Best Large
Walker Edison Delray Classic Outdoor Dining Set
- This dining set offers a classic, durable wood design with an extendable table to accommodate additional people.
This dining set offers a classic, durable wood design with an extendable table to accommodate additional people.
- Setup time is significant and took us 90 minutes to set up.
Setup time is significant and took us 90 minutes to set up.
A full-size dining table that seats six can take up quite a lot of space, even if you have a roomy outdoor area. So we appreciated that the Walker Edison Delray Classic Acacia Wood Outdoor Dining Set features a table that can be expanded to convert from a four- to a six-top.
The acacia wood in this set is warm and classic, while the X-back chairs are roomy and comfortable, though we noted that additional cushions would be ideal for anyone experiencing back issues.
A nice feature is the table’s height; at 35 inches tall, it’s taller than many other patio tables, and we liked that you could create extra seating by using counter-height chairs with it.
The furniture held up well during the testing period, during which time it handled a storm. To help the wood last longer and protect it from the elements, the manufacturer recommends applying teak oil every three months or so.
While the assembled table is certainly worth the extra time and effort, we did note that setup was significant. We assumed the chairs and bench would take time to build, but the table required two sets of hands during certain steps. Plus, some of the pictures in the instructions didn’t align with the pieces.
We also noted that the bolts on the chairs loosened after a week or so, though they were simple enough to tighten.
Product Details: Material(s): Acacia wood | Pieces: Six | Seating Capacity: Six | Table Dimensions: 35x30x55 to 79 inches
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / CHAD SPARKS
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / CHAD SPARKS
Best Small
The Pioneer Woman Goldie Garden Bistro Set
- This is a highly durable outdoor dining set that is made with lightweight aluminum that’s easy to move around a yard.
This is a highly durable outdoor dining set that is made with lightweight aluminum that’s easy to move around a yard.
- Setup could be a little easier, and the bright teal color might not be for everyone.
Setup could be a little easier, and the bright teal color might not be for everyone.
If you have a small outdoor space or think you’ll primarily need a patio table for one or two people, you might want to consider the Pioneer Woman Goldie Cast Aluminum Garden Bistro Set.
This set is made of aluminum (one of the most durable materials for outdoor furniture, according to our experts) in a cheerful teal hue and includes a small round table in a traditional lattice pattern with two matching chairs.
Being on the smaller side, this bistro table isn’t functional for a full meal (you couldn’t fit cups, plates, and flatware on it, for example), but we found the size to be perfect for drinks or a light meal like breakfast. The chairs are comfortable for the style, the table feels sturdy, and all of the pieces are surprisingly lightweight and easy to move around.
There were several heavy rains as well as hot days in Des Moines, Iowa, where we used this set during testing. We didn’t notice any color fading or damage to the table or chairs and while the chairs are fairly small, they still felt sturdy and supportive.
We didn’t experience any delivery issues — the set arrived in a large box in good condition — and the setup, while uncomplicated, did take about 30 minutes with two people. The number of parts seemed overwhelming at first but once we separated the legs of the chairs and the parts of the table it was more manageable. The instructions were fairly easy to follow as well, though we recommend using your own wrench, as the one that comes with the set is small and doesn’t work well.
While we liked the set’s lattice pattern, it’s only offered in a teal shade that may not suit everyone’s taste. Ultimately, this is a great pick if you’re looking for a portable and nice-looking bistro set that will hold up well over time and is well-priced.
Product Details: Material(s): Aluminum | Pieces: Three | Seating Capacity: Two | Table Dimensions: 26.5 x 23.6 inches
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / BRIDGET DEWALD
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / BRIDGET DEWALD
Best Modern
Article Lubek Dining Set
- This is a sleek-looking dining set that’s made of high-quality materials and can seat up to eight people.
This is a sleek-looking dining set that’s made of high-quality materials and can seat up to eight people.
- The benches are quite heavy, so they may not be easy to move around if you need to.
The benches are quite heavy, so they may not be easy to move around if you need to.
The words “absolutely beautiful” came to mind when we first unpacked the Article Lubek Tuscan Brown Dining Set. With its sleek design, this three-piece indoor/outdoor dining set is truly striking. We were instantly impressed by the high-quality materials and generously-sized table.
The benches and table in this set are made of beautiful slatted acacia wood that gives a warm, classic look, contrasted with sleek powder-coated steel legs. Though there are no cushions, we found the benches comfortable to sit on. Each can seat up to four people, making the set spacious enough to host a dinner party. Plus, the furniture felt sturdy and secure.
During the home testing period, the benches and table were rained on a few times and soaked up lots of sun, but we didn’t notice any warping, wear, or fading. Overall, we were hopeful the materials would withstand the elements reasonably well in the longer term. Article does recommend indoor storage, however, which suggests you’ll still want to be mindful about how much water exposure the wood gets.
We appreciated that delivery was a breeze. The set arrived via white-glove delivery that far exceeded our expectations; workers assembled each piece remarkably quickly, and the entire process was seamless. They even removed the boxes and packing materials when they finished.
That said, the furniture looked reasonably easy to assemble yourself if you needed to do so— there are only a few parts to attach, and you just need an Allen wrench.
This set is one of the pricier outdoor dining sets on our list. But given the high-quality materials and design, not to mention how many people the table can accommodate, the price tag feels justified.
Product Details: Material(s): Acacia wood and powder-coated steel | Pieces: Three | Seating Capacity: Eight | Table Dimensions: 94.5x39.5x30 inches
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HILDARA ARAYA
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HILDARA ARAYA
Best Table
Crate and Barrel Lanai Fliptop Dining Table
- This aluminum table is sturdy, well-made, and a breeze to store.
This aluminum table is sturdy, well-made, and a breeze to store.
- The dark color could get a bit hot in warm weather.
The dark color could get a bit hot in warm weather.
It may look simple, but don’t be fooled: The Crate and Barrel Lanai Dining Table is a truly excellent outdoor table. Made of durable aluminum, this table is beautifully designed, compact, and effortless to set up and use.
While it would look just right in pretty much any setting, this table’s smaller footprint makes it ideal for homes with limited outdoor space, such as those with a balcony or courtyard.
Though sturdy, it’s not so heavy that you can’t easily pick it up when not in use. The best part? The whole thing folds down when you want to move it out of the way. This enables you to store the table completely flat, either up against a wall or on a shelf in a shed or garage, for example.
The aluminum has a quality finish and feels expertly constructed. We were impressed by some of the clever details, such as a rubber stopper on the underside that protects the table legs from scratches when you fold it down.
We were also very happy with Crate and Barrel's delivery. The table was shipped through a freight company, and we were updated throughout the process with an arrival date and delivery window. The table came securely packaged in the box and was easy to unpack and assemble.
We were only able to test this table in mild weather, so we’re mindful that the aluminum could get a bit hot on a warmer day. Note, too, that this price just includes the table, but you can purchase the matching Lanai chairs separately.
Product Details: Material(s): Aluminum | Pieces: One | Seating Capacity: Four | Table Dimensions: 35.75x35.75x28.5 inches
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / KRISTIN CLEVELAND
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / KRISTIN CLEVELAND