Looking to transform your porch, patio, or courtyard into a multi-functional outdoor living space? All it takes is the right set of outdoor furniture. Just give people a place to sit and make themselves comfortable, and before you know it, you'll be enjoying outdoor dinners, leisurely drinks, or impromptu gatherings with friends and neighbors around your fire pit or heaters, with the best outdoor furniture possible.
With so many outdoor furniture options to choose from, how can you tell which pieces are the most comfortable, durable, and built to last? Consider our picks for the best patio furniture, as chosen by the ACTIVE Reviews Team following extensive testing.
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The Best Outdoor Furniture - Our Top Picks
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- Best Overall Outdoor Furniture: Devoko 9-Piece Patio Dining Set
- Best Wood Outdoor Furniture: Walker Edison Rendezvous Modern Solid Acacia Wood Outdoor Dining Set
- Best Budget Outdoor Furniture: VINGLI 4 Pieces Patio Conversation Set
- Best High End Outdoor Furniture: OC Conversation Patio Furniture Sets 20 Pc
- Best Outdoor Patio Furniture: Wisteria Lane Aluminum Outdoor Patio Furniture Set
What to Look for in Outdoor Furniture
As you shop for the best outdoor furniture, there are a few factors to keep in mind.
Layout
More than anything else, you want a furniture layout that suits your lifestyle. For example, bistro-style tables and chairs may look cute, but they won't serve you well if you prefer entertaining big groups. If you want to have lots of people hanging out at your patio, you may be better served by communal tables, sectional sofas, etc.
Seating Capacity
Along the same lines, it's important to think about the number of people you'd like to accommodate in your outdoor living space. This is as much a function of your total patio floor space as it is the furniture you select.
Style
There's also something to be said for personal aesthetics. This really just comes down to preference: Are you looking for something rustic? Contemporary? Lounge-y? No matter what style you're looking for, there's sure to be an outdoor furniture set that accommodates.
Best Overall - Devoko 9-Piece Patio Dining Set
SPECS
- Colors: Brown/Beige; Brown/Blue; Brown/Red
- Warranty: N/A
- Pieces: 9
Our pick for the overall best outdoor furniture set is the Devoko 9-Piece Patio Dining Set. We like this set for a number of reasons, including its quality and multi-functionality. Made with beautiful brown rattan (and a few stabilizing steel elements), these nine pieces are designed to hold up over many years of use, in all kinds of weather. And there are countless ways to arrange the ottomans and cushions to accommodate your outdoor living needs. This set works well on just about any patio or in any garden.
While there's a bit of assembly involved, easy video instructions make setup a breeze. The cushions are comfy and padded, while the table provides ample surface area for entertaining a good-sized group. The bottom line: This set emanates comfort and luxury, and should last for many years.
What We Like
- Durable, long-lasting construction
- Comfortable, padded cushions
- Multiple color options
- Ease of assembly
What We Don't Like
- Not as well-suited for big family meals or extra-large gatherings
- Not recommended if you're looking for a more rustic aesthetic
BUY: Devoko 9-Piece Patio Dining Set
Best Wood Outdoor Furniture - Walker Edison Rendezvous Modern Solid Acacia Wood Outdoor Dining Set
SPECS
- Colors: Brown, dark brown, gray
- Warranty: N/A
- Pieces: 6
Wood furniture tends to be a bit pricier but offers plenty of bang for buck. Not only does it look handsome, but it's generally built to last for many years. The Walker Edison Rendezvous Modern Solid Acacia Wood Outdoor Dining Set is our pick for best wood furniture set, offering the basic components you'll need for small outdoor gatherings. Included are a dining table, a bench, and a set of chairs, along with the hardware required for quick and easy assembly.
Made with solid acacia, these pieces are hearty and robust. Each chair supports a weight of up to 250 pounds, while the bench can accommodate 400 pounds. Through the regular application of preservative oil, you can make certain that your wood furniture withstands the elements and maintains its like-new appearance for a good long while.
What We Like
- Durable, long-lasting construction
- Classic style
- Multiple color options
- Ease of assembly
What We Don't Like
- Not as well-suited for big family meals or extra-large gatherings
- Higher price point
- Simple, ongoing maintenance is required
BUY: Walker Edison Rendezvous Modern Solid Acacia Wood Outdoor Dining Set
Best Budget Outdoor Furniture - VINGLI 4-Piece Patio Conversation Set
SPECS
- Colors: Black, Gray
- Warranty: N/A
- Pieces: 4
You don't have to spend an arm and a leg to furnish your patio or pool area. One solution: The VINGLI 4-Piece Patio Conversation Set. For under a hundred dollars, you get a table, loveseat, and a couple of chairs, ideal for hosting small groups.
Though these pieces are bargain-priced, they're not at all cheap or shoddy. On the contrary, the steel constructions are sturdy and durable. While some assembly is needed, it's not difficult or time intensive—and the glass tabletop can be removed for easy cleaning.
What We Like
- Low price point
- Durable steel construction
- Easy to assemble and maintain
What We Don't Like
- Not as comfortable, especially if you're sitting for long periods
- Minimal cushioning
- Very basic, generic style
BUY: VINGLI 4-Piece Patio Conversation Set
Best High-End Outdoor Furniture - OC Conversation Patio Furniture Sets 20-Piece
SPECS
- Colors: Beige
- Warranty: N/A
- Pieces: 20
At the other end of the spectrum, you'll find the OC Conversation Patio Furniture Sets 20 Piece: a truly huge and sprawling furniture set that can set you up for a really big outdoor gathering. If you've got the space and you've got the budget, this is what you want to get.
Beyond the endless configurations you can make with a 20-piece set, we love this product for its handsome black resin wicker, which brings a refined, polished look. The cushions are plush, comfy, and easy to clean, while the whole set is built to be weather-resistant. You'll make your guests feel truly welcome with this set, like they're settling into the lap of luxury.
What We Like
- Luxurious feel
- Refined wicker construction
- 20 pieces offer endless customization
- Weather-resistant
What We Don't Like
- High price point
- Won't work in smaller spaces
BUY: OC Conversation Patio Furniture Sets 20-Piece
Best Outdoor Patio Furniture - Wisteria Lane Aluminum Outdoor Patio Furniture Set
SPECS
- Colors: White/gray; dark gray
- Warranty: N/A
- Pieces: 5
Looking to get the conversion going on your patio? The Wisteria Lane Aluminum Outdoor Patio “Conversation” Furniture Set will have your guests settling in for a good time. The five pieces are made with durable aluminum and beautiful-looking imitation wood, creating a handsome aesthetic without compromising functionality.
We love these aluminum pieces for their sheer comfort, including big cushions and widened armrests. While the price point is toward the higher end of the spectrum, we think it's reasonable given the long-lasting, robust design.
What We Like
- Built to be long-lasting and weather-resistant
- Really comfortable
- Minimal assembly needed
- Great for smaller or medium-sized spaces
What We Don't Like
- High price point
- Color palette is limited
BUY: Wisteria Lane Aluminum Outdoor Patio Furniture Set
FAQs About Outdoor Furniture
Is it okay to leave patio furniture outside in the rain?
As a rule, most patio furniture is water-resistant but not waterproof. Basically, your furniture can get wet without any immediate problems, though over time you may start to see some wear and tear if you leave it uncovered.
Does wicker patio furniture need to be covered?
Wicker patio furniture often represents a decent financial investment, so it's usually wise to cover it if you're not going to be using it for a long period of time. Specifically, you'll want to protect it against prolonged UV exposure.
How often should you replace outdoor cushions?
Generally, outdoor cushions last around five years. However, you can potentially extend their lifespan if you bring them inside at night or during seasons when they do not receive frequent use.
What’s the most durable outdoor fabric?
Polypropylene fabric is widely considered to be the most robust fabric for outdoor furniture, resistant both to water and to UV damage.
How long does outdoor furniture last?
Simply put, outdoor furniture lasts until the elements break it down, which can vary depending on climate, materials, and maintenance. Most outdoor furniture will last 10-15 years before it starts to exhibit serious signs of wear and tear.
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