Best Dining Set
Better Homes and Gardens Brookbury 4 Piece Wicker Outdoor Patio Sectional Dining Set
WALMART
- It comes with two protective covers.
It comes with two protective covers.
- It took us over two hours to assemble.
It took us over two hours to assemble.
We chose this Better Homes and Gardens four-piece set as the best dining set because of its versatility and value. The set includes a large L-shaped sectional, a rectangular table with a cutout to fit a patio umbrella, and a bench that doubles as seating and storage. We think the set works great for both hosting and for families, as we were able to comfortably lounge, eat, and work at the table with a toddler.
Using the bench for seating, the set can fit up to six people comfortably for dining. The bench and chair cushions remained supportive throughout our testing process. The entire set was durable, holding up to wind, rain, and sun. The set’s cushions are covered with a water-repellent fabric. While most water did run off in our tests, there were some droplets that remained that eventually sank into the cushion, so you’ll want to make sure to use the protective covers if rain is in the forecast.
One of the included covers is L-shaped to fit over the sectional, and the other covers the table and bench, though you’ll need to push the underneath the table. We found the covers easy to place over the furniture, and the bungee cords at the bottom cinched well for extra security; the covers stayed put despite experiencing some windy days.
The table has a woodgrain texture and look, but it is made of metal. While it didn’t get too warm to the touch, it’s worth considering putting it in the shade if you tend to have hot summers. The wicker is made of plastic, which made it lightweight and easy to move.
Keep in mind, you may want to set aside an afternoon to assemble the set, as it took us over two hours to complete—longer than any other set we tested.
Product Details: Number of Pieces: Four | Material: All-weather plastic wicker, steel frames, polyester cushions | Weight Capacity: 900 pounds (sofa), 600 pounds (bench)
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / LAURA MILLER
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / LAURA MILLER
Best Modern Dining Set
Article Lubek Dining Set
ARTICLE.
- It has adjustable leveling feet, which are effective at preventing unsteadiness on uneven surfaces like stone.
It has adjustable leveling feet, which are effective at preventing unsteadiness on uneven surfaces like stone.
- The benches are heavy and not easily movable.
The benches are heavy and not easily movable.
The Lubek dining table earned the title as our favorite modern dining set for its sleek and distinct look. The table and benches are made of acacia wood with industrial powder-coated steel legs. The benches are heavy—so much so that we recommended another person’s assistance when moving. The benches have adjustable leveling feet, which helped keep them stable on our uneven stone patio.
Each bench comfortably sits four people, so eight total can use them for outdoor meals. We found the benches wide enough that it was easy to slide back if you’d prefer more distance between you and the table.
The set was delivered with Article’s white glove delivery, and assembly only took the delivery team 45 minutes to complete. Plus, they took the boxes and packing materials with them once assembly was complete.
As far as durability, the set did not have any immediate fading or damage after a few rainy and stormy days. The brand recommends avoiding sharp temperature changes and indoor storage is suggested for rainier or colder climates. Article also mentions that small cracks and fissures may happen with changes in humidity and temperature, which is natural for solid wood furniture.
The acacia wood will have some variations in color or texture and eventually, it weathers to a softer gray color with time. Despite the higher price, a cover isn’t included, but purchasing one will help prevent long-term damage.
Product Details: Number of Pieces: Three | Material: Acacia and steel | Weight Capacity: Not listed
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HILDARA ARAYA
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HILDARA ARAYA
Best Egg Chair
Better Homes and Gardens Bellamy Round Wicker Outdoor Egg Chair
WALMART
- It’s spacious and comfortable to sit in for long periods of time.
It’s spacious and comfortable to sit in for long periods of time.
- The set can withstand light weather, but we found it safer to store cushions indoors if heavy rain is in the forecast.
The set can withstand light weather, but we found it safer to store cushions indoors if heavy rain is in the forecast.
If you’re looking for an egg chair to add to your backyard space, this wicker version received high marks in our tests for comfort and affordability. We found the chair to be durable, withstanding spring weather extremes (including rain, snow, cold, sun, and wind). Given it held up well to light moisture exposure, we think it’s ideal for a semi-exposed outdoor area like a balcony or covered patio. We did not notice any color fading from the sun in our tests.
Assembly took one hour and 20 minutes, but despite the time, we found the chair straightforward to put together, and a socket wrench is included.
The chair is large enough to lay back on or sit cross-legged, and we spent time both reading and working in it. The cushions it comes with are removable and we found them comfortable to sit on or lay against for long periods of time. We think the seat is wide enough to feasibly seat two people, but keep in mind that the weight capacity is 350 pounds.
We found the cushions easy to wipe clean, noting dirt didn’t stick to the fabric. If the cushion covers need more cleaning, they are removable and washable.
Product Details: Number of Pieces: Four | Material: Hand-woven, all-weather wicker (chair), polyester (cushions) | Weight Capacity: 350 pounds
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / MOLLY BLANCO
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / MOLLY BLANCO
Best Accent Chair
Better Homes and Gardens Tarren Wicker Outdoor Accent Chair with Cushions
WALMART
- Everything needed to assemble the item was included in the box.
Everything needed to assemble the item was included in the box.
- The cushion covers aren’t removable.
The cushion covers aren’t removable.
After testing this outdoor accent chair, we found it to be of excellent value, especially for its comfort and durability. We found it to be particularly impressive because it withstood Hawaii wind, rain, sandy feet, food crumbs, and even dirty dog paws. Small stains rubbed off easily with a wet paper towel, but a soft cloth and mild soap is recommended, as the cushion covers are not removable.
The chair arrived as just one wide box. Inside was everything needed to assemble the item, which is great for those without a large amount of tools on hand. Assembly took approximately 45 minutes, including unboxing and breaking down boxes when finished.
We found the chair to be perfect for settling in to read a good book or enjoy an outdoor snack with our dog at our side. The chair felt sturdy and secure, despite the wicker feeling a bit plasticky. We found it to be overall well made, especially for the price point.
Product Details: Number of Pieces: Three | Material: Steel, polyethylene wicker, and weather-resistant fiberfill | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / ERIN JOHNSON
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / ERIN JOHNSON
Best Chaise
Polywood Coastal Chaise
WAYFAIR
- It’s comfortable and easy to clean.
It’s comfortable and easy to clean.
- The chaise is on the pricier side compared to others, but it comes with a 20-year warranty.
The chaise is on the pricier side compared to others, but it comes with a 20-year warranty.
Setup for this Polywood chaise was straightforward, and the instructions included diagrams that were easy to understand.. We found the chair lighter than expected, which allowed for easy movement around a patio or outdoor space. It also included a set of wheels to help with moving the chaise as needed.
We especially appreciated its comfort factor—we found it enjoyable in its upright, angled, and reclined positions. The upright position is great for reading while we found the reclined and flat positions better for lounging in the sun. The sling fabric felt comfortable against bare skin.
Since it is made of polywood, the chaise is safe for wet climates as it can be scrubbed or power washed of any mildew or dirt. Compared to other options we tested, the chaise is pricey, but it comes with a 20-year warranty.
Product Details: Number of Pieces: One | Material: Plastic | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / FRANCES CROUTER
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / FRANCES CROUTER
Best Table
Crate and Barrel Lanai Fliptop Dining Table
CRATE AND BARREL
- It’s a sturdy and well-made table that folds for easy storage.
It’s a sturdy and well-made table that folds for easy storage.
- The dark color may get hot in high temperatures.
The dark color may get hot in high temperatures.
If you already own patio chairs and want to add a table to your setup, we recommend this Crate and Barrel table, which is ideally sized for two to four people. At less than 36 inches wide, it’s a great size for apartment balconies or smaller patios. The dark slated tabletop is a versatile look that can fit in both modern and traditional patio designs.
In addition to its rustproof aluminum build, the table is lightweight and is foldable for easy storage. A rubber backing protects the tabletop when it folds down, a thoughtful feature we appreciated.
This table received high marks for withstanding wind, snow, and rain during its testing period. For cleaning, vacuuming or light brushing to remove debris is recommended. It is advised to cover or store the item indoors during the winter or extreme weather conditions.
Assembly was simple, taking us less than 10 minutes. Leveling feet are built in to help with uneven surfaces.
Product Details: Number of Pieces: One | Material: Aluminum | Weight Capacity: Not listed
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / KRISTIN CLEVELAND
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / KRISTIN CLEVELAND
Best Small Dining Set
The Pioneer Woman Goldie Garden Bistro Set
WALMART
- Setup4.5/5
- Design4/5
- Durability4/5
- Quality4/5
- Value4.5/5
- It only took 30 minutes to assemble, and the chairs were lightweight and easy to move.
It only took 30 minutes to assemble, and the chairs were lightweight and easy to move.
- It’s only offered in one color.
It’s only offered in one color.
This bistro set by The Pioneer Woman is the perfect patio furniture if you’re furnishing a small space. The set includes two chairs and a compact table and can work on a patio, in a garden, or even on a balcony.
We were able to set up the table and chairs within 30 minutes and two sets of hands, which we recommend if you purchase this set. Though we were initially overwhelmed by the amount of parts it came with, the instructions were clear and it was easier than we anticipated.
Although bistro sets are compact, we felt that this set seemed small. However, we appreciated the height of the seat in comparison to the table and felt that it was a great space to enjoy a cup of coffee or a small meal. Just keep in mind that the set is only offered in a bold teal shade that may not suit everyone’s taste.
This set was tested in Des Moines, Iowa and was subjected to both heavy rain showers and very hot days. Regardless of the weather, the set held up and we didn’t notice any damage or fading throughout the testing period.
The set is made of aluminum, so it was lightweight and easy to move. Though we noted that the pieces felt cheaper than we would have expected, the chairs still felt sturdy and supportive.
How It Performed After Six Months
We put this bistro set in our backyard and noted that it could withstand rain, snow, and the sun. There were some minor chips of paint but other than that, we didn't see any rust or discoloration throughout the set. Overall, we found it sturdy and comfortable to use and we also liked the design, which made for a decorative addition to our space.
Product Details: Number of Pieces: Three | Material: Aluminum | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds (chairs)
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / BRIDGET DEWALD
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / BRIDGET DEWALD
Best Wicker Seating
Devoko Wicker Patio Conversation Set
AMAZON
- Setup5/5
- Comfort5/5
- Durability5/5
- Quality4.8/5
- Value5/5
- The set was able to withstand rain showers during testing.
The set was able to withstand rain showers during testing.
- The removable cushion covers have to be spot cleaned.
The removable cushion covers have to be spot cleaned.
This Devoko Wicker Patio Conversation Set is ideal for your outdoor space if you have a small area or just want to add some extra seating. We placed it on our wooden deck and found that it was a comfortable spot to lounge.
This Devoko furniture set had a straightforward assembly that only took us about an hour to complete. We especially appreciated that all the screws were the same size, so it was easy to just grab one as you needed it.
Overall, we liked the set and thought it was a good spot for regular sitting, like enjoying a cup of coffee. The chairs feature a curved back that offers subtle support, and we never felt any pain or discomfort while using them. We also used the set to entertain guests that are senior citizens, and they remarked that the seats were comfortable to use.
We experienced two thunderstorms while testing this set and were pleased with how it held up both times. There were some beads of water on the cushions and they didn’t take too long to dry. Though the pieces held up well, we’d still recommend bringing them in ahead of inclement weather, especially since the removable cushion covers are not machine washable.
How It Performed After Six Months
The set was tested in the Pacific Northwest and was able to withstand both wind and rain. We were not as diligent as we should have been with bringing the chair cushions inside during bouts of rain, but we ended up liking the look of the set more without them anyway. We didn't notice any wear and tear on the set. Leaves, seeds, and other debris often got stuck in the intricate design, but it was easy to wipe them off.
Product Details: Number of Pieces: Three | Material: Steel and rattan | Weight Capacity: 330 pounds (per chair)
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DENA OGDEN
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DENA OGDEN
Best Wood Set
Christopher Knight Home Carolina Outdoor Sofa Set
AMAZON
- Setup5/5
- Comfort4.8/5
- Durability4.8/5
- Quality5/5
- Value5/5
- It didn’t experience any weather damage during testing.
It didn’t experience any weather damage during testing.
- We noted that the seats felt thin.
We noted that the seats felt thin.
After testing this Christopher Knight Carolina Sofa Set, we noted that it was one of the best pieces we’ve ever owned. The four-piece set includes a small sofa, two chairs, and a coffee table, and we found that it was a comfortable spot to sit in.
The furniture arrived completely unassembled in one box, and we needed two people to carry it. The pieces were packaged well, and we especially liked that the hardware set for each furniture piece was organized into its own bag, making assembly easy.
While testing the set, we felt that the chairs seemed a bit narrow and might be tight for larger users. That being said, the pieces in the set were comfortable and stylish-we had guests over and a few even bought the set after trying ours. Just keep in mind that the set’s sofa seemed more like a loveseat that could comfortably seat two people, so it’s not ideal if you need it to entertain large groups.
The furniture experienced both very hot weather and heavy rain with moderate wind, neither of which impacted the pieces. We didn’t notice any fading or damage while trying them out and felt that the pieces were secure overall.
How It Performed After Six Months
During testing, we felt that the frame and table weighed enough to withstand being left outside during inclement weather. We often brought the cushions inside, however, and noted they sometimes became lightly stained by bird droppings, dirt, and other debris.
The cushions could be easily washed, but we appreciated that they were reversible so we could keep the cleaner side up between cleanings.
We didn't notice any damage to the set and after six months, we liked the rustic patina that was forming. If we could change anything, we would have liked if the arms on the chair were wider so we could rest a beverage on it. Otherwise, we thought this set was a great value.
Product Details: Number of Pieces: Four | Material: Acacia wood | Weight Capacity: Not listed
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / JOHN SOMERALL
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / JOHN SOMERALL
Best Bench
Grandin Road Amalfi Bench
GRANDIN ROAD
- Setup5/5
- Comfort5/5
- Durability5/5
- Quality5/5
- Value5/5
- It’s a sturdy and supportive seating option.
It’s a sturdy and supportive seating option.
- The chair cushion is sold separately.
The chair cushion is sold separately.
The Grandin Road Amalfi Bench is a great choice for a front porch or if you need additional seating in your garden. It only took us about 30 minutes to assemble and since it’s not very heavy, we could easily move it around.
The bench is offered in five different colors, so you’ll be able to choose which one that suits your space. We placed it on our front entry patio and while we wouldn’t recommend lounging in it for a long time, it was a comfortable spot to sit. It felt sturdy overall, and we also liked the height of the back of the chair as it offered some additional back support.
There is a cushion for this bench, but keep in mind that it’s sold separately. We purchased a white cushion, and it does show stains from dirt and debris. Since the cushion can only be spot cleaned, we’d recommend purchasing a different color.
How It Performed After One Year
We tested this bench for an entire year and left it uncovered, exposing it to rain, wind, hail, and snow. The bench remained in great condition and we didn't notice any warping, discoloration, or other damage. We recommend purchasing a seat cushion for added comfort, though we still thought this bench was a great purchase overall.
Product Details: Number of Pieces: One | Material: Wood | Weight Capacity: Not listed
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / ASHLEY CRAIGER
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / ASHLEY CRAIGER
Best Aluminum Seating
Article Calicut Loveseat Set
ARTICLE
- Setup5/5
- Comfort5/5
- Durability5/5
- Quality5/5
- Value5/5
- The delivery team placed the furniture where we wanted it and unboxed it for us.
The delivery team placed the furniture where we wanted it and unboxed it for us.
- It’s only offered in two colors and doesn’t include a coffee table.
It’s only offered in two colors and doesn’t include a coffee table.
Article’s Calicut Coast Loveseat Set may be more of an investment than other options but after testing the set at home, it’s some of the best patio furniture we tried. The three-piece set includes a loveseat and two chairs that we felt were both supportive and comfortable.
The set is offered in either black or gray and is made of aluminum, a durable and lightweight material. It was delivered a few days after we ordered it and we loved that it was placed where we wanted it on our cement patio and unboxed the pieces for us, making assembly seamless.
While using the set, we noticed that the cushion fabric never got hot or sticky, and while the pieces were also subject to some bird droppings, they were easy to wipe down. We also experienced storms, strong sunshine, and fire-induced smog during testing, none of which seemed to cause any issues for the pieces.
It’s worth noting that the set does not come with a table, a feature we wish was included. Otherwise, we loved the set overall and are confident that it’ll last for years to come.
How It Performed After Six Months
This set looked good as new even after we left it uncovered in rain storms, heat waves, and other inclement weather. During testing, kids jumped on it, dogs and cats sat on it, and we ate on it, and there wasn't any damage to the cushions or the furniture. Although it's an investment, we think its durability and that it comes assembled makes it worth the splurge.
Product Details: Number of Pieces: Three | Material: Aluminum | Weight Capacity: Not listed
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DONNA FREYDKIN
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DONNA FREYDKIN