Outdoor Dining Furniture

Elegant outdoor dining sets that last

Imagine basking in the sun on Sundays, sipping your favorite drink while enjoying a delectable meal, comfortably seated on your deck at a beautiful patio dining table. Or visualize a serene evening underneath the stars, conversing with guests in your garden around a few cafe tables and chairs. These tranquil scenarios are possible when you choose the right outdoor dining furniture. The key? High-quality weather-resistant options that not only enhance your outdoor space's aesthetic appeal but also withstand nature's whims and caprices. Avoid stress worrying about unforeseen weather changes ruining your outdoor patio furniture and your time with loved ones with the most durable outdoor dining room sets for your alfresco setting.

Decor Outdoor carries a curated selection of outdoor dining furniture for your patio, screened-in porch, deck or backyard. From small space bar and bistro sets to spacious extendable dining tables and side chairs, we offer a variety of stylish and long-lasting options to suit your needs. Explore our collections featuring new designs from reliable luxury brands like Mamagreen, Sifas, Skargaarden and Cane-line. Shop now to enhance your alfresco dining experience but keep a few things in mind as you browse our online store, because the "right" furniture is different for every al fresco setting and person.

Assess your setting, dining activity and personal style

When it comes to selecting the perfect outdoor patio dining set, it's essential to consider a variety of physical, occasional and preference factors.

Evaluate the physical environment

Review the size of the outside area, its layout and take stock of any other elements that might influence the placement and arrangement of your furniture.

1. Start by measuring your outdoor space and taking note of its dimensions. This will provide a clear understanding of how much room you have available and help you determine the appropriate size of the dining set or patio table. Remember to account for any additional features you want to include, such as a patio umbrella or a sideboard. Is your kitchen easily accessible or will you need to have additional room to prep food?
2. Next, observe the layout and shape of your setting. Is it square, rectangular, oval, circular or irregular? Understanding the shape of your space will aid in choosing furniture that can accommodate the existing design and allows for comfortable movement around the area. For instance, if you have a small rectangular patio, opting for a round table might disrupt the flow and limit seating capacity. In this case, a rectangular or square table would be more suitable for making efficient use of space.
3. Lastly, take into account any architectural features, landscaping elements or natural focal points in your outdoor area. These could include trees, plants, flower beds or swimming pools. By considering these elements, you can strategically position your dining furniture to maximize views, create a cozy ambiance or enhance specific aspects of your location.

Determine your dining occasion needs

To ensure you select furnishings that meets your dining requirements and enhances your overall experience, it's crucial to identify your specific needs.

Think about the number of people you typically entertain or dine with outdoors. Will you mainly host intimate gatherings with close friends and family, or does your outdoor entertainment tend towards larger parties and cookouts with many guests? This will help you determine the appropriate seating capacity for your dinner set or table. If you frequently eat outside during the day, it's handy to have a table with an umbrella hole to accommodate a market umbrella for much-needed shade. Conscientious homeowners also consider wheelchair accessibility by selecting tables with extra clearance.

Consider your preferred alfresco dining room style

When it comes to creating the perfect ambiance for your outdoor dining setting, styling plays a vital role. It's about transforming your patio, lawn or garden into a space that is not only functional but also visually appealing and inviting.

Do you enjoy casual meals with a laid-back atmosphere, or do you prefer a more formal setting? This will influence the type of dining furniture pieces you choose, whether it's a cozy balcony bistro set or picnic style benches for relaxed gatherings or an elegant dining set for sophisticated soirees. Design style is also important. Are you going for a quaint French cafe look or an industrial warehouse restaurant feel? Remember to also reflect on your personal style preferences and how they align with your overall outdoor aesthetic. Whether you lean towards contemporary designs, rustic charm, or an eclectic mix of combinations, finding furniture that reflects your taste will create a cohesive and visually pleasing outdoor dining space.

Be mindful of the overall atmosphere

Creating the perfect atmosphere for outdoor dining will enhance your summer experience. Whether you envision a cozy and intimate setting or a vibrant and festive ambiance, the right outdoor furniture can set the tone. Consider colors, textures and design styles that allow your dining sets to complement the existing home decor and architecture of your outdoor setting and tie the space together. For a modern aesthetic, consider clean lines and minimalistic designs that incorporate metals and HPL. Alternatively, wooden or resin wicker furniture can bring a touch of natural warmth to a rustic country-inspired setting. Everything impacts the ambiance of your outdoor dining experience. Pay attention to details such as the amount of lighting the areas in and around your dining set need at different times of day. Think of creative ways to utilize a wall, or come up with unique ideas for flooring or rugs that results in a cohesive dining installation.

Look for durable weather-resistant patio dining sets that fit your climate

When selecting patio dining sets, it's crucial to consider the weather conditions in your area. To ensure longevity and durability, opt for commercial-grade water-proof options that can withstand various climatic challenges such as rain, heat and humidity. Moisture in the air increases the likelihood of corrosion of metal and can cause wooden timber to warp, while dramatic shifts in temperature may lead to cracking. Lastly, furnishings with extended exposure to the sun and elements may fade or lose their luster. Materials that are naturally inured against the weather or coated with protective sealants or finish that keep Mother Nature at bay will help extend the life of your outdoor furnishings.

Metal

Stainless steel and powder-coated aluminum are popular choices for patio dining furniture frames as these metals are less susceptible to rust than others. Wrought iron is another stylish option but it should be covered in paint as it's extremely vulnerable to corrosion.

Wood

Hardwoods like Teak are frequently used to construct outdoor furniture frames and tabletops, due to their density and oil-rich content (though they can be quite expensive). These characteristics give hardwoods strength and resistance to all weather conditions, decay, insects and temperature shifts. Other great cost-effective wood options include Shorea (a.k.a. Meranti), Eucalyptus and Ipe but each has its own limitations and varying availability.

Wicker

Natural rattan and wicker has a wonderful traditional vibe but will degrade when exposed to moisture in the air. All-Weather Wicker made from High-Density Polyethylene resin is strong, weather and fade-resistant. HDPE is also eco-friendly as it's 100% recyclable but its light weight may make it less than ideal for windy conditions. PVC is a less-expensive synthetic plastic wicker option but it may become brittle and crack over time.

HPL & Glass

High-Pressure Laminate (a.k.a. HPL) is a sleek modern composite for outdoor dining table tops. The costly compressed material has an impact and scratch resistant surface with the look of stone in a variety of neutral beige, grey and black tones. Tempered Glass is another material that's frequently used for tabletops. It's less expensive than alternatives, looks elegant and resists temperature changes. However, depending on the thickness, it can be very heavy and difficult to move.

Fabric

Upholstered outdoor dining chairs (or ones with tie-down cushions) should be covered in textiles that are soft, strong, colorfast, UV and weather-resistant. Solution-dyed acrylic fabric from Sunbrella® or Outdura® are typically used by high-end designer brands and come with strong warrantees. Solution-dyed polyester is a cushion cover material that is becoming a best seller at a lower price point. Sling-style dining side and armchairs require mesh-like materials that have high-tensile strength yet are form-fitting to provide comfort for the seats and backrests. Batyline® manufactured by Serge Ferrari® and Textilene® from Twitchell® resist fading, are breathable and allow water to filter through.

Maintenance & Storage

Additionally, don’t forget about maintaining and storing your outdoor patio furniture. Will it be exposed to harsh weather conditions year-round or will it be stored during winter months? Some woods and metals need periodic oiling or resealing to retain their coloration and resistance to weather. Standing water can lead to mold and mildew build-up if left unattended, so be aware that some designs may accumulate rainwater and need to be dried with towels after a shower. If you want to store patio dining chairs and tables indoors during inclement weather or cold Winter months, you'll want to look for stackable chairs and foldable tables. This will minimize the floorspace required to keep the items sheltered from the elements.

Considering these factors will help you select the best outdoor dining chairs and tables for your particular setting and personality. It will also ensure the longevity and optimal functionality of your furnishings, so that you can host alfresco meals for family and friends in style for years to come. This upfront investment by homeowners in this kind of home improvement will provide savings in time and money over the long term and increase property value.

Frequently Asked Questions - Outdoor Dining Furniture