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Whether you’re just ready to upgrade a little or go all out on outdoor furniture, a standout sectional should be your first stop. Similar to the way a sofa anchors a living or family room, an outdoor sectional will set the mood for all of your alfresco activities. But there’s one big difference when it comes to open-air loungers: durability.
“Your outdoor furniture should absolutely last you more than just a couple of seasons,” says Allison Messner, cofounder and CEO of virtual landscape design company Yardzen. She says that fabrics should be comfortable enough to lounge on for hours but also tough enough to withstand the sun’s harsh rays, unforeseen rain showers, and a spill or two of wine. We’ve handpicked the best outdoor sectionals that are both well designed and durable for lounging on all season long (and for years to come). This way you can get back to planning the menu for your first-of-the-season garden gathering—or just finally realizing that new backyard escape.
Modular Outdoor Sectionals
Not all patios are created equal, so why should you expect your outdoor sectional to be standard? Next to hardwearing fabric, we look for flexibility in our set-ups, so you can make sure your sofa truly fits your space. Our top picks below can be customized with the addition of cushions and ottomans. If you’re really looking to max out your seating, look no further than Neighbor’s eight-seater, U-shape sofa or Woven’s seven-seat corner option which will stand the test of time with its bio-based weatherproof cushions made from latex foam and Texstyle, OEKO-100 certified recyclable fabrics.
Small Space-Friendly Outdoor Sectionals
You shouldn’t have to compromise on comfort, even if your outdoor space consists of an eight foot-wide balcony. Both Article and West Elm’s compact couches feature reversible chaises that make rearranging your lounge zone easy; CB2’s Cana sectional is the definition of breezy with its resin wicker base and armless orientation; and Target’s six-piece set boasts solid reviews and a current $440 markdown.
Outdoor Sectionals That Are Living Room-Worthy
Lately, the biggest trend to hit outdoor furniture is the indoors. Choosing a sectional that looks like it could easily go in your living room is one way to achieve a designer-approved setting. Why else do you think Sundays reimagined its best selling Movie Night sofa in a textile that allows you to relax under the stars? The magic is all in the materials. Ellison Studio’s Alva sectional comes with quick-dry foam filing and upholstery with a 600 hour UV rating. Blu Dot’s spring sale score is swathed in Sunbrella fabric that’s mildew and fade resistant. Then, there’s Anthropologie’s Tassa couch, which is slipcovered just in case you’ve got to toss any tough stains in the laundry.
Outdoor Sectionals with Built-In Tables
Here’s an outdoor decorating trick: get more out of your furniture while buying less by shopping outdoor sectionals with built-in tables. These pieces automatically streamline a space but still let you have some fun with it (DWR’s Terassi Sectional comes in a playful stripe fabric and Crate & Barrel put a slatted spin on traditional teak). Mother nature is in for a fun summer.
Our Shopping Checklist
Shape
Sectionals come in various configurations. The classic L-shape features a chaise on either the left or right side to put your feet up on and is “easy to place in just about any outdoor layout,” says Messner. The Y-shape, which has two sides of equal length configured at a 90-degree angle, is ideal if you often host large parties. Similarly, a U-shape design is great for big groups or to wrap around a firepit or outdoor coffee table. “It’s a statement piece that pulls a whole yard together,” says Messner. But, she warns, this shape typically works best for the largest of yards, as it can take up a lot of space.
Finally, modular versions are made up of individual seating sections that are entirely movable, allowing for multiple layouts (including any of the shapes listed above). “These are perfect for homeowners who love to rearrange and decorate or renters who may not know the layout of their future outdoor spaces,” explains Messner.
Material
There are a few keywords that you should look for when shopping for outdoor furniture: all-weather, powder coated, water repellent, and UV resistant. These help ensure that the items you’re investing in will stand the test of time—and Mother Nature.
Metal is a popular frame material, but it comes with a caveat. While sturdy and attractive, aluminum and steel can rust over time, so it’s important that they’re powder coated, Gaby Zone, Terrain’s merchandise director of home, previously told Domino.
For wood frames, Zone suggests teak, as it’s “less likely to become brittle thanks to its high natural-oil content.” Eucalyptus and mahogany are also hardy choices, as they’re resistant to rot and decay. Always check that any wood you select is approved by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). “This certifies that products come from responsibly managed forests that ensure environmental, social, and economic benefits,” says Messner.
Wicker, which is actually a weaving technique and not a specific material, is lightweight and therefore easy to move around. Resin, a synthetic material, is popular for outdoor wicker furniture, but make sure to pick an option crafted from a highly durable material, such as high-density polyethylene, for longevity.
For fabric, always look for weather-resistant picks, too. Messner favors Sunbrella designs, as they “withstand various weather conditions, resist fading, clean beautifully, and come in a range of colors and patterns.”
Pro Tips for Styling Sectional Furniture
- Keep in mind how you’ll use your sectional and your space to get the best return on your investment. If you have a large yard and entertain a lot, go for a U-shape model. If you have a small deck or balcony, an L-shape design is likely your best bet.
- “Pillows are the quickest and easiest way to style your sectional,” says Messner, and a good outdoor rug will anchor the space. And don’t forget outdoor lights! Just as candles and dim lighting can set the mood indoors, the same is true for the right lighting outdoors. “It’s transformative,” says Messner. “In just a few hours, you can hang some bistro lighting for magical after-sundown gatherings.”