How do you clean a patio dining set?

Be mindful of what material your patio dining set is made out of. Cleaning wood outdoor furniture is best done with a moistened cloth and mild detergent. If you're trying to get out tougher stains and mold, you might want to invest in a pressure washer . If you don't have a pressure washer, you can use a brush to scrub your furniture with water and dish shop, let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, and then use your garden hose to rinse it down.

How do you store a patio dining set?

Outdoor patio furniture is best stored in a dry storage space indoors or under a tarp to protect from the elements. If you must store it outside, invest in protective covers to keep it safe. Make sure your furniture is clean, dry, and free of rust before storing it. You can even apply a protective sealant before putting it into storage to prevent any moisture damage. If you're cleaning fabric cushions, read the instructions on the label carefully for appropriate care. Let these air dry before storing them as well.

Are patio dining sets weatherproof?

Although some outdoor patio dining sets are weather-resistant, they're not 100 percent weatherproof. When selecting outdoor furniture, consider the weather in the area you live in. You might want to invest in sturdy materials, such as wrought iron, hardwood, or aluminum, depending on your needs. Wrought iron is wind-resistant and durable. Hardwood is known for its long-lasting potential, ability to withstand the elements, and resistance to insects and other decay. And aluminum is a material that is rust- and moisture-resistant, making it a good choice if you live somewhere that gets a lot of rain.

The 5 Best Patio Dining Sets of 2021

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Commerce Photo Composite — The Spruce / Chloe Jeong

Whether you live somewhere that's warm all year round or you just want to take advantage of sunny days, an outdoor space is a coveted commodity. Turning it into a true oasis requires the right furniture, especially if you plan on using your space for eating or entertaining. Choosing a patio dining set is fun if not a little daunting, as there are a wide range of options out there depending on the size and look you're going for.

Here, we rounded up the best patio dining sets for every budget and style.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Frontgate Dining Set at Frontgate

The seven-piece set includes six chairs and a dining table, so you can sit with multiple guests comfortably.

Read Review

Best Budget:

IKEA ASKHOLMEN Table and Chairs at Ikea

This budget-friendly set is constructed from sustainably sourced acacia in your choice of two different finishes.

Read Review

Best Cast Aluminum:

Christopher Knight Home Hallandale Dining Set at Amazon

With its curved arms and legs and latticework pattern, this design nods to more ornate, traditional cast iron styles.

Read Review

Best Bar Height:

AllModern Brockton 5-Piece Dining Set at Allmodern.com

With the elevated height, it’s comfortable to stand at the table in addition to sitting, so groups can squeeze in.

Read Review

Best With Benches:

Christopher Knight Home Puerto Dining Set at Home Depot

The wooden seats and metal base look right at home in industrial, modern, and rustic spaces.

Read Review

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look for
Why Trust The Spruce?

View On Frontgate

Pieces: 7 | Materials: Aluminum, teak | Umbrella Hole: Yes | Warranty: 10 years

What We Like

Sits up to six people
Durable construction
Easy to clean
10-year warranty

What We Don't Like

Expensive
Take several weeks to ship

Your outdoor space is your personal sanctuary, so it's understandable if you want to invest a bit in certain pieces to make it just right. Take this Frontgate set, which balances style and function for a gorgeous outdoor dining setup.

The seven-piece set includes six chairs and a dining table, so you can sit with multiple guests comfortably. Each chair is crafted of lightweight, powder-coated aluminum and features teak insets on each armrest for an elevated look. The chairs' crisp, white cushions—which are optional—are easy to clean, so you won't have to worry about any stains or spills. The set is complete with the dining table, which features a teak top situated on a powder-coated aluminum base.

Though this set is certainly a splurge, Frontgate offers a 10-year structural warranty on all outdoor aluminum, teak, and wicker furniture frames, as well as a two-year warranty on cushion fabrics, so you can feel confident in your purchase.

View On Ikea

Pieces: 5 | Material: Acacia wood | Umbrella Hole: No | Warranty: None

What We Like

Durable construction
Good for small spaces
Folds up for easy storage

What We Don't Like

No cushions

Patio dining sets are no small purchase, and if you're looking for something that can seat four or more people, most options will start in the $500 range. If that's out of the question for you, that doesn't mean you can't find something. Just check out the ASKHOLMEN Table and Chair Set from IKEA.

The budget-friendly set is constructed from durable, sustainably sourced acacia, and each piece folds flat when not in use, making it easy to store during the off-season. The 44 1/8 x 24 3/8 inch patio table can fit four adults comfortably, though be aware you'll have to buy your own cushions.

The 13 Best Places to Buy Patio Furniture in 2021

Christopher Knight Home Hallandale Cast Aluminum Outdoor Dining Set

View On Amazon

Pieces: 5 | Material: Aluminum | Umbrella Hole: Yes | Warranty: Not listed

What We Like

Lightweight
Rust-resistant
Small footprint

What We Don't Like

Only seats up to four people

Though cast iron has long been popular in outdoor spaces, in recent years cast aluminum has jumped in popularity amongst people looking for new metal furniture. Why? Because cast aluminum is just as durable, lighter weight, and less expensive than cast iron.

This five-piece set melds the best of new and old. With its curved arms and legs and latticework pattern, the design nods to more ornate, traditional cast iron styles and would fit in perfectly on a patio alongside traditional cast iron pieces. It's only available in black, but you can add a colorful umbrella and cushions to give it more personality.

View On Allmodern.com

Pieces: 5 | Materials: Aluminum, slated resin | Umbrella Hole: No | Warranty: Not listed

What We Like

Great for standing and sitting
UV- and mildew-resistant
Stackable chairs for easy storage

What We Don't Like

Only available in two colors

Bar-height dining sets, where the table and chairs are elevated above the typical dining set, are an increasingly popular option and for good reason: They work for both intimate dinners and for more casual entertaining. With the elevated height, it’s comfortable to stand at the table in addition to sitting, so friendly groups can squeeze in for a conversation. Plus, they have a more informal vibe that's perfect for outdoor areas.

This five-piece set from AllModern includes four chairs and a table, all of which have sturdy aluminum frames and slatted resin tops that are both UV- and mildew-resistant. If you're worried about the extra height making storage difficult, fear not. The chairs are stackable for the off-season.

The 8 Best Outdoor Bar Tables of 2021

Puerto Acacia Wood 3-piece Picnic Dining Set

View On Home Depot View On Overstock

What We Like

Small footprint
Durable construction
Water-resistant

What We Don't Like

Only seats up to four people

There’s a reason families love sitting at picnic tables in the park: Those long, narrow benches are a flexible-seating secret because they can accommodate quite a few people for a cozy, casual meal. A bench can easily seat multiple children but also won’t seem empty with just two people sitting on it. And it can take up way less space than four or five adult-size chairs. Benches are also a good space-saving option because they aren’t typically as deep as chairs and don’t have backs to worry about.

This bench dining set from Christopher Knight Home is an elevated take on the traditional picnic table with wooden seats and a metal base. It'll look right at home in industrial, modern, and rustic spaces, and it gives you plenty of flexibility to play around with colorful throw pillows and decor.

The 8 Best Picnic Tables of 2021

Final Verdict

Overall, we recommend Frontgate's Calhoun 7-pc. Dining Set (view at Frontgate), which is a splurge-worthy dining set that comes with six chairs and a spacious dining table. The durable aluminum frame can withstand the elements, and the white chair cushions (sold separately) are fade, mold, and mildew-resistant. If you want something more budget-friendly, go with the ASKHOLMEN Table and Chair Set (view at IKEA). It's functional, stylish, and perfect for small spaces.

Size

Finding the right size pieces to fit your space is probably the biggest challenge when selecting patio furniture. You want your set to be roomy enough to be comfortable for your family and friends but not so big that it overwhelms your space. Measure carefully, incorporating enough room for people to back chairs out and walk around.

Style

Patio furniture comes in a variety of styles, from sleek and modern to homey and rustic and everything in between. Patio furniture should complement your home’s style and any existing outdoor furniture and landscaping. And if you plan to use it frequently, make sure it’s comfortable and functional as well.

Material

A patio set's material needs to be compatible with its surrounding space and climate. If your patio furniture will live in an enclosed location or will have plenty of shelter, you might not have to be as selective as you would if your furniture will be in the direct path of the sun, rain, and other elements. Look for durable products made of aluminum or teak, and see whether they've been treated to be mildew- and UV-resistant.

FAQ

How do you clean a patio dining set?

Be mindful of what material your patio dining set is made out of. Cleaning wood outdoor furniture is best done with a moistened cloth and mild detergent. If you're trying to get out tougher stains and mold, you might want to invest in a pressure washer. If you don't have a pressure washer, you can use a brush to scrub your furniture with water and dish shop, let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, and then use your garden hose to rinse it down.
How do you store a patio dining set?

Outdoor patio furniture is best stored in a dry storage space indoors or under a tarp to protect from the elements. If you must store it outside, invest in protective covers to keep it safe. Make sure your furniture is clean, dry, and free of rust before storing it. You can even apply a protective sealant before putting it into storage to prevent any moisture damage. If you're cleaning fabric cushions, read the instructions on the label carefully for appropriate care. Let these air dry before storing them as well.
Are patio dining sets weatherproof?

Although some outdoor patio dining sets are weather-resistant, they're not 100 percent weatherproof. When selecting outdoor furniture, consider the weather in the area you live in. You might want to invest in sturdy materials, such as wrought iron, hardwood, or aluminum, depending on your needs. Wrought iron is wind-resistant and durable. Hardwood is known for its long-lasting potential, ability to withstand the elements, and resistance to insects and other decay. And aluminum is a material that is rust- and moisture-resistant, making it a good choice if you live somewhere that gets a lot of rain.

This article was written by Ayn-Monique Klahre, a writer who has been researching home products for The Spruce since 2017. Previously, she was an editor and has over 10 years of experience covering home decor, entertaining, and lifestyle topics for leading publications. For this article, she considered the budget, size, style, and material of each patio set.