Is there anything more wonderful than sharing a delicious meal in a beautiful outdoor space? From enjoying a cookout with your family to sipping a glass of wine with your friends, there’s simply nothing better than spending time outside with food and your favorite people.
Of course, when you’re with your loved ones, you can have a good time just about anywhere – but if you’re hosting a gathering, it’s only natural to want to make your space comfortable and inviting. We get it! That’s why we’ve rounded up some of our favorite patio dining sets on the market today.
Whether you’re looking to accommodate larger groups, find a set for your smaller space, or are simply hoping to get the best bang for your buck, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to learn more.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
Kinger Home 5-Piece Outdoor Dining Set
Best Splurge:
PHI VILLA 9 Piece Outdoor Dining Set
Best Budget-Friendly Option:
SUNCROWN 5 Piece Outdoor Dining Set
Best Overall
Kinger Home 5-Piece Outdoor Dining Set
This reasonably priced, mid-size patio dining option from Kinger Home was an easy choice for our Best Overall award. A charming ensemble features 4 chairs and a circular table, this chic set has everything you need to enjoy your next outdoor meal in style.
The elegant, durable construction from cast aluminum–a material known for its longevity–means that these chairs won’t budge even in high winds and should last for years to come. Additionally, the furniture can withstand the elements and is suitable for year-round use.
We do want to note that, because the chair seats are a bit of an odd shape, they may not work with some standard outdoor cushions. However, many customers have reported that the seats are quite comfy on their own, so you likely won’t need to add cushions anyway.
Pros
- Very durable; aluminum won’t rust and should last a long time
- Pieces are heavy enough to not blow over in high winds
- Table has umbrella hole
- Eye-catching, modern design
Cons
- Some customers reported difficulty with assembly
- Chair seats are irregularly shaped and may not work with some cushions
Best Splurge for Larger Groups
PHI VILLA 9 Piece Outdoor Dining Set
If you’re looking for the perfect patio dining set for hosting gatherings (or simply your larger family), check out this wonderful modern-meets-Old-World option from PHI VILLA. Featuring 8 chairs with cushions and a spacious square table, it’ll accommodate your group with ease.
While this is definitely an investment piece, it’s one that you and your family will love to gather around. The chairs are really the stars of the show here; boasting thick cushions to provide even more comfort, they also feature the ability to gently rock and swivel all the way around – allowing you to turn and face whoever you’re talking with.
Additionally, this metal set has been treated with an anti-rust coating, so it’ll be a breeze to clean and maintain. The table also has an umbrella hole in the middle, making it that much easier to keep yourself and your guests cool and happy.
Pros
- Can seat 8 guests at once
- Chairs can swivel and gently rock
- Metal is easy to maintain
Cons
- Assembly may be somewhat difficult
- Some customers have experienced problems with chair legs holding water and leaking
Best Budget-Friendly Option
SUNCROWN 5 Piece Outdoor Dining Set
Looking for a decent backyard patio set that won’t break the bank? Check out this 5-piece option from SUNCROWN – it has exactly what you need to be able to enjoy a lovely outdoor meal while still staying on budget.
This affordable patio set consists of a table and 4 chairs. The gorgeous rattan wicker is durable and weather-resistant, so you shouldn’t need to plan on replacing it anytime soon. Additionally, the set features chair and table legs made of aluminum as well as a tempered glass table topper, helping the furniture to last even longer.
Plus, these pieces will keep you nice and comfortable as you enjoy your meals. The chairs come with cushions that also boast zippable covers that can be easily removed and washed. The table also features an umbrella hole, giving you the ability to add extra shade if needed.
Pros
- Everything you need in a mid-sized patio set for a very reasonable price
- Material is durable and weather-resistant; great longevity
- Table has tempered glass top
- Cushion covers are washable
Cons
- Some customers said the cushions were a bit thin
- No way to accommodate more than 4 people
Best Wooden Set
Christopher Knight Home Hermosa Acacia Wood Dining Set
Of course, any list of patio dining set options needs to feature a Best Wooden Set category; this timeless material will look beautiful in any backyard. We think that this ensemble from Christopher Knight Home might just be the perfect choice for you – here’s why.
With a table and 4 chairs, all fashioned out of acacia wood, this well-constructed patio set is perfect for accommodating your mid-sized group in style. We love the sturdy design, the gorgeous wooden tabletop pattern, and the comfy chair cushions.
Of course, you’ll want to keep in mind that, like any sort of wooden outdoor furniture, this set will need some regular cleaning and maintenance. Since too much water exposure can cause the wood to bulge, it’s a good idea to use coasters while dining to avoid wet spots; you may also want to take it inside or cover it with a tarp if your area is expecting rain for an extended period.
The wood can be safely cleaned with gentle soap on a towel or brush. Additionally, treating the pieces with teak oil every 2 to 3 months, especially during the warmer seasons, can help to keep your wooden furniture in the best shape possible.
Pros
- Durable, well-constructed wooden set
- Classic style – will fit in with almost any aesthetic
- Reasonable price for a 5-piece set
Cons
- Wood requires regular maintenance to stay nice
- Pieces don’t fold up – may be difficult to bring indoors during inclement weather
Best for Small Spaces
Best Choice Products 3-Piece Outdoor Rust-Resistant Cast Aluminum Patio Bistro Set
Now, if you’re looking at adding a dining set to a balcony or smaller patio, remember that just because you want something more compact doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality! This adorable bistro set from Best Choice Products proves our point.
With a table and 2 chairs, this cast aluminum set is the perfect patio dining option for a smaller space. As we discussed earlier, this material is incredibly durable – although you may want to keep in mind that, unlike some other metal sets, this set is relatively lightweight, so it may not be the best option if you’re hoping for pieces that’ll hold up against high winds. Nevertheless, you’ll still enjoy that the aluminum construction requires very little upkeep to keep it looking great.
And there’s no denying it: with the antique vibe and availability in 3 different color choices, this set has some serious style. In fact, the chairs are so charming (we’re a little obsessed with the tulip design!) that you just might want to use them as seating even when you’re not using the table.
Pros
- Affordable set that doesn’t sacrifice durability
- Could use the chairs by themselves without the table if you wanted to
- Multiple color options
Cons
- No way to accommodate more than two people
- Relatively lightweight set – not ideal for resisting high winds
Bonus Option: Best Multipurpose Set
Wisteria Lane Patio Furniture Set
So we’ve covered our five favorite patio dining sets, but we just couldn’t help ourselves – we had to throw in this ensemble from Wisteria Lane as a bonus option. If you’re hoping to make the most of your space by combining your outdoor seating area with a place to enjoy meals, this is the set for you.
Featuring a table, sectional couch, and 3 ottomans, this steel and wicker patio set is truly the best of both worlds when it comes to enjoying both conversation and dining. You can use the pieces separately as needed for your ideal seating arrangement, or combine them all together to form the full dining set.
This set comes with cushions for the sectional and ottomans, featuring covers that are both splash-proof and easily washable – and they’re available in different colors, too. We also love the plastic wood table top and the bonus storage under the table. Functionality is the name of the game here!
Pros
- Affordable set that can accommodate a larger group
- Could use the pieces individually if you wanted to
- Multiple color schemes available
Cons
- Some customers have said the cushions are a bit thin
- Some customers reported difficulty with keeping the pieces of the sectional couch together
Patio Dining Set Buyer’s Guide
So, we’ve gone over some of our favorite patio dining sets – but with so many great options to choose from, how do you truly know which set is right for you?
There are a few factors worth considering as you make a decision about which type of patio set will be the best choice for your specific situation. Let’s take a closer look.
Size and Number of Pieces
One of the first determinations you’ll want to make is the general size of the patio dining set you’re looking for. Think about the size and layout of your outdoor dining area, and ask yourself: what can reasonably be placed here without being crowded? What table shape would work best in the space? How many chairs will fit?
You’ll also want to consider how many guests you hope to accommodate, as this will help you determine how many pieces of furniture you should buy. If you’re planning to host larger gatherings, you may want to opt for multiple smaller sets in order to try to maximize seating; it can often be easier and more affordable to have two or three smaller tables seating a few guests each rather than one larger table.
Material and Care
As we’ve already seen in our discussions of some of our top picks, patio dining sets can require different maintenance routines depending on the material they’re made of. You’ll want to keep these upkeep needs in mind when making your selection.
Wood and wicker sets may be more vulnerable to the elements and will require special care to avoid water damage; however, if properly maintained, they can be quite durable. Metal and vinyl, on the other hand, can usually handle inclement weather without problems and are known for their longevity. Additionally, metal sets are often the heaviest, which can be a plus if your area is prone to high winds.
Extra Features
Finally, you may want to consider any extra features that you’d like to have as you choose your next patio dining set. For instance, if your outdoor dining space gets a lot of direct sunlight, you may want to seek out a table that allows you to add an umbrella in order to ensure the comfort of your guests. In other cases, pieces of furniture that fold up are extra handy when storage space is limited. Choose what works for you!
Patio Dining Set Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve now covered many of the basic elements of choosing a patio dining set, but maybe you still have some questions about what owning one will look like. Let’s see if we can help with those.
How can I protect my patio dining set from inclement weather?
The answer to this question will depend somewhat on the material of your dining set. Most metal and vinyl patio sets can handle rain without any problems. But as we discussed earlier, since wood can be vulnerable to water damage, you’ll want to either cover it before it rains or wipe it down afterward.
In terms of other types of weather, you may want to consider storing your patio set in your garage or shed if you’re expecting a lot of snow to prevent the pieces from straining or collapsing under the weight. Storing your set may also be a good idea if you’re expecting high winds or hail in order to prevent damage.
What sort of maintenance will my patio dining set need over time?
Again, this answer will vary by the material of your set as well as your local climate. You’ll need to be diligent about keeping your wooden pieces dry to keep them in tip-top shape. Depending on the specific type of wood, they’ll also need periodical oiling and staining.
While metal sets shouldn’t need as much maintenance to preserve their structural integrity, you may still want to wipe them down periodically and touch them up with a fresh coat of spray paint every few years to help them look their best.
Wrapping Up Best Patio Dining Sets
There are a lot of great dining sets on the market for every kind of outdoor space. By highlighting some of our favorites and going over some important factors to consider, we hope we’ve given you the tools to feel confident in picking your new patio dining set. Now, get ready to start planning for your next backyard bash!
If you’re looking for even more ways to get your backyard ready for hosting guests, be sure to check out some of our other outdoor living posts.
- About the Author
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Based in Cincinnati, Lauren loves spending time outdoors and witnessing the beauty of Ohio’s changing seasons. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, watercolor painting, and botanical drawing. Lauren believes that everyone has the ability to create a beautiful outdoor space and is passionate about helping readers cultivate their own little slice of paradise.
With a bachelor’s in Classics and a master’s in Library & Information Science, she finds her work deeply fulfilling and enjoys having the opportunity to learn something new every day.