The Best Patio Furniture In 2024, From Wicker Sets To ...

02 Sep.,2024

 

The Best Patio Furniture In , From Wicker Sets To ...

Just because summer is coming to an end doesn&#;t mean the outdoor dinner parties or evenings around the fire pit have to. Our expert home editors scouted out the best patio furniture that will not only make your outdoor space comfortable for gathering, but can also withstand the elements and stay in top shape when not in use. From weather-resistant woven-wicker sets to our favorite market and offset umbrellas, these stylish, durable outdoor pieces will make the most of your space, regardless of the time of year.

For more information, please visit e-lansure.

Our editors chose the best patio furniture that's both stylish and durable&#;including Outer, our top ... [+] aluminum pick.

ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTOS: Outer

According to senior deals editor Kara Cuzzone, if you want to snag the best prices on outdoor furniture, purchase pieces off season. She adds that the &#;absolute best time&#; to shop patio furniture deals is on Labor Day: &#;Retailers are often looking to clear out their inventories ahead of the colder months, so you can find awesome deals on pieces to save for the following spring and summer,&#; Cuzzone says. Below, find 20 of our favorite picks for the best patio furniture in &#;many of which are used or have been tested by Forbes Vetted&#;s home and outdoor team.

Best Patio Furniture, At A Glance

Best Patio Furniture Overall

Durable, All-Weather Materials And Deep Seating

USA-Made

POLYWOOD

Lakeside 4-Piece Deep Seating Set

Materials: Recycled HDPE, performance fabric | Colors: 14-plus options, including Chartreuse Boucle and Leaf Sky Blue | Warranty: 20-year limited

Best for:

  • Those who want low-maintenance, high-quality patio furniture
  • Deep, supportive seating
  • Windy climates

Skip if:

  • You don&#;t want to go through the tricky assembly

Whether your family likes having breakfast outside or having company over for outdoor drinks, this weather-resistant four-piece set by Polywood&#;a brand known for its durable materials&#;is the perfect setup. The deep-seat collection includes two chairs, one loveseat and one coffee table, all furnished with weather-resistant, quick-dry cushions made from performance fabric. The biggest highlight, though, is their Polywood Lumber construction; this lumber is made from recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE) that&#;s designed to hold up against sun, salt and moisture. And don&#;t just take our word for it&#;two of our outdoor furniture experts point to HDPE as one of the most non-porous, long-lasting and sustainable materials for patio furniture.

Best Value Patio Furniture

A Simple, Streamlined Sofa Set

Amazon

Christopher Knight Home Carolina Sofa Set

Materials: Eucalyptus wood, polyester | Colors: 2 options, including Brown and Cream | Warranty: 2-year furniture protection plan for an additional $55

Best for:

  • Budget-savvy shoppers who want a high-quality patio set
  • Those who want furniture that&#;s easy to assemble
  • Those who don&#;t mind that the cushions easily stain

Skip if:

  • Those who want a lower-maintenance set

This acacia wood sofa set from Christopher Knight Home is conveniently available through Amazon, and it comes at an incredibly reasonable price. The loveseat and chairs come with cream-colored cushions that are easy to clean&#;just toss the polyester covers in the washing machine. The set&#;s pared-down design makes it ideal for more compact spaces, and reviewers say that it&#;s easy to put together. However, if you plan on keeping it outdoors throughout the seasons, you should invest in a furniture wax to protect the wood.

A Sleek Wood Set For Outdoor Gatherings

Wayfair

Lark Manor Allieana 4-Person Seating Group

Materials: Acacia wood, polyester | Colors: 3 total, including Cream and Blue | Warranty: 90-day limited warranty

Best for:

  • Families and small groups who enjoy socializing outdoors
  • Those who like bright-colored cushions
  • Shoppers looking for a set that can be rearranged

Skip if:

  • You want cream-colored cushions to stay pristine

This outdoor furniture set is fashioned from sleek acacia wood, which is both durable and elegant-looking. The four-person sofa consists of six sectional pieces, each complete with water-resistant cushions made of polyester. Meanwhile, a generously sized square table holds appetizers, drinks and more. In addition to neutral Cream, the cushions also come in more vibrant shades of Blue and Green.

Best Wicker Patio Furniture

All-Weather Synthetic Wicker And Extra-Thick Cushions

neighbor

Neighbor Roundabout Chair

Materials: Synthetic wicker, Sunbrella, aluminum, high-performance foam | Colors: 3 options, including Olive and Charcoal | Warranty: 5-year (fabric), 3-year (frame and hardware)

Best for:

  • Those who want extra-deep, plush seats
  • Easy cleaning and maintenance
  • Those who want a woven-wicker look that&#;s still durable

Skip if:

  • Shoppers on a strict budget

If you&#;re looking for a wicker set but are afraid it won&#;t stand the test of time, don&#;t be. Just make sure the set is made from high-quality wicker, especially if you live in a sunny climate, says Todd Proctor, sales and service manager at Salt Lake City-based Leisure Living (a company owned by Christy Sports). Neighbor&#;s Roundabout collection is a solid woven choice, thanks to its combination of weather-resistant synthetic rattan, an aluminum frame, marine-grade hardware, and cushions made from quick-to-dry foam and Sunbrella fabric. But its extra-sturdy construction doesn&#;t mean it isn&#;t comfy&#;the seating is deep, the cushions are wide and plush and the fabric texture is soft to the touch. Our favorite part: You get 45 days to decide if the furniture is right for you.

What our experts say: Proctor says that most brands have replaced natural wicker with synthetic HDPE, which lasts longer than the former and doesn&#;t need to be painted. His advice when shopping for woven furniture? &#;Keep in mind that there are many quality levels that exist. If you purchase low-cost wicker, it will not last long. In high-sun areas, the sun can cause the low-cost woven furniture to fail in as little as one year.&#;

Best Aluminum Patio Furniture

Stylish, Low-Maintenance And Long-Lasting

outer

Outer Aluminum Armchair Conversation Set

Materials: Aluminum, foam, OuterShell (patented weather-resistant fabric), OuterWeave (recycled performance fabric) | Colors: 5 options, including Pacific Fog Gray and Deep Sea Navy | Warranty: 10-year limited (frame), 5-year limited (cushions)

Best for:

  • Families and small groups who enjoy socializing outdoors
  • Shoppers looking for the lowest-maintenance, longest-lasting option
  • Those who want cushions that are easy to cover and transport

Skip if:

  • You&#;re on a strict budget

Lightweight, stylish, weather-proof and comfortable: Outer&#;s modular aluminum collection checks off several criteria that make it one of the best patio furniture you can buy (and reviewers say that this makes it worth the considerable investment). These pieces&#; most attractive features are the two patented materials they&#;re made with: the built-in OuterShell covers, a weather-resistant cover with Velcro and handles for protection and portability; and removable OuterWeave, which covers the cushions and is machine-washable and fade-resistant. Other highlights include a customizable modular design, lounge-worthy foam cushions and the option to try free fabric swatches.

What our experts say: Milly McEwan, product and design manager at RJ Living, an Australian furniture company, says that aluminum furniture is among the easiest to clean and maintain: &#;This material is essentially rust-resistant and can easily look brand new with a quick wipe-down.&#;

A Charming Bistro Set Made Of Cast Aluminum

Ashley Furniture HomeStore

Ashley Furniture Nuu Garden 3-Piece Bistro Set

Materials: Aluminum | Colors: Natural finish | Warranty: 1-year limited warranty

Best for:

  • Smaller patios
  • Fans of a vintage, retro look
  • Those who want to install a market umbrella into the table

Skip if:

  • You want a dining set with cushioning

Ashley Furniture is a trusted retailer that covers every room in the home, including outdoor spaces. Our advice: Take a look at the brand&#;s affordable bistro sets, like the metal one here. They&#;re quintessentially Parisian with classic, just-ornate-enough details. Made of cast aluminum with an anti-rust coating, the chairs and table have a distinctly vintage look that will retain its charming luster over time.

Best Weather-Resistant Patio Furniture

Woven Wicker And Teak Offer Coastal Vibes

Frontgate

Frontgate Isola 3-Piece Loveseat Set

Materials: Wicker, teak wood | Colors: Natural finish | Warranty: 10-year frame warranty, 2-year warranty on fabric and finishes

Best for:

  • Smaller groups who prefer intimate, relaxed get-togethers
  • Shoppers who want both a woven and wood aesthetic
  • Those who want a set that&#;ll last for years and years

Skip if:

  • You mind the discoloration to teak that comes with time

If a wooden look is more your speed, Frontgate&#;s teak outdoor collection will give your patio a beachy, coastal vibe&#;while nicely standing up to the elements. This three-piece loveseat set is made with wide-woven wicker and rich teak wood, both of which add to that relaxed feeling. While Frontgate&#;s furnishings are certainly luxurious, they don&#;t feel stuffy or highbrow. Add a few patterned throw pillows to infuse the set with your own personality, or go minimal with a cushion-free look.

What our experts say: Both McEwan and Proctor say teak is one of the most durable types of lumber. Says McEwan, &#;Teak is a dense hardwood that has natural oils that protect it from moisture, insects and decay&#;meaning it will survive for years without much maintenance.&#; Proctor says, &#;[It] will weather to a beautiful silver gray if left alone. [It] will develop a velvet-like feel to the touch.&#; 

Best Patio Chairs

A Classic Adirondack With A Weathered Finish

frontgate

Frontgate Rowan Adirondack Chair

Materials: Teak wood, stainless steel | Colors: Natural finish | Warranty: 10-year frame warranty, 2-year warranty on fabric and finishes

Best for: 

  • Those who appreciate excellent craftsmanship and quality
  • Fans of that distinct aged-teak color
  • Shoppers looking for solidly built, high-quality furniture

Skip if:

  • You want something that doesn&#;t require much assembly

Topping the list in Forbes Vetted&#;s Best Adirondack Chairs roundup, this piece from Frontgate lives up to its luxury price tag. With a high-quality teak frame that&#;s been pre-weathered for a lived-in look, this timeless chair makes any outdoor space feel more put-together. The kiln-dried wood is naturally resistant to mildew, so it&#;ll keep its good looks over time. (Pro tip: We recommend adding on the matching Rowan Adirondack Ottoman.)

A Hardy Pick That Goes Great With A Fire Pit

Breeo

Breeo X Series Chair

Materials: Poly lumber, stainless steel | Colors: 4 total, including Gray and Antique Mahogany | Warranty: 5-year warranty from purchase date

Best for:

  • Fire pit owners
  • Those who like to remain upright when relaxing outside
  • Those who have trouble getting out of traditional Adirondacks

Skip if:

  • You&#;re on a strict budget

This hard-wearing piece from Breeo resembles an Adirondack chair, except it doesn&#;t lean so far back, allowing your whole body to remain closer to your fire pit. Even if you don&#;t have a roaring bonfire going, this chair is a winner; it&#;s made of poly lumber, a synthetic, recycled plastic that resembles real wood but is actually one of the easiest materials to maintain. &#;Good-quality poly lumber will be colored all the way through, [which] means if it gets scratched it will not need to be touched up.  &#; Poly lumber will provide the longest life with the least amount of care,&#; he says. You can also outfit this chair with Breeo&#;s accessories, which include a cupholder and serving tray.

What our editors say: &#;I&#;ve had the Breeo X Series for a couple of weeks, and it was easy to put together and seems really high quality so far,&#; says senior updates editor Karen Tietjen. &#;I also love that it emulates the classic Adirondack chair style, except with a smart fire pit&#;friendly design. Further, Breeo makes an adorable kid-sized version so the whole family can enjoy relaxing outdoors.&#;

Best Patio Dining Furniture

An Espresso-Brown Aluminum Set With A Lattice-Back Design

yardbird

Yardbird Lily 5-Piece Round Outdoor Dining Set

Materials: Powder-coated aluminum, Sunbrella | Colors: 2 total, including Shale and Milano | Warranty: 3-year (craftsmanship), 5-year (Sunbrella), 10-year (frames)

Best for:

  • Those who want a dining table with an umbrella hole
  • Shoppers who prefer dining chairs that can stack
  • Fans of the lattice-back design

Skip if:

  • You want more color options

Looking for an elegant dining set that&#;s also durable and low-maintenance? Yardbird&#;s Lily five-piece dining set (the top overall pick in our Best Patio Dining Sets story) will serve you well. The collection consists of a round dining table and four chairs with a timeless lattice-back design; they&#;re constructed with rust-proof aluminum that&#;s finished with an attractive coffee-brown powder finish. What&#;s more, the chairs come with cushions (you can choose from one of two colors), and the dining table has a market umbrella hole built in.

A Minimalist Chair For Indoors Or Out

Article

Article Svelti Dining Chair

Materials: Polypropylene, metal | Colors: 9 total, including Aloe Green and Dusty Pink | Warranty: 1-year warranty from delivery date

Best for:

  • Those who want to infuse their space with a pop of color
  • Shoppers looking for a good mix of style and function
  • Those who want a versatile chair that works almost anywhere

Skip if:

  • It&#;s a dealbreaker that some of the colors don&#;t exactly match their photos

Made of durable, UV-resistant plastic, this modern dining chair adds a touch of minimalist cool to any patio or balcony. It comes in a wide range of colors such as Aloe Green, Daisy Yellow and Berry Blue, so you can infuse your outdoor space with your favorite hue. Prefer more arm support? There&#;s a version with armrests too. While elegant, the thin metal legs aren't the best choice for using directly on a lawn or a deck with thinner slats. 

What our editors say: &#;I've owned these indoor/outdoor chairs from Article for nearly four years, and I still love them as much as when we first bought them,&#; says executive director Cory Baldwin. &#;They've held up great on my outdoor patio and look right at home in my dining room when we need extra seating.&#;

Best Patio Sofas

A Modern Couch With A Metal Frame

West Elm

West Elm Caldera Sofa

Materials: Aluminum, olefin, foam | Colors: 1 option, including Gray | Warranty: 3-year Allstate protection plan for an additional $300

Best for:

  • Design mavens who like modern, minimalist patio furniture
  • Those who don&#;t mind that aluminum may get hot in direct sunlight
  • Shoppers who want comfortable cushions that are easy to clean

Skip if:

  • You want more cushion color choices without an extra fee

If you&#;re looking to add a modern edge to your patio, you should consider this sleek choice from West Elm. The rustproof aluminum frame is accompanied by weather-resistant Olefin cushions in a neutral gray shade, but you can also purchase Sunbrella cushion covers in other hues like Charcoal and Ocean. Smooth, rounded corners give this couch a particularly inviting feel, inspiring you to kick back and relax for a while.

Best Sustainable Patio Furniture

Elegant, Long-Lasting And Ages Beautifully

USA-Made

Room & Board

Room & Board Montego Sofa

Materials: Thermally modified ash, stainless steel, CertiPUR-US-certified foam, fiber | Colors: 40-plus options, including Mist Putty and Pelham Blossom | Warranty: Good-faith guarantee

Best for:

For more outdoor bar sets manufacturerinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

  • Those who like to lounge outside
  • Shoppers looking to add a sophisticated touch to their space
  • Fans of sustainable materials and the color of aged ash

Skip if:

  • You&#;re on a strict budget
  • You don&#;t want the color of your furniture to change

If you want to add an elegant flair to your outdoor space, it doesn&#;t get any better than Room & Board&#;s selection. The brand is known for its American-crafted, sustainably sourced furniture, and that includes its outdoor pieces. The Montego collection is one of our favorites for its weather resistance, durability and style. Expertly hand-welded with a stainless steel frame, this sofa is made with thermally modified ash that is non-porous and waterproof; it also turns into an attractive silver-gray as it ages. The loose cushions, meanwhile, are made with high-density foam and fiber and wrapped in a water-repellent fabric.

What our experts say: Elise Nicpon, an outdoor furniture expert and the director of customer experience for Room & Board, says thermally modified ash is one of the most non-porous, durable and sustainable furniture materials out there. She tells us, &#;Thermally modified ash, a weather-resistant material that ages to a beautiful silver-grey color, comes from a combination of sustainably managed U.S. forests and fallen urban ash trees.&#; 

Best Patio Hammocks

Comes With A Steel Stand And Several Fabric Options

vivere

Vivere Hammock With Stand

Materials: Polyester, cotton or Sunbrella (steel stand) | Colors: 10-plus options, including Cayo Reef and Mimosa | Warranty: 1 year

Best for:

  • Shoppers who want a hammock they can set up anywhere
  • Families with kids who love hammocks
  • Those who prefer a quick, tool-less assembly

Skip if:

  • You don&#;t like feeling cocooned when you relax

The Vivere Double Hammock, one of our home editors&#; top picks with a stand in our Best Hammocks story, is a great choice if you&#;re looking for a relaxing place to lounge that isn&#;t necessarily a sofa or armchair. While we think of hammocks as only working in areas with trees, the Vivere Double comes with a 9-foot steel stand so you can hang it anywhere in your outdoor space. Plus, we found it&#;s easy and quick (under 10 minutes) to install in our testing. Best of all, you can choose from a variety of fabric materials, including polyester, cotton and Sunbrella. 

What our editors say: Executive strategy editor Lindsay Boyers, who tested the polyester version of the Vivere hammock for multiple weeks, shares that the setup was very straightforward: &#;I did it alone, and it took about 10 minutes.&#; She also highlighted how comfortable it was to lounge in&#;though she notes that individuals over 200 pounds might have a harder time finding a comfortable position.

A Spacious Hammock You Can Relax In

Editor&#;s Pick

L.L.Bean

L.L. Bean Quilted Sunbrella Hammock

Materials: Acrylic fabric, steel, polyester | Colors: 2 options, including Navy/Gray multi and Green/Sand multi | Warranty: None

Best for:

  • Those who enjoy outdoor naps and lengthy lounging sessions
  • Shoppers who want a reversible option
  • Those who prefer solid hammocks over rope ones

Skip if:

  • You live in Vermont or Nevada (not available for shipping there)

While it may be an unconventional choice for lounge furniture, this quilted hammock will quickly become your new favorite resting spot. Made of fade- and mildew-resistant acrylic fabric, the hard-wearing hammock stands up to spills like a champ. Plus, the fabric is reversible if you need a change of scenery (the multi colors have a solid-colored reverse side). You can mount it between two trees or wooden beams, but we recommend picking up the accompanying hammock stand, which is sold separately.

What our editors say: &#;This hammock is an ideal place to read and nap on sunnier days,&#; says editorial director Brinda Ayer. &#;It's made of a super comfortable and plush fabric that is easy to clean (in many cases, you can just wipe stuff off&#;especially liquids, if you like to enjoy a cold beverage in your hammock like I do). Like with so many L.L. Bean products, the construction of this hammock is solid and feels extremely durable; I'm not worried about rolling around or having the supporting ropes fray or snap.&#;

Best Patio Umbrellas

Stellar Wind Resistance And Ample Coverage

camryn rabideau for forbes vetted

Purple Leaf Round Offset Umbrella

Materials: UV-resistant polyester, aluminum | Colors: 7 options, including Turquoise Blue and Brick Red | Warranty: 3-year warranty on fabric

Best for:

  • Users who have large patio sets and need ample shade
  • Those who want multiple adjustment options
  • Withstanding windy climate

Skip if:

  • You have a smaller outdoor space

This patio umbrella is our home editors&#; designated best cantilever umbrella overall because of its unparalleled wind resistance and stability during testing. The key lies in the sturdy aluminum frame that supports the umbrella canopy, which is made with sturdy, weather-proof performance polyester and aluminum &#;bones.&#; Its impressive size and solid construction don&#;t hinder it from being user-friendly&#;it has an intuitive handle that lets you open and close the canopy and tilt it to several angles. A crank, meanwhile, allows it to rotate a full 360 degrees. (Note: This umbrella&#;s base is sold separately.)

What our writers say: Forbes Vetted contributor Camryn Rabideau tested this offset umbrella over the course of several weeks. In her full review of the Purple Leaf, she says, &#;Although the heavy-duty construction did make the umbrella a bit harder to set up, the tradeoff is worth it. This umbrella was the most stable of all the models I tested, and seemed like it would last the longest&#;especially since it came with a cover for use in the off-season. The aluminum pole&#;s powder-coated finish makes it look like wood-grain, and the canopy is actually screwed onto the frame, ensuring it will never slip off.&#; 

A Full-Coverage Umbrella That Easily Tilts

camryn rabideau for forbes vetted

Treasure Garden 9-Foot Umbrella

Materials: Aluminum, polyester or Sunbrella | Colors: 30-plus options, including Aqua and Sand | Warranty: None

Best for:

  • Those who want coverage for their patio sets
  • Shoppers who prefer a market umbrella over offset ones
  • An intuitive, no-frills operation

Skip if:

  • You&#;re looking for an easy-to-clean option

For patios without a lot of shade, a large, a sweeping umbrella makes a huge difference in how comfortable your seating area is. This 9-foot pick, which we also named the best patio umbrella after rigorous testing, is made of sun- and water-resistant fabric. For added convenience, there&#;s a manual crank that allows you to tilt the umbrella up to 30 degrees. There are several hues to pick from, including Cobalt, Khaki and Forest Green.

What our writers say: &#;It has a classic appearance that will look good on any patio, and of all the umbrellas I tested, it had the best features for the price,&#; says Rabideau. &#;During testing, I found this umbrella simple to operate thanks to its sturdy crank, which is easy to access and turn, as well as its auto-tilt mechanism, which lets you find the right angle to block the sun.&#;

Best Patio Bar Furniture

A Best-Selling Patio Bar For Endless Good Times

Pottery Barn

Pottery Barn Abbott Ultimate Bar

Materials: Concrete, acacia wood | Colors: 2 options, including Gray Wash and Brown | Warranty: None

Best for:

  • Entertainers who enjoy whipping up cocktails for guests
  • Shoppers who seek a polished look for their outdoor bar
  • Those who have uneven floors (it has adjustable levers)

Skip if:

  • You&#;re on a strict budget

If you have the budget, Pottery Barn&#;s always-on-trend collections are not to be missed. This outdoor bar is made with sleek, kiln-dried acacia wood and durable concrete, effortlessly combining form with function. It&#;s all in the details: An integrated bottle opener, towel hooks and drawers are provided to assist you as you whip up drinks for your guests.

Best Patio Rug

Fade-Proof, Durable And Can Be Used Indoors Or Out

frontgate

Frontgate Britta Indoor/Outdoor Rug

Materials: Polypropylene | Colors: 1 option, including Gray | Warranty: 1-year

Best for:

  • Fans of a woven look and subtle patterns
  • Those who want a colorfast option
  • Shoppers looking for a cozy touch to their outdoor space

Skip if:

  • You don&#;t want the hassle of extra cleaning and maintenance

Those seeking a cozy outdoor rug to pull your patio pieces together will find Frontgate&#;s Britta Indoor/Outdoor Rug a worthy choice. (It also has our home editors&#; stamp of approval as the best outdoor rug overall.) Made from UV-proof polypropylene, a synthetic material that will hold onto color while resisting mold and mildew, the Britta also manages to look chic thanks to its minimal diamond pattern and woven design. Maintaining it is easy, too: Make sure to regularly vacuum it, or hose-spray and air-dry it if you need a deeper clean. (We recommend including the corresponding outdoor rug pad to your purchase to keep the Britta in place and help with water drainage.)

Best Patio Furniture Cover

Heavy-Duty, Secure And Priced Reasonably

Amazon

Ultcover Patio Covers

Materials: Polyester canvas | Colors: 2 options, including Black and Brown | Warranty: 5-year

Best for:

  • Shoppers looking for a cover that will stay on in any weather
  • Those looking for specific dimensions
  • Those looking for a heavy-duty cover at a reasonable price

Skip if:

  • You want something that will last longer than a few years in heavy, direct sunlight

No matter how weather-proof and sturdy your patio furniture is, you&#;ll probably still want to invest in a quality cover to keep it in the best shape when it&#;s not in use. Ultcover&#;s options are Forbes Vetted&#;s pick for the best outdoor furniture covers overall due to the variety of sizes, durable 600-denier waterproof polyester construction, and included hardware to help keep them in place. Plus, we like the thoughtful details, like structured side vents to keep the cover from ballooning in windy weather, as well as corners you can adjust for height.

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

At Forbes Vetted, we&#;ve researched and written dozens of shopping guides for our home vertical; this includes our robust catalog of outdoor stories.

  • All stages of publication were overseen by Forbes Vetted&#;s seasoned home editorial team: deputy editor Rebekah Lowin, senior editor Amanda Arnold and editor Sholeen Damarwala.
  • Our staff has extensively reported on (and in some cases, rigorously tested) a wide range of outdoor furniture, including outdoor sofas, outdoor rugs and patio umbrellas.
  • In addition, we consulted with senior deals editor Kara Cuzzone for her expert advice on when to shop the best patio furniture deals.
  • This article is regularly updated to ensure our selections are still the best in their respective categories. Home writer Fran Sales refreshed this story in August ; she added several tested and editor-recommended picks, additional noteworthy features for each recommendation, and insights from three patio furniture experts.

Meet Our Experts

We also consulted the following interior designers and home furniture experts to inform this story:

  • Milly McEwan, product and design manager at RJ Living, an Australian furniture company,
  • Elise Nicpon, an outdoor furniture expert and the director of customer experience for Minneapolis-based furniture retailer Room & Board,
  • Todd Proctor, sales and service manager of Leisure Living, a company owned by Salt Lake City-based Christy Sports.

How We Chose The Best Patio Furniture

To help you find the best patio furniture for your particular outdoor space and aesthetic, our team interviewed experts, pored over several top-rated options and scanned scores of user reviews.

  • Our editorial staff focused on the most customer-loved, best-selling products from trusted outdoor furniture brands, including Pottery Barn, Frontgate, Room & Board, West Elm and more.
  • We tapped members of our team for their firsthand patio furniture recommendations, which include L.L. Bean&#;s Quilted Hammock, the Breeo X Series Chair and Treasure Garden&#;s 9-Foot Umbrella.
  • We consulted three outdoor furniture experts for their top considerations when shopping for patio pieces, as well as their answers to frequently asked questions.
  • We evaluated each patio piece based on several considerations, including comfort, durability, style and ease of maintenance. We also considered materials, color choices and warranties, as well as the ideal use case for each piece.
  • All our recommendations have garnered an average rating of at least 4 stars from users; our final list comprises a variety of furniture styles at different price points.

What To Look For In Patio Furniture

When it comes to shopping for the right patio furniture for your space and budget, there are several key factors to consider. We asked our experts to share their tips below.

Materials

One of the biggest considerations when shopping for patio furniture is what materials it&#;s constructed with, and this applies even if your patio is covered. Elise Nicpon, an outdoor furniture expert and the director of customer experience with Room & Board, says, &#;You want to ensure your outdoor furniture is weather-resistant, durable and low maintenance.&#;

Examples of some of the most durable and water-repellent materials, according to Nicpon, include stainless steel, powder-coated steel, powder-coated aluminum, recycled HDPE (which take the form of resin wicker or poly lumber) and thermally modified ash. &#;[They] can withstand almost any weather and, when cared for properly, last a lifetime,&#; she adds. If sustainability is important to you, Nicpon says that HDPE and thermally modified ash tend to be environmentally friendly&#;they can be made with recycled plastics or fallen ash trees, respectively.

Todd Proctor, sales and service manager of Leisure Living (owned by Christy Sports), concurs. He adds that iron or wrought-iron patio furniture is another worthy option if you live in low-humidity, high-wind climates, since its heaviness means your furniture won&#;t slide around your patio. However, he warns that &#;no matter how well iron furniture is painted, and no matter how well you clean and dry this furniture, it is guaranteed to rust&#; in wet climates.

Those who prefer the warm look of wood patio furniture also have plenty of natural or synthetic options. Just know that they&#;re the highest-maintenance material of the bunch. The best, longest-lasting types of lumber, according to Proctor, are teak and ipe, which, with age, develop an attractive silver gray color and a velvet-like feel. Poly lumber is a type of HDPE that gives you the warm, welcoming look of wood furniture without the added maintenance.

Lastly, those who like the woven look of wicker also have some solid options out there, though you&#;ll need to pay a lot more for good quality. Proctor says that wicker isn&#;t a material you&#;ll want to skimp on; you should also steer clear of it if you live in a very sunny area. &#;In high-sun areas the sun can cause the low-cost woven furniture to fail in a little as one year.&#; If you do live in a very sunny area, consider aluminum or iron furniture instead.

Climate

The climate you live in will greatly determine what type of patio furniture you decide on. For instance, if you live in a very sunny area but want a wooden patio furniture set, you might decide on a teak, thermally modified ash or high-quality synthetic wicker&#;some of the most durable materials available (although you might decide to coat them with an additional wood sealer or protector for even greater longevity).

You&#;ll probably want to avoid cheaper wicker furniture or uncoated iron options; the former will fail in as little as one year in consistent direct sunlight, according to Proctor; the iron might become too hot to comfortably sit in. Aluminum and iron patio furniture, as well as HDPE, excel in windy climates since they tend be heavier; the latter is great for people who want a wooden look but also something that is weather-proof, more solidly constructed and low-maintenance.

If you are set on natural wood patio furniture, teak is your best bet: &#;Teak furniture will best survive in most weather conditions for a longer period of time,&#; says Milly McEwan, product and design manager at RJ Living, an Australian furniture company. She adds that because teak&#;s hardwood is dense and has natural oils that protect it from moisture, insects and decay, &#;it will survive for years without much maintenance.&#;

Your Space

This may seem like a no-brainer, but it&#;s important to purchase pieces that won&#;t be too big for your space; this includes knowing what works with your patio&#;s layout, how many people you plan on entertaining, and how many places and seats you&#;ll need. &#;The placement of the furniture you do have and the placement of plants, trees, poles and pillars will all play a part when it comes to picking the right [patio furniture] for your space,&#; McEwan tells us. For example, &#;If you have a more narrow patio, then you will likely be looking for smaller or more streamlined pieces of furniture to make sure they don&#;t take up too much space,&#; she adds.

Maintenance

There&#;s no way to avoid it: Because patio furniture is predominantly used outdoors, you&#;ll simply have to clean it more often than your indoor pieces. That said, you can choose a material that matches your aesthetic while still putting in the level of maintenance you prefer. For instance, fans of natural wooden furniture might prefer teak, whose natural oils and non-porous nature help protect it from moisture, insects and rot without much maintenance (as long as you don&#;t mind the color change that occurs as part of its natural aging process).

Aluminum and resin wicker are also quite easy to maintain if your aesthetic hews more closely to those materials. McEwan says, &#;[Aluminum] is essentially rust-resistant and can easily look brand new with a quick wipe-down. Resin wicker, because it&#;s a synthetic material, will resist moisture and dirt, making it easy to quickly hose off or wipe down with a mild soap and water mix.&#; Another good option if you don&#;t mind synthetic materials is HDPE or poly lumber; since it&#;s colored all the way through, it won&#;t need to be touched up if it gets scratched, Proctor says.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Kind Of Patio Furniture Lasts The Longest?

Patio furniture made of teak wood, aluminum and HDPE is durable and can stand up to the elements. Teak has the highest decay resistance of any natural wood: &#;[It&#;s] a dense hardwood that has natural oils that protect it from moisture, insects and decay&#;meaning it will survive for years without much maintenance,&#; says McEwan. Aluminum is a great metal option since it&#;s rust-proof and can withstand hot temperatures. When built correctly, [aluminum] is just as strong as any iron furniture but has the advantage of no rust, and it is generally lighter weight," Proctor says. HDPE, also known as resin wicker or poly lumber, is a synthetic material that&#;s both affordable and hard-wearing. One thing to keep in mind if you opt for wood patio furniture, says Proctor: &#;Because wood is porous, stains may appear if the wood is not sealed or treated. It is always recommended to apply a protectant to help prevent food stains and water rings.&#;

What Is The Best Patio Furniture To Leave Out?

If you live in a temperate climate, you should be fine leaving your patio furniture out year-round. However, if you live someplace that gets a lot of seasonal rain or snow, you should consider using a fabric cover or bringing your furniture indoors during long periods of inclement weather. That being said, pieces made of teak or aluminum are typically durable enough to stay outside throughout fall and winter, which is something to keep in mind when making your purchase. Do note that some durable wood furniture, like teak and ipe, will turn a silver-gray within the year when left in the sun; keeping it in a covered space with little-to-no direct sunlight might help prevent this, Proctor says.

What Is The Easiest Patio Furniture To Clean?

Patio furniture made from aluminum and HDPE is among the easiest to clean, according to our furniture experts. Aluminum furniture is typically powder-coated and inherently rust-resistant, so it typically only requires a wash and dry. HDPE (also called resin wicker or poly lumber) is a synthetic wicker typically made from recycled plastic, meaning it&#;s durable and resists moisture and dirt; it&#;s also easy to clean with just soap and water. 

Braxton Culler | Sophia, NC

Handcrafted History

Quality Is Our Legacy

Back in , Braxton Culler started with a simple idea and a passion for quality. Over the years, we've grown and evolved, yet our core values remain the same. From our early days focusing on wicker and rattan, today, we're proud to offer a diverse range of furnishings for every corner of your home &#; both indoors and out.

What sets us apart? A choice of over 600 fabric options and 35 wood and wicker finishes, allowing our customers the freedom to tailor their selections to fit perfectly into their lives. At Braxton Culler, it's about more than furniture; it's about creating spaces that feel like home. We appreciate your trust in us and invite you to be a part of our ever-growing story.

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