The Winners of Our Best Patio Furniture Tests

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These picks are durable, comfortable, and stylish too. Outdoor Soprts Series

The Winners of Our Best Patio Furniture Tests

Kate Oczypok is a contributor at Better Homes & Gardens specializing in home and lifestyle product shopping, with expertise in linens, kitchen appliances, and outdoor appliances.

Emily Estep is a plant biologist and journalist who has worked for a variety of online news and media outlets, writing about and editing topics that range from film and beauty to science and the automobile industry. Her plant biology degree has a focus on sustainable agriculture, and she's an expert on growing your own food, environmental sciences, and all topics relating to houseplants.

Better Homes & Gardens / Erin Johnson

Your outdoor space is an extension of your home, so it’s understandable if you want to create your own personal oasis, whether you have a small balcony or a sprawling patio. Twinkling string lights and potted plants aside, however, you’ll also need durable, comfortable, and stylish outdoor furniture to finish off the space.

“As with any project, we recommend that you primarily design for your lifestyle,” says Alexandra Davin, interior decorator at Davin Interiors. “Think about the space and how you’d truly like to use it. Do you want to nap on a comfy sofa with outdoor cushions? Or would you prefer a table and chairs so you can dine al fresco?”

Because there are so many different patio furniture designs out there, it can be difficult to decide which options are durable, stylish, and worth the money. To help you find the right fit for your home, we tested dining sets, benches, and other seating right at home.

We evaluated 21 pieces of outdoor furniture based on setup, design, durability, and quality.

For more information on how we tested patio furniture, check out our testing process below.

It comes with two protective covers.

It took us over two hours to assemble.

We chose this Better Homes & Gardens four-piece set as the best dining set because of its versatility and value. The set includes a large L-shaped sectional, a rectangular table with a cutout to fit a patio umbrella, and a bench that doubles as seating and storage. We think the set works great for both hosting and for families, as we were able to comfortably lounge, eat, and work at the table with a toddler.

Using the bench for seating, the set can fit up to six people comfortably for dining. The bench and chair cushions remained supportive throughout our testing process. The entire set was durable, holding up to wind, rain, and sun. The set’s cushions are covered with a water-repellent fabric. While most water did run off in our tests, there were some droplets that remained that eventually sank into the cushion, so you’ll want to make sure to use the protective covers if rain is in the forecast.

One of the included covers is L-shaped to fit over the sectional, and the other covers the table and bench, though you’ll need to push the underneath the table. We found the covers easy to place over the furniture, and the bungee cords at the bottom cinched well for extra security; the covers stayed put despite experiencing some windy days.

The table has a woodgrain texture and look, but it is made of metal. While it didn’t get too warm to the touch, it’s worth considering putting it in the shade if you tend to have hot summers. The wicker is made of plastic, which made it lightweight and easy to move.

Keep in mind, you may want to set aside an afternoon to assemble the set, as it took us over two hours to complete—longer than any other set we tested.

Product Details: Number of Pieces: Four | Material: All-weather plastic wicker, steel frames, polyester cushions | Weight Capacity: 900 pounds (sofa), 600 pounds (bench)

Better Homes & Gardens / Laura Miller

It has adjustable leveling feet, which are effective at preventing unsteadiness on uneven surfaces like stone.

The benches are heavy and not easily movable.

The Lubek dining table earned the title as our favorite modern dining set for its sleek and distinct look. The table and benches are made of acacia wood with industrial powder-coated steel legs. The benches are heavy—so much so that we recommended another person’s assistance when moving. The benches have adjustable leveling feet, which helped keep them stable on our uneven stone patio.

Each bench comfortably sits four people, so eight total can use them for outdoor meals. We found the benches wide enough that it was easy to slide back if you’d prefer more distance between you and the table.

The set was delivered with Article’s white glove delivery, and assembly only took the delivery team 45 minutes to complete. Plus, they took the boxes and packing materials with them once assembly was complete.

As far as durability, the set did not have any immediate fading or damage after a few rainy and stormy days. The brand recommends avoiding sharp temperature changes and indoor storage is suggested for rainier or colder climates. Article also mentions that small cracks and fissures may happen with changes in humidity and temperature, which is natural for solid wood furniture.

The acacia wood will have some variations in color or texture and eventually, it weathers to a softer gray color with time. Despite the higher price, a cover isn’t included, but purchasing one will help prevent long-term damage.

Product Details: Number of Pieces: Three | Material: Acacia and steel | Weight Capacity: Not listed

Better Homes & Gardens / Hildara Araya

It’s spacious and comfortable to sit in for long periods of time.

The set can withstand light weather, but we found it safer to store cushions indoors if heavy rain is in the forecast.

If you’re looking for an egg chair to add to your backyard space, this wicker version received high marks in our tests for comfort and affordability. We found the chair to be durable, withstanding spring weather extremes (including rain, snow, cold, sun, and wind). Given it held up well to light moisture exposure, we think it’s ideal for a semi-exposed outdoor area like a balcony or covered patio. We did not notice any color fading from the sun in our tests.

Assembly took one hour and 20 minutes, but despite the time, we found the chair straightforward to put together, and a socket wrench is included.

The chair is large enough to lay back on or sit cross-legged, and we spent time both reading and working in it. The cushions it comes with are removable and we found them comfortable to sit on or lay against for long periods of time. We think the seat is wide enough to feasibly seat two people, but keep in mind that the weight capacity is 350 pounds.

We found the cushions easy to wipe clean, noting dirt didn’t stick to the fabric. If the cushion covers need more cleaning, they are removable and washable.

Product Details: Number of Pieces: Four | Material: Hand-woven, all-weather wicker (chair), polyester (cushions) | Weight Capacity: 350 pounds

Better Homes & Gardens / Molly Blanco

Everything needed to assemble the item was included in the box.

The cushion covers aren’t removable.

After testing this outdoor accent chair, we found it to be of excellent value, especially for its comfort and durability. We found it to be particularly impressive because it withstood Hawaii wind, rain, sandy feet, food crumbs, and even dirty dog paws. Small stains rubbed off easily with a wet paper towel, but a soft cloth and mild soap is recommended, as the cushion covers are not removable.

The chair arrived as just one wide box. Inside was everything needed to assemble the item, which is great for those without a large amount of tools on hand. Assembly took approximately 45 minutes, including unboxing and breaking down boxes when finished.

We found the chair to be perfect for settling in to read a good book or enjoy an outdoor snack with our dog at our side. The chair felt sturdy and secure, despite the wicker feeling a bit plasticky. We found it to be overall well made, especially for the price point.

Product Details: Number of Pieces: Three | Material: Steel, polyethylene wicker, and weather-resistant fiberfill | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds

Better Homes & Gardens / Erin Johnson

It’s comfortable and easy to clean.

The chaise is on the pricier side compared to others, but it comes with a 20-year warranty.

Setup for this Polywood chaise was straightforward, and the instructions included diagrams that were easy to understand.. We found the chair lighter than expected, which allowed for easy movement around a patio or outdoor space. It also included a set of wheels to help with moving the chaise as needed.

We especially appreciated its comfort factor—we found it enjoyable in its upright, angled, and reclined positions. The upright position is great for reading while we found the reclined and flat positions better for lounging in the sun. The sling fabric felt comfortable against bare skin.

Since it is made of polywood, the chaise is safe for wet climates as it can be scrubbed or power washed of any mildew or dirt. Compared to other options we tested, the chaise is pricey, but it comes with a 20-year warranty.

Product Details: Number of Pieces: One | Material: Plastic | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds

Better Homes & Gardens / Frances Crouter

It’s a sturdy and well-made table that folds for easy storage.

The dark color may get hot in high temperatures.

If you already own patio chairs and want to add a table to your setup, we recommend this Crate & Barrel table, which is ideally sized for two to four people. At less than 36 inches wide, it’s a great size for apartment balconies or smaller patios. The dark slated tabletop is a versatile look that can fit in both modern and traditional patio designs.

In addition to its rustproof aluminum build, the table is lightweight and is foldable for easy storage. A rubber backing protects the tabletop when it folds down, a thoughtful feature we appreciated.

This table received high marks for withstanding wind, snow, and rain during its testing period. For cleaning, vacuuming or light brushing to remove debris is recommended. It is advised to cover or store the item indoors during the winter or extreme weather conditions.

Assembly was simple, taking us less than 10 minutes. Leveling feet are built in to help with uneven surfaces.

Product Details: Number of Pieces: One | Material: Aluminum | Weight Capacity: Not listed

Better Homes & Gardens / Kristin Cleveland

It only took 30 minutes to assemble, and the chairs were lightweight and easy to move.

It’s only offered in one color.

This bistro set by The Pioneer Woman is the perfect patio furniture if you’re furnishing a small space. The set includes two chairs and a compact table and can work on a patio, in a garden, or even on a balcony.

We were able to set up the table and chairs within 30 minutes and two sets of hands, which we recommend if you purchase this set. Though we were initially overwhelmed by the amount of parts it came with, the instructions were clear and it was easier than we anticipated.

Although bistro sets are compact, we felt that this set seemed small. However, we appreciated the height of the seat in comparison to the table and felt that it was a great space to enjoy a cup of coffee or a small meal. Just keep in mind that the set is only offered in a bold teal shade that may not suit everyone’s taste.

This set was tested in Des Moines, Iowa and was subjected to both heavy rain showers and very hot days. Regardless of the weather, the set held up and we didn’t notice any damage or fading throughout the testing period.

The set is made of aluminum, so it was lightweight and easy to move. Though we noted that the pieces felt cheaper than we would have expected, the chairs still felt sturdy and supportive.

We put this bistro set in our backyard and noted that it could withstand rain, snow, and the sun. There were some minor chips of paint but other than that, we didn't see any rust or discoloration throughout the set. Overall, we found it sturdy and comfortable to use and we also liked the design, which made for a decorative addition to our space.

Product Details: Number of Pieces: Three | Material: Aluminum | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds (chairs)

Better Homes & Gardens / Bridget DeWald

The set was able to withstand rain showers during testing.

The removable cushion covers have to be spot cleaned.

This Devoko Wicker Patio Conversation Set is ideal for your outdoor space if you have a small area or just want to add some extra seating. We placed it on our wooden deck and found that it was a comfortable spot to lounge.

This Devoko furniture set had a straightforward assembly that only took us about an hour to complete. We especially appreciated that all the screws were the same size, so it was easy to just grab one as you needed it.

Overall, we liked the set and thought it was a good spot for regular sitting, like enjoying a cup of coffee. The chairs feature a curved back that offers subtle support, and we never felt any pain or discomfort while using them. We also used the set to entertain guests that are senior citizens, and they remarked that the seats were comfortable to use.

We experienced two thunderstorms while testing this set and were pleased with how it held up both times. There were some beads of water on the cushions and they didn’t take too long to dry. Though the pieces held up well, we’d still recommend bringing them in ahead of inclement weather, especially since the removable cushion covers are not machine washable.

The set was tested in the Pacific Northwest and was able to withstand both wind and rain. We were not as diligent as we should have been with bringing the chair cushions inside during bouts of rain, but we ended up liking the look of the set more without them anyway. We didn't notice any wear and tear on the set. Leaves, seeds, and other debris often got stuck in the intricate design, but it was easy to wipe them off.

Product Details: Number of Pieces: Three | Material: Steel and rattan | Weight Capacity: 330 pounds (per chair)

Better Homes & Gardens / Dena Ogden

It didn’t experience any weather damage during testing.

We noted that the seats felt thin.

After testing this Christopher Knight Carolina Sofa Set, we noted that it was one of the best pieces we’ve ever owned. The four-piece set includes a small sofa, two chairs, and a coffee table, and we found that it was a comfortable spot to sit in.

The furniture arrived completely unassembled in one box, and we needed two people to carry it. The pieces were packaged well, and we especially liked that the hardware set for each furniture piece was organized into its own bag, making assembly easy.

While testing the set, we felt that the chairs seemed a bit narrow and might be tight for larger users. That being said, the pieces in the set were comfortable and stylish–we had guests over and a few even bought the set after trying ours. Just keep in mind that the set’s sofa seemed more like a loveseat that could comfortably seat two people, so it’s not ideal if you need it to entertain large groups.

The furniture experienced both very hot weather and heavy rain with moderate wind, neither of which impacted the pieces. We didn’t notice any fading or damage while trying them out and felt that the pieces were secure overall.

During testing, we felt that the frame and table weighed enough to withstand being left outside during inclement weather. We often brought the cushions inside, however, and noted they sometimes became lightly stained by bird droppings, dirt, and other debris.

The cushions could be easily washed, but we appreciated that they were reversible so we could keep the cleaner side up between cleanings.

We didn't notice any damage to the set and after six months, we liked the rustic patina that was forming. If we could change anything, we would have liked if the arms on the chair were wider so we could rest a beverage on it. Otherwise, we thought this set was a great value.

Product Details: Number of Pieces: Four | Material: Acacia wood | Weight Capacity: Not listed

Better Homes & Gardens / John Somerall

It’s a sturdy and supportive seating option.

The chair cushion is sold separately.

The Grandin Road Amalfi Bench is a great choice for a front porch or if you need additional seating in your garden. It only took us about 30 minutes to assemble and since it’s not very heavy, we could easily move it around.

The bench is offered in five different colors, so you’ll be able to choose which one that suits your space. We placed it on our front entry patio and while we wouldn’t recommend lounging in it for a long time, it was a comfortable spot to sit. It felt sturdy overall, and we also liked the height of the back of the chair as it offered some additional back support.

There is a cushion for this bench, but keep in mind that it’s sold separately. We purchased a white cushion, and it does show stains from dirt and debris. Since the cushion can only be spot cleaned, we’d recommend purchasing a different color.

We tested this bench for an entire year and left it uncovered, exposing it to rain, wind, hail, and snow. The bench remained in great condition and we didn't notice any warping, discoloration, or other damage. We recommend purchasing a seat cushion for added comfort, though we still thought this bench was a great purchase overall.

Product Details: Number of Pieces: One | Material: Wood | Weight Capacity: Not listed

Better Homes & Gardens / Ashley Craiger

The delivery team placed the furniture where we wanted it and unboxed it for us.

It’s only offered in two colors and doesn’t include a coffee table.

Article’s Calicut Coast Loveseat Set may be more of an investment than other options but after testing the set at home, it’s some of the best patio furniture we tried. The three-piece set includes a loveseat and two chairs that we felt were both supportive and comfortable.

The set is offered in either black or gray and is made of aluminum, a durable and lightweight material. It was delivered a few days after we ordered it and we loved that it was placed where we wanted it on our cement patio and unboxed the pieces for us, making assembly seamless.

While using the set, we noticed that the cushion fabric never got hot or sticky, and while the pieces were also subject to some bird droppings, they were easy to wipe down. We also experienced storms, strong sunshine, and fire-induced smog during testing, none of which seemed to cause any issues for the pieces.

It’s worth noting that the set does not come with a table, a feature we wish was included. Otherwise, we loved the set overall and are confident that it’ll last for years to come.

This set looked good as new even after we left it uncovered in rain storms, heat waves, and other inclement weather. During testing, kids jumped on it, dogs and cats sat on it, and we ate on it, and there wasn't any damage to the cushions or the furniture. Although it's an investment, we think its durability and that it comes assembled makes it worth the splurge.

Product Details: Number of Pieces: Three | Material: Aluminum | Weight Capacity: Not listed

Better Homes & Gardens / Donna Freydkin

The best patio furniture for your outdoor space is based on a few aspects, such as the size of your outdoor space, how often you intend to use it, and how many people plan to use it.

If you enjoy entertaining al fresco, we recommend the Better Homes & Gardens Brookbury 4 Piece Wicker Outdoor Patio Sectional Dining Set, as it comes with two protective covers for the sectional and table and bench, to allow for dining outdoors for many years to come.

For an apartment balcony or smaller outdoor space, the Better Homes & Gardens Bellamy Round Wicker Outdoor Egg Chair will make for a cozy and fashionable addition. For a long day, the Polywood Coastal Chaise with Wheels is a great option for putting your feet up and reading a good book.

To find the best patio furniture, we put 21 products to the test in our homes, including dining sets, zero-gravity chairs, egg chairs, accent chairs, chaises, tables, sectionals and conversation sets, and benches.

Once we received the pieces, we took into consideration ease of delivery, including the quality of packaging, and how easy it was to unbox and assemble the sets. As we used the furniture, we napped, dined, drank, and entertained with each piece to determine how comfortable they were to use. We also noted warping, chipping, abrasions, and other flaws throughout the testing period.

We also took into consideration how the pieces fared during any inclement weather we experienced, as well as how easy they were to maintain over time. We continue to test the furniture pieces as the seasons change, and will update this article with our long-term findings.

Better Homes & Gardens / Lucas Peters

Since this furniture will be outdoors, the material is perhaps the most important detail to consider. Aluminum is a popular choice as it's lightweight, durable, and easy to maintain. If you prefer the look of wood, consider teak styles as they're durable and will naturally patina over time as opposed to decaying.

"Another beautiful choice is wrought iron. It's heavier than aluminum, so there's little chance of it being blown over," Alexandra says. "Wrought iron furniture will often come with a higher price tag, but the quality should last for years.”

Alexandra only recommends traditional wicker and rattan outdoor furniture if your patio space is covered. “The natural materials give your outdoor space a beautiful, organic feel, but they can't handle prolonged exposure to extreme sunlight or rain,” she adds.

However, there are synthetic options, like the Better Homes & Gardens Brookbury 4 Piece Wicker Outdoor Patio Sectional Dining Set, which provide a woven look and withstand the elements.

An item's weight capacity refers to the recommended amount of weight the item can handle. The weight capacity ranges and can depend on what the item is as well as its size and material. Both seating and tables tend to have a capacity upwards of 200 pounds, but you'll want to confirm to ensure you're purchasing a durable item.

Though weight capacity is important to consider for every furniture purchase, pay extra attention to the capacity for swings and other hanging seating since those will be attached to frames, roofs, or ceilings.

Whether you're using your outdoor furniture for entertaining guests or just as a family gathering spot, you'll want to choose designs that work for your lifestyle. A dining set can include anywhere from two to 10 chairs while sectionals range in the amount of seating they offer. Pay attention to whether a dining table includes chairs or if a seating option includes cushions. If they don't, those will be additional costs you'll have to take on, whereas some other furniture options may include them.

While testing the Products 7-Piece Modular Outdoor Sectional Wicker Patio Furniture Conversation Sofa Set we felt that it was fairly comfortable, and it held up well against some inclement weather. We were frustrated that the cushions seemed to move around quite a bit though, and we had to assemble the entire thing, which took about two hours.

The Sunjoy Zero Gravity Chair arrived fully assembled, so it only took us about two minutes to assemble. The seat portion of the chair was comfortable, and it didn’t get too hot while sitting in the sun. The chair began to rust after experiencing two days of rain, however, and we also noticed some scratches when we unboxed it.

The Outer Wicker Outdoor loveseat is pricier than most, but we found it to be very durable. It also earned high marks for cushions that still looked brand new after a month of use, even after being left out in the rain. We also appreciated the professional, white-glove delivery service.

Better Homes & Gardens / Jennifer May

Like any room in your home, styling your outdoor space comes down to your personal aesthetic. However, if you're not sure where to start, Alexandra suggests considering your surroundings and going from there.

"Remember that this space is subject to Mother Nature, so design your outdoor area with that in mind," she says. "Think about lighting—dining on the patio is amazing, but you are suddenly eating in the dark when you lose the sunlight. Perhaps you add string lights to your design for both functionality and character or incorporate a seating area staged around a propane fireplace to cozy up to after the sun goes down. The same goes for harsh sunlight during the day. Consider adding a pergola or shade structure to your outdoor design for aesthetic purposes and relief from the afternoon heat."

If you live in an area where you can't sit outdoors all year round, you'll want to ensure that your furniture is properly protected until you can use it again. If you have foldable tables and stackable chairs, you can store them in a garage or shed without taking up too much space. If you're handling larger pieces, like long dining tables and sectionals, there are weather-proof furniture covers that'll wrap around the pieces and protect them from the elements.

Cooling Seat Cushion Jamie Weissman is a commerce editor with two years of experience researching and writing about home products. To make this list, she considered each pick's material, weight capacity, and number of included pieces. She also consulted Alexandra Davin and Catherine Davin, co-founders of Clairrow, an online interior design service.