The Outdoor Sectionals Worth Investing in So Yours Doesn’t Fall Apart by September

Reading up on Domino’s shopping guides is like having your own personal product concierge. We do the tedious part—deep-dive research, hands-on testing, and tapping experts for advice—so all you have to do is hit “add to cart.” That’s why we call them Simply the Best.

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 Yardzen, a virtual landscape design company. 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.

Our Favorites

• Best all-weather wicker: Serena & Lily Pacifica Corner Sectional
• Best aluminum: Outer Aluminum Outdoor 4-Seat Sectional
• Best teak: Neighbor Outdoor Sectionals
• Best natural rattan: Woven Natura Sectional
• Best upholstered: Anthropologie Tassa Outdoor L-Shaped Sectional
• Best wood: West Elm Playa Outdoor Reversible Sectional

Best All-Weather Wicker: Serena & Lily Pacifica Corner Sectional

Pacifica Corner Sectional

Serena & Lily

$6998

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Yes, it’s an investment, but this wicker sectional is worth it if you’ve recently settled into your forever home or are looking for a serious outdoor living upgrade. The woven resin provides an exceptionally hard-wearing, long-lasting update to the classic wicker look. The cushions feature an all-weather foam and polyester fill, and the removable covers come in the brand’s performance fabrics, which resist mildew, repel water, and hold up against sunlight and storms without fading. Plus the cushions attach to the frame with Velcro to prevent slippage. Trust us: Once you sit down, you’re not going to want to get up.

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Best Metal: Outer Aluminum Outdoor 4-Seat Sectional

Aluminum Outdoor 4-Seat Sectional, Outer

$5750

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Weatherproof aluminum combines with memory foam cushions in Outer’s four-seat sectional. The piece includes two armless chairs, one corner chair, and one sectional chair, which all combine to suit the space you have and the company you keep. The lightweight frame, covered by a 10-year limited warranty, requires no assembly (surprising, huh?). All you have to do is take it out of the box, toss the cushions on, and you’re ready to go. 

On those cushions, which carry a five-year limited warranty, you’ll find machine washable, UV-resistant fabric that covers memory foam typically seen in mattresses. We prefer the lighter colorways, but that’s up to you. The brand’s patented weather-resistant cover, called OuterShell, is integrated so you can seamlessly pull it over the backrest and bottom cushion when you’re finished lounging. It attaches with two Velcro tabs and has a handle for easy toting and lets you skip fighting with a cover that must be kept elsewhere. If you’re stumped on where to start, Outer offers free design consultations and fabric swatches; you can also chat with a product specialist or visit a showroom.

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Best Teak: Neighbor Outdoor Sectionals

Configurable when it comes to size, orientation, and arm style, Neighbor’s Haven and Bluff sectionals have a lot going for them, and then some. There are a number of carefully considered design choices, all of which start with an FSC-certified teak frame that reads a little Scandinavia, a little California. For the former, there are seven Sunbrella performance fabric choices, including a chic rust and soothing moss, that are durable and stain resistant. Reviewers add that Haven’s cushions, which can be secured to the frame by ties, are thick and comfortable. The back support is constructed from polyester rope, and the marine-grade, stainless steel hardware is corrosion resistant. Bluff currently only comes in parchment and graphite. Its extra-deep seats dial into the cozy factor with downlike throw pillows; they give the illusion of floating and are subtly held upright by a hidden powder-coated steel frame inside the cushions.

No matter which you go with, you can enjoy the added perks of free shipping and a 45-day trial. Plus delivery is estimated within one to two weeks. And if you’d like to slip in a surface for drinks or as a plant perch, the brand has an in-line table that works modularly with the lounge system. 

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Best Natural Rattan: Woven Natura Sectional

Natura Four Seat L-Shape Sectional, Woven

$4925

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Confession: We’ve been thinking about Woven’s sustainably harvested, curvy rattan frame ever since it debuted. We’re confident Natura could transform your backyard into a Mediterranean oasis. While there are a lot of wicker look-alike sectionals out there—and a few on this list—Woven’s stands out for its 100% natural base (yes, it will patina over time) and compostable foam-filled cushions wrapped in upcycled fabric made from plastic water bottles. We love that it’s quasi-customizable, meaning you can choose between a small, four-seater for tighter spaces like a balcony, or five-, six-, and even seven-seaters that come in corner-, U-, and L-shaped configurations for sprawling porches and back decks. 

To keep this beauty looking fresh as long as possible, upkeep is required. We recommend covering it in between uses (Woven sells a custom-tailored one, by the way), using a pressure hose if you start to notice any organic matter growing; oil it every month or so to keep it from cracking, too. Other noteworthy details: Your first order is eligible for a 15% discount (it is a pretty steep price tag, but the unique qualities should make it worth the splurge), and you have 60 days to decide whether or not it’s a fit for you.

Best Upholstered: Anthropologie Tassa Outdoor L-Shaped Sectional

Tassa Outdoor L-Shaped Sectional, Anthropologie

$4998

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From looks alone, this pillowy Anthropologie sectional might fool you into thinking it’s for indoor living rooms only. But, yes, it is actually designed as outdoor seating. The lived-in, slipcover-esque look is made with Sunbrella canvas, and the back and seat cushions are made from a resilient foam core that refuses to retain water (great for a poolside setup). The frame, too, is made with marine-grade, UV-resistant laminated hardwood to resist mold and mildew, and plastic-capped legs protect stone or concrete pavers and a wood-composite deck from deep scratches (they’re totally removable, as well, if you prefer a low profile). Bonus: If you opt for the natural colorway, it’ll ship out as soon as two weeks. 

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Best Wood: West Elm Playa Outdoor Reversible Sectional

Playa Outdoor Reversible Sectional

$1749 $1499

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Another great option for smaller areas, this West Elm find is exactly what Messner means when she says to look for transitional styles in hardy materials. The solid eucalyptus and mahogany frame is sustainably sourced, rich in weather-resistant oils, hand-brushed, FSC certified, and kiln dried to prevent warping. The ottoman can easily be moved to either side to suit your needs, and the water-resistant fabric means you don’t have to sweat it when spills inevitably happen.

More Wood Sectionals

Budget Outdoor Sectionals We Love

If you’re looking to quickly outfit a patio on a budget, consider Walker Edison’s Macae four-piece set. It has two sofas, a chair, and a coffee table. Available on Amazon with exceptionally quick delivery, this 4-star-rated quartet is one to watch regularly, as it can go on sale in spurts. Additionally, Target’s all-weather, rust-resistant, steel-wicker Latigo is functional and on trend—all at a very friendly price point.

How We Chose These Products

After chatting with Messner, we tapped Domino’s style editors for favorite outdoor sectional brands and surveyed home tours for covetable pieces. Then we took into consideration a variety of criteria, including smart design, durable materials, and a range of prices. The list we landed on includes all kinds of styles, among them classic and contemporary looks. We skipped ultra-budget options, as outdoor furniture needs to be well built and made from long-lasting materials to withstand swings in weather; this often translates to a higher price point.

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. Powder-coated metals and synthetic rattans also work well, whereas wicker made from natural materials, such as rattan vine, should mainly be used indoors due to its porousness (which means it can easily let in and hold water) and its propensity to fade in the sun.

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.”

Design

According to Messner, the classic L-shape design is a winning choice. “The 90-degree bend invites conversation and encourages socialization, which everyone is craving now,” she says. Her firm typically recommends neutral hues and transitional styles; this way “your sectional looks great in your ever-evolving home and yard,” she adds. But if you’re into bright colors and expressive prints, don’t be afraid to take that look outside! Your outdoor space should be an extension of your indoor style.

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.”
  
• An outdoor sofa is just one part—albeit a big one—of creating an entertaining space. Don’t forget to add an ottoman or coffee table for holding drinks and canapés.

Ask Domino

Q: What is the difference between a sectional and patio set?

While modular styles offer flexibility, a sectional is meant to be used as one piece of furniture. A patio set, on the other hand, typically consists of an outdoor sofa or sectional; chairs; and a coffee table, side table, or both for a complete and matching set.

Q: How can I prolong the life of my patio furniture?

It’s always a good idea to invest in a high-quality cover to protect your outdoor furniture when inclement weather strikes or when it’s not in use for a stretch of time. Wood designs can also benefit from seasonal treatment with a penetrating oil, which will help block moisture and remove unwanted stains. Keep your patio furniture clean and dry, and store it in a garage or basement, if possible, during the colder months. Always read and follow the care instructions for any piece of furniture you purchase.