The 6 Best Patio Dining Sets, Tested and Reviewed

After setting up the Better Homes & Gardens Tarren 5-Piece Outdoor Dining Set on a wooden deck in a yard in Iowa, we fell in love with its stylish and modern look, mixing a black and walnut-colored metal frame with all-weather wicker (Better Homes & Gardens is owned by The Spruce’s parent company, Dotdash Meredith). 

The round table is perfectly sized for most patios, and the uniquely shaped chairs offer plenty of leg room, fit nicely around the table, and push almost fully under the table to save space. We also found this 5-piece set to be durable and stable, never wobbling or toppling over during months of use.

Although we didn’t experience extreme weather during testing, the table and chairs held up well after a few rainstorms, but the outdoor cushions soaked up a lot of water and took over six hours to dry. We suggest covering or storing them when not in use. 

The setup was a relatively easy process (an hour and a half with two people assembling), thanks to clear instructions. We also appreciated that all the pieces were clearly labeled, and we didn’t need any additional tools (everything was included in the box).

We do want to point out a few small issues with the design. While we loved the black color on the table and chairs, the metal did get pretty hot in the sun. We found that it was pretty uncomfortable to sit at the table without a patio umbrella to keep the seat cool (the table has an umbrella hole, but an umbrella is not included).

We also noted that the table was easy to wipe down, but very fine debris would get stuck at the table’s edge. We think a leaf blower or small steam cleaner would remove this easily. While we enjoyed sitting at this table for hours with friends over the testing period, we do wish the backs of the chairs were a little higher for added comfort. However, we still think this set is an excellent option because of its beautiful look and durability (just be sure to keep the cushions covered during rain). 

_{Pieces: 4 chairs, 1 dining table | Seating Capacity: 4 | Material: Steel, polyethylene (PE) resin rattan, solution-dyed polyester with 50 percent recycled material | Umbrella Hole: Yes}

Bistro sets, like this one from Grand Patio, are a great, affordable alternative to large patio dining sets that work well on small patios or balconies. We tested this set in our backyard in Texas for weeks and were thoroughly impressed by its comfort and durability.

We experienced multiple storms during the testing period, including intense ice and snow, and the furniture, though lightweight, did not move an inch. All three pieces together weigh under 50 pounds, so it is easy to move around your outdoor space as needed, but it proves sturdy in inclement weather. The main issue was pollen covering the set after rain, but it was easy to wipe down the steel furniture, leaving it looking brand-new.

The table and chairs also fold for easy storage during the off-season. What’s more, all three pieces come fully assembled, so they’re ready to use and enjoy right out of the box. Metal chairs aren’t always the most comfortable, but we found these suitable for hours of sitting, chatting, and drinking coffee. You can always add a cushion for extra comfort.

We loved the height of the table; it’s perfect for eating, unlike other tables we’ve tested that were too low to the ground. While we were concerned about the metal heating up on hot days, we continue to use this set weekly after months of intense heat and rain. It certainly warms up, but we are still able to sit comfortably in direct sunlight.

_{Pieces: 2 chairs, 1 dining table | Seating Capacity: 2 | Material: Steel | Umbrella Hole: No}

If you’re looking for the aesthetic of a wicker dining set constructed from more durable materials, then we recommend the Palermo set from Frontgate. During testing, we found that its durable, rust-resistant, powder-coated frame and antimicrobial resin wicker seats make it a must-buy.

The wicker is made from high-density polyethylene, which prohibits fungus and mildew growth so that these chairs can weather the seasons. We experienced intense rainfall and wind during the testing period, and the table held up exceptionally well.

The seat cushions (sold only with the set or must be purchased separately) are covered in 100 percent waterproof Sunbrella Rain performance fabric. We found they dried quickly, even after intense rain. In the past, we’ve found performance-fabric cushions to be uncomfortable, but these are equally firm and cushioned for hours sitting around the table.

We love this table’s glass top, which can easily be wiped off before and after hosting a dinner party. Plus, it has a hole (and cover) for a patio umbrella. One issue we found was that after the rain, some water and debris got trapped under the glass. Removing and wiping down the top is a two-person job, but relatively easy in the event of extreme weather.

While it comes with six chairs, we think you can easily accommodate eight people around the large table. The chairs were wide enough for everyone who sat down during testing, and we especially loved that two of the included chairs had armrests.

Frontgate recommends covering this set with a weather cover when it’s not in use or storing it in an outdoor shed during the winter months. We realize that not every home will have a large enough storage area for this dining set, so we recommend investing in the compatible table and chair cover if you want to splurge on this set.  While the assembly was easy for this set, and Frontgate brought the multiple boxes right to our backyard, all of the pieces were very heavy, so definitely recruit a friend to help.

_{Pieces: 2 arm chairs, 4 side chairs, 1 dining table | Seating Capacity: 6 | Material: Resin wicker, powder-coated aluminum frame, Sunbrella performance fabric cushions | Umbrella Hole: Yes}

We assembled this wooden Walker Edison set and used this set on one of our own decks for several weeks (and through several storms) in Iowa, and found it to be durable and sturdy. Made of Acacia wood, the beautiful set can expand from a 4-person to a 6-person table and comes with plenty of seating, including four armchairs and a bench.

This set came in four boxes and took about an hour and a half to assemble. While we found putting together the chairs and bench to be a relatively easy process for one person, putting the table together required two people at times. We appreciated that the set came with a few extra pieces if needed, but it felt like some of the images in the instructions were a little unclear. 

The manufacturer recommends applying teak oil every three months to keep the set looking great, which is typical of wooden furniture. We used this table daily over two months, leaving it out exposed on a deck, partially covered by an umbrella for most of the sunny hours of the day. We did notice slight warping around the sides of the center part of the table, but this is not noticeable when the table is extended to its largest size.

At 30 inches high, we found the table was able to accommodate slightly taller chairs (the average dining table height is above 28 to 32 inches), so we liked being able to use our own glider chairs (at counter height) when we had extra guests. We did find the chairs to be comfortable for most of our guests, but some found that the back of the chair was a little too far back (although adding a pillow could help).

Also, we noticed that all of the chairs could not fit fully under the table at the same time (you can only fit the chairs fully under one side at a time). Although it could be an issue with our assembly, we also noticed that the table seemed to fit better with the leaf than without (the two side pieces without the leaf didn’t fit together as snugly), but that didn’t make it less durable or affect the use.

_{Pieces: 4 dining arm chairs, 1 bench, 1 dining table | Seating Capacity: 6 | Material: Acacia wood | Umbrella Hole: Yes}

The best part of a metal patio dining set is that you can leave it out year-round without worrying about it becoming worn or excessively dirty, and our testing proved that this metal table from Crate & Barrel is no exception. Through a year of wind, rain, snow, and hail, this table remained sturdy, clean, and unchanged, thanks to its powder-coated aluminum construction.

One of the best aspects of this table is that the top flips vertically, so the table lies flat to store inside a shed or garage. We found this process extremely easy and intuitive. There’s a secure latch that you tighten to lay the table flat and release when you’re ready to store it away. There’s even a rubber backing to protect the table’s legs when you fold it down, which we appreciated.

It comfortably seats up to four people, but you’ll have to purchase the chairs separately. Part of the same collection, the Lanai Outdoor Chairs have the same aluminum construction, so we’re confident they would be equally durable. However, we recommend using them in the shade, since the material is prone to overheating.

The assembly took less than 10 minutes. Everything was packaged extremely well, and Crate & Barrel provided a very accurate delivery date. We recommend having a friend handy because the table’s metal pieces can get heavy. In terms of cleaning, we found it’s easy to wipe down the table with some mild dish soap in case it gets dusty or covered in pollen.

_{Pieces: 1 dining table | Seating Capacity: 4 | Material: Aluminum | Umbrella Hole: No}

The Polywood Lakeside 7-Piece Dining Set is our top pick because of its durable, marine-quality material and classic design. Although many high-quality materials can withstand mixed weather conditions, we’ve found through testing other products, like their Adirondack chair, that Polywood lumber is easy to clean and can be left outside without concern for its structural integrity or color fading over time.

With this dining set’s material in mind, we think it’s reasonably priced compared to other sets on the market that may be made from wood or metal, which do eventually crack and rust after many seasons of use and weather exposure. Plus, this dining set can be purchased in seven colors, and you can also choose to upgrade the table base for a different aesthetic. Polywood also offers chair cushions, an umbrella, and a base that are compatible with this set. 

Together, the entire set weighs over 200 pounds, which means the box(es) it arrives in will be heavy and difficult to maneuver. We recommend having a helper nearby for assembly and unboxing. However, the weight of each individual piece means this set may be able to withstand higher winds in the case of a storm.

We did have some difficulty during our assembly process with Polywood’s Modern Adirondack Chair, but a quick review of some helpful assembly videos on Polywood’s website resolved our issues. Keep this in mind when you start assembling the dining set, which we have not personally tested.

_{Pieces: 2 dining arm chairs, 4 dining side chairs, 1 dining table | Seating Capacity: 6 | Material: Polywood lumber | Umbrella Hole: Yes}