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The Spruce / Lindsay Boyers
Creating an outdoor dining experience that’s comfortable, easy-to-maintain, and functional for your home can be a challenge without the right patio dining set. Whether you have a huge patio and host parties all summer long, or have a small balcony and prefer cozy dining for two, there is something for every outdoor space.
When looking for the perfect set, keep in mind both the size of the set and where you plan to store it. Is it light and foldable for easy, compact storage, or will it need to be durable enough to stay out in the elements year-round with the help of a great furniture cover?
We spent hours researching patio dining sets that are not only durable and practical to care for, but also offer a comfortable space to relax when hosting friends and family. Ahead, you’ll find the best patio sets that are practical for big, small, and unique outdoor entertaining experiences.
Best Overall
Polywood Lakeside 7-Piece Farmhouse Dining Set
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Polywood
All-weather material
Several customization options
Easy to clean
Sturdy
Heavy
Customization options cost extra
The Polywood Lakeside 7-Piece Dining Set is our top pick because of its durable, marine-quality material and classic design. Although there are many high-quality materials that can withstand mixed weather conditions, we’ve found through testing other products, like their adirondack chair, that POLYWOOD lumber is easy to clean and can be left outside with no concern for its structural integrity or color fading over time. It can also easily be wiped down with a wet cloth to remove sticky messes and dirt.
With this dining set’s material in mind, we think it’s reasonably priced compared to other sets on the market that may be made from wood or metal, which do eventually crack and rust after many seasons of use and weather exposure. Plus, this dining set can be purchased in seven different colors, and you can also choose to upgrade the table base for a different aesthetic. POLYWOOD also offers chair cushions and an umbrella and base that are compatible with this set.
Together, the entire set weighs over 200 pounds, which means the box(es) it arrives in will be pretty heavy and difficult to maneuver. We recommend having a helper nearby for assembly and unboxing. However, the weight of each individual piece means this set may be able to withstand higher winds in the case of a storm. We did have some difficulty during our assembly process with POLYWOOD’s Modern Adirondack Chair, but a quick review of some helpful assembly videos on POLYWOOD’s website resolved our issues. Keep this in mind when you start assembling the dining set, which we have not personally tested. All in all, for under $2,000 we think this dining set is a great outdoor entertainment feature, especially considering its durability, compared to other sets that are priced much higher.
Price at time of publish: $1,595
Pieces: 2 dining arm chairs, 4 dining side chairs, 1 dining table | Seating Capacity: 6 | Material: POLYWOOD lumber | Umbrella Hole: Yes
Best Round
Red Barrel Studio Bennington Round 4-Person Outdoor Dining Set
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Wayfair
Easy-to-clean glass tabletop
Classic design
Stacking chairs
Some holes not lined up for assembly
A round dining table not only allows for smooth-flowing conversation, but also offers a compact solution for apartment decks, covered patios, or small backyards. The Bennington 4-Person wicker set from Red Barrel Studio features a table with a glass top, making cleanup a breeze, and four stackable chairs that can easily be stored during winter weather.
The polyester chair cushions can also be removed for spot cleaning and stored during any off-seasons. We recommend having a helper available for the table assembly, as some of the holes might not line up exactly. However, the chairs come assembled, which limits the amount of assembly necessary.
Price at time of publish: $609
Pieces: 4 armchairs, 1 dining table | Seating Capacity: 4 | Material: Iron frame, resin wicker, tempered glass top, polyester cushions | Umbrella Hole: Yes
Best Budget
IKEA TORPARÖ Table and Chairs
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IKEA
Stackable chairs
Collapsible table
Minimalist design
White may get dirty easily
For first-time apartment dwellers, or anyone searching for a budget friendly, yet durable patio set, we recommend the IKEA TORPARÖ dining set because it’s not only available for under $400, but it can also be packed away in a storage closet. Just like other sets in this roundup, this dining set is made from steel with a powder-coated, rust-resistant finish. The chairs can be stacked and the table’s legs collapse to easily slip under a bed, couch, or into a closet.
We love the minimalist design, but we recognize that a white finish may not be up to everyone’s taste. The white may also stain easily, if left outside during wet conditions. This table does have an umbrella hole so you can enjoy a cool cover alongside this budget friendly set. As with all IKEA furniture, this set does require some assembly, but a power drill and an extra set of hands should be sufficient in speeding up the process.
Price at time of publish: $349
Pieces: 4 dining arm chairs, 1 dining table | Seating Capacity: 4 | Material: Steel | Umbrella Hole: Yes
Best Splurge
Frontgate Palermo 7-pc. Rectangular Dining Set in Bronze Finish
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Frontgate
Easy-to-clean tabletop
Weather-resistant materials
10-year warranty on frame
Long ship times
Recommended to bring indoors during off-season
If you’re looking for the aesthetic of a wicker dining set constructed from more durable materials, then we recommend the splurge-worthy Palermo set from Frontgate. Although this set is much more expensive than the average dining set (around $1,000), we think its durable rust-resistant, powder-coated frame and antimicrobial resin wicker seats make it a worthy splurge. The wicker is made from high-density polyethylene, which prohibits the growth of fungus and mildew, so these chairs can weather the seasons. Additionally, the seat cushions (only sold with the set, or must be purchased separately) are covered in 100 percent waterproof Sunbrella Rain performance fabric. If they get wet from rain, simply set them up on a side to allow excess moisture to drain and dry.
We love this table’s glass top, which can easily be wiped off before and after hosting a dinner party. Plus, it has a hole (and cover) for an umbrella. The table offers plenty of legroom and space between seats, making it comfortable to sit at for longer periods of time. If you’re still worried about spending so much money, the frame is also backed by a 10-year limited warranty for structural integrity, and the cushions have a two-year fabric warranty. Frontgate does recommend covering this set with a weather cover, when it’s not in use, or bringing it into a storage area during winter months. We realize that not every home will have a large enough storage area for this dining set, so we recommend investing in the compatible table and chair cover, if you are wanting to splurge on this set.
Price at time of publish: $5,090
Pieces: 2 arm chairs, 4 side chairs, 1 dining table | Seating Capacity: 6 | Material: Resin wicker, powder-coated aluminum frame, Sunbrella performance fabric cushions | Umbrella Hole: Yes
Best 5-Piece Set
MF Studio 5-Piece Outdoor Conversation Set
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Walmart
Unique fire element
Additional storage shelf
Ideal for small patios
Limited legroom
Should be covered or moved indoors during off season
A smaller dining set can be a great addition to a larger outdoor entertainment space, or it can be a compact alternative for small patios and backyards. However, this Outdoor Conversation Set from MF Studio has a unique design element: a glass fire pit. Talk about a universal entertainment feature! Plus, it’s incredibly affordable at just over $800, compared to other five-piece sets in this roundup that don’t have a fire element. The firepit is equipped with a pulse igniter for easy lighting and uses propane for power. It also comes with decorative blue glass pebbles and doesn’t require wood or produce ash. If you don’t want to use the fire pit feature, a convenient cover makes it easy to use the entire tabletop for a dinner spread.
While this tabletop fire pit adds an interesting twist to a typical dining set, we are concerned about its durability against inclement weather. We recommend purchasing a fabric cover for the table, if you don’t have a covered patio, or if possible, this table should be stored when not in use to prevent any undue wear and tear. We also recognize that the propane tank housing limits the amount of legroom that some guests may have when sitting at this table. We recommend seating tall folks at the open end of the table rather than near the propane tank.
Price at time of publish: $820
Pieces: 4 armchairs, 1 dining table | Seating Capacity: 4 | Material: Powder-coated aluminum frame, resin wicker, polyester cushions | Umbrella Hole: No
Best Wicker
Hampton Bay Geneva 7-Piece Brown Wicker Outdoor Patio Dining Set
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Homedepot
Removable slipcover cushions
12 cushion fabric colors
Modern interpretation of classic wicker
Sunbrella fabric adds cost
Wicker often makes us think of our grandmother’s sun porch, which was always comfortable, but eventually became well-worn due to cracked wicker seats and arms. The seven-piece Geneva set from Hampton Bay adapts the woven aesthetic of wicker we all love and modernizes it for an even more comfortable setting that’s also resilient against moisture. Steel frames support this table and chair set, while high-quality resin wicker chair backs add a touch of flare. We also love that we can choose between 9 ColorGuard and 3 Sunbrella cushion colors, all of which are resistant to staining from rain and the elements.
The cushions also have removable slipcovers, so you can easily wash them if a sticky spill does occur. The Sunbrella colors do come at an additional $50, and you can order a $3 sample if you’re not quite settled on a specific color. We also love that the arm chairs are set on a swivel base to make conversation even more comfortable between guests at the table. This set’s frame (for the table and chairs) and the cushions are covered by a three-year limited warranty for any manufacturer defects.
Price at time of publish: $1,049
Pieces: 2 swivel arm chairs, 4 side chairs, 1 dining table | Seating Capacity: 6 | Material: Resin wicker, steel frame, CushionGuard or Sunbrella performance fabric cushions | Umbrella Hole: Yes
Best Metal
All Modern Joel 6-Person Patio Dining Set
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All Modern
Can leave out year-round
Classic design
Great for small spaces
No umbrella hole
Darker colors may get hot in direct sunlight
The best part of a metal patio dining set is that you can leave it out year-round without worrying about it becoming worn or excessively dirty. The Joel 6-Person Outdoor Dining Set from All Modern is a great, classic picnic-style table and bench set. It’s available in seven finishes, all of which are constructed with durable aluminum frames and polyresin seats and tabletops. This table measures 59 inches long and 36 inches deep, making it a great option for homes with smaller patios or backyards.
Although we love the color variety offered for this set, we think the darker finishes will be prone to overheating in direct sunlight, so a fabric cover may still improve your setup, despite this set’s all-weather design. This table also does not have an umbrella hole, so you will have to purchase a cantilever umbrella or an umbrella with a wide tilt range, if desired. All in all, despite a few design issues, we still think this metal dining set is a great choice for homes looking for a simple, compact hosting setup.
Price at time of publish: $1,040
Pieces: 2 benches, 1 dining table | Seating Capacity: 6 | Material: Aluminum frame, polyresin seats and tabletop | Umbrella Hole: No
Best 7-Piece Set
Pottery Barn Santa Ana 7-Piece Eucalyptus Rectangular Dining Set
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Pottery Barn
Ventilated mesh chairs
Assembly included in delivery
Can be extended to seat 10
Black seats may be hot in direct sunlight
Expensive
If you frequently host large outdoor events, a dining set that seats at least six people is a great tool to have. The Pottery Barn Santa Ana 7-Piece Eucalyptus Rectangular Dining Set can be extended to accommodate up to 10 guests, and it’s made from FSC-certified eucalyptus wood with aluminum legs for a sturdy, weather-ready design. Only six chairs are provided in this set, but you can purchase additional chairs separately. We love the mesh seats of these chairs, which makes them breathable on super hot evenings, and they’re also easier to rinse off and allow to dry. However, we do think these chairs would be hot, if placed in direct sunlight, so fabric covers may be a useful purchase.
This set is delivered via white glove delivery, which takes care of any assembly concerns. We do think this set is expensive, given its comparable design to other seven-piece sets in this roundup; however, we recognize that the eco-conscious materials may increase the cost to produce this set. With that in mind, if you’re focused on aesthetics and don’t have a set budget, we think this set is a worthy splurge. Its responsible production is also a huge plus.
Price at time of publish: $2,999
Pieces: 6 armchairs, 1 dining table | Seating Capacity: 6 | Material: Aluminum frame, FSC-certified eucalyptus wood tabletop and chair arms | Umbrella Hole: No
For a functional and stylish patio dining set, we recommend the Polywood Lakeside 7-Piece Dining Set, which is made from marine-grade poly lumber that can be left out year-round. The chairs can also be supplemented with cushions, and the table can support an umbrella for an even more customized dining experience. For those with smaller patios, we recommend the budget friendly IKEA TORPARÖ set. It comes with four stackable chairs and a table that can be folded for easy storage during inclement weather.
What to Look for in a Patio Dining Set
Size and Layout
Finding the right pieces for your outdoor space can be the biggest challenge, especially if you’re limited to a smaller area. Measure your outdoor patio or backyard carefully. We recommend considering how much room guests may need to sit comfortably and move around the furniture. Then, when you’re in the stage of selecting your patio furniture set, be sure to consider how often you may use different elements of the set to ensure that it’s the right size for you. For example, a couch is a great, comfortable element to have in a patio set, but it might not be the best fit for your space if you’re limited to an apartment balcony.
Style and Features
Just like interior furniture, patio decor is available in a range of styles and colors to fit various design preferences. If you’re looking for an opportunity to step out of your typical design style, a unique patio set, such as our best wicker pick, the Hampton Bay Wicker Outdoor Patio Dining Set, is a great way to mix up your home’s decor. While mixing up your style can be fun (and daunting) we recommend looking for timeless sets that will not only last through different decor trends but will also withstand wear and tear through the seasons.
Material
All of the dining sets featured in our roundup are made from weather resistant materials. Powder-coated steel or iron is one of the most popular building materials for dining sets because it’s rust-resistant and can also withstand scratches, dust, and mildew. Marine-grade plastic lumber, like that of our best overall set, the Polywood Lakeside 7-Piece Dining Set, is also a durable material that withstands cracking, shedding, and fading, but still has the aesthetic of traditional wooden furniture.
Many chair cushions are now covered with polyester fabric, which withstands fading and is easily washed (if designed in a slipcover format) or spot treated. You’ll also find sets that offer performance fabrics like Sunbrella or CushionGuard (Hampton Bay’s custom fabric line). These fabrics are not only fade-resistant and easy to spot treat, but they’re also water-repellent, and they can be left outside in the case of inclement weather.
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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 your area. You should also consider whether you have the space to store a patio set, if you don’t purchase a fully weatherproof option. Polywood and similar poly-lumber blends are appropriate to leave out year round, because they do not crack, fade, or peel, and they can easily be wiped off before each use. While aluminum and steel are rust-resistant, we still recommend moving any furniture constructed from these materials under a covered shelter. You can also purchase fabric furniture covers, which help to repel rain and larger debris. This material should also be regularly wiped down to maintain its finish and prevent build-up of dust or pollen.
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How do you store a patio dining set?
As mentioned, some patio dining sets can be left in the open without a cover. For those sets that do need extra care, we recommend storing them in a tool shed, garage, or under-home storage, when possible. If you don’t have a large enough storage space, purchase a reliable fabric furniture cover built to repel water and mildew. Whenever possible, be sure to shake out a furniture cover after heavy rain and remove any larger debris that may have fallen on it.
All of the sets listed in this roundup can be wiped clean with a cloth and warm water. We recommend consulting each individual manufacturer’s specific care guides as well. To remove tough stains and mold, perhaps invest in a pressure washer. A pressure washer can be used on the polywood and similar plastic sets, but we don’t recommend using one on powder-coated aluminum as it may chip the finish.
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Are patio dining sets expensive?
Patio dining sets can range anywhere from $300 to $5,000. While the price of a patio set may indicate its quality, that doesn’t mean a less expensive patio set cannot withstand wet weather conditions. Our best budget pick, the IKEA TORPARÖ set, is constructed from powder-coated aluminum, just like more expensive sets in this roundup. Its smaller size and collapsible element make it slightly less expensive and incredibly practical for anyone who is limited by space and needs a multifunctional outdoor space.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Emma Phelps, updates writer for The Spruce, researched each of the patio dining sets listed in this roundup and wrote the supporting descriptions. For this topic, Phelps not only considered the material and size of each set but also looked at the style, unique design elements, and ease-of-use factors that made these dining sets stand out against other options on the market. While Phelps does cover a variety of topics at The Spruce, she specializes in home improvement, organization, and decor topics.