By Jasmine Harding | Updated Feb 28, 2022 12:23 PM

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An outdoor dining set is the perfect centerpiece for summer barbecues on the lawn, morning coffee on the patio, or balmy dinner parties by the pool. A comfortable and stylish outdoor dining set upgrades an outdoor space into a cozy area or an entertaining oasis.

Since many outdoor dining sets come with hefty price tags, pick a set that provides style, comfort, durability, and easy maintenance. Keep reading to discover the features to look for in an outdoor seating set, and peruse some of the best outdoor dining sets to complement your space.

Patio dining furniture comes in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and styles. While the many options may seem overwhelming, keep a few important factors in mind when shopping for the ideal set. To find the best outdoor dining set for a space, consider the set’s size, design, material, comfort, and additional features.

The size and shape of the outdoor space probably ranks highest among all considerations when choosing a new outdoor dining set. Most outdoor dining sets include a circular, square, or rectangular patio table. Choose the shape and size that best fit the space without overwhelming the area. Remember to allow enough room for guests to move around the table, pull out a chair, and seat themselves.

Consider the outdoor surface where the patio dining furniture will sit. Most table and patio chair designs work well on flat patios or porches, but thin chair legs may catch on any grooves in decking. For uneven surfaces like a grassy lawn, a patio table and chairs with thicker legs and wide feet usually are a better choice. If the seating area receives a lot of direct sunlight, consider a table with a center hole for a patio umbrella.

When choosing the material for a dining set, consider durability, maintenance, and style. Outdoor dining sets come in a wide array of materials made to withstand outdoor conditions, including wood, synthetic resin, glass, plastic, aluminum, and steel.

Also consider how well the material can withstand weather conditions in the area. Extreme sun and heat may splinter wood, while severe cold frequently cracks plastic. Salty air breaks down many metals. These climate factors impact the furniture’s longevity and maintenance requirements.

Fabric elements matter for outdoor furniture, too. Look for weatherproof textiles like vinyl, polyester, or fade-resistant synthetics, such as Sunbrella, which are designed to weather the weather. Consider bringing cushions indoors when not in use to prevent mildewing or fading from the sun.

An outdoor dining set makes a stylish centerpiece to match an existing outdoor kitchen. When choosing the set, consider the aesthetics of the outdoor space and the dining set’s intended use. Dining sets come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and materials, all of which contribute to their style.

For a more casual atmosphere, a circular table works well for small gatherings. For dinner parties or more formal events, a long rectangular table offers a more traditional style as well as space for additional guests. Smaller tables provide an intimate setting, while larger tables are excellent for hosting gatherings.

Consider color and material to match the set to any current backyard accessories. Consider sleek materials like metal and glass for a more modern look and natural materials like wood, wicker, and teak for a warm, rustic aesthetic.

Whether it’s a small bistro set for intimate dinners or a long dining table for outdoor entertaining, comfort ranks as a top priority. A comfortable dining set means enjoying the outdoors longer.

An ergonomic seat, soft cushions, and sling chair designs turn a simple chair into a cozy lounger. Ergonomic dining chairs provide supportive seats, backs, and armrests to make them more comfortable than their stiffer counterparts.

Sling chairs use lightweight fabrics to create a comfortable hammock-like sling to sit on. Cushions turn hard chairs into cushy seats. Available in a range of water-resistant or quick-drying materials, they come ready for outdoor use.

In addition to weather, spills, and stains, an outdoor dining table and chairs can fall victim to dirt and mildew throughout the seasons, so look for an easy-to-clean option. All outdoor furniture needs an occasional wiping or washing at minimum.

Consider water-resistant materials, which resist spills and dirt, making them durable and easy to clean. Covering or bringing in the dining set during bad weather or the off-season helps keep the furniture clean and extend its lifespan.

Some materials, like certain types of wood, rattan, and metal, may need additional maintenance if they rust or the protective varnish wears off. Follow the manufacturer’s care guidelines to restore the look of these pieces.

Outdoor dining furniture sets range in weight from lightweight plastic options to heftier wooden sets. For windy areas, consider a heavier dining set so the chairs won’t go skidding away with a big gust of wind. For those who frequently rearrange the space for events and activities, a lighter dining set helps facilitate frequent reconfiguration.

Stackable chairs and foldable tables make outdoor furniture easier to store or tuck to the side when not in use. For even more convenience, consider a multipurpose design, like modular sofa seating or tables and ottomans with hidden storage. For entertaining, some outdoor dining tables include extendable or fold-up leaves to add extra space for guests.

Dining alfresco is one of life’s simple pleasures, and the right dining set makes the experience even more pleasant. The best outdoor dining sets are comfortable, durable, and stylish. Keep reading to explore some of the best outdoor patio dining sets for upgrading your outdoor living space.

Modern outdoor spaces need a sleek, practical dining set, and this one from AllModern fits the bill. The eight-person dining set offers a simple design peppered with modern details. The long, rectangular plastic table features lines in the surface to create the appearance of slats. Square chunky legs enhance the modern look.

Eight included chairs have perforated bucket seats and slightly flared legs, which allows for quick drying by the pool or after a storm. A leaf in the extendable table provides more room when needed. Made from polypropylene resin, these easy-to-clean pieces resist weather, water, and UV rays. Available in several neutral colorways, the set fits many design aesthetics.

With blended materials, natural hues, and clean lines, this Pomona Concrete & Acacia dining set from Pottery Barn has a contemporary design. The table features a rectangular silhouette with an expansive concrete tabletop in a white stained finish. The concrete top paired with thick acacia wooden legs creates a stylish modern-industrial look.

Pottery Barn’s large set seats up to eight people. Shoppers may mix and match two different chair types (a regular dining chair and an armchair dining chair) to add interest and variety to the setup. Made of eucalyptus with a weathered gray finish, the chairs have a modern, angular design. As a bonus, all the wood in this set meets the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) standards of sustainability.

Solid acacia wood gives Walker Edison’s dining set a warm, homey look. It features a simple design with gently curved lines and slatted surfaces—also available in a chevron design. Light brown, dark brown, and grey finishes offer choices for different aesthetics. This set includes four chairs, one bench, and an extendable rectangular dining table to provide space for up to seven people.

Comfortable cream-colored cushions, curved armrests, and a sturdy backrest on each chair offer support and comfort for outdoor dining. Solid wood construction requires a bit more maintenance than some other sets. The manufacturer recommends applying teak oil bimonthly.

Lounge in style with this pretty wicker patio set from Wisteria Lane. The five-piece set includes four wicker chairs, four seat cushions, and a table with a tempered glass top, which is removable for easy cleanup. A galvanized steel frame withstands seasonal wear and tear. On top of the frame, an easy-to-clean, all-weather wicker adds a touch of style.

Made from handwoven synthetic polyethylene rattan, the wicker stands up to most weather. Each comfortable chair has a wide seat, curved back, full armrest, and a cushion. The cushions feature a zippered machine-washable cover for easy cleaning.

Dining sets can pack a hefty price tag, but not every nice dining set has to break the bank. For those looking for a more budget-friendly way to furnish an outdoor space, consider Devoko’s nine-piece dining set. The set includes a square table with a tempered glass top and eight seats, all made to hold up to the great outdoors.

Each piece features a steel frame covered with easy-to-clean polyethylene rattan. For added comfort and variety, this dining set includes four high-back chairs and four ottomans. The chair cushions are included.

Durable and long-lasting, metal is an excellent material for outdoor dining sets. Christopher Knight Home’s cast-aluminum outdoor dining set offers an elegant and comfortable choice for those who prefer metal furniture. This set includes a square table and four chairs made of rust-resistant, all-weather cast aluminum—suitable for porch, patio, or poolside.

Each piece is lightweight enough to move easily but won’t skitter away with a big gust of wind like many plastic pieces. Besides durability, this set has a classic design with crisscross lattice patterning and intricate antique details. To suit most patios, it comes in black.

Wicker furniture can instantly make a space more cozy. The six-piece wicker set from Hampton Bay is a standout choice. This set strikes a balance between modern design and a welcoming feel, with clean, simple lines covered with all-weather resin wicker. Rich brown wicker detailing encloses a rust-resistant steel frame, which makes this set especially durable.

This set includes a rectangular table and six chairs (two captain’s chairs, two armless chairs, and a two-seater bench). The variety of chair types makes this set ideal for entertaining. Included water- and fade-resistant cushions come in a range of colors.

An extendable outdoor table is the ideal choice for hosts who love to entertain outdoors. This extending dining table from Crate & Barrel starts as an average-size table to seat six for weeknight hangouts and family dinners. For weekend gatherings and larger events, users can open up one or both of the two self-storing included leaves to seat up to 12 guests.

This clean, classic table strikes a modern profile with its wide-slat design, crafted from sustainable FSC-certified teakwood and finished in a neutral grey wash. Though the table does not come with chairs, Crate & Barrel carries a range of complementary seating options to create the ideal set.

This Best Choice Products bistro table is perfect for enjoying morning coffees or intimate backyard dinners for two. The three-piece set includes a round bistro table and two chairs. Made of solid cast aluminum, the set features a rust- and weather-resistant finish to last several seasons.

This compact bistro set makes an affordable and functional accent piece for a garden or patio oasis. The compact set fits into various spots, including apartment balconies and other small spaces. Both the table and chairs include a decorative tulip floral design and a brushed-bronze antique finish to add a bit of charm to any outdoor space.

Wade Logan’s Weisser bar table is an excellent addition to an outdoor space for hosting parties, catching up over drinks, or snacking poolside. Its clean, classic design blends in with almost any outdoor space, plus it comes in several neutral colorways.

The hightop set includes a table with a glass tabletop and six stools, accented with an easy-to-clean polyethylene wicker rattan covering. Each stool has a footrest on each side and comes with a thick cushion for added comfort.

For furnishing a patio on a budget, consider the Wisteria Lane 5-piece wicker patio set, which seats four guests at a relatively affordable price. Those planning larger garden parties could consider the Crate & Barrel Regatta dining table, an extendable table with an attractive design in sustainable teakwood.

A comfortable and stylish outdoor dining set upgrades an outdoor space and turns it into an oasis for relaxing and entertaining. Since many outdoor dining sets are quite expensive, it’s important to find a comfortable, sturdy, low-maintenance set that suits your needs and style.

We researched the most sought-after outdoor patio dining sets in their respective categories and discovered that the best models are easy to assemble and come in weather-resistant quality materials with plenty of seating. These models come in wicker, galvanized steel, steel, acacia wood, cast aluminum, and glass constructions. While most of these patio dining sets offer all-weather resistance, the wood options require a lot more maintenance and offer limited durability in all-weather conditions.

Our picks accommodate two to eight people. Select sets come with seat cushions with machine-washable covers, comfortable armrests and backrests, footrests, bottle openers, and nonslip feet. We also chose sets that come in multiple colorways and size options to match a variety of outdoor spaces.

A new outdoor dining set can turn an unused patio or backyard into a lovely space for relaxing and entertaining. Finding the right set is important to ensure a suitable fit and adequate seating space. Keep reading for answers to some frequently asked questions about choosing and setting up a new outdoor dining set.

When made well and maintained, metal furniture (like sets made from wrought iron, stainless steel, or cast aluminum) rank among the most durable choices for the patio.

Consider the size of the outdoor space and the number of guests you hope to seat. Choose a dining set that won’t overcrowd your outdoor space but that offers adequate seating space.

Choose the dining set shape according to your intended use and your preferred aesthetic. Round tables are ideal for casual seating and informal gatherings, while larger square or rectangular tables work best for dinner parties and formal sit-down events.

Cushion style, color, and thickness come down to personal preference, but look for a sturdy material that can handle the outdoors.

For outdoor dining, consider using heavier plates and glasses that won’t blow away. Simple decorations with nature-inspired elements and colors are attractive.

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