The Best Outdoor Furniture for Your Patio
Create an outdoor space that's as comfortable and stylish as your living room.
Expert consulted: Lexie SachsExecutive Director, Strategy & Operations
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Whether you’ve just moved into a new home or you're in serious need of a backyard decor refresh, the first step to creating the perfect patio is to invest in outdoor furniture that you love. Ahead, you'll find some of our home experts' favorite outdoor furniture sets, sofas, chairs and tables from affordable outdoor furniture brands as well as more premium designers, so there's something for all budgets.
The product analysts and fiber scientists in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab evaluate all types of furniture for your home, from the most comfortable sectional sofas to couches, outdoor rugs, Walmart patio furniture and much more. To make our recommendations, we relied on our decades of expertise reviewing furniture and outdoor gear as well as our own personal experiences testing the below brands, paying special attention to materials, style and price.
Pros
- Modern, attractive design
- Available in various sizes and colors
- Durable
- White-glove delivery included
Cons
- Pricey
Shop the West Elm Portside Collection
The Portside collection at West Elm will elevate any outdoor space, and our experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute can’t get enough of it. We love this luxurious sofa for its sleek, modern design as well as its comfort and durability.
It's constructed with moisture-resistant wood and water-resistant cushions so you can keep it outside throughout the season, though we still recommend using outdoor covers to extend its lifespan. It’s available in three wood finishes, two fabric shades (pearl gray or slate) and 65-, 75- and 85-inch sizes. While it’s on the pricier side and shipping may not be as speedy as other furniture stores, white-glove delivery service is included.
For those interested in building out their outdoor space, you can add on matching pieces from the collection, including lounge chairs, folding chairs, tables, storage and much more.
Materials: Solid mahogany and solid eucalyptus wood | Number of pieces: 1 | Seating capacity: 2
Pros
- Excellent value
- Durable, according to testers
- Covers are machine washable
Cons
- Seats can feel small
Shopping for outdoor furniture can quickly add up, which is just one reason why we love this four-piece outdoor set you can buy directly on Amazon for less than $400. A polyethylene (PE) rattan-style loveseat, two armchairs and a coffee table with a tempered glass top are included alongside weather-resistant cushions. You also have the choice among four colors, including blue, brown, dark gray and gray.
A GH product analyst who tested the set found it both comfortable and attractive, and shares that it has held up well for more than two years on a covered patio. She does note, however, that the set isn’t quite as spacious as others so shoppers should double-check its dimensions to ensure a comfortable fit.
Other online reviewers highlight the set’s appearance, comfort and value, and appreciate that the zippered covers are removable and machine washable. Plus, delivery is free for Prime members and you can assemble it yourself.
Materials: Polyethylene rattan, steel, tempered glass | Number of pieces: 4 | Seating capacity: 4
Pros
- Beautiful, modern design
- Comfortable, roomy low seats
- Made with real wood
- Suitable for multiple people
Cons
- May not be as plush as other sets
Shop the full Article outdoor collection
One of the best places to buy outdoor furniture online, DTC brand Article has a wide range of offerings from sofas to dining sets, lounge chairs, coffee tables and more. Our Lab experts love this sectional for its unique style and roomy, low seats that looks trendy and elegant. Perfect for outdoor entertaining and hosting summer soirees, it’s made with acacia wood and features synthetic seat cushions for durability against outdoor elements.
GH experts like Article for its aesthetic designs that feel curated and come in a range of materials, including wood, metal and rattan. While its prices aren’t cheap, you can find good value for your money. Just keep in mind that some of the brand’s trendier pieces may be more visually appealing than they are comfortable, so families with kids may want to think twice before investing.
Materials: Acacia wood, steel | Number of pieces: 2 | Seating capacity: 4+
Pros
- Available in 14 colors
- Made from weather-resistant material
- Sustainable
Cons
- Fewer plush options in the collection
Shop the full Polywood collection
Nothing says summertime like lounging in a spacious Adirondack chair. GH Institute experts love that this pick is made of weather-resistant HDPE material so you can leave it on your lawn without having to cover it when it starts to rain. Plus, our pros find it easy to clean and it's available in 14 shades.
If you’re looking for more styles from this brand, you’ll find benches, dining tables and more in the collection. We appreciate that the brand is sustainable and each piece of furniture is made from recycled plastic, though it looks just like real wood. And while we love this wood-like aesthetic, shoppers looking for plush, modern designs may find better luck elsewhere.
Materials: High-density polyethylene (HDPE), plastic | Number of pieces: 1 | Seating capacity: 1
Pros
- Good value
- Accommodates larger groups
- Decorative pillows included
Cons
- Must be a Cosco member for purchase
Shop more Costco outdoor furniture sets
Though only available to members, don’t overlook Costco when shopping for outdoor patio furniture. A popular pick among consumers, this seating set is ideal for large families or anyone who frequently hosts or entertains guests.
It comes with more pieces than you’ll find in other sets — including a sofa, two chairs, two ottomans, a coffee table, six decorative pillows and a furniture cover to protect the entire set when not in use. Not only is the price excellent, but its metal frame made with synthetic wicker is a good choice for weather resistance. Cushions and pillows are made with Sunbrella fabric designed to stains, mildew, mold and fading.
Our pros do note, however, that there is less flexibility to customize a pre-configured set and you won’t find as many color options.
Materials: Aluminum, resin wicker, porcelain tile | Number of pieces: 6 | Seating capacity: 4+
Pros
- Easy to assemble, according to reviewers
- Versatile design
- Made with real wood
- Great value
Cons
- Light shade may get dirty faster
Shop all Wayfair outdoor furniture
Wayfair makes shopping for outdoor furniture easier than ever by offering hundreds of styles, sizes and options online. This outdoor patio set, which includes a loveseat, sofa and two chairs, stands out for its versatile design that should suit most configurations.
Many online reviewers said how easy it is to assemble on your own (though you can opt for white-glove delivery) as well as how comfortable it is. Featuring four pieces and ample seating space, this set offers great value and our fiber scientists love that it’s made with real wood.
Though the color options are limited and it may not be an ideal choice for anyone concerned about getting a white sofa dirty, rest assured that the synthetic fabric used for cushions features a weather-resistant coating. We also appreciate that decorative pillows come included.
Materials: Solid eucalyptus wood | Number of pieces: 4 | Seating capacity: 4
Pottery Barn Abbott Concrete & Acacia Chunky Leg Dining Table + Huntington Chair Dining Set
Pottery Barn Abbott Concrete & Acacia Chunky Leg Dining Table + Huntington Chair Dining Set
Pros
- Elegant, timeless design
- Suitable for 6 people
- Can mix and match set
Cons
- Expensive
Shop all Pottery Barn outdoor dining sets
We’ve tested everything from Pottery Barn sofas to furniture for each room of your home and stand behind the brand for its timeless designs and quality construction, though prices are on the expensive side. This outdoor dining set is guaranteed to be the centerpiece of your patio. Made of real wood and featuring a stylish concrete top, the table is fully weather-resistant and can accommodate up to six people at the table — perfect for large gatherings, holidays and summer BBQs.
For seating, you can choose among options like a dining bench that the kids will love or wicker chairs with water-repellant cushions. But before purchasing, our pros advise double-checking shipping times to ensure timely delivery as wait times can be long depending on the piece.
Materials: Concrete and acacia wood (table), all-weather wicker and aluminum (chairs), acacia wood (bench) | Number of pieces: 7 (for full set) | Seating capacity: 6
Pros
- Quaint design
- Made of sturdy steel material
Cons
- Not weather resistant
Shop all Anthropologie outdoor furniture
Anthropologie has no shortage of cute outdoor furniture, including everything from seating options to side tables perfect for your garden. The dining chair featured above will make you feel like you’re in Bridgerton with its quaint, sophisticated design that pairs perfectly with this dining table and lounge chair.
We like that it’s constructed with a steel material available in white or black, just keep in mind that it’s not weather-resistant and could be subject to rust if left outdoors. Our pros recommend covering it when not in use to protect it. Also note that the cushions must be purchased separately, which could make the total price add up quickly if purchasing other items from the collection.
Materials: Steel | Number of pieces: 1 | Seating capacity: 1
How we choose outdoor furniture
The fiber scientists and home analysts at the Good Housekeeping Institute regularly review furniture, including sofas and sectionals, and outdoor gear in the Textiles Lab. When making recommendations, we relied on our decades of expertise in materials, style and our own personal experiences with these brands. We also researched outdoor furniture of all types and considered consumer feedback regarding comfort, durability and assembly.
What to look for when shopping for the best outdoor furniture
✔️ Weather resistance: You’ll frequently find outdoor furniture pieces containing wood, metal (steel, aluminum, etc.), rattan and plastic. Because outdoor furniture lives outdoors, our pros suggest checking for any weather-resistance claims to ensure it can withstand the elements like summer rain showers. We also suggest investing in furniture covers to extend your furniture’s lifespan.
✔️ Delivery: Always check delivery speeds and expected delivery dates before you buy patio furniture. This is especially important because if you don’t receive your outdoor furniture in time, you may end up missing the whole season. Keep in mind that certain fabrics may offer faster delivery than others.
✔️ Assembly: Oftentimes you can assemble outdoor furniture on your own. Sometimes brands offer white-glove delivery, which means that the furniture will be delivered and assembled for you by professionals. This service may cost extra. but it can be worth it for heavier or bulkier pieces like sofas.
✔️ Seating capacity and configuration: It’s best to look for flexible seating arrangements, depending on your space. For instance, you can consider a sofa and chairs around a coffee table, or you can opt for a sectional outdoor sofa that accommodates more people. When searching for tables, consider expandable ones if you plan on frequently hosting, and choose among round or rectangular shapes depending on what suits your patio space best.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
For over 120 years, the Good Housekeeping Institute has been testing products for your home to help you make the best purchases.
Lexie Sachs is the executive director of strategy and operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute. A fiber scientist, she has been regularly conducting sofa and furniture surveys with the GH Institute's proprietary tester panel to gather trusted and comprehensive user feedback and leads all furniture testing.
GH Institute analyst and writer Olivia Lipski closely collaborated with Sachs to write this guide based on our Textiles Lab's extensive testing data.
Lexie Sachs (she/her) is the executive director of strategy and operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute and a lead reviewer of products in the bedding, travel, lifestyle, home furnishings and apparel spaces. She has over 15 years of experience in the consumer products industry and a degree in fiber science from Cornell University. Lexie serves as an expert source both within Good Housekeeping and other media outlets, regularly appearing on national broadcast TV segments. Prior to joining GH in 2013, Lexie worked in merchandising and product development in the fashion and home industries.
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