Outdoor dining sets
Dining al fresco is a highlight of favorable weather conditions. Whether you’re grilling on the patio or just want to enjoy a sandwich on the deck, eating outside is an enjoyable experience. If you plan to do it often, invest in an outdoor dining set.
To help you find the right outdoor dining set, this buying guide covers what you need to know before buying one. At the end, you’ll find a few top recommendations, ranging from intimate bistros to charming bench-seating sets.
Key considerations for outdoor dining sets
Seating accommodations
To narrow your options for outdoor dining sets, determine how many seats you’ll need to accommodate household members and guests.
Smaller outdoor dining sets, like this bistro set, accommodate two or four people. While they’re ideal for intimate gatherings, some of these sets tend to have smaller tables that may not accommodate full table settings or serve ware.
Mid-sized sets, such as this Noble House teak set, accommodate six people. Many of these sets have sprawling tables with plenty of room for plates, serve ware and glasses. Additionally, they offer more elbow and leg room.
Larger outdoor dining sets accommodate eight or more people. Some of these sets may have table leaves or are modular for configuration flexibility. Like mid-sized outdoor dining sets, larger sets are known for their spacious designs.
Table shape
There isn’t too much variety when it comes to table shapes in outdoor dining sets. For the most part, you’ll only find round, oblong, square or rectangular tables. It’s more common for larger sets to have oblong or rectangular tables; however, there are a few sets of round or square tables.
Materials
Outdoor dining sets are available in a wide variety of natural and synthetic materials.
Wood
Wood outdoor dining sets are appreciated for their natural aesthetic and sturdy, built-to-last designs. However, wood requires considerable upkeep to make sure it stays looking its best, so be prepared to invest in — and use — wood care products.
Metal
Metal outdoor dining sets have rugged designs, many of which have weather- and fade-resistant coatings. They’re available at all price points, and there’s a diverse selection on the market. Some metal sets may be prone to wobbling, in which case you may find yourself fighting their components often.
Plastic
Plastic outdoor dining sets are easy to keep clean and hold up well in most weather conditions. Many of these sets are well made and durable, though some lower quality sets are flimsy and have lower weight capacities.
Wicker
Wicker outdoor dining sets have a classic aesthetic that blends in well with most outdoor and some indoor spaces. Wicker is largely considered to be neutral to low maintenance. One of the pitfalls of wicker furniture, however, is that chairs are often uncomfortable without cushions.
Resin
Resin outdoor sets offer the classic wicker look yet are more durable and weather-resistant. Resin furniture is generally lightweight and easy to move. Unfortunately, because these pieces are lightweight, they can be blown over in windy weather.
What comes with outdoor dining sets?
Basic pieces of outdoor dining sets
At the very least, outdoor dining sets come with chairs and a table. Consumers often appreciate these bare essentials designs, which makes the sets neutral enough to pair well with virtually any outdoor cushions or outdoor rugs.
Cushions
There are some outdoor dining sets that come with cushions, such as this one by Bay Isle Home. Most cushions and their slipcovers are weather-resistant, though some aren’t, which means they need to be brought indoors before it rains.
Umbrellas
Some outdoor dining sets include patio umbrellas, whereas others only have umbrella holes. Other sets lack umbrella holes, and consumers will need to invest in a cantilever umbrella. While these umbrellas include a sturdy base, they may cost as much as some outdoor dining sets.
Furniture covers
If you’re investing in an outdoor dining set, it’s worth buying outdoor furniture covers if they don’t come with the set. Not only do they protect furniture from rain and moisture, but they also minimize UV exposure, which causes premature fading.
How much you can expect to spend on outdoor dining sets
Outdoor dining sets range in price from $60-$2,500. Generally speaking, the better the construction quality and materials, the more expensive the set will be. Many consumers gravitate toward the $300-$1,000 range to get the most bang for their buck.
Best outdoor dining sets of 2021
Best bistro sets
Sonoma Goods for Life Kenwood Swivel Chair Set: Available at Kohl’s
Characterized as a relaxed bistro set, it’s ideal for smaller outdoor spaces and enclosed patios or sunrooms. The swivel chairs are equipped with plush, supportive pillows, and each one has a weight limit of 250 pounds.
Oakland Living Hummingbird Bistro Set: Available at Kohl’s
Appreciated for its rustic design, this metal bistro set has an antique bronze tone finish and elegant lattice-style seats. The glass tabletop, which accommodates plates and glasses, also has an umbrella hole.
Alpine Indoor/Outdoor Mosaic Bistro Set: Available at Home Depot
This Alpine conversation set is as durable as it is attractive, considering it’s made with weather-resistant steel and ceramic tiles. The chairs fold for easy storage, and the set is backed by a one-year warranty.
Best outdoor dining sets for six people
Hampton Bay Laurel Oaks Outdoor Patio Dining Set: Available at Home Depot
A popular mid-range option, this Hampton Bay set seats six and gives guests plenty of elbow room. The table has a unique stamped pattern and is water-resistant.
Breakwater Bay Diboll Rectangular Dining Set: Available at Wayfair
This versatile bench dining set is made from solid wood and has fine construction with a built-to-last design. The benches tuck beneath the table for easy storage. As an added bonus, the table has an umbrella hole.
Mercury Row Alshain Rectangular Dining Set: Available at Wayfair
If versatility is a top concern, this Mercury Row set is a solid option. The wood table pairs well with the synthetic wicker seats. The neutral cushions give the contemporary, mixed materials design a soft touch.
Best outdoor dining sets for small spaces
Hampton Bay Harper Creek Dining Set: Available at Home Depot
The cozy cushions in this Hampton Bay set are among the durable ones on the market with their weather- and fade-resistant design. The set is more space-savvy than many four-top options, making it a popular choice for smaller outdoor spaces.
Winston Porter Davisson Floral Bistro Set: Available at Wayfair
Given its folding design, this vintage-inspired bistro set is ideal for dining in small outdoor spaces, such as balconies and porches. The set is made with weather-resistant steel and is backed by a one-year warranty.
Red Barrel Studio Ilio Rectangular Dining Set: Available at Wayfair
Enjoy multiple seating arrangements with this Red Barrel Studio set. It seats six and comes with a pair of chairs, a loveseat and two stools. The set is made with weather-resistant wicker and comes with durable cushion slipcovers.
Sian Babish is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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