Buying guide for best outdoor sectional sets
If you take outdoor living seriously, or you want to spend more quality time outdoors, a patio sectional set adds that special sauce that can help you make the most of your time in the fresh air. You can find sectionals in sets that make coordinating your outdoor décor a breeze. Some manufacturers sell individual modular pieces that let you add onto an existing set, and some companies offer different types of tables to add functionality to your space.
The first thing you’ll notice about most of today’s outdoor sectional sets is that many of them sit lower to the ground than indoor sets. Their low backs are also hallmarks of contemporary resort-style outdoor sectional sets. A few may have short bun feet, but most designs extend all the way to the ground for stability and so the furniture won’t sink into softer ground.
If you’re ready to find an outdoor sectional set for your deck or patio, our buying guide can help. We’ve included what to look for, helpful tips, and some product recommendations to make your shopping easy.
Key Considerations
Size
Sectionals sets are modular, and they come in different types and sizes of sets depending on the included accessories, such as tables and cushions. Seat cushions are typically included, but throw pillows are often an extra purchase. For example, you will find a few types of sets that include items such as the following:
Five-piece sectional set: Includes two corner chairs, one armless chair, one ottoman, and one glass-top coffee table
Six-piece sectional set: Includes one corner section, two armless chairs, two end tables, and one coffee table
Seven-piece sectional set: Includes two corner sofas, four middle sofas, and one glass-top coffee table
Ten-piece sectional set: Includes two corner sofas, four armless chairs, two ottomans, and two end tables
Shape
Just like an indoor sectional set, you have the choice of different shapes and configurations to create a variety of seating arrangements. Typical sectional shapes include U-shaped, L-shaped, symmetrical, or chaise. Curved or half-circle versions are designed to hug a fire pit or circular coffee table.
Feet
Many outdoor sectional sofas sit directly on the ground, without legs or feet. If you don’t mind hosing down the bottom of the frames every so often, you have plenty of models from which to choose.
However, you might want to consider buying furniture that is raised up a couple inches on bun feet so that the chairs aren’t sitting in dirt, mud, dust, or sand. Or you can opt for a wooden or metal set with legs.
Weight limit
Many of these sectional sets are lightweight and durable, but you should always check the weight limit on each piece in the set. Ottomans may be able to hold less weight than the chaise, for example. Sometimes the weight restrictions are confusing, so check the reviews and scour the descriptions.
Features
Clips: A sectional set may come with a set of clips. You install clips underneath the sections to keep them together and prevent them from sliding apart. Clips can be purchased separately as well.
Fitted cover: Some manufacturers offer a complimentary basic fitted cover for your sectional. The cover may not be top quality, but it can do the job of protecting your sectional until you’re able to invest in a better version.
Glass: Some sets come with a coffee table that has a glass tabletop. Make sure the glass is tempered for safety and durability. Glass tabletops are easy to wipe clean, especially outdoors where pollen, dust, and other debris can collect on the surface.
Accessories
Patio furniture covers: Classic Accessories Club Chair Cover
Protect each piece of your sectional set in the winter with a durable cover. This Classic Accessories weatherproof and water-resistant patio chair cover has air vents to prevent condensation and a drawstring for a custom fit.
Toss pillows: Modway Outdoor Pillows
Seat cushions usually come with a sectional set, but matching or coordinating toss pillows are sold separately. Look for fade- and water-resistant fabrics. Modway’s set of two pillows comes in 20 designs for a reasonable price.
Umbrella: Outsunny Tilting Market Umbrella
Place an adjustable market umbrella over the sectional for shade. The 9-foot Outsunny umbrella has two 45° tilt positions, so you can adjust it as the sun’s position changes.
Outdoor ottoman: Majestic Home Goods Indoor/Outdoor Bean Bag CubeLarger sectional sets likely include a matching ottoman, but you can add extra ottomans like these from Majestic Home Goods to give your space more seating and a pop of color. Some outdoor ottomans have a hinged top so the piece can double as storage, too.
Outdoor rug: Safavieh Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug
The perfect finishing touch to anchor and define your outdoor seating area is a rug, and this stylish polypropylene rug from Safavieh hits all the right notes.
Outdoor sectional set prices
For about $90 to $400, you can find individual pieces from various manufacturers that may be a perfect match to add to your existing set. For example, you can pick up a resin wicker cocktail table for about $90 or a corner piece for about $125. Small three- to five-piece chaise sofa sectional sets start at about $275 and go up to $400.
At $400 to $1,000, you’ll spot handsome six- to nine-piece resin sets. Resin sets may have atypical table variations, such as wedge shapes or taller dining tables. Many manufacturers in this range label their models as PE resin. You’ll also see a number of acacia wood sectionals that don’t include many pieces in the set at this price. Cushions in this price are thinner than those on more expensive sets.
From $1,250 to $2,500, you’ll find a vast selection of larger sectional sets (a dozen pieces or more) made from higher grade HDPE or PE rattan/wicker. Some of the smaller sets include modern designs and mixed materials, such as resin wicker with exposed powder-coated aluminum legs. You’ll also spot premium all-aluminum streamlined and contemporary sofa sectional sets in this range. Higher-priced sets have thicker, welted cushions, many made from premium solution-dyed Sunbrella fabrics.
Over $2,500, you’ll find three-piece teak sectionals. Many of the substantial frames have decorative and carved details for a customized look. Wood sectionals have taller backs than even the priciest resin sectionals.
Tips
- Check the trees around your patio. Take note what types of trees are close by the area where you want to place your sectional. Trees that drip sap, drop fruit, or shed needles could mean you’ll be spending more time cleaning your furniture.
- Read reviews. Check what customers say about the comfort of the cushions for long-term lounging. Many sectional sets have basic seat cushions that may be too thin for your liking. If you prefer better cushions, you might be able to order upgrades or replace them with thicker versions you find elsewhere.
- Choose solution-dyed fabrics. If you’re placing your sectional set in an area fully exposed to the elements, choose cushions made with solution-dyed acrylic fabric to avoid fading and damage. These fabrics are specially manufactured with color-impregnated fibers. That means the color goes through each fiber so the dye doesn’t fade away. The fabric is easy to maintain, too.
- Add weights. Some resin wicker pieces are so lightweight that a strong breeze may move your sectional set around a bit. You can weigh the pieces down by adding weights beneath the frame. Some customers have reported using weight plates of varying sizes slipped into the frame to hold the furniture down.
FAQ
Q. How can I keep my sectional’s cushions and pillows from blowing away?
A. This is a common problem with outdoor sectional sofas. If you live in a breezy area, there are several solutions for flyaway cushions and pillows. The easiest fix is to apply industrial strength or outdoor hook-and-loop tape to the frame and the pillows to keep them in place. For seat cushions that won’t stay still, cut a thin, nonslip rug pad to size and place it underneath the cushion.
Q. How can I tell if I’m buying furniture with a quality resin wicker frame?
A. Since it appears that most outdoor sectional sets are made from resin wicker, it pays to know the basic differences in quality. Resin is one of the best materials for outdoor furniture because it’s durable, low maintenance, and easy to move around. Resin material is typically placed on an aluminum frame for extra durability. There are different grades of resin, and you may not be able to tell at first glance, or even from the literature, which type you’re selecting. If you can, try to purchase high-density polyethylene (HDPE) wicker or polyethylene (PE) rattan or wicker. HDPE is a higher grade of resin than the lower-grade PVC wicker. HDPE resin wicker is nonporous, infused with dye, and treated with a UV stabilizer for extra protection from the harsh sun. HDPE resin will unravel or crack much more slowly than PVC. Another way to eyeball quality resin: cheaper wicker strands have a smooth, glossy finish that tends to look more like plastic than wicker.
Q. How do I know what size outdoor sectional to select for my space?
A. Outdoor sectionals are modular, so the pieces are designed to adapt to many layouts and configurations to fit your space, but you don’t want a set that’s too small or too large. Many sectional sets come in different sizes, too. Choose a spot for your sectional and measure the length and width of the area for an overall starting point. What’s even better is to outline a sectional on the floor with removable painter’s tape or cutouts using old cardboard or newspaper. This helps you visualize the space and how small or large you can go.
