Outdoors

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

When it comes to transforming your outdoor space or backyard into a comfortable retreat, finding the right patio furniture is key. From relaxing under the sun to dining al fresco with friends, a comfortable sectional or six-person dining table helps define an outside space you can use all season long. With careful consideration of factors like material, design, and size, you can curate a cozy corner or functional outdoor oasis no matter your style or budget.

Protect your new patio furniture with our recommendations for the best outdoor furniture covers.

The Best Patio Furniture

• Best Overall: Wade Logan 7-Person Patio Sofa Seating Group with Cushions

• Best Dining Set: Walker Edison Outdoor Chevron Patio Dining Set

• Best for Large Patios: Signature Design by Ashley All-Weather Wicker Sectional

• Best for Small Patios: Best Choice Products 4-Piece Outdoor Rope Wicker Patio Conversation Set

• Best Daybed: Better Homes and Garden Delahey Convertible Studio Outdoor Daybed for Patio

What to Consider

Material

Since your patio furniture stays outside year-round, material is probably the most important consideration. A popular option is aluminum since it’s lightweight, resistant to rust and corrosion, and easy to maintain.

Teak and acacia wood are also good choices for durability and sturdiness to withstand the elements. These types of wood are resistant to rot, decay, and damage from insects. Some manufacturers add a protective coating to the material; in this case, you may have to do your own maintenance to extend the life of your furniture. You can treat your wooden furniture with sealant once or twice a year to keep up the appearance, and use water with mild soap for light cleaning as needed.

All-weather wicker or rattan are also popular materials in patio furniture because of their weather-resistance and easy cleaning regimen. Keep these materials in mind while you shop, because longevity and maintenance varies depending on the climate and weather conditions you live in. All-weather wicker, teak, and aluminum are solid options for humid and coastal regions. If you live somewhere with harsh winters, and don’t have outdoor storage available for your patio furniture, then aluminum, iron, and teak will be able to withstand inclement weather conditions.

Design

We cover all types of patio furniture in this guide—comfy couches and loveseats, functional dining tables and chairs, bistro sets, and more. To determine the best shape and design for your patio furniture, we recommend starting with pieces that take up the most square footage. Once you’ve found your main pieces, you can complement with accent pieces like armchairs and side tables.

Some sectionals are modular, with multiple configuration options so you can spread out your furniture across your entire patio. Dining tables offer plenty of functional seating, and some come with extenders to cover even more surface area.

Depending on the desired atmosphere for your patio, style also comes into play. For a classic or timeless look, stick to wood or iron. If you’re going for a more rustic or farmhouse-inspired ambience, wicker patio sets are classic, inviting, and warm. You can also add your own touch with throw pillows—some sets even come with a few included, like the Signature Design by Ashley all-weather wicker sectional.

Size

Size is another important consideration. If you’re furnishing a small balcony, opt for a grouping of smaller pieces to fill out the space. There’s more room to play with if you have a large patio, but depending on the configuration, arranging several different seating areas may be the way to go.

To help gauge what size furniture your patio can accommodate, follow these general rules of thumb: Place coffee tables within 14 to 18 inches of the couch, and leave at least 24 inches of space between chairs and the dining table.

How We Selected

We sifted through customer reviews, examined contenders, and leaned on our existing guides (like the best affordable patio furniture) to determine the best materials, brands, and builds for patio furniture. We put material at the forefront of our considerations, making our selections based on durable and long-lasting materials that require limited maintenance.

We also kept in mind different aesthetics, uses, and sizes to find sets and accent pieces that can accommodate different backyard arrangements, from tiny balconies to expansive patios. We’ve settled on the curated list below of the best patio furniture to kick-off your warm-weather season.

7-Person Brandtley Patio Sofa Seating Group with Cushions

This extensive patio set from Wade Logan is a great combination of comfort, style, and durability. The set includes a loveseat, a sofa, two chairs, and a coffee table—a great value overall.

The framework of the furniture is made with aluminum to prevent rust and damage from the elements. The included cushions are made with olefin fabric, which doesn’t absorb moisture, dries quickly, and is fade-resistant. They have a zipper closure so you can easily toss the covers into the washing machine when they get dirty.

If the cushions is wet all the way through, open the covers and prop the cushions up to dry to maintain their shape and prevent mold.

Outdoor Chevron Patio Dining Set

This dining set, crafted from solid acacia wood, features an eye-catching chevron design and has a warm, honey-colored finish. The extendable table creates additional seating options, and there is a center hole for an umbrella to add some shade on a hot day.

Keep in mind that since this set is wooden, it needs to be treated with a sealant or oil throughout the year, which might be a deal-breaker for some—but you can’t beat the look of real wood.

All-Weather Wicker Sectional

This versatile sectional offers tons of size and configuration options, so it works in both large and small outdoor spaces. You can start with a single three-seater sofa, upgrade with an additional loveseat, and add a corner piece to connect the two, as shown in the photo. You can also purchase both swivel and stationary chairs for extra seating options.

Each piece is made with all-weather wicker wrapped around a rustproof aluminum frame. There are also removable cushions and covers that you can store off-season. The set comes with a couple of throw pillows for a rounded out, cohesive look.

4-Piece Outdoor Rope Wicker Patio Conversation Set

Perfect for small patios or apartment balconies, this bohemian-style four-piece set is both charming and affordable, priced at about $600 at the time of this writing. It’s made of all-weather rope wicker and has a lightweight steel frame, so everything included only weighs just over 100 pounds.

The set is neutral enough to match any atmosphere you want to create, and the plush cushions are weather-resistant, so you won’t have to worry too much if a light shower passes through. To further prevent moisture buildup, we recommend storing the cushions in a dry place during more inclement weather.

Delahey Studio Outdoor Day Sofa with Cushions

A daybed is a versatile patio furniture piece that offers an ideal resting place for mid-day nap in nice weather. The Delahey convertible sofa has arms that fold down to create a daybed, with an extended cushion that acts as a mattress and four throw pillows for added comfort. You can also fold out just one end or the other to make a cozy, propped-up chaise for reading.

The frame is made from solid wood, which may require some maintenance, and the cushions are made with weather-resistant polyester fabric. If the cushions get stained, spot treat them with mild soap and water before washing to prevent permanent damage.

3-Piece Patio Furniture Set

If you’re not ready to splurge on a luxury patio set, or don’t have the space for one, this three-piece bistro set might be up your alley. It’s priced under $100 at the time of this writing, and it includes two chairs and a side table constructed of rustproof, powder-coated steel.

The chairs are covered with all-weather rattan and there are levelers on at the base to steady them on uneven ground. The seat cushions have polyester covers that are easily removable.

Outdoor Patio Wood Rocking Chair

Watch passing spring thunderstorms on your patio with one of these rocking chairs. They are designed with contoured seats, curved backs, and high armrests for all-day comfort. The rockers don’t take too long to assemble and are made with solid acacia wood with a weather-resistant paint finish.

Though the final coating adds some protection, we recommend using these chairs under covered patios to slow down the weathering process.

Melrose Wide Outdoor Patio Sofa with Cushions

Wide couches are a power move when it comes to outdoor patio furniture because they cover a large amount of space and offer a cozy, roomy seating arrangement.

This design from Joss & Main can accommodate up to three people and we appreciate that this sofa is equipped with thick, 7-inch cushions that won’t easily fade in the sun. But don’t worry if you spill a drink—the cushion covers are stain-resistant and can be removed for washing.

The frame is made from solid wood and the sofa does require some assembly, but all the tools are included.

6-Person Patio Furniture Set

You don’t have to wait until your camping trip to make s’mores thanks to this patio set. It comes with a gas fire pit table, equipped with a round pipe burner for consistent flames and a hideaway spot for the propane tank.

The set also includes a spacious end table, a loveseat, a chair, and a sofa, all made with weather-resistant wicker and and iron frame. The end table has a glass top for easy cleaning, and you’ll also get two sofa covers made with polyester and a PVC liner to protect your furniture against water damage.

You Might Also Like

• The Do’s and Don’ts of Using Painter’s Tape

• The Best Portable BBQ Grills for Cooking Anywhere

• Can a Smart Watch Prolong Your Life?