Patio Dining Sets Buying Guide

Alexa EricksonUpdated: Apr. 15, 2022

If you’re ready to add a patio dining set to your outdoor living space, we can help you find the one that’s perfect for your lifestyle. This insightful patio dining sets buying guide helps answer your questions so you can choose a patio dining set you’ll love for years.

via amazon.com

Whether you’re looking to design a patio with pavers, brick or poured concrete, here are 15 perfect patio designs to inspire you.

What size patio dining set should I get?

Patio dining sets come in various shapes, sizes, materials and colors. Size is a big factor to take into consideration. If you have a small balcony patio, a bistro set is your best bet. We love this three-piece outdoor bistro set. If you have ample space and plan to host a big dinner party with friends and family, select the largest patio dining set that will fit your outdoor living space. Measure to be sure the chair legs will still be on the patio surface even when they are pushed out from the table. We love this stylish set with 10 chairs.

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What patio dining set style is right for me?

Whatever your style, there’s a patio dining set for you. Perhaps your outdoor space has a modern, Scandinavian vibe. If that’s the case, this gorgeous eucalyptus patio dining set with 8 bucket chairs (shown here) is an excellent choice. If you’re looking for something more traditional, this wrought-iron look patio set is one to consider.

What outdoor dining set shape is best for my patio?

The best patio dining set shape for you is the one that fits the available space and leaves room for your other patio furniture, grill and accessories. Remember to take measurements and note them in your phone so you have them handy when you’re shopping in person or online.

If you’re looking for a casual al fresco dining experience, something circular works well for conversations and celebrations. If you want to host epic dinner parties, a long, rectangular table is the way to go.

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What are the best outdoor furniture brands?

There are many brands to choose from when it comes to patio dining sets, but not all are created equal! A great place to start is the “Best Sellers” category on Amazon, because buyers’ input makes these sets the top picks.

What material is right for me?

There are many materials available for patio dining sets, including: aluminum, cast aluminum, wrought iron, wicker and rattan, recycled plastic and natural wood, such as teak and acacia. The right material for you is dependent on your style and location. For instance, if you live in a windy area, the heaviness of a wrought iron patio dining set is ideal. If you live in a very wet climate and you want wood, a teak patio dining set, which resists mold, rot and insects, is best.

Aluminum patio dining sets resist rust and moisture damage extremely well. “Make sure that sets are powder-coated to prevent rusting, but watch out for scratches on the surface — they will rust. (If this happens, immediately sand the area and apply touch-up paint.)” notes Elizabeth Mayhew, a Today show style expert and the author of Flip! for Decorating. “Stainless or powder-coated steel sets are durable, moderately priced and easy to care for.”

Resin wicker is another longer-lasting, weather-resistant material. Recycled plastic is a clear winner, as it’s resistant to moisture, rotting and cracking. It also resists salt water and stains, as well as fading. Steel and wrought iron are long-lasting and pricey.

“One thing to remember: A glass top on any metal table should be tempered glass for safety,” says Mayhew.

This DIY raised patio planter would make a great addition to a large, open patio and helps add a splash of color.

What are the right cushions for patio dining sets?

Mayhew suggests selecting cushions and pillows made with polyurethane foam. “Unlike polyester-filled cushions, [they] allow water to literally flow through them,” she says. “Also make sure cushions and pillows are covered in solution-dyed acrylic fabrics. These fabrics come in a huge variety of colors and patterns and are moisture-, mildew- and UV-protected so they won’t fade.”

Buy a 3-piece patio bistro set now on Amazon.

Buy the stylish patio set with 10 chairs now on Amazon.

Buy the eucalyptus patio dining set with 8 chairs now on Amazon (shown here).

Buy the traditional wrought-iron patio set now on Amazon.

Buy a casual, round-table patio dining set now on Amazon.

Buy a traditional rectangular-table patio dining set now on Amazon.