Outdoor Dining Sets: A Comprehensive Buyer’s Guide

As someone who has designed and sold beautiful outdoor living spaces for over 17+ years, I’ve helped countless homeowners create their dream backyard living space. I’ve come to find that one thing in particular is a sort of a universal truth: nothing brings people together quite like breaking bread alfresco on a warm summer night, and nothing paves the way for that kind of cozy camaraderie quite like sturdy, comfy outdoor dining furniture.

In my experience, investing in a high-quality patio dining set that’s tailored to your personal style, needs and budget is the key to making the most of your shared outdoor meal time. But how do you shop for it? What kinds of questions should you be asking? By coming here, you’re off to a great start. We’ll dive into the particulars in the full buyer’s guide below, but first, really quick, here are my top tips for choosing the perfect set for your home:

Patio Productions’ Key Points on Choosing the Perfect Set

• Define your needs – Do you plan to host large dinner parties or mainly use the space for family meals? Consider the number of people you’ll regularly seat.
• Mind the gap – Carefully measure your porch, patio or deck to find a set that fits without cramping the space.
• Choose comfort – From materials to cushions, pick options that provide support and weather resistance.

If you keep these top-level ideas in your head, shopping for your furniture should be smooth sailing, even if you don’t read any more of this full patio dining set buying guide, continued below. But of course, I recommend you do keep reading, as we’re going to dive deep into these general concepts and arm you with all the tools and knowledge you’ll need to have the best shopping experience possible.

Shopping for Outdoor Patio Dining Sets

Ready to curate your dream outdoor entertaining experience? As leading Southern California specialists in crafting deluxe open air retreats since 2006, Patio Productions is (in my humble, but also expert opinion) the top choice for your shopping guidance. We’ve been doing this longer than most, and have way more hands-on product experience than nearly all of our online competitors. Here’s what we’ve learned over the years:

How to shop for outdoor patio dining sets?

When shopping for outdoor patio dining sets, first set your budget and assess how much room you have on your porch, patio or deck. How large is the area? How many people would you like to seat outdoors during meals and parties? Take notes. We recommend writing it on actual paper, and especially diagramming it if you’re going to do some brick-and-mortar shopping; this way the people working the floor can better visualize your needs.

Next, browse the different types of dining set options available. Check out bistro chairs and tables, standard 4-6 seater dining sets, or custom looks and handmade pieces that you might find in artisanal specialty stores (not the franchised ones, the real local mom and pop shops).

Consider your climate and material options like weather-resistant wicker, aluminum, woods like acacia and teak, or low-maintenance composites that mimic wood beautifully (minus all the upkeep). Evaluate comfort features like thick cushions and lumbar support. And don’t overlook style – from classic to modern, choose pieces harmonizing with your landscape. Weigh space, seating, durability, comfort, cost and aesthetic. And for help crafting your dream outdoor escape, speak to our specialists anytime!

With the right guidance, finding beautiful, durable outdoor dining furniture for your home is easy, fun and affordable. Let the summer entertaining begin!

Where to Buy the Best Patio Dining Sets

If you’re wondering where to buy the highest-quality patio dining sets for your home, look no further than Patio Productions. As specialists in crafting comfortable, durable outdoor living spaces for over 20 years, we create stunning dining sets tailored specifically to your style, needs and budget. Our collection offers a huge array of shapes, sizes, frame materials and accessories to choose from. Visit us online or in our San Diego showroom to discover the perfect patio dining set to match your home.

The Many Popular Styles of Outdoor Dining Sets

Outdoor dining sets come in an array of shapes, sizes, colors and materials to meet varying needs and tastes. Before making this important purchase for your home, it’s key to understand the main categories available.

Bistro Sets

Best for small spaces like balconies, compact bistro sets feature a petite table with two matching chairs. These cute, convenient options work perfectly for morning coffee on the porch or an intimate dinner for two in the courtyard. With delicate curlicues and charming scrolled designs, bistro sets bring European cafe style to any outdoor nook.

Bar Height Sets

Raise the energy and the seating with a bar height patio dining set! Featuring taller tables and chairs ideal for gathering around with drinks in hand, these sets encourage lively conversation paired with casual finger foods. My favorite options blend weather-resistant wicker, aluminum and wood for lightweight, fuss-free furniture that withstands the seasons.

Standard Patio Dining Sets

The most common backyard dining sets feature standard table heights around 30 inches with comfortable chairs for four to eight people. Available in a spectrum of sizes, colors and frame materials like powder-coated steel, aluminum or concrete, standard patio dining sets handle family meals, holiday gatherings and dinner parties with ease.

Extendable Sets

Some of my favorite patio dining furnishings feature a brilliant expandable design to accommodate anything from an intimate brunch to a 20-person soiree! Extendable dining tables start small with built-in leaf extensions that slide out seamlessly to double or even triple the surface. The perfect hybrid of family and party perfect, these smart sets adapt to handle every occasion.

Luxury & Custom Sets

For those dreaming of an ultra-luxe outdoor dining oasis, the sky’s the limit on stunning custom patio furniture! We help design and build one-of-a-kind sets crafted from gorgeous exotic hardwoods, polished concrete, colorful ceramic tile and premium weather-resistant fabrics. Curving modular sofas, gourmet outdoor kitchens and next-level accents take outdoor dining to new heights of beauty and comfort.

I’m happy to help you explore all these styles to discover which type best suits your family’s needs and lifestyle! Once we nail down those details, selecting materials and key features make the process fun and hassle-free.

Choosing Durable Materials for Your Set

The materials that comprise your patio dining set have a profound effect on design, comfort, maintenance and longevity. Before falling for a style, consider which option aligns with your lifestyle and budget.

Wicker

Hand-woven from slender plant stems and vines, all-natural wicker brings beautiful artisanal texture to outdoor living spaces. While lovely, untreated wicker furniture lacks adequate weather-resistance for full outdoor use. For durable, low-maintenance performance, what you should be looking for is synthetic resin wickers made from recyclable, eco-friendly plastics. Resin wicker offers the same organic appeal minus the upkeep. Most “wicker outdoor furniture” you find in stores is actually made with this resin, called ‘high density polyethylene’ (HDPE). Most folks in the biz just call it “outdoor wicker”.

Wood

Warm, natural wood never goes out of style. Treated soft woods like pine and cedar offer affordability but may warp or degrade faster. For ultimate longevity, look to rich tropical hardwoods like eucalyptus, acacia and teak featuring intricate natural grains and resistance to moisture, sun, wear and pesky insects. While pricier upfront, exotic all-weather outdoor-grade woods deliver decades of unwavering structural integrity and beauty. We recommend teak dining sets or ipe dining furniture.

Aluminum

Featuring hollow aluminum tubing plus weather-tough powder coated finishes, aluminum outdoor furniture delivers superior durability with sleek modern styling. Lightweight aluminum won’t chip, peel or rust when exposed to sun, salt spray and moisture. This reliable, low-maintenance material also stays cooler to the touch in sweltering temps. Powder coated aluminum dining sets are fantastic in nearly any outdoor environment, that’s why aluminum is one of our favorite materials in casual furnishings today!

Steel

Structural steel patio furniture frame materials promote exceptional stability and support over years of use. Opt for galvanized, stainless or powder-coated steel to prevent rusting. While ultra-durable, steel is heavier than aluminum and too hot for direct skin contact under blazing afternoon rays.

Composite Wood

Also called “poly lumber” or resin wood, like Polywood’s line of furniture, composite wood mixes reclaimed wood fibers with recycled plastic resins and polymer creating furniture with the look of natural wood, but way tougher. Composite wood boasts extreme tolerance to sunlight, moisture, and salty air. No surprise, then, that this is one of the most popular materials for things like Adirondack chairs and, yes, outdoor dining furniture, especially on coastal patios. Available in a spectrum of faux wood grains and vibrant solid colors, composite dining sets require no staining, sealing or painting ever. Just hose them down occasionally with mild soap and water for effortless upkeep. While not as affordable as some woods like pine, composite woods cost less than most exotic hardwoods (like mahogany, redwood, or ipe), while offering equal stability and arguably even more sustainability.

Mixing and matching metals, woods, composite wood, and all-weather wicker allows for ultimate personalization. I’ll gladly discuss the durability, aesthetics and cost considerations to discover your dream material palette.

Comfort and Ergonomics Should Not Be Overlooked

In the casual furniture market, Comfort is King. An ornate patio set with the world’s most uncomfortable chairs still misses the mark! When dining alfresco, the right support keeps the focus on fun connections instead of fidgeting.

Cushion Comfort

Outdoor dining cushions employ extra dense foam or hollow poly fill to weather punishing sun and moisture while cushioning seats and backs. Water-resistant covers like durable polyester or UV-treated acrylic allow occasional removal for cleaning and off-season storage. For ultimate comfort, look for corner ties preventing shifting plus ties securing seat cushions firmly in place.

Weather-Smart Fabrics

Quality cushions feature tightly woven solution-dyed acrylic or olefin fabric covers locking in color and blocking light penetration. All-weather slipcovered cushions take luxury to the next level with cozy polyester fill and water-repellant liners.

Ergonomic Design

Contoured chairs providing ample lumbar support avoid basement bargain flatness. Curved backs with padded wraps coddle the spine for extraordinary comfort and correct posture meal after leisurely meal.

Don’t settle for outdoor dining discomfort ever again! Prioritizing weather-resistant cushioning and body-cradling chair design pays dividends in alfresco dining satisfaction for years on end.

Enhance Style with Shape, Color and Embellishments

Beyond core construction, embellishments infuse patio sets with artist-grade inspiration. Mixing materials, silhouette and hues that resonate creates an authentic extension of home requiring no sacrifice of beauty or comfort.

Play with Shape for Function and Style

Though rectangles handle spacing and seating math easily, alternate shapes add interest.

• Round tables conjure romantic vineyard meals under strings of bistro lights. Perfect for smaller groups of 4-6 people, round tables encourage intimate conversations and connections.
• Square tables allow easy movement around the perimeter while keeping all diners equidistant. Square tables maximize seating efficiency especially when space is tight.
• Rectangular tables effortlessly accommodate larger parties. Multiple rectilinear tables adjoined maintain walkways allowing hassle-free seating for up to 20 dinner guests.
• For small patios, space-savvy oval or teardrop tables surround diners efficiently without tight squeezed spots.
• Custom sets might incorporate multiple shapes like circles, squares and rectangles for a dynamic designer look.

Get creative with shape to build your ideal layout and dining experience!

The Artistry of Lines: Cool Geometry

Patio dining sets span an inspiring spectrum of contours, angles and accents expressing any aesthetic. Airy, lightweight aluminum sets with gently curving corners and slatted designs deliver breezy nautical charm. Industrial chic sets with bold metal frames and sleek reclaimed wood tabletops channel rustic sophistication. Ornately detailed cast iron seating, glass table tops and antique bronze bases exude garden magic.

Using Color: The Next Level

Beyond neutral metals, exciting new hues for outdoor dining sets span the rainbow. Mix vibrant fruit tones, soothing ocean and sky shades, playful brights like citron and coral or retro terra cotta and avocado in frames, fabrics, finishes and accents. Don’t overlook sophisticated mixes like navy blue seating with buttery cream frames and earthen tabletops plus pops of sour apple and marigold throw pillows.

Together we can build a custom show stopping space reflecting your unique panache perfectly!

Protecting and Caring for Your Dining Set Properly

To keep your outdoor dining set looking as gorgeous as the first day you unboxed it, implementing protective measures and basic care is key.

• Treat Woods Annually – Unfinished hardwoods with open pores require annual oiling to prevent cracking while fortifying water resistance and color. Choose exterior-grade oils containing UV blockers. Remove old oil residue before reapplication.
• Clean Wicker Twice Yearly – Hose synthetic resin wicker twice per year with warm mild soap and water then let fully dry to prevent accumulations of dirt, debris, mold and mildew. Use vinyl protectants to restore luster and water repellency.
• Shield Fabrics in Storage – For cushions and pillows left outdoors, wash removable covers before storing upside down on covered shelves or in furniture bags. If pieces can’t be moved indoors, use furniture covers secured tightly on all sides.
• Wipe Down Metals After Storms – While aluminum and steel are corrosion-resistant, salty ocean spray and stagnant rainwater may leave surface deposits to wipe clean.

Implementing protective steps makes summer weathering a non-issue! Proper maintenance allows your patio dining set to thrive for countless alfresco meals to come. I’m happy to share best practices for keeping your furnishings looking their best.

Storing Patio Sets Outdoors All Winter

Keeping patio dining sets outside during cold weather requires protective steps to ensure their off-season preservation.

What patio dining set can be stored outside in the winter?

A bit of planning ensures your patio dining set survives the dormant months in stellar condition. Before winter, clean pieces thoroughly and cover with snug, drained outdoor furniture covers or store disassembled properly in a shed or garage to shield from elements. Periodic inspection for damage during storage keeps the set in premium condition for patio season kickoff.

In Sum: Patio Production’s Key Takeaways to Buy Outdoor Dining Sets

Investing in a tailored high-quality patio dining set creates years of flawless outdoor entertaining and memories made. As leading Southern California outdoor living space designers since 2002, we’ve outlined key guidance in this buyer’s guide to set you up for success.

• Carefully measure your outdoor area’s dimensions and layout first
• Browse the many patio dining set style options to match needs and tastes
• Consider climate and usage factors when selecting durable, low-maintenance materials
• Seek weather-resistant cushioning and ergonomic support for uncompromised comfort
• Allow your creative spirit to shine through with custom colors, shapes and details
• Implement protective measures for optimal winter storage and longevity

We offer stunning, customized sets for spaces large and small. I can’t wait to help you discover the perfect outdoor dining furniture tailored specially for your family and home. Contact us anytime to chat about concept inspiration and available discounts this season.

Video Summary – Outdoor Dining Sets: A Comprehensive Buyer’s Guide