The 9 Best Patio Dining Sets of 2021

Best Overall: Frontgate Calhoun 7-pc. Dining Set in Aluminum

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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.

Best Budget: IKEA ASKHOLMEN Table and Chairs

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Patio dining sets are no small purchase. 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 you can choose from two wood finishes and an assortment of cushion colors. The 45 x 34.75 x 30-inch patio table can fit four adults comfortably, and if you want to stow the set in a garage or shed once you're done, every piece folds up flat.

Best Cast Aluminum: Christopher Knight Home Hallandale Cast Aluminum Outdoor Dining Set

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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.

Best with Benches: Christopher Knight Home Puerto Acacia Wood 3-Piece Picnic Dining Set

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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 four of five squirming children, but won’t seem empty with just two people sitting upon it, and can take up way less space than four or five adult-size chairs. Benches are also a good space-saving option since 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 gives you plenty of flexibility to play around with colorful throw pillows and decor.

Best Modern: Hampton Bay West Park 6-Piece Aluminum Rectangle Outdoor Dining Set

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Outdoor dining sets are engineered to be rugged, but that doesn't mean they have to sacrifice style. Case in point: Hampton Bay's West Park 6-Piece Outdoor Dining Set, which boasts clean lines and a modern appearance.

Each piece is outfitted with a rust-free aluminum frame that can stand up to inclement weather, and the cushions have fade-resistant slipcovers that can be removed and washed. Of course, the box edge cushions offer more than just good looks—they're nearly 8 inches thick, offering the utmost comfort as well. Complete the look with string lights, a geometric outdoor rug, and monochrome throw pillows.

Best Corner Set: Safavieh Wilton Balcony Corner Lounge Set in Teak/Navy

Buy on Bed Bath & Beyond

Acacia wood is a popular choice for homeowners because it's durable, smooth, and naturally water-resistant. This gorgeous patio dining set is crafted of solid acacia wood with a warm golden brown finish, making it the perfect choice for your backyard oasis.

Ideal for corners, this outdoor dining set measures 19.6 x 33.5 x 28.7 inches, so it can seat three to four adults with ease. The table folds down for easy storage, and the foam cushions are quick to wipe down in there's a spill. Not only that, but it's easy to assemble and is neutral enough to fit with any design aesthetic.

Best Bistro Set: Hashtag Home Ainsley Patio 3-Piece Bistro Set

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If your outdoor space is limited or you're working with a balcony as opposed to an actual backyard, Hashtag Home's Ainsley 3-Piece Bistro Set will definitely come in handy. The table is large enough to accommodate a few dishes if you're looking to dine al fresco, but at the same time, its small 28 x 23 x 23-inch frame can fit almost anywhere.

If you're looking for a low-maintenance set, this is a great pick. The two chairs feature slats that allow rain to run through them, rather than pool, so you won't have to deal with mold or mildew. The chairs also fold down, so they're easy to store in a garage or shed when not in use. The Hashtag Home set is available in four fun colors: white, black, navy, and red.

Best Bar Height: AllModern Brockton 5-Piece Bar Height Dining Set

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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 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 casual vibe that's perfect for outdoor areas.

This 5-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 and easy to take care of during the off-season.