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As the days start to get longer and the weather gets warmer, you’ll likely find yourself hosting outdoor gatherings and dining al fresco before you know it. If you’re dreaming of those days when you can enjoy an outdoor meal in the shade or lounge in the sun, it’s time to start shopping for an outdoor sectional.

Outdoor sectionals offer the same flexibility as modular seating for indoors, minus the sometimes-astronomical price tag. Most of them fit into more than one configuration to suit your space, and typically seat anywhere from a few friends to a larger group. Best of all, they’re designed to withstand different weather conditions and are generally low-maintenance, with easy-to-clean cushions and frames.

Whether you’re looking for a large, contemporary sectional for an expansive patio or small and sleek seating for your balcony, read on for our top recommendations, along with things to consider before you shop.

For more great ways to upgrade your outdoor space, check out our picks for the best affordable patio furniture, patio umbrellas, and outdoor rugs.

Best Outdoor Sectionals

What to Consider

Size and Shape

A standard L-shaped sectional is likely the first design shape that comes to mind when you think about your backyard setup, but a unique or customizable shape may be more beneficial to optimize all of your outdoor space. A sectional with multiple pieces like chaises and ottomans may be better for a larger deck, while a small loveseat with an armchair is a nice fit for a smaller patio. Our best overall pick has detachable end chairs so you can break up your seating area if you have room to spare.

Material

Most outdoor sectionals have weather-resistant frames. Powder-coated aluminum (which is rust-proof) and metal will be the most durable, and will have longevity without requiring regular maintenance. There are also sectionals with hardwood frames, which may need waterproof covers or varnish treatments for protection, and eye-catching metal frames with a rust-resistant finish, like our best overall Joss & Main Nauvoo outdoor sectional.

Hardwood frames made of materials like teak and acacia last years and gray over time, which leads to a beautiful, natural look. Although teak is expensive, it’s more durable than acacia. Acacia looks similar to teak, but requires weather treatment and, even with that, doesn’t stand up to the elements for as long as a synthetic or teak frame. Metal and aluminum can likely sit out all-year round, while wood materials may require storage during inclement weather seasons.

Cushions

Outdoor cushion fabrics are almost always treated to prevent mildew and are generally made from acrylic or polyester blends. Some sectionals offer the option to upgrade to more durable, fade-resistant performance fabric like Sunbrella—featured in our best value pick—which we recommend, if it’s in your budget. If it isn't, consider cushions with removable, machine-washable cushion covers. We also recommend covering or storing your cushions during rain, and making sure they dry fully anytime they get wet.

Configuration

A modular sectional will allow you to separate the furniture pieces to create a more customized seating area. Most of our picks come with detachable chairs and loungers, so you can make multiple configurations. Some come with connectors and handles for easy rearranging, while others may require additional hardware to lock furniture in place.

How We Selected

We recommend high-quality, durable outdoor sectionals in different sizes and configurations that work well in both small and large spaces. All of the sectionals we cover come with cushions as shown in the photos and are made of all-weather materials. We also aimed to choose options that span multiple price points to suit different budgets, and styles from traditional to modern to suit all tastes. We've settled on the following list of the best sectionals that offer versatility and longevity for a seating area that you can use all summer long.

Nauvoo Outdoor Sectional

This swoon-worthy outdoor sectional is truly a standout, with chic details that give it an upscale look—plus it’s competitively priced. It features handsome brown polyethylene wicker in cool and warm brown tones, supported by a powder-coated aluminum frame and an eye-catching brushed-gold base.

The frame is weather- and mildew-resistant and there are 15 cushions covered in yarn-dyed acrylic. It’s available in several bright hues, including tangerine and navy, and a handful of neutrals. Of all the options we write about, this is the sofa we want in our backyards.

Outdoor Sectional with Table

This outdoor sectional is attractive and modern, with a gray, powder-coated aluminum frame that gives it a fresh look—and it comes with a sleek, glass-topped coffee table.

The sectional’s deep gray cushions are covered with quick-drying and fade-resistant olefin fabric. Plus, their covers are removable for easy cleaning. While you can only create two different assembly configurations, this sectional is a good space saver.

Sectional Set With Throw Pillows

For a medium-sized backyard, a modular sectional can be a great way to optimize the space you have available. You can separate and rearrange this sofa set into six different configurations to suit your group.

The modern design is made up of galvanized steel and water-resistant wicker to withstand damage from the elements. The tempered glass on the tabletop will protect from scratches and is easy to clean. Throw pillows come included for an additional design element.

Patio Sectional With Dining Set

Hosting dinner parties outside this summer will be easier than ever with this stylish sectional set. It comes with a dining table, three ottomans, and a sofa that can be rearranged to your liking.

The sectional can be left outside all year long, due to the powder-coated steel frame and wicker material that is less likely to hold trapped water. The table top is made from plastic wood, so it’s easy to clean, and so are all the cushion covers, which come equipped with zippers for easy removal.

3-Piece Outdoor Sectional Sofa Set

Add a pop of color to your patio or deck with this fiery red sectional set. The cushions are made with more than three inches of high-density foam for better resilience and extra comfort, and the covers are removable and machine-washable.

The included table has a tempered glass top that is sturdy and safer to use. The frame is rust-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about putting the sectional in storage during colder months.

Sinkler Patio Sectional

A simple and modern outdoor sectional is a great way to elevate your backyard without too much flair. This sofa set from Big Joe is a modular design, so the pieces can be rearranged for different configurations (the built-in handles make this an easy feat, too).

The cushions are covered in water-resistant fabric for protection from the elements, and they’re filled with foam for a comfortable space to relax. We recommend it as a prime hangout spot for the spring and summer, with plenty of room for a decent sized crew.

Eaman 4-Piece Outdoor Sectional

With midcentury design and minimalist vibes, this outdoor sectional is also a space-saver for your patio, with a slim silhouette.

The frame is made from sturdy acacia wood that has an earthy feel, and there are two built-in end tables to keep beverages and reading materials close by.

The cushions are topped with a water-resistant protectant so they can withstand mild weather conditions. They are on the thinner side, though, so add a couple throw pillows for more comfortable lounging.

Outdoor Sectional and Table

Anyone with a small deck, narrow balcony, or sliver of backyard should consider this petite outdoor sectional and side table. The set has a boho vibe but still looks polished, featuring all-weather rope and wicker covering steel frames. The side table is topped with tempered glass and the L-shaped sofa has an angled back and side arms.

The cushions are removable (although their covers are not) and come in white, navy, and the black that's shown. There’s also an all-black frame and cushion combo.

Lipton Wicker Outdoor Sectional

With clean lines and an elegant curve, this outdoor sectional is both striking and understated. While it may have a slim silhouette, the semi-circular sofa has the ability to warm up a space, making it feel more intimate and cozy. It’s also affordably priced and on sale at the time of this writing.

The modular three-piece sectional features all-weather wicker rattan wrapped around a metal frame and base. Its tailored beige cushions are done in a polyester blend and have zippers that make them easy to remove for cleaning. The only caveat is that the covers aren't machine-washable.

7-Piece Outdoor Sectional With Fire Pit

This outdoor sectional conversation set comes equipped with an electric fire pit table, and the included volcanic rock keeps embers and smoke at bay while offering a stylish centerpiece. There's also a fire pit cover for when it’s not in use, and the table is the right height for drinks. Another reason why we love this outdoor sectional is that is has higher backs and thicker cushions than many of the options we write about.

The set is covered in all-weather wicker, and along with the fire pit table there's a sofa and two side chairs. If you're looking for more or fewer pieces, additional options are available that sit from seven to 15 people.

Symmetrical Outdoor Sectional

Sprucing up your outdoor area doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. This chic option from AllModern is an excellent choice, since it is durable, more affordable, and fully modular. The outdoor sectional features four pieces and comfortably seats five adults, with a solid acacia hardwood frame.

The 13 cushions are included, and their covers—also available in blue, beige, and white—are removable and machine-washable.

Outdoor Sectional With Sunbrella Cushions

We recommend this oversized outdoor sectional if you're looking for an option that offers fantastic value. For starters, the modular L-shaped sofa comes with high-performance canvas Sunbrella cushions in a choice of three colors that are removable and machine-washable.

It features gray-brown all-weather wicker and aluminum frame, with square brushed metal feet that add a modern touch to complete the look. If you love the sectional but want to spend a bit less, it's also available with olefin-covered cushions for about $200 less.

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