When shopping for patio furniture, your priority will be style. While it isn’t wrong to shop based on aesthetics, other considerations factor in finding the ideal piece. How big is your patio? What type of furniture will tie in your indoor and outdoor space? How much effort are you willing to put into cleaning and maintaining it?
To take the guesswork out of furniture shopping, we’ve put together a list of things to consider when buying big-ticket items for your patio, focusing on durability and design.
Must-Have Patio Furniture
While many homeowners or renters will have their priorities regarding style and design, this list considers several factors that people most often overlook. Our top considerations for curating this list include:
- Size: We focused on seating and table options for between two and eight people. We also looked at models that offer alternatives to expand and add on to, depending on your requirements.
- Comfort: When we think of patios, we think of relaxing spaces. When choosing chairs and sofas, they must be comfortable enough to use, with or without cushions, for extended periods.
- Attractive, Sturdy Materials: Because these items will be subject to extreme weather conditions, we made sure to find pieces made of sturdy materials such as wood, metal, and synthetic wicker to ensure their durability. We also made sure to pick out aesthetically pleasing furniture that would work with various home styles.
If you already have a good idea of what your space will look like and are simply looking for key pieces to fill up your patio, we’ve put together a list of seven essential furniture picks based on material, use, and style.
A sleek, all-weather dining table: Brown Cement Modern Outdoor Dining Table Brown Cement Modern Outdoor Dining Table
This modern outdoor dining table fits several décor themes depending on how one will style it. Made of wood and concrete, it’s a durable option for occasions, like birthday parties or family reunions, which will expose it to wear and tear. The neutral palette and natural material finish also make it a perfect canvas for pairing several dining chair styles and colors.
Why We Like It: This piece, made of poly cement tabletop, isn’t as heavy as other solid cement options and is impervious to changes in weather. The acacia wood is also highly resistant to mold, fungus, and water. It also has a seating capacity for six to eight people, making it a great outdoor dining space.
A classic woven chair: Rosen Black Side Chair
Adding wicker chairs to your patio may seem like a bohemian option, but this chair’s contemporary weave and jet-black color allow it to fit seamlessly into varying style aesthetics. It’s also powder-coated, which helps to keep its frames rust-free, making it a low-maintenance piece ideal for long-term use.
Why We Like It: Adding to its versatility, the chair can be used for dining table setups or as a side chair for coffee tables. It’s lightweight and stackable, which also makes it easy to store.
A reliable wood dining set: Quartz Natural Table and Chair Set
If you aren’t the type to mix and match furniture, dining sets are a great money-saving option. While there are various materials to choose from, a classic wood design and finish fit into most patio setups that require a casual and laid-back vibe.
Why We Like It: This table, made with a teak hue, offers great value for money and is a stylish option compared to higher-end teak models. Its expandable table top and wheels make it easy to move and play around with should you wish to do some redecorating.
A durable metal bistro set: 3 Piece White Foldable Bistro Table Set
Ideal for a smaller backyard or patio, a bistro set can provide a beautiful new addition to your outdoor oasis. Adding one of these sets also gives you more opportunities to entertain guests in smaller spaces. Another thing to love about this set is that its material is wrought iron, which is one of the most durable materials for outdoor furniture.
Why We Like It: This table and chair set features a powder-coated finish for strength and a convenient folding design for compact storage. Its laser-cut vintage floral and lattice pattern adds a quirky feel to your space.
A large patio umbrella: Fashion Outdoor Umbrella, 11 ft
An outdoor oasis isn’t complete without a large patio umbrella. This reliable patio must-have will resist sun and wind damage, given its high-quality 100% polyester material in various colors and patterns to match your unique style.
Why We Like It: Not only is its height adjustable, but the umbrella’s diameter is also larger than most, which helps to cover more space. It’s also made with an aluminum pole that helps keep it sturdy and from falling over.
An elegant large sofa: Leighton Outdoor Sofa
If you’re looking for an environmentally friendly option, this sofa made of sustainable acacia wood will tick all your boxes regarding durability and style. This sofa, made of hardwood and metal, is ideal for daily use and will last for years if well taken care of. It also has thick outdoor-safe cushions to keep you and your guests comfortable.
Why We Like It: Its minimalist design allows you to incorporate it in several spaces, whether poolside or on a shaded patio. It also acts as a great blank canvas for decorating your outdoor space with throw pillows and rugs without all the bells and whistles. The sturdy cushions are thick enough to support hours of reading or napping.
A versatile seating option: Dolavon Convertible Lounge Settee
If you’re investing in outdoor furniture but are unsure of what you’d like to use it for, convertible pieces, such as this lounge settee, give you the freedom to use it as you see fit. Though built as a loveseat, its main feature is an extendable base that allows it to transform into a chaise lounge or a settee with just a few adjustments.
Why We Like It: Apart from its exquisite design and sturdy acacia frame, the ability to customize your outdoor experience is this seat’s best feature. It also comes with removable cushions that you can fit into each variation to keep you relaxed and comfortable no matter which way you choose to use this piece.
A comfortable lounge chair: Sonora Lounge Gray Chair
Outdoor spaces serve as pockets of paradise for homeowners, so it’s only fitting to have a good and comfortable lounge chair in the mix of furniture you need. The best thing about lounge chairs is that they allow you to put your feet up, making them perfect for rest after a long day or on the weekends.
Why We Like It: This piece is crafted of sustainable acacia wood to withstand outdoor elements and comes with an all-weather cushion. The chair’s joints also offer a more comfortable seating option when you don’t want your legs to lie flat.
Picking the Right Patio Furniture for You
Buyer’s remorse is something every homeowner or renter should steer clear of, especially when it comes to investing in outdoor furniture. Choosing your pieces involves more than just focusing on something you like the look of based on a Pinterest board or a magazine spread.
Studying your space and putting in the effort to research materials and care instructions for your furnishings will help you narrow down the options and bring you closer to designing the patio of your dreams.
Make a Plan
Before purchasing anything, it’s crucial to have a bigger picture of the use of your outdoor space. Whether your vision is to use your patio as an additional dining space, a lounge area by the pool, an extension of your living room, or all three at once, it’s important to know that each use of the space will require different types of furniture.
Consider the Size and Layout of Your Space
Start by analyzing the shape and size of the outdoor area where you intend to place your new pieces. Larger ones, like a family outdoor dining table, are fitting for backyards, while smaller ones work better for small outdoor decks or terraces.
If you’re unsure of your furniture’s dimensions, it also helps to visualize your layout with a measuring or painter’s tape to give you a more precise grasp of your intended look for the space.
Analyze Your Patio or Yard Surface
Apart from knowing the size of your space, the pieces you choose must work with the surface area where you plan to place your furniture. Thin-legged steel chairs will likely sink in the soil, while a long wooden bench or sofa will tend to slide around in the gravel. Opt for furniture with wide feet if your intended surface isn’t uniform or flat.
Studying your outdoor area will lead to a comfortable fit and keep your guests safe from falling over.
Picking the Right Style
When choosing an overall style for your space, it’s easy to get lost and overwhelmed when shopping through a pool of attractive furniture options. Here are a few guidelines to help you create the right vibe for your patio:
- Consider an Indoor Outdoor Style: One of the best ways to create a cohesive look for your home is by taking the same interior styling to the outdoors. This trick doesn’t simply mean looking for weather-proof versions of your existing furniture but instead taking elements such as color and textures for a smooth transition between spaces.
- Look for Complementary Elements: Choose your furniture based on colors, shapes, and patterns drawn from the surrounding spaces. Doing this can be as simple as taking a color palette from your landscaping or the exterior of your home.
- Contrast Surfaces and Materials: While the goal is to find a cohesive team, don’t be afraid to experiment with a mix of textures and patterns to add more depth to your space. Consider mixing metals with wood or balancing monochromatic cushions with a striking patio umbrella.
- When in Doubt, Opt for Simplicity: When in doubt, err on the side of caution. Choosing simpler furniture is practical and will stand the test of time better.
Know Your Materials
Given the investment required to curate the ideal outdoor respite, it’s no secret that the best furniture will always be the one that will stand the test of time and extreme weather conditions.
Different materials will come with pros and cons, and it’s important to consider how well they will wear throughout many seasons and how much effort you’re willing to put into maintaining them.
Outdoor furniture falls into two groups: Those meant to be impervious to the elements, maintaining their original appearance for many years, and those that will weather or develop a patina over time.
Powder-coated steel or aluminum, stainless steel, and plastics resistant to ultraviolet light will look brand-new for years to come. But while they are more resistant to the elements, they too can change over the long term. Fading, staining, or corrosion are bound to happen in this category.
On the other end of the spectrum are pieces made from woods like teak and acacia. While durable, they tend to develop a weathered look over time. Maintaining wood furniture may also be time-consuming, with regular oiling and sealing.
In this same group, metals like brass and wrought iron are also known for developing a patina. Like wood, metals also require consistent cleaning and maintenance to avoid rust.
Top Furniture Picks Based on Material
The following list is based on customer reviews, product popularity, durability, and overall affordability.
Wood: Set of 4 Brown Teak Wood Contemporary Outdoor Seating
Reliable teak wood is the material of this table, and it has a contemporary style that transcends the seasons and trends. A great pick for small gatherings and entertaining, this dining table and chair set works best poolside or on a covered patio. It has thick cushions with polyester coverings, making it suitable for varying weather conditions.
Metal: Farmhouse Yellow Metal Set of 2 Outdoor Dining Chairs
A great piece to have if you’re looking for a colorful addition to your outdoor space, this farmhouse-inspired bistro set is perfect for intimate patio settings. It’s great for creating breakfast nooks or adding additional seating when having guests over. It’s also designed with rubber stoppers to prevent scuffing and sliding.
Resin Wicker: Asti All-Weather Wicker 4-Piece Outdoor Seating Set with Two Reclining Chairs and Two Ottomans
The modular design of this set makes it ideal for homeowners who like to get the best value out of their money. Each chair has matching ottomans designed for lounging or reading a book. Separately, they offer more options for seating for guests. The resin wicker surrounds an aluminum rust-proof, powder-coated frame, which makes it extra durable against the elements.
Things to Consider When Shopping for Outdoor Furniture
Consider Your Outdoor Space — Before purchasing your furniture pieces, always consider your location. Take time to measure the space you plan to put your furniture in so you can be assured that the products you pick will fit. It’s also important to note whether your chosen location is exposed to direct sunlight, as this can affect your chosen furniture material over time.
Nail Down Your Primary Purpose — If you’re planning to use your outdoor space as a place to entertain, consider finding pieces that will seat a more significant number of people. On the other hand, if you plan on using the space as a private respite, bistro tables and loveseats will do the trick. Determining the purpose first and foremost is also a great way to avoid spending on pieces of furniture that won’t get much use.
Pick Your Style — Ultimately, your choice of furniture style boils down to your style and preference. Your style may not be featured in the year’s top trends or even on Pinterest boards, but know that what works for you will always be the best choice.
Prepare Proper Storage Space — If you’re buying seasonal furniture, you will most likely be swapping it out when the weather gets colder or warmer. Make sure that your pieces stay in good condition all year round. For this, it’s important to have proper storage space to ensure they’re not hastily stacked up when they’re not in use.
Practice Proper Furniture Care — While outdoor furniture typically lasts longer than indoor furniture, it also comes with a long list of care instructions. Each piece of furniture will require different cleaning solutions and methods depending on your chosen material. It may require patience and time, but proper and regular maintenance will help make your furniture last longer.
Wood Furniture
Wood provides a natural and on-trend look but requires much more maintenance than steel or aluminum. For wood, sealing is typically required every three to six months, to prevent them from drying or cracking. This is recommended especially since even a few months of sun exposure could cause natural wood, such as teak, to age and turn gray. Consider sanding and oiling your wood furniture when this happens to give it a brand-new look.
Metal Furniture
Aluminum is lighter than iron, which is why the latter’s heavier material works better for high-wind and rooftop installations. However, steel and iron will rust in humid or wet conditions. To prevent this, quality and well-made metal furniture often come with a pre-coat treatment that can delay rusting. If you notice scratches and dents in the finish of the material, it’s best to tend to it as soon as possible, so the rust doesn’t spread underneath. When choosing the best location for these furnishings, keep them away from pools (chlorine or salt water), as it will damage the finish
On the upside, cleaning metal with soap or a mild detergent is all you need in terms of upkeep. Maintain the appearance of a gloss finish by applying fine automotive wax.
Powder-Coated Aluminum Furniture
This material is the most-worry-free option as it can be moved around in your space; it’s easy to clean too. Salt from the air should be wiped off with a damp cloth regularly, especially in coastal and high salt areas. It’s also good to check the underside of the furniture to ensure that all surfaces are clean, or else the finish will oxidize and cause blistering. If you don’t live near salt water, only cleaning with soap or a mild detergent is required.
Resin Wicker
This material is an excellent alternative to plant-based wicker and is resistant to bad weather and UV rays. To keep it from aging, dust and wipe off the surfaces often with mild soap.
Set Aside A Sizeable Budget
Before buying or commissioning any pieces, taking inventory of what you have and what you need and spending on where it counts is important. When it comes to splurging, it’s good to invest money on larger foundation pieces like dining tables and lounge seating that will remain outdoors throughout the year.
Opt for more affordable smaller items like the side tables, accents, and throw pillows. These details are usually what needs constant updating, depending on your mood or the season, so it’s better if you can save on them.
Don’t Neglect Furniture Sets
While shopping around for furniture can be loads of fun, it can also make quite a dent in your wallet. If you’re tight on budget but are looking to update your space, consider purchasing furniture sets. While it removes the option of mixing and matching, sets can create elegant and cohesive rooms. Sold as a bundle, it will also help reduce costs, opening your budget to accessorizing.
To give it additional zing, throw on some blankets, cushions, and maybe even an outdoor rug to add a touch of your personality.
Always Prioritize Comfort
Whether using your outdoor space to entertain guests or as a quiet getaway for yourself, comfort should always be key when choosing the right furniture. For utmost convenience, choose seating options with cushions that protect you from heat or hard surfaces, especially if you prefer metal furniture. However, if your pieces don’t necessarily require cushions, test them out before buying them to ensure that they’re just the right height and offer a pleasant experience overall.
Other Furniture Pieces to Explore and Consider
The list below contains the products you should browse and consider adding to your patio. The following products are selected by their popularity, customer feedback, quality, and affordability.
For the Mid-Century Aesthete: Set of 2 Mid Century Modern Clove Brown Mixed Material Hairpin Leg Patio Chairs
Whether you’re winding down watching the sunset or sharing a drink or two with your guests, these patio chairs provide comfortable seating without skimping on style. Constructed with powder-coated steel, the metal frame and hairpin legs lend a durable yet modern twist to a patio staple. Synthetic wood armrests also add to the chair’s durability.
For the Family Picnic Fan: Vincent 3 Piece Outdoor Patio Dining Set
Reminiscent of childhood picnics with the family, this outdoor patio dining set levels up the communal dining experience with a unique chevron design. Acacia wood is the material of this set, and it is available in several finishes that you can choose from depending on your preferred look and feel. It also includes a slot for a patio umbrella, making it ideal for any outdoor situation.
For a Minimalist and Modern Appeal: Maghull Set of 3 Outdoor Dining
A contemporary take on a patio staple, this monochromatic graphic bistro set is perfect for serving drinks and appetizers or stationed on the porch for a relaxing meal. It’s finished with a powder-coating and synthetic weave, making this set easy to maintain. It’s lightweight enough to move around and store when not in use.
For the Coastal Resort Vibe: Simple Weave Chaise Lounge
Ideal for poolside patio settings, these chaise lounges are made for cozy cups of coffee in the morning or cocktails under the stars. Apart from the beautiful diamond weave pattern, it has a galvanized steel frame surrounded by a waterproof resin wicker construction. It also comes with zipper water and UV-resistant cushion covers for hassle-free maintenance.
For Outdoor Tipples: Lutterworth Set of 3 Outdoor Bar
Your guests will appreciate this outdoor bar set, as it elevates your outdoor space as a perfect spot for entertaining. Made with metal and solid acacia, its sleek and minimalist silhouette fits well with most style aesthetics. It’s versatile enough to go from backyard to terrace and works as an alternative casual dining table option.
Patios, decks, and other spaces naturally beckon us, especially when thoughtfully designed and comfortable. But more than just setting the backdrop for fun and relaxation, it’s important to consider the functionality and durability of outdoor furniture.
Outdoor spaces are as much an investment as everything else inside your home: built to make memories and last for many years.
Also Read: Is Outdoor Furniture Weatherproof?
