There’s something magical about dining outside- whether it’s a quiet morning coffee, a casual weeknight dinner, or a big summertime gathering, al fresco dining romanticizes the season. Outdoor dining spaces have become extensions of indoor living, and investing in the right outdoor dining set can completely elevate your patio or backyard. Having had our dining set for nearly a decade, I’m often asked… how do you choose outdoor dining furniture that will withstand the test of time- both in terms of style and durability? In today’s post, I’m walking you through how to select a timeless and durable outdoor dining set that will look beautiful for years to come and hold up through every season, no matter your location. If you’re planning to furnish your outdoor space this spring or summer, this guide is for you! Click through for my tips and designer-recommended pairings.
This post is sponsored by Wayfair. All content, ideas, and words are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that allow me to create unique content while featuring products we actually use & enjoy!
Choosing the Right Outdoor Dining Set
Outdoor furniture isn’t exactly a small investment. With exposure to sun, rain, wind, and everything in between (snow, in my case!), your patio furniture needs to be well-constructed, easy to maintain, and ideally- timeless in design, so you won’t feel the need to replace it after a couple of years. Let’s break down what to consider when shopping for durable outdoor dining sets that are both aesthetically pleasing and built to last.
What Is the Best Material for Outdoor Dining Furniture?
One of the most common questions I receive is: What’s the best material for outdoor dining furniture? The answer is dependent on your climate and maintenance preferences, but here are some of my top contenders…
Teak
Teak is a designer favorite for a reason. This hardwood is naturally weather-resistant, incredibly durable, and ages beautifully. Over time, teak develops a soft silver patina, which adds to its charm… but you can also oil it, if you prefer to maintain the golden hue.
Pros: Timeless, sturdy, low maintenance
Best For: All climates- especially if you prefer natural wood
Synthetic Resin Wicker
Today’s resin wicker is not the same as the fragile (and ugly) options from decades past. High-quality resin or all-weather wicker is UV-resistant, durable, and has that woven texture that softens a space beautifully. These days, it’s tough to tell the difference in resin and real wicker. It’s come a long way!
Pros: Lightweight, weather-resistant, textural, adds warmth, low maintenance
Best For: Covered patios, outdoor dining, and a traditional aesthetic
Powder-Coated Aluminum
If you live in a humid or coastal area, aluminum outdoor dining sets are a solid choice. They’re lightweight, rust-resistant, and often have a more modern aesthetic… which can be lovely paired alongside traditional architecture.
Pros: Lightweight, rust-proof, easy to move, budget-friendly, easy-t0-clean
Best For: Locations that are humid, rainy, or salty climates
Wrought Iron
If your outdoor space is prone to wind, wrought iron may be your best friend. It’s heavy, classic, and holds up well- just make sure it has a rust-resistant coating or is maintained properly.
Pros: Sturdy, elegant, traditional look, heavy
Best For: Windy or open areas
Recycled Plastic (HDPE)
One of the most low-maintenance and eco-conscious options for outdoor furniture is recycled plastic or HDPE furniture. It’s resistant to fading, cracking, and moisture. It also comes in tons of colors and styles. It is lighter weight, so wind can be an issue.
Pros: Eco-friendly, incredibly durable, no upkeep,
Best For: Families, poolside areas, coastal regions
What Makes an Outdoor Dining Set Timeless?
As I previously mentioned, we’ve had our outdoor dining set for nearly a decade and I still love it! If you’re hoping to avoid replacing your patio set every few years, focus on these classic characteristics…
Neutral or Natural Finishes
Black, white, warm wood tones, and soft hues never go out of style. You can always bring in color with cushions or accessories, but choosing neutral or natural finishes allows the foundation to be versatile as your style evolves- or if you unexpectedly move.
Simple Clean Lines
Look for silhouettes that feel elevated but not overly trendy. Our dining table is a simple rectangular shape with a wrought iron X detail connecting the legs. It’s timeless and easily works with any aesthetic.
Focus on Quality
Buy a quality set the first time around. While the initial cost may feel like a stretch, you’ll save money in the long run. Check for details like stainless steel hardware, reinforced joints, and UV-resistant coatings.
Designer Approved Outdoor Dining Sets: Curated Pairings
While some sets are sold with the table and chairs, I appreciate a more curated or designed look. Therefore, I prefer to choose a table, then source chairs that complement the table. A good outdoor dining table and chair pairing should feel cohesive, but not too matchy. Here are 5 classic examples I pulled together…
Click directly on each item below to be redirected.
Which pairing do you prefer? I try to select complementary styles that have a bit of contrast… a woven chair with a simple table, or a traditional table with modern chairs.
Creating an Outdoor Dining Space
If you love hosting- or just want to create a functional outdoor living space, here are a few easy ways to bring your outdoor dining area to life:
- Add an Outdoor Rug: It anchors the space and adds comfort underfoot (see 25 neutral & beautiful outdoor area rugs for the patio, here)!
- String Lights or Lanterns: Create a cozy atmosphere after sunset by installing lighting. Check out this designer guide for choosing timeless exterior lighting.
- Layer in Textiles: Outdoor cushions, table runners, or even a throw blanket make a space feel more like home.
- Plan for Shade: Umbrellas, pergolas, or sail shades help keep things comfortable during the heat of summer.
- Use Real Dinnerware: Durable melamine or enamelware elevates the look without being too fragile. I also don’t mind using our everyday dinnerware… ceramic or porcelain plates work just fine if you’re careful. I host al fresco dinner parties all the time and have never had a dish break.
How to Care for Your Outdoor Furniture (So It Lasts)
Even the most durable dining sets require attention. Here’s how to keep your patio furniture looking good season after season…
- Power Wash: We power wash our outdoor patio furniture (including the cushions!) at the beginning of the season… every spring, we deep clean before styling the patio for spring & summer.
- Spot Clean Regularly: A simple soap-and-water wipe down prevents buildup and stains. If you spill something, clean it up immediately.
- Use Covers: When we’re not using our chairs, we cover them. It’s a simple and easy step that keeps them in good condition.
- Store Cushions Indoors: At the end of summer, we move our cushions indoors… we keep everything in our storage shed or use weatherproof storage boxes to protect fabric from fading.
- Oil Teak: If you want to maintain the warm tone of teak, a light oil treatment once or twice a year will do the trick.
- Inspect for Wear: Every spring, check screws and joints to ensure everything is still secure. If anything feels loose, tighten the joints.
FAQ
Measure your outdoor space and allow at least 3 feet of clearance around the table for comfortable seating and walking traffic. Consider how often you entertain and how many people you typically host.
Opt for quick-drying, UV-resistant performance fabrics like Sunbrella or Crypton. They’re specifically made for outdoor areas. Store them when not in use and spot clean regularly to extend their life. We power wash our cushions every season with soap & water or regular laundry detergent.
When cared for, a well-made outdoor dining set can last 10–20 years (or more), especially if you store it during harsh seasons and use protective covers.
Try a bistro set! It’s perfect for two people and can fit into tight outdoor spaces- like a balcony or small corner.
Related
Looking for more design advice for your outdoor living spaces? I’m going to link some of my favorite posts for you below!
- Outdoor Kitchen Reveal
- 25 Neutral & Beautiful Outdoor Area Rugs for the Patio
- How to Easily Tile Over an Existing Concrete Patio
- Where to Install Outdoor DIY Solar Landscape Lighting
- Al Fresco Summer Tablescape
- How to Choose The Best Garage Door Style & Color For Your Home
- Choosing Timeless Exterior Lighting (A Designer Guide)
- Grandeur vs Emtek Exterior Door Hardware
- Outdoor Living Tour: Our Garden
- Tips for Growing & Caring for Boxwoods
Choosing the right outdoor dining set is an investment, but one you’ll enjoy for years to come. We absolutely love having a space to eat and entertaining outside on our patio. We spend far more time there than expected! I hope this guide helps you make a confident and informed decision, if you’re on the hunt for new patio furniture. If you have any questions or want to share your own outdoor setup, I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
The post How to Choose a Timeless and Durable Outdoor Dining Set That Will Last appeared first on Room For Tuesday.
