The Best Outdoor Furniture for Every Style & Budget

Best Overall

Article Calicut Loveseat Set

View on Article.com $2,197 at Havenly.com

If you want a refined look for your outdoor space, our top pick is the Article Calicut Loveseat Set. It features one loveseat and two lounge chairs that come almost fully assembled; all you have to do is plop the pillows on the frame. It has a powder-coated aluminum frame for complete rust protection, and the padded upholstery feels firm and supportive. 

While this set is probably not the comfiest for full-on lounging (we suggest a daybed or chaise for that), the chairs are still soft enough for relaxing with a good book. The construction is durable and requires little to no maintenance, too. We left it outside in all kinds of weather conditions including rainstorms and a heat wave, and it still looked brand new six months later—even after being jumped on by kids and pets. 

To a similar sentiment, we were impressed by how easy it was to remove bird poop and other stains—we wiped it all without a trace. The brand recommends washing the upholstery by hand or using a gentle detergent or bleach to treat stains, but if you want more protection, you can buy a cover to protect it when not in use. 

While this patio set is an investment built to last, we wish there was an included coffee table or more color options. Still, if you want a quality set that’s easy to set up and looks great, you’ll love this pick.

Materials: Aluminum, polyester | Size: 36 by 67 by 33.5 inches (loveseat); 36 by 33 by 33.5 inches (lounge chair)

Best Budget

Devoko Wicker Patio Conversation Set

$86 at Amazon View on Devoko.com

The Devoko Wicker Patio Set looks elegant and can suit just about any outdoor space, including patios and pool decks. Plus, it comes at a budget-friendly price, especially considering you get two chairs and a side table. We gave it a perfect score for comfort during testing—this set is a cozy place to sip on a tropical cocktail, read a good book, or have a late-night conversation. That said, we would have loved it if it included a footrest. 

Each piece of furniture is made of a low-maintenance synthetic wicker that’s rugged enough to be outside year round. After six months of use, the chairs still looked good with no visible wear. However, the cushions were too light and would be blown away if it was windy. They also didn’t dry well after it rained, making them more prone to mildew. We ended up throwing them out, and the set actually looked just as good without them.

While this collection comes in pieces, assembly was straightforward and took less than an hour to complete. While this isn’t a set you would get if you’re looking for something to sprawl out on, it’s still a great option if you want comfortable, upright seating for a large deck or front porch.

Material: PE Rattan | Size: 21.5 by 19.5 by 33.5 inches (armchair); 15.75 by 15.75 by 17.75 inches (table)

Best Wood

Christopher Knight Home Carolina Outdoor Sofa Set

$460 at Amazon $374 at Target View on Walmart

Made from durable acacia wood, this Christopher Knight Home four-piece set is ideal for anyone who wants to host meals and drinks in their outdoor space. The set has two armchairs, a two-person sofa, and a coffee table, which got us a lot of compliments during testing. However, be ready to put in a little elbow grease (or hire a professional) to set it up, because it comes completely unassembled. Luckily all hardware is included, and there are extra pieces in case anything gets lost. We found the instructions to be clear and easy to follow, and assembly took just an hour and a half.

We put the sofa through six months of testing to see if it stayed as good as new. Although it was still comfy by the end, we noticed that the cushions tended to get waterlogged. So, if rain is on the forecast, it’s probably best to bring them inside. On the contrary, it’s a pro at handling hot temperatures and wind without sustaining damage, though the manual notes it may fade naturally over time. For that, you may want to consider protecting it with a UV-resistant cover.

Because the cushions are white, you’ll have to stay vigilant for any signs of stains. However, they can be removed with a damp paper towel. What’s also nice is that the cushions are reversible, so you can flip them over to the clean side before sitting on them. If they ever need a deep clean, you can safely throw them in the washer with a little bleach and detergent.

Material: Acacia wood | Size: 55 by 24 by 33 inches (sofa); 23 by 25 by 34 inches (chair); 39 by 23 by 17.5 inches (table)

Best Sectional

West Elm Portside Outdoor Sectional

$2,880 at West Elm

The moisture-resistant mahogany and eucalyptus wood frame and beautiful wood grain on this West Elm sectional make any deck look fancy. It comes in a standard and extra-long size that can be set up as an L or U shape. It’s designed to withstand the elements and can be used in both hot and cold weather—we saw no signs of damage or fading on its frame no matter the elements. 

The cushion covers are waterproof, so you don’t have to bring them inside if there’s a downpour. We left them out in the rain and found no signs of water or moisture inside them, leaving the cushion mostly dry. We do still recommend getting a cover for them, which you can buy separately from West Elm.

We will admit that the cushion material felt stiff and wasn’t that comfortable for us to sit on. They also didn’t stay in place very well—it would have been nice if there were a strap or adhesive to secure them to the frame, especially on breezy days. Since it’s so heavy, choosing the white-glove delivery service could be well worth it, as well. The sectional is available in driftwood and weathered gray colors.

After consistent exposure to extreme heat and rain throughout three months of testing, this sectional still looks relatively the same (though it’s worth noting that we did store the cushions away when not in use and use an umbrella to shade it). The only issue we’ve noticed is the paint chipping on the wood panel where the cushions are placed. While we do plan on getting a cover to prevent this, we do wish that a cover was included for the price. That said, the cushions have gotten softer over time, and we’d still recommend it even with the minor chips.

Material: Mahogany, eucalyptus | Size: 120.3 by 70 by 30 inches

Best Dining Set

Yardbird Outdoor Dining Set

View on Yardbird.com

Make the most of warm weather and dine al fresco with this casual dining set from Yardbird. The dark brown five-piece collection features four lattice-back chairs and a round, sturdy table that’s perfect for enjoying meals outside. While it is smaller at 53 inches around, there is plenty of room for each person to pull out their chairs and sit comfortably. The cushions are made with waterproof Sunbrella performance fabric, but note that the cushion covers aren’t removable, so we suggest spot cleaning instead of throwing them in the wash.  

The chairs and table are heavy enough so that they won’t get toppled over by the wind, but we could still move them around our deck. Despite the set’s color, it surprisingly didn’t retain as much heat as we thought (we will continue to test it over the summer to see if that remains true). While it costs over $2,500, its frame is made from premium aluminum materials that have a 10-year warranty, so we’re confident it will last a long time.

After three months of testing, the quality hasn’t changed at all. We haven’t noticed any chips or fading from the sun, even while being in direct sunlight. That said, we did bring the cushions in when not in use to ensure their longevity. As far as cleaning, we simply sprayed the table with a hose, so it’s also been relatively easy to maintain. We love how it's the perfect size (large enough but not too large) and how sturdy and functional it is.

Material: Aluminum | Size: 53 by 53 by 29 inches (table), 24.5 by 26.5 by 36.5 inches (chairs)

Best Bistro Set

Grand Patio Outdoor Folding Bistro Set

$120 at Amazon $134 at Home Depot

Perfect for small patios or a cozy meal, the Grand Patio Bistro Set is made from rust-resistant steel and features a simple yet chic design. We love that it comes already assembled and is ready to use right out of the box. The chairs and table are foldable and can be easily stored away when not in use. The chairs may look lightweight but have a 330-pound weight capacity and were able to withstand strong winds when we left them outside. We thought they were comfortable, as well, though some may not feel the same as there are no cushions included.

After three months of testing, we haven’t noticed any wear and tear. The paint is still intact, and it hasn’t displayed any signs of rust, discoloration, or chipping. So far, it’s experienced intense rain, pollen, and heat, and it never got too hot to sit on—even in Texas. We like how low maintenance it has been—we’ve only wiped it down a few times within the testing period—and how it provides ample seating without taking up too much space. There are seven colors to choose from including blue, sage, and red. For a set that’s below $100, it offers plenty of value and is a great option to complete your patio decor.

Material: Steel | Size: 23.5 by 27.75 inches (table); 18.5 by 16.5 by 32.25 inches (chairs)

Best Loveseat

Better Homes & Gardens Willow Sage Outdoor Loveseat & Ottoman Set

$249 at Walmart

Kicking your feet up at the end of the day is our idea of comfort, which is why we recommend this loveseat from Better Homes & Gardens (Better Homes & Gardens is owned by Real Simple’s parent company, Dotdash Meredith). It’s one of the few chairs on our list with an additional ottoman, so you can relax and lounge in the sunshine. It seats two people comfortably and has a weight capacity of 450 pounds, while the ottoman supports 225 pounds.

We found this chair to be sturdy and heavy enough that it won’t blow off your deck in a windstorm. The cushions are waterproof and stain resistant, which allows dirt spots and bird poop to be wiped away easily. We also never bothered to cover it, which might have been a mistake since the cushions got really dirty after months of testing. Although we were able to remove the mulberry stains off the couch with just a bit of soap and water, other stains needed a deeper clean. When we tried machine washing the cushion covers, we weren’t able to remove all the dirt and had to spot clean it again. You also may need to check couch crevices to remove twigs and branches, as we found that some debris became stuck there.

We do wish the cushions were firmer and that the upholstery came in other, easier-to-maintain colors because the white cushions were a pain to keep clean. Otherwise, this loveseat is great value for the price. 

Materials: Steel, wicker | Size: 29.1 by 50.9 by 28.7 inches (loveseat); 42.9 by 19.4 by 11.2 inches (ottoman)

Best Bench

Grandin Road Amalfi Bench

View on Grandinroad.com

The Grandin Road Amalfi Bench looks stylish and holds up well throughout the seasons, making it an ideal option for your patio or deck. We found it to be sturdy and secure, with no extra jiggling or movement when we sat. When you need a leisurely moment, this is the bench we recommend. That said, it isn’t the most comfortable option for extended sitting, though you can purchase matching cushions and a side table separately for added comfort and convenience. The bench is large enough to fit two adults.

Despite the manufacturer's recommendation to bring it inside in inclement weather and winter months, we left it outside without a cover in winter and during rain, hail, and snowstorms. After almost a year, the frame still looked brand new, with no signs of discoloration or warping. That said, we could see how the cushions could get dirty, so we did take extra precautions like keeping our dog off it. Sometimes the cushion would get dirty regardless, but it was nothing that we weren’t able to clean. Since it’s made from wood, we suggest you apply a finish to it annually to preserve it. 

Material: Eucalyptus wood | Size: 35.5 by 48 by 25.5 inches

Best Adirondack Chair

Polywood Modern Adirondack Chair

$249 at Amazon $289 at Wayfair $179 at Home Depot

The Polywood Adirondack Chair is our all-time favorite Adirondack chair. It has a traditional design with a modern twist and is made from recycled plastic, which is long lasting, stain resistant, and fade resistant. It has a spacious seat and super-wide arms, too, making it ideal for relaxing on your patio.

Over the many months we tested it, it did not crack, fade, or warp in any way, which are issues that often come with wooden outdoor furniture. We also kept it outside during winter months in snow, sleet, and in freezing temperatures that got down to -30°F, and aside from it getting a little dusty, it still looked brand new. 

To test the durability of this chair, we poured barbecue sauce and left marshmallows on it in the sun to see if we could remove the stains after. We used a damp paper towel to do so, and no residue was left behind. More importantly, the chair does not absorb moisture, so we could sit on it after a drizzle without our clothes getting wet.

We found the setup somewhat challenging, as the instructions were unclear, so we used a video on the brand’s website to assemble the chair. The good news is that it’s available in 13 colors and has a modern look, so you can find an option to suit any outdoor space. It would have been nice if the chair was foldable, so you could keep it in storage without taking up a lot of space. And while the back reclines slightly, you can’t adjust the chair beyond that, so this pick may not be ideal for those with mobility issues.  

Materials: High-density polyethylene | Size: 32 by 29 by 34 inches

Best Sling Chair

Serena & Lily Teak Sling Chair

View on Serena And Lily

Good for napping or relaxing in the sun with a good book and a cool drink, the Serena & Lily Teak Sling Chair features a range of solid and striped designs that look gorgeous in any outdoor space. Instead of cushions, it features a stiff fabric to recline on and a beautiful teakwood frame. The chair can recline in four positions from upright to laid back, all of which we found to be comfortable. Setup is also simple, as the frame comes already assembled—the only thing left for us to do was to slip the fabric backing on. 

We liked that this chair was light and portable, much more so than the typical wooden Adirondack chair. It folds down for simple storage when not in use and is super easy to throw in the back of your car for day trips. We just don’t recommend leaving it outside because it doesn’t take much for it to get knocked over by the wind. 

During our tests, the frame showed zero signs of fading, but the fabric was not the most stain resistant. Although it’s a little more expensive than we would have liked, this chair is so cute and chic that we can’t resist getting a second one to match.

We’ve used this chair nearly every day throughout three months of testing. The quality hasn’t changed at all, though we have made sure to store it in the garage every evening when not in use. That said, we have noticed that the fabric isn’t extremely durable; stains have proven hard to remove completely. Also, keep in mind that given the low-set design and lack of handles, it might not be the best option for those with mobility issues.

Material: Teak | Size: 25 by 43.5 by 36.5 inches

Best Zero-Gravity Chair

Amazon Basics Outdoor Zero Gravity Chairs

$100 at Amazon

While this zero-gravity chair from Amazon Basics is not necessarily the most stylish patio chair, it's perfect for RV trips, camping, picnics, and sunbathing in your yard. For added value, it comes in a set of two and is comfortable and spacious for warm-weather lounging. We were able to sit in this chair for hours with hardly any discomfort. 

The durable textilene seats are breathable and weather resistant while the steel frame is sturdy enough to hold up to 300 pounds. Unlike other patio furniture which we always left out, we tried to pack this chair up and bring it inside when we weren't using it. We did sometimes leave it outside in light rain, though after six months, it was still in great shape with no signs of rust.

Even though the chair moves into any position, we found that it didn't always stay securely locked. After we reclined, it slowly came back to an upright position. It’s also not as heavy as other options, either, so you really shouldn't leave it outside if bad weather is approaching—it’s more likely to tumble in high winds.

It is portable, so you can keep it at home or take it with you on picnics and camping trips. Each chair even comes with its own detachable side table and cup holder, though the cup holder is on the smaller side, so you may not be able to fit a large tumbler or glass. Removable headrests are included for added comfort and convenience. 

Materials: Steel, textilene | Size: 64.2 by 43.3 by 25.6 inches

Best Rug

Unique Loom Border Area Rug

$119 at Amazon $260 at Kohls.com $59 at Lowe's

An outdoor rug can make your patio more comfortable, which is why we like the Unique Loom Indoor & Outdoor Rug. We put it on our front porch, and it instantly made our space feel more cozy and inviting. There are at least 20 options available in assorted square, rectangle, and octagon shapes. Plus, it comes in six colors to suit your existing decor.

This rug is easy to fold and carry around, which is handy for when you need to clean or store it in winter. It’s also non-slip and will not move around when you step on it. You have to give it some time to lie flat on the ground, though we noticed that after a month it still wasn’t completely flat on our floor. Additionally, the rug wasn’t as soft as we would have liked, but since it is designed for outdoor use, this is to be expected..

After four months, we thought it held up remarkably well with little wear and tear and no staining. After that, our dog went on a rug rampage and destroyed it, so we ended up throwing it out. Had that not happened, it probably would have lasted much longer. Nevertheless, for the time we had it, it withstood a lot of scrubbing without damage or fraying fibers, so we think it's a highly durable option. 

Materials: Polypropylene | Size: 32 sizes ranging from 2 by 3 feet to 13 by 13 feet

Best Umbrella

Safavieh Athens Outdoor Umbrella

$117 at Amazon $99 at Walmart View on Shoppremiumoutlets.com

For shade and style, opt for the Safavieh Athens Inside Out Outdoor Umbrella. It has an impressive 9-foot canopy for blocking the sun and a hand crank that makes it seamless to open and close. While the product claims to have an auto-tilt mechanism, it didn't work effectively during our testing.

This patio umbrella offers adequate shade for your table and up to six chairs, so it's ideal for dinner parties, cocktail hours, and card games. Not only was it useful during the summer, but we also found countless uses for it throughout the fall. For example, it stopped trees from dropping their seeds into our food atop the table, which was nice. We also loved how attractive it looked. The umbrella has a solid color on the top and an understated striped pattern on the underside.

The umbrella performed well on our rain tests, since the polyester fabric is water repellent and did not leak through at all. It was impressively easy to clean during our stain tests, too—we just sprayed a solution on bird poop that washed away without scrubbing. The fabric is fade resistant, and after six months of sun exposure, it still looks brand new. It also fared well in windy conditions (once we closed it). We kept it outside during a windstorm, and it stayed upright. It needs an umbrella stand for it to work properly, but before you buy, look for one that’s sturdy enough to handle its weight. 

Materials: Aluminum, polyester | Size: 9 feet