The Best Outdoor Furniture of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Celeb-Worthy Pick

Best Choice Products 7-Piece Modular Outdoor Sectional: HGTV’s Christina Hall recommended this wicker sectional last summer, so naturally, we had to test it out for ourselves. It comes in seven pieces, which means it’s spacious and great for anyone who does lots of entertaining. The U-shape is conversational and ideal for propping your feet up or sprawling out if you’re lounging solo. With all this being said, there isn’t anything securing the fabric cushions onto the plastic wicker, and the rain cover didn’t fit the entire sectional. We loved that it could furnish a bigger space and is conducive for socializing, but ultimately, we didn’t feel it fully aligned with the price point. However, if you can find it on sale (which, right now, it’s $200 off), then we say go for it.

Others We Tried

Sunjoy Zero Gravity Chair: We liked this zero gravity chair because it was very comfortable and great for lounging: The reclining settings under the armrests stayed locked, even when changing positions or getting in and out of the chair. However, it didn’t make our list for one reason — after just a few exposures to rain, it started to rust significantly. For a piece of furniture that’s supposed to be outdoor friendly, this isn’t very encouraging, so we recommend the Amazon Basics Adjustable Zero Gravity Chairs instead.

Devoko 5-Piece Outdoor Sectional: While this set was priced well for the size and everything you get, the cushions are fairly thin and don’t add much comfort. Also, they did initially repel water, but once they got wet enough, they started to get soggy. For this reason, we chose the Better Homes & Gardens Modern Sectional as our favorite sectional option.

Better Homes & Gardens Carrara Springs 4-Piece Outdoor Set: We liked how heavy and sturdy this set was, especially in the face of storms and heavy winds. The same is true for the cushions — they’re thick and supportive, which makes the seating very comfortable and easy to spend a whole summer afternoon lounging on. However, assembly was challenging, and the wood had some rough spots. However, we think it’s a worthwhile buy if you can find it on sale.

Things to Consider Before Buying Outdoor Furniture

Assembly

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Most outdoor furniture will require some amout of setup. To avoid any frustration or delays in enjoying your outdoor space when your patio furniture arrives, look closely at the product description on the manufacturer’s website to see what exactly you’ll be working with when you open the box. Make sure that you have the proper tools and available space needed to assemble the furniture. If you’re working with materials that heat up, such as the metal in the Better Homes & Gardens Modern Sectional, make sure to assemble it in the shade or on a cloudy day.

Comfort

If the outdoor furniture you purchase isn’t comfortable, you’re not going to want to sit on it, and it’s as simple as that. When curating your space, comfort should be the top priority. Looking at the product reviews on the manufacturer’s website and confirming the measurements is a great way to ensure that it will be comfortable for you, especially if you’re on the taller side. Also, look at the materials used to make the furniture — does it come with cushions? If so, how thick are they? How tall is the seat back? Is it possible to recline? Does it come with an ottoman? Of course, your answers will depend on your needs and expectations for an outdoor space, but these are all good questions to ask when shopping for new outdoor furniture.

Durability

Shopping for outdoor furniture is completely different than shopping for something you’d keep in your home. You have to remember that this furniture will likely remain outside, exposed to the sun, heat, snow, and wind, depending on your climate. And if you have pets or small children, you’ll want to look for extra durable materials. Look at the products the furniture is made with, whether or not the pieces are water resistant, and the color when considering outdoor furniture. If you keep it in a particularly sunny spot, it will be more prone to fading, so any dark fabrics may change color and vibrancy over time. Wicker is known for its durability, so a set like the Better Homes & Gardens Willow Sage Loveseat and Ottoman, will likely last you a long time.

If you place your outdoor seating under a tree, it will be exposed to more debris, like bird droppings and falling leaves or sap, so it must be cleaned more frequently. In that case, picking a set that’s easy to clean, like the Christopher Knight Acacia Set, would be ideal.

How We Tested

Our PEOPLE Tested team researched the most popular outdoor seating and tested 11 different options in a wide range of materials (metal, wood, wicker) and styles (benches, sectionals, loungers). We spent over 288 accumulated hours testing these products, in varied environments across the country.

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We evaluated all the outdoor furniture for setup, comfort, and durability. We exposed the furniture to rain, sun, wind, wildfire smoke, pets, children, and lots of guests to see how well it held up against real-life wear and tear. We very closely simulated the use that you might face in your backyard so that we could give authentic and honest reviews on each product. After the testing period was over, we rated each piece from one to five, with one being the poorest performing and five being the best. Our top picks made this list.

Why Trust PEOPLE?

Olivia Avitt has written about a wide range of subjects, from the best home products to wellness and art. For this piece, she thoroughly researched and reviewed each outdoor furniture product and the insights provided by the PEOPLE Tested team. She provides an unbiased editorial view and provides only the facts so that you can make an informed purchase that meets your needs.

We also consulted Liz Toombs, a Certified Interior Decorator in Lexington, Kentucky, and founder of PDR Interiors, for advice on finding the ideal outdoor furniture setup.

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Outdoor