How to Choose the Best Patio Dining Set?
Table of Contents
Top Best Patio Dining Sets Based on Reviews and Price
Why You Need a Good Patio Dining Set?
With great patio furniture, you can bring function and comfort to your outdoor space. With a comfortable and spacious table, you can turn a fundamental stone patio into an alfresco dining destination. Just fill up your porch with a classic rocking chair and wicker sofa. Then, top them both with plush cushions. That’s it; it can quickly turn into a second family room during the summer season for your family. When you use the right patio furniture, even if your outdoor spaces like balconies are small, they can beckon you outside.
Do you wish to transform your backyard into a new and favorite spot for entertaining, dining, and lounging for your family? Then, you can consider buying the best patio dining set. With this furniture, you can plan every meal outside your home getting close to nature.
Selecting the Right Patio Dining Set
With many different options available in the market, you will surely be interested in ensuring that you buy the best patio dining set. But, your question here will be what to consider in this process. Let us explore some of them here:
10 Factors to Consider Before Buying a Patio Dining Set
1. Go for a Weather-Resistant Table Material
The material used in making the patio table will decide its longevity and even looks. When it comes to material, weather-resistance is an essential consideration. Here are the essential drawbacks and benefits of common patio table materials:
- Wood patio tables are traditional and sturdy. If you are particular about casual and even classy look, you can choose a wooden patio dining set. But, to handle different weather conditions including wet weather, it should have been sealed or stained. Else, the wood will continue to rot after long-term exposure.
- Metal patio tables are generally formal options. They are also durable options, but they will be heavier as compared to other kinds of tables. So, they are ideal if you have windy outdoors. But, you should remember that metal like iron will rust over time if they do not come with weather-proof coating.
- PVC or plastic tables weigh less. Also, they have very low maintenance needs. Also, they will be easier on your budget. However, the problem with PVC is that they develop mildew in wet climates.
- If you have cottage décor style in your home, you can consider opting for rattan or wicker patio tables. However, the problem with these materials is that they can develop mildew.
The climate in your area is an essential consideration when you shop for the patio dining set.
2. Do You Have the Right Table for the New Dining Set?
Some people think that they can just buy the chairs alone and they have a table in their home already to use for dining outdoors. You know that the table is the centerpiece of your dining space. So, you should be considerate about selecting a chair set that fits in your table considering the height, width, and other factors. You should also remember the shape of the table in mind when selecting the set of chairs for your patio dining needs.
3. Have You Tried Outside Seating Earlier?
Have you decided to buy both chairs and table? If so, you should give importance to comfort. The reason is that you will be spending a lot of time on this furniture during warmer months. So, before you choose any material be it cushion or foam, it is better to ensure that you have tried it earlier. Uninvited furniture can prevent you and your guests from spending time in the patio.
So, the idea here is that not just furniture even, you should try whether sitting in the patio itself is comfortable. If you feel that more heat gets in, you can take appropriate steps to make both the place and the furniture comfortable.
4. Consider the Space Available
Before you decide on any patio dining set, it is important to have the right measurement of the space available in your patio. Here, you should make sure to take note of the dimensions. These values will help you decide on the type of outdoor patio furniture you will have to buy. For instance, if the space is narrow, a large round table cannot fit into space. So, if this is the case, you will have to go for a rectangular or square table. Undoubtedly, the space available is an essential consideration when shopping for the best patio dining set.
When considering space availability, you will have to consider comfort as a factor as well. For instance, when your guests arrive, they should be able to easily move around chairs and tables comfortably. To make sure that people have sufficient room to pull out the chairs, it is better to ensure that there is a minimum of 3 feet of open space on all edges of the table. This is particularly essential if you have a deck on the poolside or an area with railings.
5. Are the Legs of the Chair Too Skinny?
Just for style aspect, some patio chairs are created with skinny legs. Even though they look attractive, in the long run, they cannot hold much weight. So, even though style should be considered, do not go for a patio dining set with skinny legs. The legs should be sturdy and should hold even a heavyweight person with ease.
6. Consider Where Will You Place the Furniture
Is your patio or outdoor space open to natural elements? Otherwise, is there an overhead covering? Does the space in which you have planned to place the patio dining set have concrete flooring or soft ground or grass? When you consider these things, you can select a set that rightly suits your space. When you go for softwoods like pine, it is better not to place it on a grassy surface and exposed area.
The reason is that unless and otherwise, the material is water-resistant, the wood can rot. Even, metal-based dining set can corrode with wetness from the ground. If you get too much sun in the area, you can consider placing patio umbrellas for shade.
7. What Type of Cushions Should You Choose?
If you go for a dining set with cushion, you can consider choosing a set with a cushion made using polyurethane foam. The reason is that as against cushions that are filled with polyester, they permit water to flow through them. Also, it is better to choose pillows and cushions that are covered in solution-dyed acrylic fabrics. The reason is that these fabrics are available in different patterns and colors. Also, they are UV-protected, mildew, and moisture-protected as well. In turn, they will stay with you longer without fading.
8. How About the Looks?
Not just durability, you should also make sure that the patio dining set looks good in your patio. Varying patio furniture materials create different styles and look. So, the aesthetic appeal is an essential consideration when selecting the patio dining set. Do you want it to have a modern look? Are you looking for traditional appeal? What design and style will suit your exterior setting? The thing to remember when deciding on the look is that your patio is an extension of your home.
You should not skimp on the design just because you are choosing the dining set for outdoor use. When you take the case of a material like natural wood, it will have a different look compared to an iron-based dining set.
9. Consider the Dining Set Configuration
As you intend to buy the best patio dining set, you should consider the type of configuration you expect. For instance, some sets come with a table and chairs, while some come with a table and a bench. Even, some sets come with a table, chairs and bench. So, you should consider which will be the ideal choice based on space available.
10. Consider the Features
When you are on the verge of selecting the best patio dining set, you will have to consider the features. Here is the list of features you can consider when it comes to selecting the table for your outdoor dining set:
- Cooler Insert
- Lazy Susan
- Firepit
- Folding Table
- Extendable Table
- Umbrella Table
Chair features:
- Folding chairs
- Bench seating included
- Swivel Chairs
- Sling Seat
- Stacking chairs
Other Features
Apart from the features for tables and chairs for the best patio dining set, you will also have to consider the other features listed below when shopping:
- Assembled
- Solid Wood
- Weather-Resistant
- Team Finish
Conclusion
A patio dining set is going to make up your outdoor space even friendlier for summers. So, if you are interested in spending some valuable time with your family outdoors, the best patio dining set will come handy. You can consider the features listed above to select the right one. Also, take into consideration the other factors that we discussed here.
In turn, you can conclude selecting the best set that will stay with you for longer. Even, the right set will make your summers fun-filled with your family. Also, you can invite your friends for a night party during summer when you have the right patio dining set.