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A well-furnished outdoor space designed with simple patio decor ideas can provide a backyard oasis for relaxation within steps of your home’s interior. The best outdoor furniture really depends on the size of your space and how you want to use it. For example, if you love lounging outside but aren’t so excited about the idea of al fresco meals, you might want to skip a dining set in favor of more comfy conversation seating.
While there are lots of furniture brands to choose from, not all are created equal. Quality is key when it comes to the best outdoor furniture because you want products that stand up to the elements while maintaining a fresh, stylish look.
“Consumers should look for pieces that are responsibly made, easy to care for and are made of durable and fade-resistant materials,” Jenon (Bailie) Stroup, Merchandising & Design Director at Room & Board, says. When looking for the best outdoor furniture, she emphasizes the importance of looking for designs that will last, like powder-coated stainless steel, outdoor suitable-woods and aluminum, all of which can battle it out against harsh sun rays or rain.
Ahead, check out our picks for the best outdoor furniture brands.
best overall
POLYWOOD
Pros:
- Long-lasting designs made from recycled plastics
- Easy assembly
- Virtually maintenance-free
- Variety of pieces and colors to choose from
- Generous 20-year warranty
- White glove delivery available for a fee
- Made in the USA
Cons:
- Built-to-order sets may take longer to ship
- Partial assembly required
Not only is POLYWOOD’s outdoor furniture both stylish and durable, but it’s constructed from recycled plastics, making it eco-friendly as well. Even better, the material can really stand up to the elements, so whether you’re dealing with sun, snow, or rain, these pieces are built to last. POLYWOOD offers everything from Adirondack chairs to complete dining sets that will give a plain patio some pizzazz.
Earlier this summer, writer Marisa Hillman was looking to replace her conversation set with an outdoor dining set that could accommodate her large family. She opted for POLYWOOD’s Lakeside 6-piece dining set and chair cushions. “My neighbor has a POLYWOOD dining set and after three years of being exposed to harsh New England winters and summer sunshine, it still looks brand new,” she says. “Plus, it’s incredibly sturdy which means it will stand up to whatever my four children throw at (or, rather, on) it.”
Marisa chose the brand’s upgraded, vintage finish in hopes that the wirebrush finish would mask any nicks her children might create. And while this upgrade tacks on an additional $900, Marisa feels that the brand’s 20-year warranty makes it a worthwhile splurge. “I’ve seen how well this brand holds up over time thanks to my neighbor,” she says. “But knowing that my set is warrantied against splinters, cracks, chipping, peeling and rot for 20 years also made such a large investment more palatable.” In addition to the conditions listed above, POLYWOOD’s warranty also promises that their furniture will not suffer structural damage from insect infestation.
The only downside we’ve found is that you’re unlikely to have your furniture delivered in a day or two. Most POLYWOOD furniture is made-to-order in Indiana and North Carolina and some pieces take longer than others. Marisa’s set came with a lead time of 17 to 20 business days with an additional weeklong shipping window. Other sets, however, don’t take quite as long. “My parents ordered a smaller POLYWOOD dining set with a standard, white finish,” says Marisa. “We ordered our sets the same day, but mine took almost a month to arrive whereas theirs was delivered within two weeks.”
Regardless of the long shipping times, we’re confident that you’ll find this brand well worth the wait.
Customer brand rating: 4.5 | Highlights: All-weather furniture, made in the USA, 20-year warranty | Products sold: Adirondack chairs, dining sets, benches, tables, decor
best budget
Living Accents
Pros:
- Great prices
- Holds up well over time
- Looks nice
- Sold at a variety of retailers
Cons:
- Cushions may not be washable
- Some assembly required
The best outdoor furniture can be expensive, so your wallet will heave a sigh of relief at Living Accents’ economical home furniture price points. And, no, you won’t be sacrificing quality. Their quaint Claude Brown Wicker Frame Chair Set is a real steal with two chairs, a loveseat and coffee table.
After writer Marisa Hillman moved into her home in 2018, her parents gave her a similar Living Accents set as a housewarming gift. After seven years, it still had enough life left to be passed onto a new home rather than tossed. “There were some loose and broken weaves on one of the wicker chair arms, but nothing terribly devastating,” Marisa explains. “I’m really impressed by how well this little set held up over the years. And I think its new owners will be able to enjoy it for several seasons.”
The only thing she didn’t like was the inability to wash the cushion covers. “We always tried to bring the cushions inside, especially when it was going to rain. But we weren’t always successful,” she says. “After several years of use, I did start to notice a mildewy smell. It would have been nice to remove the covers and toss them in the wash while allowing the foam to air out.”
Customer brand rating: 4.5 | Highlights: Affordable price points, elegant look, sells both outdoor and indoor furniture | Products sold: Patio furniture, umbrellas, conversation sets, decor
best for small spaces
Andover Mills
Pros:
- Great options for small spaces
- Large selection
- Free one- or two- day shipping on many items
- Affordable prices
Cons:
- Partial assembly required
- No in-person showrooms
The Wayfair brand has a fantastic range of furniture in all sizes, from sectionals to sofa seating groups. But we really love that Andover Mills also features some compact offerings to fit into small patio areas. The Cilegon 4-Piece Conversation Set is a beautiful set for enjoying the outdoors while catching up with a friend.
This set is made of synthetic wicker rattan that is resistant to weather, rust, mildew and UV rays. It includes one round end table and three seats that form a modular L-shaped sofa, making it perfect for a small patio. And the non-slip feet are ideal for poolside placement. It also comes with seven fade-resistant seat and tufted back cushions. Choose from navy, red or eye-popping turquoise.
Need it in a hurry? You’re in luck. Many of the brand’s outdoor furniture pieces are eligible for Wayfair’s free one- or two-day delivery.
Customer brand rating: 4.2 | Highlights: Exclusive to Wayfair, affordable prices, versatile designs | Products sold: Conversation sets, decor, fireplaces, dining sets
best lightweight
Adams Manufacturing
Pros:
- Made of lightweight resin
- Stackable
- Rated to hold between 250-350 pounds
- Offered in an array of fun colors
- Easy to clean
- American made
- No assembly required
Cons:
- Doesn't have a high end look
If you need something that is easy to move and store, Adams furniture check all the boxes. They have lots of stackable options for space-saving savvy, and offer many different types of chairs from Adirondacks to loungers. You’ll also find side tables and pint-size seating for kids. Best of all? They come in an array of colors, from neutrals to vibrant hues.
Adams furniture is made in the USA using high-quality polypropylene, or resin. But don’t let its lightweight design fool you. Most of the brand’s chairs have a weight capacity of 250 pounds. Their Big Easy chair has a weight limit of 350 pounds.
The chairs are sold at retailers all over the country. In fact, Marisa came across the brand’s Adirondack chairs at her local grocery store and purchased four of them for her backyard fire pit. “They were on sale for $20 a piece so I figured why not,” she says. “They’re surprisingly comfortable and I love being able to stack them under the deck when we’re not using them.” They were so comfortable and convenient that Marisa went back and purchased four more. After three summers, they still look new with no cracks, chips or fading.
Marisa also appreciates how easy these chairs are to maintain. “All I have to do is hose them down before we have company,” she says. “And when they’re especially dirty, a little dish soap and a scrub brush cleans them up in just a few minutes.” Doesn’t get much better than that!
Customer brand rating: 4.8 | Highlights: Inexpensive, fun colors, lightweight, stackable | Products sold: Adirondack chairs, tables, kids’ furniture, chaise loungers
best for mixing and matching
Laurel Foundry Modern Farmhouse
Pros:
- Lots of mix-and-match options
- Solid wood and metal styles available
- On-trend designs
- Free shipping
Cons:
- Some assembly required
With a mix of furniture designed to be warm, welcoming and comfortable, the modern farmhouse vibes of this brand are perfectly on trend. We love that you can buy a complete set, like this Cheney Solid Wood 2-Person Seating Group, or mix and match pieces sold a la carte.
There are dozens of pieces to choose from and they’re all made of high quality materials including hardwoods like teak, acacia and eucalyptus. Or you can opt for a classic metal set that requires little to no maintenance.
The brand has earned an impressive 4.6 out of 5 stars from verified buyers, many of whom rave about the furniture’s comfort and durability. Many also say that while some assembly is required, it’s easy to put together. We especially love the fact that most of the brand’s pieces are available with free, fast shipping so you can deck out your space in no time.
Customer brand rating: 4.6 | Highlights: Affordable pricing, modern designs| Products sold: Loungers, dining sets, conversation sets
best for stylish details
allen + roth
Pros:
- Interesting details
- Sturdy construction
- Tons of styles
- Fast and free delivery options
- Installation available on some sets
Cons:
- Some assembly required
It’s all in the details with some of allen + roth’s most desirable offerings. With its wide selection of traditional and contemporary styles, the Lowe’s brand gets great reviews. They strive to provide everything you need to turn your backyard into a true oasis. From patio cushions to sectionals, you’ll find high quality pieces at affordable prices. They’ve even teamed up with POLYWOOD to create a line of outdoor furniture that will last season after season.
Depending on the set you choose, some assembly may be required. Luckily, the website is pretty clear about what you can expect. Some sets, like this Leo Springs 3 -Piece Wicker Patio Conversation Set, only require you to attach the legs. And if you opt for a larger set, like this Thomas Lake 7-Piece Patio Dining Set, you can have it installed for an additional fee.
To really bring your space together, allen + roth also has a selection of patio umbrellas, pergolas and throw pillows.
Customer brand rating: Not stated | Highlights: Tons of sets available, durable materials used | Products sold: Chairs, cushions, dining sets, umbrellas, sofas and sectionals
Industry Trends for 2025
Bailie says that the biggest outdoor trends for this year include outdoor entertaining (think grills or cooking and kitchen spaces) and material mixing. She says that a lot of these fun combinations are based on texture, color and warmth.
She also notes that there’s a continued emphasis on furniture that’s built to last and look good over time. When you’re spending a good chunk of money on an outdoor furniture set, there’s an expectation that the materials and fabrics can stand up to elements like UV rays or summertime storms. This means that regardless of which brand you’re shopping, you want to make sure the construction is top-notch so it’ll last you year after year.
What to Consider
Material and Durability
When shopping for outdoor furniture, focus on the materials used and how they will hold up in your climate. For example:
- Woods like teak are naturally weather-resistant and long-lasting.
- Recycled-plastic lumber (HDPE) and powder-coated aluminum/metal frames offer low-maintenance options that resist rot, rust and warping.
- Less weather-resistant choices (untreated wood, low-grade metal, fabrics not rated for outdoor use) may require frequent maintenance or fail sooner than expected.
Weather and Maintenance Requirements
Consider how much care you’re willing to put in and what your local weather will demand. Furniture exposed to rain, sun, humidity or frost should use fabrics and finishes rated for outdoor use.If you’d rather minimal upkeep, lean toward materials and brands that emphasize “set it and forget it.” For example, recycled-HDPE furniture is noted for this. Before buying, answer questions like: Will cushions need to be brought inside? Does the frame need securing or re-finishing each year?
Size, Function and Comfort
How you’ll use the space matters. Think about seat depth, table height, whether pieces stack or fold for storage, and whether the furniture fits the space in a functional way, like for dining, lounging or entertaining. Also consider how many people you’ll use it for regularly, and whether you might want extra pieces for flexibility. And don’t forget: Comfortable materials matter just as much as durability for enjoyment.
Warranty, Brand Reputation, and Sustainability
Before purchase, check the brand’s track record and guarantee. A strong warranty or good brand reputation suggests the manufacturer expects the piece to stand up to the elements. If sustainability is important to you, look for eco-friendly materials, like FSC-certified wood and recycled plastics, and manufacturing practices.
FAQ
What type of outdoor furniture is the most durable?
Commonly, patio items are constructed from either wicker/rattan, metal, solid wood or plastic. The durability of any material depends a lot on the weather conditions where you live. Consider how well they’ll stand up to rain, humidity, UV rays, mildew, rust and wind.
Metal is often considered the ideal material for the best outdoor furniture because it’s heavy and sturdy. However, without proper care, it is prone to rust, particularly in the case of wrought iron. In terms of wood, teak is often used in high-quality furniture because it repels water and doesn’t warp the way other types of wood might.
Bailie also recommends high-density polyethylene (HDP), marine-grade upholstery, stainless steel, thermally modified ash and teak as durable materials to look for.
Which outdoor furniture is easiest to clean?
Even the best outdoor furniture requires a little TLC, with metals like stainless steel and wrought iron considered among the easiest materials to clean. Typically, all it takes is a little dish soap mixed with warm water. Apply with a sponge to remove any dirt and grime.
POLYWOOD products also clean up easily. Because the material is heavy-duty plastic, it’s relatively simple to wipe down without worrying about rusting.
How can I protect my outdoor furniture from the elements?
Use fitted, weatherproof covers when pieces aren’t in use, and store cushions indoors or in a deck box during rain or winter. Applying sealant to wood or anti-rust spray to metal once or twice a year can extend the life of your furniture. If you live somewhere with strong sun exposure, consider a UV-resistant umbrella or pergola to prevent fading and cracking.
What’s the best fabric for outdoor cushions?
Outdoor cushions should use solution-dyed acrylic or olefin fabric. Both are engineered to resist fading, mildew and moisture. Sunbrella is the most recognized brand in this category, but many furniture companies now use comparable proprietary fabrics. Avoid untreated cotton or polyester blends, which tend to absorb water and deteriorate faster.
How long should good outdoor furniture last?
Quality patio furniture can last anywhere from five to 15 years, depending on materials, maintenance, and climate. Teak, aluminum and HDPE furniture often endure the longest with minimal upkeep. Lower-cost sets made from untreated wood, steel, or resin may need replacing every few seasons, especially if left uncovered in harsh conditions.
Why You Should Trust Us
To come up with our list of the best outdoor furniture brands, we took our research seriously. We scoured the web for the most popular and customer-loved options, considering big factors like price, ratings and reviews, shipping, warranties and versatility. Ultimately, we wanted to put together a list where everyone could find something for their lifestyle, regardless of the size of their outdoor space or their budget.
We also spoke with Jenon (Bailie) Stroup, a furniture and interior design expert with 19 years of experience at Room & Board. Bailie talked to us about what buyers should think about when purchasing outdoor furniture, lending her expertise to chat through industry trends, durable designs and elements to consider.
Melissa Lee, Content Updates Editor at Reader’s Digest, updated this piece and contributed to its research. Melissa has six years of commerce experience under her belt and has written shopping guides about all things home and DIY. Monica Petrucci is a Content Updates Editor for Reader’s Digest, and she contributed research for this article as well. Monica is a writer and editor who has been covering commerce content for sites like USA Today, Yahoo and Food & Wine for several years.
