Here’s how to break the pattern your family set for you.
Picture this: The frost has finally thawed and the 15-weekend rain streak is finally over, so you decide to call up your friends to hit the backyard and crack open a few brews. About an hour before they get there, you head outside to assess the state of your outdoor furniture. Before even pulling the covers all the way off, you realize said state is not good, and it is indeed time to invest in a durable outdoor furniture set that will last you more than a season or two.
“When it comes to outdoor furniture, I often say you get what you pay for,” says Jim Dove, principal designer at Dove Design Studio in Palm Beach, Florida. You should frequently look for materials that won’t warp in the sun or degrade after a few snow dumps. If you’re not sure what those materials look like, you’ve come to the right place. Below, Dove shares exactly what to look for in a patio set that will last a long time. Plus, the best sets to shop.
Most durable outdoor furniture sets, at a glance:
- Best for large spaces: Article, Lubek Slate Gray Low Corner Sectional Set, $2,474
- Best for small spaces: Sunnydaze, Café Couleur 3-Piece Bistro Set, $495
- Best teak: Castlery, Rio Outdoor Teak Sofa, $1,999
- Best eucalyptus: Segovia, Eucalyptus 6 Piece Outdoor Furniture Set, $3,100
- Best redwood: Summer 1905, Super Deck Redwood Outdoor Chaise Lounge, $901
- Best metal: Rove Concepts, Louis Outdoor Sofa, $2,132
- Best wicker: Better Homes & Gardens, Bellamy 4-Piece Patio Set,$996
- Best rope: Nathan James, Set of 2 Rope Outdoor Loveseats & 2 Chairs, $2,099
- Best customizable: Dwell, Modular Teak Outdoor Armchair Set, $2,803
- Best dining table: Room and Board, Parsons Table, $2,409
- Best umbrella: Business & Pleasure Co., Market Umbrella, $699
What to look for when shopping for outdoor furniture
The reality of buying outdoor furniture—like any furniture—is that you really need to assess your situation before adding to the cart. What is the weather like? How are your humidity levels? Do you have a tree above your backyard that dumps weird little leaves by the millions? Because Dove lives in Palm Beach, he often reaches for powder-coated aluminum to outwit the humidity. “It’s lightweight and easy to move,” he says.
Another favorite material is plastic, which sounds like it goes against Dove’s “buy once, cry once” recommendation; however, when paired with the right materials, it can look quite elevated. For him, wood is a no-go. “While beautiful, it needs to be maintained and protected over time, and it’s not great in humid environments like Palm Beach, where I live and work.” Over a few seasons, wood eventually will lose its stain color and can potentially even warp, due to humidity, temperature fluctuations, and sunlight.
If you do want to go with wood, the number one thing you’ll want to consider while shopping is the wood’s oil content. Lest we forget chemistry class, oil repels water, making an oil-rich wood a key player when shopping for outdoor furniture that will stick around for the long haul. Another factor is the denseness of the wood—heavier; denser woods are able to withstand wear and tear, while lightweight ones seem to be less long-lasting.
Importantly, you have to keep up with treating each kind of wood that you buy if you want it to maintain its original finish. All of these options naturally “weather,” meaning that they’ll turn slightly grey and look aged if they’re not intentionally maintained. To maintain it for the long haul, Dove says that, “the most important thing is keeping the furniture out of the elements, so moving it indoors and covering it when you’re not using.”
Shop these durable outdoor furniture sets
Pieces: 2 (sectional and table)
If you have the space, this stunning sectional checks off all the right boxes. It fits roughly six people and comes with a separate coffee table so everyone can put their veggie burger down during your next cookout. Built with acacia wood that’s meant to last many summers over and powder-coated steel legs to help with the set’s longevity, you’ll never peel back your cover to find…a mess (at least not one of the furniture’s doing).
Materials: Acacia, steel, foam, polyester fiber, 100% polyester fabric
Pros:
- Beautiful design
- Easy assembly
- Dark, durable cushions don’t show mess
- Long-lasting materials withstand all elements
- 30-day trial
Cons:
- Slightly lower to the ground
- No designated cover
- Expensive
- Natural wood requires some TLC
Pieces: 3 (table, 2 chairs)
Chic meets durability in this cute bistro set from SunnyDaze. Crafted with resilience and style in mind, this bistro set effortlessly elevates small patios and porches. Its sturdy construction ensures longevity, while the shabby chic design adds a touch of timeless elegance. Best of all, each piece folds for convenient storage, so if you’re really tight on space, you can pack it up and put it away until the next time you dine al fresco or entertain outside.
Materials: Powder-coated steel, walnut
Pros:
- Perfect for small spaces
- Durable, long-lasting materials
- Available in two colors
- Folds up for easy storage
Cons:
- Pricey
- Natural materials may require more TLC
Pieces: 1
The terminator of sofas, the Rio will be back year after year. Made from solid teak and pillowy cushions, it sits like it should belong in front of the TV. It’s super soft, and the deep seat fits people of every height. While it’s fairly easy to wipe down, because it has lighter-colored outdoor cushions, make sure to purchase a cover to keep it looking the best year after year. As Dove says, “at the end of the day, comfort is key, and taking the extra step to cover and pack up cushions and soft materials when the party is over is going to help your pieces last the longest.”
Materials: Teak wood, fabric with PU foam
Pros:
- Made from high-quality teak wood
- You can customize your set with individual pieces
- 3-year warranty
- Durable and long-lasting
Cons:
- Not sold as a set
- Expensive
- Light-colored cushions may not be right for everyone
- Natural materials may require more TLC
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Pieces: 6 (loveseat, sofa, two chairs, two coffee tables)
This complete 6-piece outdoor set made of eucalyptus is like summer in a box. Because it’s made of eucalyptus, which is weather-resistant and pest-repelling, it’s quite easy to care for. Again, the light-colored cushions can take an extra step to care for, but if you’re diligent about covering and bringing cushions in during the colder seasons, this is a set that will last you a long time.
Materials: Eucalyptus wood, 100% spun polyester cushions
Pros:
- A full cost friendly six-piece set takes the guesswork out of designing your space
- Made from durable eucalyptus wood
- More sustainable than other materials
- Pieces sold as a set or separately
Cons:
- Expensive
- Natural materials may require more TLC
- Light-colored cushions may stain easily
Pieces: 2 (chair and table)
If you want to look like Miriam Maisel while lounging by the lake in the Catskills during your upstate vacation, this is the vibe. The redwood outdoor chaise can be topped with a towel or a cushion, depending on what you want. The chair can sit in four different positions and, in a move that makes us really believe in the human good, it has a slide-out snack tray. But, fair warning: As dreamy as this chair is, our beauty editors would like us to note that it’s not a call to bake in the sun without SPF slathered on thick.
Materials: 100% solid B grade redwood
Pros:
- Beautiful, high-quality materials
- Can be adjusted in four different positionis
- Durable and long-lasting
- Table features slide-out snack tray
Cons:
- Sold individually, not as a set
- Expensive
- Natural materials may require more TLC
Pieces: 1
For those in particularly humid climates, go with a metal option, according to Dove. This one has sleek, modern build that will look good living in a jungle-inspired backyard or on an NYC rooftop. You can choose various finishes on the couch, so if you’re living in a place with more dirt and dust, you may want to opt for a darker shade, while if you’re on that NYC rooftop, the white should be no prob for you.
Materials: Aluminum, teak accents, UV-resistant foam cushions
Pros:
- Metal can withstand more humid environments
- Customizable
- Thick, durable cushions
- Versatile
Cons:
- Expensive, especially if you aren’t a Rove member
- Sold individually, not as a set
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Pieces: 4 (loveseat, tables, and 2 chairs)
Kick back and relax in this plush Better Homes & Gardens Bellamy 4-Piece Patio Conversation Set. With a cozy loveseat, two chill armchairs, and a handy coffee table, you’ve got everything you need for those lazy afternoons or laid-back evenings. And it’s durable—the handwoven, double-weave wicker on the chairs and loveseat is weather-resistant, and table is made from sturdy powder-coated steel and hardy faux wood that holds up in the elements. So you can leave it out all summer worry-free.
Materials: All-weather wicker, powder-coated steel, polyester fabric
Pros:
- Durable and long-lasting
- Plush, cushy seats
- Beautiful design
Cons:
- Pricey
Pieces: 4 (2 loveseats, 2 chairs)
This combination of wood plus rope gives you the best of both worlds. You’ll have a sturdy base and rope detailing is not only functional to help with the longevity of the piece, but it also serves as a nice design detail.
Materials: Acacia wood, cotton rope, UV-resistant fabric
Pros:
- Unique design
- Durable
- Lifetime warranty
- 100-day trial
Cons:
- Expensive
- Natural materials may require more TLC
- Light color might not be right for everyone
Pieces: 2
At the end of the day, buying furniture you love comes down to a certain level of customization. While note all of us can afford that level of detail, more and more brands are setting out to make you part of the designing decision—like Dwell. You choose the base (we love this teak one) and then pair with the color of cushions that fit your style and situation. One million gold stars for this
Materials: Teak, performance fabrics
Pros:
- Customizable
- Thick cushions
- Durable and long-lasting
- Modular frame can be expanded upon easily
Cons:
- Expensive
- Natural materials may require more TLC
- Customization leads to longer shipping times
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Pieces: 1
“I’m doing more outdoor kitchens than ever as more people are reimagining how we live and entertain at home. For those who can custom build an outdoor kitchen, I use quartz and porcelain materials as they perform best in the heat, sun, and rain,” says Dove. “When looking for outdoor dining furniture, I point clients in the same direction, focusing on similar materials. Opt for durable surfaces that are non-absorbing and easy to cover.” This Room and Board option ticks all of those boxes—plus a sincere devotion to the customizability means that you’ll have this piece forever.
Materials: Varies
Pros:
- Durable, long-lasting materials
- Customizable
- U.S. craftsmanship
Cons:
- Expensive
- Customization leads to longer shipping times
Pieces: 1
“Umbrellas are a MUST,” says Dove. “Shade is key for entering, and they can help protect your materials.” This one from Business & Pleasure Co. gives off slightly vintage vibes and total protection from the blazing UV rays. It’s made from bamboo ribs and a cotton-polyester blend cover. You’ll want to ensure that you store it inside for maximum longevity.
Materials: Cotton, polyester, wood
Pros:
- Durable
- Ships right away
- Beautiful design
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Expensive
FAQs
What is the most durable wood for outdoor furniture?
As mentioned, you’re going to want to look for denser woods with higher oil content. The following are excellent considerations:
- Teak: One of the most frequently tapped outdoor woods, teak is incredibly dense, which prevents water from getting in and causing it to rot. However, it tends to be quite expensive, so if you go this route, expect to shell out for it.
- Eucalyptus: Another dense wood that has the right oil content, eucalyptus is a growing material utilized in outdoor furniture, making it a material that’s being used more and more in furniture.
- Acacia: A dense wood that’s less pricey than teak, acacia is naturally weather resistant, repelling sun damage, rain, and pests.
- Cedar: While cedar is less dense than eucalyptus or teak, it’s a great option for folks worried about pests. It contains natural oils that help to repel insects and bugs.
- Redwood: A similar wood to cedar, redwood has natural oils that repel pests and water alike, making it a durable option for folks looking for something that’s less expensive but will still last.
How durable is eucalyptus wood for outdoor furniture?
Eucalyptus is growing in popularity because the wood seems to regenerate more quickly than other options. It lasts for decades, and while it isn’t as dense as teak, it is quite dense, making it a good option for those looking for a piece of wood furniture outside. The wood varies in color and finish depending on what you want; however, like all woods, it will weather if it’s not maintained properly, so ensure that you’re taking care to preventatively treat it.
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