What are the Best Outdoor Sectionals for your backyard in 2021?
Reviewing the 7 best outdoor sectionals in 2021 we look at hundreds of different furniture sets to find the most comfortable, stylish, and long-lasting outdoor sectionals available today. We will explain exactly which outdoor sectional sofa set you should get for your patio and which will work on grass or even in the house. We look at how the materials hold up to weather and time in different climates and why some materials work better than others. You don’t want to miss these weatherproof sectionals or choose the wrong one that looks scruffy in a year.
The problem with some garden furniture is that if it has been built to last outdoors then it can be heavy and designed to not be moved very often. If they weren’t they would constantly blow over or get damaged by weather. Sectional outdoor sofas are ideal if you constantly rearrange your patio living space to accommodate guests.
When looking for the best outdoor sectionals for your patio or backyard you should consider things like the area you plan to put them, size, shape, materials, comfort, and price range. We take a look at these after the in-depth reviews as well as answer some frequently asked questions about hard-wearing sectional furniture.
Editors Pick
Table of Contents
7 Best Outdoor Sectionals Reviews
LOKATSE HOME 2 Piece Patio Furniture Corner Sofa
DESIGN: 2 seater patio sectional set with a single armrest
FRAME: Solid powder-coated steel frame
CUSHIONS: 2 x 5 inch thick seat cushions, 2 x 5 inch thick back cushions
The LOKATSE HOME 2 Piece Patio Furniture Corner Sofa has a very simple design that is perfect for small patios or decks. There is one sectional chair with an armrest and one without which combine to make a chaise lounge style outdoor sofa. It will seat 2 people comfortably as a sofa or can be divided to make two individual chairs.
The powder-coated steel frame is absolutely solid and much stronger than wicker furniture but also heavier and more industrial looking. The 5 inch thick cushions are very comfortable and provide excellent support to your back whilst remaining breathable in summer. The material is soft and non-sticky against bare skin and can also be washed if they get dirty over time. You can add more cushions and a throw if you like to get cozy on an evening and like to sit outside on a sofa.
The total weight is 56.7 lbs which means you can easily move them around but won’t ever find them blown over in the wind. The cushions are also hard-wearing allowing you to leave them out overnight if you want. If you are looking for a small patio sectional that isn’t made from wicker then you need not look any further, this is a winner.
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Kinbor 2 PC Wicker Rattan Loveseat
DESIGN: 2 piece rattan loveseat sectional set
FRAME: Steel Frame with PE Rattan Wicker
CUSHIONS: 2 x seat cushions, 2 x backrest cushions, 2 x side cushions all 4-5 inches thick
The Kinbor 2 PC Wicker Rattan Loveseat is super adaptable and can be set up as a sofa with armrests or as two sofa chairs. When using the two together you get an intimate but spacious seat that is comfortable and stylish. The armrests and side cushions create a sort of booth which feels romantic when sat with a partner but also works well when configured with other outdoor seating. When divided into two, the corner chairs make excellent loveseats and will fit into corners that were previously going unused.
The steel frame is strong but not too heavy, which makes moving it a breeze, even on your own. The high-quality PE rattan wicker is hard-wearing, weatherproof, and UV resistant to withstand the elements when left outside. On each corner is a steel stiffener which improves the structural integrity and provides stability. The tightly bound weaving technique looks great and is easy to wipe clean which makes maintaining this outdoor section a piece of cake. The size of this 2 piece set means it will fit under a pop up gazebo or wooden pergola easily, allowing you to get some shade.
Something we really liked about this sectional loveseat for outdoors is the extra side cushions you get which allow you to get super comfy. The cushions use a sponge filling and polyester fabric for luxurious comfort and funky style. The cushions come in this turquoise color as well as a navy blue or red to suit your garden decor. They are water-resistant but will absorb heavy rain and need to be dried out before using which takes very little time at all. You can remove the sponge padding and wash the cushion covers whenever you like which is great if you have kids.
When set up as chars you can curl your feet up and tuck them under a blanket which keeps you warm on a cool evening. We highly recommend this 2 piece rattan sectional for small gardens and for occasional use in the house. The Kinbor 2 PC Wicker Rattan Loveseat looks great, feels comfy, and can be used in so many different ways.
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Amazon Basics 3 Piece Patio PE Wicker Rattan Corner Sofa Set
DESIGN: 2 piece sectionals with table/ottoman
FRAME: Steel Frame with PE Rattan Wicker
CUSHIONS: 2-3 inch thick seat cushions x 3, back cushions x 5
The Amazon Basics 3 Piece Patio PE Wicker Rattan Corner Sofa Set is ideal for those who don’t want to spend a lot of money getting an amazing outdoor sectional set. Made from synthetic wicker rattan, you can be sure that this will stand the test of time and never deteriorate. It is also more hardwearing than real wicker and so isn’t easily damaged when in use. The solid frame takes a little bit of assembly when it arrives but that might be why the delivery is so cheap.
As the name suggests, Amazon’s outdoor sectionals are fairly basic, but this isn’t a bad thing. The classic design will suit almost any backyard style and does exactly what it says on the tin. The frame is strong but not too heavy and because it can be divided into three separate pieces, it can be easily transported around your backyard. Weighing just 65 lbs for the full set, you can use these on decking without worrying about exceeding any capacity limits.
The seat cushions aren’t the thickest but they are more than adequate and are made up for by the super-soft back pillows. Removable pillow covers help keep the whole thing looking brand new if you spill anything, have messy children or dogs climbing on them all the time. These cushions are designed for outdoor use but don’t feel plasticky, they are soft and tactile.
You can use the coffee table without the cushion for drinks, nibbles, or candles, or leave the cushion on and use it as an ottoman or extend the chaise lounge into more of a bed. I would recommend this sectional sofa for outdoors to anyone looking to improve their seating arrangements in the backyard. It would particularly suit young families and people with holiday homes who don’t need the most luxury items on the planet.
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Modway Shore 4-Piece Aluminum Outdoor Patio Sectional Sofa Set
DESIGN: 2 piece sectional sofa with armchair and coffee table
FRAME: Brushed Anodized Aluminum Frame
CUSHIONS: 5 x seat cushions, 5 x back cushions
The Modway Shore 4-Piece Aluminum Outdoor Patio Sectional Sofa Set is by far the most modern and stylish outdoor sectionals on this list. With an adonized aluminum frame that is water and UV-resistant, you can be sure this will last for a very long time and in fact, may never need replacing. Designed to stand out against any backdrop and also compliment your existing themes, this would look just as at home in your living room as it would on the patio of a luxury villa.
Brushed adonized aluminum is an excellent material but more expensive than steel or PE rattan, which is why the best outdoor sectionals sometimes cost a little more. There are no sharp edges to get snagged on and the flat surfaces can be wiped down effortlessly which makes this a hygienic alternative to rattan sectionals. One downside of using such a high-quality metal frame is that it does weigh more than others which makes it harder for some people to move. On the plus side, it can support more weight than all other competitors.
Generously thick cushions make this sectional set incredibly comfortable to sit on and a desirable resting spot at the end of a hard day. The vibrant orange cushions also come in navy blue if you want something a bit more neutral but we think they look great as seen. Made from all-weather fabric that is fade and water-resistant, the removable covers are machine washable and fast drying. The durable upholstery uses a medium-soft foam padding to provide just the right balance of support and comfort.
The Modway Shore Aluminum outdoor sectionals collection can be customized to meet your needs by adding extra sectional pieces where you like. You can get more armchairs, a small side table, two-seater sofas, and more from their online shop. Whether you need a small seating arrangement or a large one, this would be our pick for the best outdoor sectionals given the choice.
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Christopher Knight Home Alice Outdoor 5 Piece Acacia Wood Sofa Set
DESIGN: 3 piece sectional sofa set with ottoman and table
FRAME: Acacia wooden frame
CUSHIONS: 4 x seat cushions, 3 x back cushions
The Christopher Knight Home Alice Outdoor 5 Piece Acacia Wood Sofa Set is definitely one of the more impressive outdoor sectionals due to the high-quality craftsmanship and materials. With a teak finish to add even more style, this garden furniture sectional looks great in a modern or traditional setting. If you think that wicker rattan looks a little tacky then this sleek design will surely tickle your fancy.
Acacia is a durable hardwood and will not darken over time and with a little maintenance every couple of years you can make this brand new again. The solid frame is heavy duty and built to last a long time outdoors as well as resist abrasions that may happen over time. The set includes two corner chairs and a center chair that can be arranged separately for social occasions or placed together to form a sofa or chaise lounge.
The cushions are covered with a non-porous fabric that makes cleaning spills stress-free and makes them very water-resistant. If you want the best outdoor sectional set that you can leave the cushions on over summer, this would make a good choice. The cushions are comfy enough and provide excellent support for lounging around by the pool. They are about 4 inches thick and serve their purpose very well, nothing else needed.
Whether you need somewhere to enjoy the sun in your backyard or host a BBQ, this outdoor wooden sofa sectional will take your backyard design up a level. Choosing to go with wood outdoor sectionals is a good idea in the long run as they can be maintained to look as good as new whenever you like.
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Best Choice Products 7-Piece Modular Outdoor Sectional Wicker Seating
DESIGN: 7 piece backyard sectional sofa with 4 x single chairs, 2 x corner chairs, and a table with tempered glass top
FRAME: Rust-resistant powder-coated steel frame with PE Rattan Wicker
CUSHIONS: 6 x seat cushions, 8 x back cushions, 2 x accent cushions
The Best Choice Products 7-Piece Modular Outdoor Sectional Wicker Set creates a wonderfully social setting with its U-shaped design function and coffee table. You can seat 6 people including the corner seats for laughter-filled conversation or place it against a wall to provide a relaxing view of your backyard. Because there are no armrests on any of the sections, you can configure this set in an abundance of ways to suit your space or special occasion.
Like all the other rattan sectionals, this modular set has a strong steel frame with a 360 lb capacity for each section. This provides enough weight to stop the furniture from blowing over and holds the shape of the furniture over time. While the rust-resistant powder-coated steel frame anchors the set down and clips together, it is also lightweight enough to be moved and carried easily. And because the set breaks down into 7 pieces, they are easy to move one at a time with a single person.
Coming in 6 stylish color options, it is hard to pick a favorite… but we really like the light grey wicker with black cushions and stripey accent pillows. The foam padded seat cushions are plush and comfortable to relax on and are covered by removable weatherproof covers. The fabric is water-resistant and machine washable and the construction includes double stitching for time-tested quality.
Included are 10 seat clips which keep all the sections together very neatly and negates the need to constantly line all the segments back up as they shift. The tempered glass coffee table sits perfectly in the center of the U-shape to give everyone enough legroom and be able to easily reach a drink. You also get a useful protective cover which means you don’t have to put them in storage over winter if you don’t want to. We highly recommend this modular outdoor sectional set to anyone with a pool, large patio, or backyard who wants somewhere to relax with friends.
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Great Deal Furniture Samuel Outdoor 8-Piece Wicker/Aluminum Sofa Set
DESIGN: 7 seater outdoor sectional with 2 armchairs, 2 sofas, and a coffee table
FRAME: Rust-Proof Aluminum frame with PE Rattan Wicker
CUSHIONS: 7 x seat cushions, 7 x back cushions all 4 inches thick
The Great Deal Furniture Samuel Outdoor 8-Piece Wicker/Aluminum Sofa Set is one of the comfiest outdoor sectionals thanks to the abundant armrests. Out of the 7 seats, only one doesn’t have an armrest. The basic setup includes a spacious 3 seater sofa and a 2 seater sofa which by themselves are perfect for families. On top of this, you get two wide outdoor armchairs for guests and a tempered glass coffee tale to put in the center.
You can expect this outdoor sectional to look great for many years without any maintenance but you may want to wipe it down once a year for sanitation. a rustproof aluminum frame is more premium than your standard sectional steel frame and will therefore last longer outdoors. Unlike other wicker outdoor sectionals, you won’t find any sharp corners and all the seems are tight and low profile. The aluminium feet keeps the sofa and chairs stable on hard ground or grass and keep the wicker from coming into contact with dirt.
Super comfortable and supportive seat cushions are what makes or breaks a sofa and these feel like a cloud they are so soft. The outdoor cushions have a water-resistant fabric composition made from 100% polyester so that they deflect water and don’t absorb much when soaked. They hold up very well over time thanks to the weatherproof cushion covers and padded foam inserts. You can remove the covers to wash them however because they are so stain-resistant, you might only do this once per year.
If you have a large family with lots of bums to seat, or you have a large backyard patio space to fill then this luxury outdoor sectional set is ideal for year-round use. Everybody has somewhere to put their arms and it is very easy to feel relaxed on the Great Deal Furniture Samuel Outdoor 8-Piece Wicker/Aluminum Sofa Set. We recommend it to anyone who wants a slightly better quality outdoor furniture set.
What does PE stand for in Rattan wicker?
The PE in PE Rattan Wicker stands for polyethylene. PE Rattan aka faux wicker is a synthetic material designed to look and perform just like the real thing but with a longer lifespan.
What is polyethylene wicker?
Polyethylene rattan furniture is made from synthetic resin fibers that bind together to form the synthetic wicker strands which are then weaved together to form the structure. It is completely waterproof, UV resistant, and weatherproof all year round which is why it is one of the best types of outdoor furniture to get. Polyethelene has many benefits over cheaper materials as well as real wicker which is why we tried to find you some PE outdoor sectionals for this list.
What are the best outdoor sectionals for winter?
The best outdoor sectionals for winter are the ones you can protect with a garden furniture cover, or better yet, bring inside. That being said, all outdoor sectionals are built to live outside and so you don’t have to worry too much about leaving them out over winter time if you want to. We would recommend bringing the cushions in when not in use though.
How can I keep my sectional’s cushions and pillows from blowing away?
To stop your outdoor seating cushions from blowing away in the wind you can do a number of things but the best option is to use Scotch Extreme Mounting Tape. You could also fasten them down with some velcro, insert wooden boards inside the cushion covers on the bottom to add weight, or fashion some straps or bungee cords.
How to store outdoor sectionals over winter?
The best place to store outdoor sectionals over winter is somewhere dry and preferably indoors. A shed or garage is ideal but not everyone has access to one so the second-best option is to store them under a protective cover. You can stack them on top of each other to save space and wrap the cushions in bin bags to protect them from storage smells.
How long does wicker furniture last outside?
Real wicker furniture can last several years outside however we don’t recommend you do that. Real wicker furniture is best preserved over the harsher months of the year by storing it or bringing it inside. Real wicker sectionals are best kept indoors all year round and for outdoor use you should look into PE rattan wicker.
Outdoor Sectionals: Ultimate Guide
In this comprehensive guide to the best outdoor sectionals, we look at the defining features we use to decide which performs better.
Size
Outdoor sectional sets come in a range of different sizes to suit your garden space and seating requirements. The number of pieces in your kit doesn’t always correlate to the number of people it will seat so be sure to check that before you buy. These are some of the most common combinations you might find when looking for the best outdoor sectional prices:
- 2 Piece Outdoor Sectionals – These small 2 piece sofa sets can be used as chairs or put together to form a couch. Perfect for small patios or for dotting around a large backyard.
- 3 Piece Outdoor Sectionals – These can be configured as 3 chairs or a sofa with a couch if all sections are the same size. You may find that some 3 piece garden furniture sets come as 2 seats and an outdoor chaise lounge which you can lie down on or use as a bench.
- 4 Piece Outdoor Sectionals – With a 4 piece sectional sofa kit you can configure them around a table for a communal arrangement. Alternatively you can clip them all together to form a long couch or L-shaped setup.
- 5 Piece Outdoor Sectionals – 5 piece sectionals start to offer some creative layout options and have lots more seating space. You start to see some 5 piece U-shaped designs on the sectionals with larger segments as well as some relatively small sofas that have single chair sections.
- 6 Piece Outdoor Sectionals – When you start to go above 5 piece sectionals you will find that they start to include tables as the 6th piece. For most people this makes the most sense unless you already have a nice outdoor table to use instead.
- 7 Piece Outdoor Sectionals – Just like above, 7 piece outdoor sectionals often include a table as well as accessories like an ottoman, armrest or drinks table. These are great for new houses or if you are giving the garden a full makeover.
- 8 Piece Outdoor Sectionals – These can offer more seating or even more accessories for entertaining such as sunshades, garden parasols, and umbrella bases.
- 9 Piece Outdoor Sectionals – You don’t see too many outdoor sectional furniture sets above 9 pieces as these can get pretty big. These will often seat 6 – 10 people and are designed for large households, big backyards, or people who have lots of friends over.
Shape
A compelling feature of sectional furniture for your garden is the ability to reconfigure the layout to suit the situation. You can create an intimate snug or spacious entertaining space just by moving a few sections. The most common sectional furniture layouts include:
L-Shaped
L-shaped outdoor sectionals are perfect for corners of your backyard that get the morning or evening sun. You can put them up against a wall or fence to provide the maximum view of your back garden from the best perspective. L-shaped outdoor sectional sofas allow everyone sat on them to feel relaxed by keeping the seating arrangement informal. If you are relaxing on your portable patio furniture on your own or with just one person you can use the L-shape to put your feet up and lie down.
U-Shaped
U-shaped outdoor sectionals provide an intimate setting to eat meals, host parties and sit with family or friends. As with any sectional outdoor set, you can change the layout to suit the situation but this classic U-shaped arrangement is ideal for families and socialites. You can have a single wrap-around sofa complemented with a table in the middle or spread the sections out to have lots of individual seats. A U-shaped sectional set for outdoors can really enhance your backyard living spaces and make them more accommodating to hosting guests.
C-Shaped
C-shaped sectionals are not as common as L-shaped or U-shaped furniture sets but there are still some great products out there. They are mainly 2 -3 seater sofas that separate into 2 or 3 chairs. In the two-seater format, the chairs are often called love seats because when you sit on them with a partner you can stare into each other’s eyes and be more intimate. They are the ultimate choice for circular patio designs and work seamlessly with round garden tables.
Chaise Lounge
A chaise lounge can refer to any kind of reclining chair in modern France but for most people, a chaise lounge refers to a specific type of couch that a single person can stretch out on. It can be used by two people as a bench but is typically used to put your feet up on and relax in comfort. An outdoor chaise lounge sectional set is ideal next to a pool or just outside your back door for frequent use. They make the perfect perch for morning coffee r reading the newspaper.
Legs
The legs on outdoor sectionals vary from what you may find on a typical house chair or a sofa but use more weatherproof materials. They are typically made from wood, steel, or aluminum to ensure strength, portability, and reliability outdoors over many years. If you plan to use your outdoor sectionals on hard ground like a patio or deck then the leg type doesn’t matter so much. If you want to use your furniture on grass or soft ground then you need to be aware that some legs will dig in while others spread the weight more efficiently. Also, metal can be wiped clean whereas wood can be stained by sustained wet ground contact, like in winter for example.
Strength
Something you should look for in the best outdoor sectionals is a heavy-duty frame and durable materials/fabrics. Especially with rattan outdoor sectionals, the frames are often hidden under a wicker cover so you should pick one with a steel or aluminum structure. Also, the wicker rattan itself should be well crafted or if using faux wicker or PE rattan it should be manufactured with precision. You can normally tell if a model is strong just by looking at the product reviews on Amazon or checking to see if we can help at Backyard Savvy.
Clips
Chair clips will keep all of your outdoor sectionals together and stop them from slipping out of position when you sit down. They can clip to the front and back legs or with a single clip in the middle to keep the chairs together and in a line. These are commonly included in your packaging when purchasing online or if not you can buy them separately here.
Cushions
Cushions are a big deal when buying any char or sectional sofa and comfort is the number one priority. We have found in writing this review of the best outdoor sectionals that a cushion thickness of above 3 cm is all that is needed to provide adequate padding for your posterior. Foam padding is the most common filling material because it keeps its shape and is resistant to the elements outdoors. Foam is also incredibly fast drying in case you leave your cushions out in the rain by accident.
Cushion Covers
All the best outdoor sectionals come with removable cushion covers included and almost all are machine washable at 40° degrees. Polyester is often a reliable choice of materials for outdoor cushion covers as it doesn’t degrade when exposed to the elements. However, the best material for outdoor sectional cushion covers is polypropylene which exceeded 30,000 double rubs in an abrasion test. Solution died acrylic fabrics are also a sound consideration due to their hardwearing nature and long-lasting color.
Prices
Outdoor furniture sets can vary in price a fair bit however we found that most sets of similar capacity are only a few hundred dollars in the price difference. Because you want your backyard sectionals to last as long as possible we recommend choosing a set that is not the cheapest or the most expensive but somewhere in the middle range. For 2-3 seater sectionals you would be looking between $200 and $500+ on average whereas for bigger outdoor sectional sets the price can vary way more. You can expect to pay between $750 and $2000+ for a large set of sectional furniture depending on the materials.
Conclusion
Our final thoughts after reviewing these 7 top outdoor sectionals are that aluminum frames cope better over time than wood or steel frames. Also, most cushions are very similar across the board in terms of thickness and fabric covers so focus more on the structural design than the furnishings. Armrests do improve comfort and are desirable to some people but they also create barriers and limit the number of layout variations you can use.
Aluminum is a super lightweight and strong metal that looks stylish and makes excellent garden furniture. That being said, if properly maintained, a wooden framed sectional set can last longer and is easier to repair at home. The downside is that to maintain it for many years you will have to occasionally sand it down and apply an oil or varnish.
Overall we would pick the Modway Shore range which comes in lots of combinations from 2 – 8 seat options and has excellent build quality.
Thanks for reading all the way to the end of this article on the best outdoor sectionals and sofa sets, we hope you found it useful.
