10 Best Outdoor Dining Sets For Your Patio 2023

Now that the weather is getting warmer, eating outdoors is a great way to get some air while changing up your regular dining routine.

Outdoor dining sets add to the ambiance by providing an intimate setting.

When choosing outdoor furniture, you may find that the qualities are similar to those you look for in an indoor set.

Certain aspects such as comfort, durability, and style are important for outdoor sets, but they also need to withstand outside weather.

Consider the environment you live in and think about any issues you may face.

If you live somewhere warm and humid, you may be more susceptible to mold and rotting; whereas if you live somewhere cooler your furniture may crack more.

Mainstays Albany Lane 6 Piece Outdoor Patio Dining Set: Best 4- Seat Outdoor Dining Set

It can be rare to find an outdoor dining set that comes with an umbrella.

This six-piece dining set not only includes an umbrella but has an affordable price tag as well.

The Albany Lane set is great for small gatherings, patios, or decks and includes a dining table, four folding sling chairs, and an umbrella.

The tabletop is made from tempered glass tabletop with a water wave design.

The design of the table makes it easy to clean while being safe and durable.

Grand Patio Premium Steel Patio Bistro Set: Best Foldable Outdoor Dining Set For Two

If you don't have a lot of space, finding the right look can be crucial.

While you want your outdoor dining set to fit, the design will set the whole tone of your limited outdoor space.

The Grand Patio Premium Bistro Set is perfect for watching the sunset or having a few glasses of wine. And when you're all done, you can just fold the chairs and table up and stow them away.

Its classic design and metalwork means it can go with any setting, making this especially for modern outdoor patios and urban terraces.

And being able to choose from 10 different colors means you can pick the perfect set for your outdoor space.

While the Grand Patio Bistro Set for 2 may look flimsy customers assure that it is not, saying that they are heavy enough and stable. Some love this set so much they purchase multiple sets in different colors.

Barela Wicker/Rattan 8-Person Seating Group with Cushions: Best Large Outdoor Sectional Dining Set

If lucky enough to have a large outdoor patio, backyard, or terrace, consider purchasing a sectional which will provide plenty of seating for patio parties.

This outside sectional is easy to clean: lightly brush or vacuum often to prevent dirt from setting. For any stains, spot clean using a mild water-based solution.

While this sectional requires relatively little maintenance, vacuuming frequently is key to keep your outdoor dining set looking its best.

The upholstery is made from polyester, which has advantages over natural fibers such as cotton, especially in an outdoor setting.

Polyester won't absorb stains or water in the same way that cotton or linen may and is easier to keep clean.

Shropshire Rectangular 6-Person 60'' Long Dining Set: Best Value Outdoor Dining Set

This 7-piece outdoor dining set includes seating for 6, giving your guests ample space to relax. This set includes 6 chairs and a table constructed with UV and rust-resistant metal.

UV rays are the largest factor in fading of fabrics, woods, carpets, etc. Materials can even degrade with prolonged UV exposure.

The rectangular table features tempered glass and an umbrella hole in the center to protect you from the sun.

It is important to note that this does set does not include an umbrella.

The fabric on the chairs is mesh-like to keep sitters cool during the warm months.

Round 8-Person Picnic Table By Leisure Season: Best Outdoor Picnic-Style Dining Set

Large families or party hosts will love the ample seating this bench set provides as well as love the quaint picnic-style table and seating.

This dining set is made out of natural unstained wood.

The seating is broken into 2-person benches, making it easy for dining to slip in and slip out unlike traditional rectangular picnic tables.

Not only can this set seat 8 people but the table even includes a hole for an umbrella.

While the set does not include an umbrella a standard outdoor umbrella should fit right in.

The advantage of this set is that it is one piece--meaning all the seating stays together along with the table itself.

Nuu Garden 3-Piece Aluminum Outdoor Bistro Set: Best Lightweight Garden Outdoor Dining Set for Two

Aluminum is a great choice when picking an outdoor dining set because it is weather-resistant, anti-rust, and is less prone to age or fade.

Aluminum is a durable material that can last for years with proper care.

Aluminum furniture is lightweight and easy to move around.

There are anti-slip rubber bases on all of the legs to keep your furniture from sliding.

This aluminum outdoor dining set is perfect for relaxing on the balcony, deck, or porch.

The 2 armless chairs can hold up to 280 pounds and have a curved backrest for comfort.

Furthermore, the whimsical design of the tables and chairs make just right for your enchanting garden get-togethers.

Roberto Rectangular 8-Person Aluminum Dining Set: Best Outdoor Dining Set for Entertaining

If you do a lot of entertaining, then you want a dining set that can comfortably fit a large party.

This set is perfect for outdoor barbecues as it is weather, water, UV, and rust-resistant.

The sturdy construction of metal and wood makes the chairs and table a comfortable experience for entertaining and hanging outdoors.

It's clean modern design means it's perfect for any style of setting--whether you want to elevate an urban patio, beach deck, or rustic garden.

When cleaning the tabletop, simply use warm water and gentle soap.

Gunner Swell Outdoor 3-Piece Bistro Set: Best Bistro-Style Outdoor Dining Set

This quaint dining set is perfect for a bistro-style brunch and adding some color to your patio.

The powder-coated iron makes this both weather and rust-resistant.

There are open slats on the chairs so that rainwater does not collect.

This table’s oval shape makes it different in design than the usual round tables.

This set also saves space by fitting the armchairs into the table when not using. The Gunner comes in three stunning colors, sure to make a statement in your outdoor space.

Eilaf 7-Piece Eucalyptus Fold and Store Dining Set: Best Sturdy Folding Dining Set

This foldable outdoor dining set provides seating for six and is made from durable eucalyptus hardwood.

When not in use, you can fold the chairs and store them inside the table.

The edges of the table fold down to maximize space.

This dining set does require some assembly so it is better for those who are handy.

This outdoor dining set is affordable and provides a fair amount of seating, making this a great set for families.

Glenridge Falls 7-Piece Metal Outdoor Dining Set: Best Comfortable Outdoor Dining Set

While some outdoor seating for dining sets can be very durable, this usually means the chairs are made of rigid materials, making it not a very comfortable long-sitting experience.

Sling fabric is popular because it dries quickly, does not crack easily, is easy to care for, and provides some give, so the sitter has extra comfort.

They make perfect dining sets for outdoor barbecues and pool parties and their sturdy fabric can body weight and tension, while the swivel gives sitters extra mobility.

It includes seating for 6 people. To add to the comfort of the sling fabric, the chair can also rock back, which are supported by a metal frame.

These versatile and easy to clean seats make these perfect for hosting parties or having elaborate dinners.

Customers who purchased the Glenridge Falls Metal Outdoor Dining Set were overall very happy with their purchase and especially liked how comfortable and supportive the chairs were and the easy assembly.

How We Decided

Our best overall category was chosen due to the amount of seating, if it includes an umbrella, and price.

Size

When looking for the best outdoor dining set, we were looking for those that could fit in New-York apartments. There are a few larger sets included for those that are fortunate enough to have a bigger backyard.

Storage

In New York especially, space is precious. We looked for space-saving sets such as benches that could tuck away under a table. Sets that come with its own storage is a plus.

Durability and Resilience

The weather in New York City is unpredictable, so you need a set that is weather-resistant. Sets with a medium weight to them were high on the list since they were less likely to fly away.

Long-lasting furniture is also high on our list to ensure you get the most bang for your buck. Look for material that doesn’t rust as easily and can adapt quickly to the elements.

What is the Best Material for an Outdoor Dining Set?

The challenge with buying an outdoor dining set is that it needs to withstand the elements.

Although there is no such thing yet as a 100% weatherproof patio set, you can minimize damage depending on the materials you pick.

The best material for you ultimately depends on what you are looking for and what your sense of style is.

Some of the best materials for an outdoor dining set include wood such as teak.

Wood

Wood is a sturdy and natural material suitable for tables, chairs, benches, and more.

The tricky part is that not all wood is treated the same when being outside, so doing your research can save you a few headaches.

Softwoods such as cedar, fir, and pressure-treated pine do not fair well in different types of weather and are best suited indoors.

Hardwoods are more durable as they can resist weather damage. They can last longer then softwoods when treated properly.

The one downside to hardwood is that it can be more expensive since it is harder to shape.

Which Type of Wood is Best For Outdoor Dining Sets?

The type of wood selected for your outdoor furniture can ultimately determine its durability with usage and exposure to the elements.

Let's look at some of the common species used in building quality outdoor furniture.

Teak

Teak is a popular type of wood choice for outdoor dining sets. Unfortunately, everyone else seems to think so too, which makes teak a high-demand, high-cost material.

A justification for teak’s high price is the extreme durability it possesses, especially during in-climate weather.

Teak is very strong and is less likely to crack or warp unlike other types of material.

Shorea

This type of reddish-gold tropical wood is one of the few hardwoods that are more durable than teak.

Unlike most woods, exposure to heat improves the strength and flexibility of the shorea.

Shorea has a high oil capacity that shields it against insects, mold, and weather damage.

It is much less expensive than teak, but will also take on that grayish color if not oiled regularly,

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is a sustainable, fast-growing hardwood originally from Australia.

This type of wood can last a long time and is cheaper than its teak counterpart.

Its oil acts as a natural insecticide, however it is highly suggested to use a sealant.

This will improve the resistance of eucalyptus to pests and will prevent moisture from being trapped unevenly.

Metal

Metal is one of the strongest and durable materials out there.

It is a great choice when choosing outdoor furniture and can be combined with other materials for your own unique look.

Due to their malleable shape, metallic frames can be hammered thinner into more interesting designs than of other materials.

This allows manufacturers to be more creative and come up with intricate ideas.

There are some things to consider when choosing metal as your material of choice for outdoor furniture.

For example, metal is a great conductor of heat since metal has free-ranging electrons which boost conductivity.

If you will be placing your outdoor dining set in a sunny area, make sure to include some shade.

Even an umbrella will help mitigate some of the suns’ rays.

Which Type of Metal is Best For Outdoor Dining Sets?

There are various types of metal to choose from for your outdoor dining set. While they all have their own unique properties, most metal outdoor dining sets benefit as they are durable, long-lasting, and come in an array of designs.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a very strong material that is perfect for heavy dining tables, sofas, and other types of furniture.

Stainless steel furniture has a high density preventing it from dents, damage, and being toppled over by strong gusts.

Though stainless steel will get hot underneath the sun, it handles extreme temperatures better than most metals.

Other elements including nickel, copper, and nitrogen may be incorporated to increase its resistance to corrosion, oxidation, and other benefits.

Aluminum

One of the most popular metals for outdoor furniture, aluminum is lightweight but strong and durable.

Aluminum can be manipulated during the creating process to create intricate designs.

Benefits of aluminum include being inexpensive and low maintenance.

While aluminum resists rust and is weather-resistant, it doesn’t hurt to look for outdoor furniture with a polyester powder coating.

This coating adds a level of protection to fight off elements and keep your set from scratching.

Iron

Iron is one of the most well know metals since it has been around for years due to its strength and durability.

If properly cared for, iron can last for years and is often used when making tools, buildings, furniture, and even cooking instruments.

Being one of the heaviest metals, iron can be heavy and hard to move.

The upside to this is that iron can withstand strong winds, so you won’t need to worry as much about your furniture falling over.

There are two popular types of iron: wrought and cast.

Since iron is extremely malleable under high heat during the creation process, it can be maneuvered into different shapes and designs with an artisan appeal to it.

Cast iron is melted and poured into molds, making it heavier and harder to work with than wrought iron.

Can You Keep Your Outdoor Furniture Outside All Year Long?

The beauty of patio furniture is that it is made to stay outdoors. The trick is to protect your furniture before fall and winter arrive to avoid damage.

Before covering or storing your furniture for the cooler months, make sure to clean your set properly and apply protective sealant ahead of time.

Protecting your outdoor furniture before winter will save you money, time, and stress. Leaving just one chair out during a storm can cause irreversible damage. Keep your expensive set safe by using furniture covers and/or caring for it properly.

Is the Weight of an Outdoor Dining Set Important?

When choosing an outdoor dining set, weight is an important factor to consider.

You want the furniture to be heavy enough not to topple over easily but also light enough to move.

If your furniture is lightweight, you risk the chance of having them fall over or blow off your property.

Some apartments in NYC may have certain rules about outdoor furniture and may require you to tether your furniture and covers.

Purchasing heavy furniture can also be tough to constantly move in and outdoors during in-climate weather.

What Are the Different Types of Outdoor Dining Sets?

Outdoor dining sets come in all different forms. Some of the more popular dining sets consist of benches, fire pits, and bistro-style.

What is a Bistro-Style Set?

A bistro-style dining set is perfect for eating outside during the summer months.

A bistro-style dining set and the table are usually foldable or stackable so it is easy to store.

Outdoor dining sets with benches

Outdoor dining sets with benches are great for large families.

Outdoor dining sets with benches can fit more people than individual chairs.

Benches are also perfect for social distancing as you can sit as close or far away from each other as you want.

Should You Buy Covers For Your Outdoor Furniture?

The last thing you want to do with your brand new outdoor furniture is to leave it out in the rain, only to find it completely ruined the next day.

It can also be tiring to move your whole outdoor dining set each time the weather changes, especially if your set is made from heavy metal.

Even if your set is “weather-resistant” it will last longer with protection than if kept outside the whole time.

Purchasing covers for your outdoor furniture is a smart idea, especially when living in New York.

If you are lacking storage space to protect your set during the elements, then buying covers for your furniture is a great idea and saves space.

If you do not have a safe space to store your furniture during harsh weather conditions, then a cover for your set is highly suggested.

Covers will protect your furniture from rain, pests, and can prevent fading from the sun (especially great for wooden furniture).

What is a Sling Patio Chair?

A sling patio chair is durable as it does not stretch out and stays comfortable for a good amount of time.

The frame is lightweight and is resistant to rust, cracks, or peeling,

Sling chairs have a wide range of fabric options that make these types of chairs brighter and more vibrant in color.

They are usually made of sturdy materials such as wick, wrought iron, wood, cast aluminum, and more.

Their durability makes it tough to tear or rip the sling fabric.

Due to its tension and high quality, it is rare that the material will break.

When treated with proper care, sling chairs can last the owner a long time.

Tips On Picking Out the Perfect Outdoor Dining Set

When picking out a dining set for the outdoors, you need to take multiple factors into consideration.

If you know the ambiance and size you are looking for, then you can easily determine the shape.

A long rectangular table is beneficial if you throw elaborate dinner parties or if you have a large family.

A round table is excellent for smaller families or informal gatherings.

Size

Having the right size furniture is critical, especially if you are living in a small setting.

There should be enough room for your family to be comfortable without being too large for the space.

When picking out a set, measure carefully and remember to account for extra space.

People will back their chairs out and will also walk around and behind the dining set.

Style

There are various styles of patio furniture, including rustic, country, and modern.

The type of patio furniture you use should match the style of your home, including outside furniture and landscaping.

Material

It is important to think of your climate when choosing your outdoor furniture.

If your patio has a cover or roof over it, then you have more of a leeway.

If your furniture will face direct elements such as sun, rain, and snow, you will need to consider specific colors and materials.