Now that summer’s in full swing, it’s only a matter of time before someone suggests drinks on the patio or an impromptu backyard dinner party. But while outdoor lighting and a decent citronella candle are nice to have, nothing makes people want to linger longer than furniture that’s actually comfortable (or at least not rusted to the point where you need a post-fête Tetanus shot).
That’s why our editors have been busy testing outdoor furniture sets that’ll actually hold up—evaluating everything from comfort and cleanability to how well a bench wears after a Fourth of July fireworks fallout. Below, you’ll find the five standout pieces we keep coming back to, from Walmart sofas that defy expectations to a compact Amazon bistro set that folds flat but still fits two dinner plates and a pitcher of sangria.
