How to choose the best outdoor dining furniture

Investing in high-quality, built-to-last dining furniture is a great way to expand your living space and take advantage of your outdoor area. But with so many options—from cohesive dining sets to space-saving bistro dining—how do you know what’s the best outdoor dining furniture for you and your needs? Here’s what to conifer before making a purchase. 

Before purchasing new outdoor dining furniture, consider the size and shape of your space and design it just like you would an indoor space, paying attention to scale and proportion. 

A balcony, for instance, will have very different space constraints than a sprawling backyard patio. If you’re working with smaller square footage—or an awkward layout—consider browsing space-saving bistro sets. Bar stools and counter tables are also great options when dealing with space constraints. If your space is larger, create a complete dining area with a dining set or mix and match with your favorite dining table and dining chairs.

A good rule of thumb is to leave 30-36 inches between your dining table and any surrounding walls, trees, or furnishings. 

How many people will regularly be sitting at your dining table? And how many people can your space fit? The amount of people a table can fit depends on its size and shape—as well as the size of your dining chairs. When it comes to seating capacities, AuhenTEAK offers:

• Dining sets for 2 people
• Dining sets for 2-4 people
• Dining sets for 4-6 people
• Dining sets for 6-8 people
• Dining sets for 8-10 people
• Dining sets up to 18 people

You can also create your own dining set by mixing and matching a dining table and dining chairs that suit your needs and style.

What kind of climate will your outdoor furniture be situated in? And how much time are you willing to spend on maintaining the look of your patio furniture? Make sure you’re choosing the right outdoor furniture material for your needs. Teak is by far the best wood for outdoor furniture, while all-weather wicker and recycled plastic are great options for a variety of climates. It’s also important that your outdoor dining furniture is sourced from a reputable brand that prioritizes high-quality materials and top-notch construction methods, both of which will ensure your furniture lasts year after year. AuthennTEAK exclusively carries dining furniture from vetted, industry-trusted brands known for their exceptional quality and durability. Brands like Kingsley Bate, POVL Outdoor, Barlow Tyrie, Cane-line, Gloster, Lane Venture, and Nardi—just to name a few—are great, industry-respected brands to shop from. 

Another important step in choosing the best outdoor dining furniture is making sure it’s harmonious with your style. Think about how your outdoor dining furniture’s color, material, and shapes look with the rest of your space. Is the rest of your space modern and sleek? If that’s the case, you may want to veer away for more rustic or earthy styles. It can be helpful to gather inspiration on Instagram or Pinterest to help you decide on your overall style.