Designers Share Tips to Buying an Outdoor Sectional for Summer

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

When buying L-shaped sofas for stylish patios, terraces, and any other exterior spaces, you may have wondered what makes the best outdoor sectionals so good. Well, we have answers for you. The most important factor to consider is, of course, material because not any sofa, old or new, will work in an outdoor space, especially if you live in a place with four proper seasons. To make sure we are checking all of the boxes when recommending our top picks for the best outdoor sectional, we chatted with two interior designers for their expert opinion on the matter. New York City-based Kathy Kuo and Palm Beach-based Victoria Meadows both agree that outdoor-friendly materials should be top of mind when shopping.

“Of course, you’ll want to look for premium weather-resistant materials, but other than that, the criteria for selecting an outdoor sectional is going to be very similar to how you’d select one for indoors,” Kuo says. “Make sure you measure your space (and then measure it again) and think critically about design elements that you love, and that will mix well with existing furniture and decor you have in your outdoor living space.” If you’re starting your patio design scheme from scratch, you may want to shop our favorite outdoor furniture brands first to stock up on a few crucial pieces.

For everyone else, if all you're missing is spacious seating, scroll ahead to shop our top picks. With the weather finally heating up, now is the time to start decorating. And the longer you wait to add the pieces below to cart, the more likely your favorites will sell out.

Annajulia Outdoor Sectional

We consider this rope-like frame as a more modern take on the classic wicker and rattan alternatives. Though they both work for outside, there's something cool about thin pieces of rope that are wrapped around a metal frame, which makes the sofa look and feel lighter. Plus, if you're looking at the sofa with the table and thinking you'd love to snag both for your outdoor space, rest assured that they come together as a set. For just a touch over $400, it's a steal.

8-Piece Outdoor Sectional Sofa

Available in six-, seven-, and eight-piece collections, this conversation set is a winner because it's outdoor-friendly, under $700, and much suitable for any size spaces. How, you may ask? Well, it's modular, so you an arrange it in any configuration that suits your patio. So feel free to opt for a classic L-shaped sectional with an ottoman or take a different approach and go for one long couch. Like many outdoor-specific furniture, it's upholstered in olefin fabric, which is highly durable due to its specific chemical composition.

Mistral Collection

This unique sectional is called the Mistral collection (as opposed to the Mistral sectional) because it's totally modular, and therefore, customizable. Whether or not you arrange the pieces in the shape of an L- or U-shape sectional is totally up to you. If you didn't know this brand, now is your chance to become well acquainted with it because it's a really fun user experience. Start by picking the cushion color (there are six). Next, the frame finish. Finally, take a peek at the configuration options: U-shape, L-shape, and number of modular pieces. You can also decide whether or not you want your piece to have arms and come with a matching coffee table or ottoman.

Wicker Patio Sectional

Would we style a fire engine-red sofa with a pale blue Moroccan area rug? Probably not, but that doesn't mean either product is a no-go. In fact, we are all for a bright piece of outdoor furniture because it's a bit unexpected, as such pieces tend to come in more neutral shades. If, however, you're not into the sunny shade, this Red Barrel Studio sectional also comes in beige. Don't wait, though, because there are only a few left!

Patio Conversation Set

With room for six people to spread out and enjoy the great outdoors, this seven-piece sectional comes in three neutral colors—plenty of options to pair with your patio. One reviewer said, "It's beautiful! It's exactly what we were looking for in an outdoor sofa set. We love hosting and needed the extra seating. Perfect for what we needed and great quality for the price! It took my husband about 2.5 hours to put together."

Haven Sectional

This outdoor sectional from Neighbor may be on the more expensive side of the price spectrum, but hear us out: Neighbor makes only pieces that live outside, so the engineers, designers, and manufacturers are doing a lot of research to deliver on their promise of luxury pieces that not only survive, but really do thrive outside. Here's what makes it great: Its base is a solid teak frame topped with quick-drying foam-filled cushions. (The best outdoor furniture is usually made of teak because it is naturally weather-resistant, repels moisture, prevents rot and decay, and resists termites). As for the upholstery, it's Sunbrella's famous outdoor-friendly acrylic fabric. Full disclosure: There is assembly, but no tools are required; simply slide the pieces into place. This piece is also completely customizable, from the configuration to the color.

Holland Metal Outdoor Sectional

Okay, hear us out: A black outdoor sectional is so cool. Yes, it also comes in white, but so many outdoor sectionals come in white, so if you want to do something a little different, you can't go wrong with black. If the look of an entirely black sofa isn't working for you, you can opt for a black metal frame with white or beige cushions, a white metal frame with black cushions, or a few other unique combinations. Personally, though, we think an all-black sectional would really pop against a blue sky and bright green grass in the near distance.

Sierra Outdoor Armless Sofa

Before you double-check the price to make sure that such an elegant outdoor sectional is indeed less than $600, we'll do the work for you: The sofa comprises several loveseat-style pieces that, when you put them together, give you the sectional of your dreams. In other words, it's modular, so each individual piece is $599. We'd say it's worth it because Castlery does not make lackluster products. This sectional features PU foam cushions arranged on an aluminum frame that's set in a relaxed position. The best part? It ships from New Jersey, so you won't have to wait months for your new outdoor seating.

Teak Outdoor L Sectional

We know what you're thinking: This isn't a sectional. You're right! This specific configuration is not a sectional, but you can arrange the pieces into one in minutes. Can you tell that we have a thing for modular outdoor furniture? This set includes two armless chairs, one corner chair, and one sectional chair that can slide into any shape you like. All of the pieces are crafted from naturally durable FSC-certified teak and topped with sink-in memory foam cushions. The best part? All Outer furniture includes built-in covers, so if it's raining, all you have to do is slide them over the cushions, et voilà.

Sectional Seating Group with Cushions

We're kind of loving this all-white set (the coffee table is included), but we're not against the other color option: a natural wood frame and pale gray cushions. Both parts—the frame and the cushions—are water resistant, so there's no need to store this sectional under a covered area. Let it shine in the sun or rain. One reviewer said, "Such a game changer! This outdoor seating was easy to put together and looks spectacular! Adds a whole second living space to our lives. Many compliments!"

Pacifica Corner Sectional

With a handwoven natural rattan frame and high-end Perennials performance fabric, this corner sectional won't just survive in inclement weather—it will thrive. No matter which color or pattern you choose, the fabric is resistant to UV radiation, mold, mildew, and staining. Did we mention you can score a whopping 20 percent off with the code "SALE"at checkout?

Palermo Modular Set

These cushions, which come in four colors, are filled with double-wrapped foam, making them just as—if not more—comfortable than the sofa in your living room. The rust-resistant powder-coated frame is covered with handwoven resin wicker, making this a fabulous outdoor find that can hold up in just about any weather. The cushions covers made of 100 percent waterproof Sunbrella rain performance fabric are equally durable.

How We Selected the Best Outdoor Sectionals

For this story, I used two reliable sources: the Internet's myriad reviews and my own personal research to document when I was on the hunt for a durable outdoor sectional in my former apartment. Sadly, my current New York City apartment doesn't come with an outdoor space, so I had to part ways with my sectional, but I digress. As someone who basically runs on spreadsheets, I saved my trusty product research document in the hope that I'll need it again in the future. All of the pieces on my list are small-space friendly and under $1,000, but for this story, I also added quite a few luxury pieces for anyone who may have fewer spatial and budget constraints. My goal was finding enough pieces (read: 12) that were varied in pretty much every element, including style, budget, and size. For any pieces too big or expensive to take up a spot on my personal list, I focused on the ratings, reviews, and aesthetic.

What to Look for in an Outdoor Sectional Sofa

There are three key factors to consider before making your purchase, so if you want to make an educated investment, you've come to the right place. Below, we break down the most crucial considerations.

Size: The size for the outdoor sectional is just as essential as it is on its indoor counterpart, as both sofas are dependent on the spatial constraints of the room—or, in this case, area. That said, if you're working within the confines of a lawn versus a designated patio, you can be a bit more liberal with the sectional size. Otherwise, be sure to measure your outdoor space before buying a sectional because making the piece fit is crucial.

Material: When we say material, we are referring to the cushion covers and the frame, which both need to be weather-resistant in order to survive. "For salty, coastal environments near the ocean, opt for a sectional sofa built with rust-resistant aluminum frames," Meadows explains. "I love the durability and lightweight features of powder-coated aluminum." Plus, she says, many brands offer a variety of frame colors, including navy, blush pink, and juniper green. "Take a risk and pair these with a UV-resistant textured fabric to create your own truly unique bright and bold outdoor sectional." If colorful outdoor furniture isn't your thing, worry not. Plenty of our top picks are available in neutral shades.

What Is the Most Weather-Resistant Material for Outdoor Sectionals?

When you're buying anything for the great outdoors—especially seating—considering how it will hold up in inclement weather is a must. Kuo, founder of her namesake design firm, says, "Look for frames made from materials like teak, powder-coated aluminum, wrought-iron, concrete, and resin-coated wicker rattan." As far as cushions and upholstery go, opt for performance fabrics that won't mold or mildew. "Sunbrella performance fabric is the gold standard in durability and weather-resistance," she adds. Some brands, including Serena & Lily, offer their outdoor pieces exclusively upholstered in Sunbrella fabrics because, like Kuo said, it's the best of the best. That said, it doesn't come cheap, but since it's so durable, it practically pays for itself. If the outdoor sectional of your dreams doesn't come upholstered in Sunbrella and you aren't in the market to reupholster it, don't worry. Just be sure to buy pieces marketed as outdoor-specific. Otherwise, the moment they get wet, the water will seep through the fabric and into the cushion fill, causing mold, mildew, and even rot.

"Olefin is a unique textile that is making a splash in big ways—as woven ropes and straps that are intertwined to construct an artistic, almost sculptural sofa back and arm," Meadows says. "The woven rope's eye-catching rainbow of colors and woven patterns are the ultimate way to design something one-of-a-kind without sacrificing durability." What's more, the cool material is actually known for its excellent UV-, stain-, and mold resistant qualities. "Another benefit: resistance to chlorine and bleach, so you can worry less about the colors fading when it gets drenched by a cannonball into the pool," Meadows adds.

How Can You Protect Your Outdoor Sectional?

Contrary to popular opinion, outdoor-friendly furniture can only take so much rain, wind, snow, and sun, so protecting it as best you can will not only keep it comfortable, but make it last for way longer than you may expect. "A pro tip from an interior designer: Go ahead and add the additional outdoor furniture covers to your cart, and thank me later!" Meadows insists. "Your outdoor sectional is an investment, and it will see a lot more barbecues and pool parties when it isn't constantly exposed to rain, mildew, mold, and UV rays." She's not wrong. Even the most durable fabrics, like Sunbrella, can't survive for years on end if they're consistently exposed to harsh elements, so snagging a few furniture covers to drape over your sectional is the best and most cost-effective way to keep your seating in good shape. "Furniture covers are also my favorite way to keep that pesky yellow pollen dust out of every little crevice during springtime. Pop them on and off to keep your cushions unfazed by the elements for years," Meadows adds.

Another useful trick for keeping your outdoor sectional in peak shape? Clean it! "I'd advise doing a bit of research on the most effective and safe cleaning methods for whatever material your furniture frames are made of. Proper and regular cleaning is key to your furniture standing the test of time," Kuo explains.

Why Trust House Beautiful?

When it comes to picking out the best (and affordable) pieces for any space, I have been reviewing furniture, appliances, and home must-haves for nearly eight years, having access to more than a few stylish samples, and working with countless interior designers on what makes a product worthy in the home. Not to mention, I've been on a never-ending quest to decorate her own New York City apartment with a budget and size constraint in mind, so you can trust that I have done my homework to find the best and most beloved pieces on the market. Sadly, because my current apartment doesn't have a terrace, I had to say goodbye to my beloved outdoor sectional that lived on the balcony of my former apartment for nearly five years.

For this story, I spent quite a few hours combing through reviews, ratings, and my own personal documents and notes from my former outdoor sectional research to find the best ones for House Beautiful readers. I also brought in the big guns, interior designers Kathy Kuo and Victoria Meadows. Kuo is a New York City-based product and interior designer who has been decorating homes across the country for more than 20 years. She established her eponymous firm back in 2012. She's also a graduate of the coveted Rhode Island School of Design. Meanwhile, Meadows worked as a CPA with PwC for six years, before earning a degree in interior design and founding her own full-service firm based in Palm Beach, Florida.

You Might Also Like

• 15 Home Bar Gifts Every Cocktail Enthusiast Will Appreciate

• 32 Low Light Indoor Plants That Can Survive in the Darkest Corners of Your Home

• These Are the 50 Best Paint Colors for Your Living Room