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The 9 Best Outdoor Sectionals of 2024, Tested by Experts

Because the best backyard parties deserve the best outdoor seating.

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The 9 Best Outdoor Sectionals of 2024, Tested by Experts

SPRING IS here, and summer is just around the corner. That means pool parties, grilling in the backyard, and working on your trucker tan—all of which are a lot easier with the right outdoor sectional. Because the best outdoor soirees deserve the best outdoor seating, and there’s no better option for your patio or fire pit space than a good, modular sectional.

Like all outdoor furniture, outdoor sectionals come in every conceivable size, shape, material, price, design, assembly requirements, number of seats—you get the picture. Of course, there’s no one best outdoor sectional set. It’s all a matter of what’s right for you (more on that below) and your setup. No matter what type of set you’re shopping for, size, aesthetics, price, and overall quality are probably your top considerations.

We’ve done the hard work for you by researching many of the best-reviewed, top-selling models from top furniture brands of the last year. So, whether you’re looking to furnish your now-empty backyard space or just need an upgrade to your aging patio furniture, we have you covered with plenty of inspiration. These are the best sectionals worth shopping for in 2023

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If money is no object, Burrow’s Relay Outdoor Sectional is our go-to premium pick. It’s all the same sleek, contemporary design aesthetic Burrow is known for but with a rugged outdoor construction. After a week of testing, we loved that the frame is made of powder-coated galvanized steel that’s guaranteed to never rust. That’s topped with quick-drying cushions made with a durable, all-weather fabric that repels water, dirt, dust, sun, and errant wine spills. The entire four-piece set comes together with almost zero assembly, so your sectional is (almost) ready to roll right out of the box.

Like almost everything in Burrow’s catalog, we love every last thing about this set. But there’s no denying that, at more than $3,000, it is pricey. Expect to pay a little more if you want the matching ottoman and coffee table. But if you want one of the best outdoor sectionals of 2023, we think it’s worth the premium. Plus, shipping is free. So, there’s that.

Article’s Murrel might be the most unique outdoor sectional in our roundup. The design is equal parts coastal and modern, and the curved, organic shape of the synthetic wicker base feels vaguely retro-cool. It’s all wrapped around a sturdy aluminum frame that, together, are durable enough to last for years outdoors with minimal maintenance. Just give it an occasional wipe down with a damp sponge, and you’re good. We love the dead-simple 15-minute assembly, too, so you don’t have to worry about enlisting a hockey team’s worth of friends to help put it together.

At almost $2,500 (including delivery), this is a pricey option, and adding the matching ottoman pushes that price tag up by more than $300. But, this handsome design is unlike any other we’ve seen over the last year, making this a great statement piece for any outdoor porch or patio.

Outdoor sectionals—especially the best outdoor sectionals—can be pricey. But this full-sized model from Best Choice Products proves they don’t have to be. The lightweight, seven-piece set includes six chairs, matching cushions and pillows, and a glass-covered coffee table that can be configured to fit almost any size porch or patio. Arrange it all together for intimate, conversational-style seating, or space it out to create more of an outdoor living room scenario. Your call. We love the nautical-inspired aesthetic that’s available in a variety of base and cushion color combinations, so you can dial in the look that works for you.

It’s incredibly well-reviewed with more than 1,500 five-star ratings on Amazon alone. But we especially love the price. At around $600 (including delivery!), it’s a budget-conscious option for almost any sectional shopper. The only downside? Many buyers note a straightforward but tedious assembly process. Plan on setting aside a couple of hours to put it all together.

What do buyers say? “Couldn’t be happier. I love everything about this patio cushion set,” said one Amazon reviewer.

Most outdoor sectionals take up a ton of space, meaning you need a porch or patio with plenty of available square footage. At less than 85 inches wide, the Burruss sectional by Latitude Run is purpose-built to fit even the most compact spaces. The modular design can be reworked to fit even tighter spaces, too—your call. The easy-clean polyester upholstery is super water-resistant and built to resist sun-fading, too. While the aesthetic is a bit basic, it’s designed to work seamlessly with almost any décor, from traditional to modern to coastal.

Of the more than 12,000 reviews on Wayfair alone, most are positive, with the most common complaint being the tedious assembly process. But, for city dwellers or apartment owners with limited space, we still think this is a solid option, especially at less than $400 delivered.

What do buyers say? “Absolutely love it. Just finished putting it together. The rug is from Wayfair as well. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE...” said one Wayfair.com reviewer.

Elegant and understated, the Parker L-Sectional from Villa Outdoors is another of our favorite outdoor sectionals. The design is deceptively simple, but it’ll add a tasteful and sophisticated upgrade to any outdoor space. With a lightweight, rustproof aluminum frame, it can be both easily reconfigured and left outside in the elements with minimal maintenance. It looks great in either of the two available cushion options, too: Sunbrella or Olefin. But what truly makes this one of the best outdoor sectionals is that it requires zero assembly. Our editor Christian Gollayan was able to put this together with one other person in less than 30 minutes. You don't need any tools, as each piece is put together with a series of easy-to-turn knob screws. That means it’s delivered free and ready to lounge on the second it arrives on your doorstep.

Like many of the most premium sectionals, the Parker is pricey at more than $3,000 (with Sunbrella fabric). But we’ve long been fans of Villa Outdoors (including the brand’s backyard firepits), and you really do get what you pay for. If you’re not a fan of furniture assembly and don’t mind spending a bit more on a premium alternative, this is the man for you.

Sectionals aren’t just about creating a decent place to chill, crack a beer, and work on your tan. The best outdoor sectionals are also the perfect place to sit with a few friends for a relaxing face-to-face chat or a proper dinner party. This seven-piece set from Wisteria Lane includes a large corner couch piece, twin armchairs, three ottomans, and plenty of cushions—all seated around a large, genuine wooden table. It’s versatile enough to work as a traditional sectional, as an impromptu outdoor dining space, or in a more spread-out “living room” configuration. The pieces are all light enough to move and reconfigure every time you use it.

The aesthetic is simple and streamlined (bordering on basic), so it’ll work with any decor. Plus, the cushions are available in three colors, from ivory to grey to bold red. It’s well-reviewed, with more than 1,000 five-star ratings on Amazon alone and, at just under $600, it’s priced right, too (though delivery is extra). The only downside: That budget-friendly price tag means you’ll need to work a little harder getting it assembled for your backyard.

What do buyers say? “I love this set! This set is so comfortable and my family of 5 can eat comfortably at the table,” said one Amazon reviewer.

Castlery is well-known for simple yet sophisticated luxury furniture, and its Sierra L-Shape Sectional Sofa is no exception. The natural, organic webbing sits on a thin aluminum frame that feels equal parts modern, retro, and coastal. It’s an upscale aesthetic without the pretense of pricier uber-luxe outdoor furniture, so it’s guaranteed to work in almost any space without calling attention to itself. Plump, oat beige cushions give this one an inviting yet relaxed look. Plus, it’s available in 4-, 5-, or 6-seat configurations, so you can dial in the right size for your space.

Like all of the best outdoor sectionals, there’s a lot to love about this set. It ticks all the must-have boxes that we look for. With a starting price of just under $2,400 (for the entry-level 4-seater), it’s not cheap, and that price tag balloons to nearly $3,600 for the 6-seater option. But if you’re looking for the best-looking, premium outdoor sectional with a decidedly minimalist vibe, this is it.

What do buyers say? “We are so happy with this sofa! The couch looks and feels expensive. Cushions are firm but very comfortable and was awesome to not have to assemble anything,” said one Castlery.com reviewer.

Most modern sectionals are made with synthetics because they’re more durable and resistant to fading, staining, and sun damage. But if you like your furniture “old school,” Noble House’s Rayan Outdoor Acacia Wood Set is made of solid acacia wood that not only looks great but is built to last. The cushions are made of equally durable, water-resistant polyester fabric that can survive for years outdoors with minimal maintenance. This set is more compact than most, too, so it’s designed to work in tighter backyard spaces.

The muted gray-on-gray color scheme is versatile enough to work with almost any backyard decor, but we do wish there were more color options. Some reviewers also complain that the ultra-low-profile seat height is too low, even for shorter users. Still, this sectional set is well-reviewed and well-priced at less than $600 delivered with the coffee table.

What do buyers say? “It was an awesome furniture set. Build quality is very good. It looks amazing with a few outside throw pillows,” said one Walmart reviewer.

Looking for maximum outdoor seating on a budget? Enter U-MAX’s 7-Piece Outdoor Patio Furniture Set. The simple, streamlined design blends brown resin wicker with powder-coated aluminum for an aesthetic that’s simple, tasteful, and versatile. The seven-piece set can be easily configured as a large, straight-line sofa, an L-shaped corner unit, or a U-shaped conversational-style sectional—entirely up to you. Plus, the five available colors, including black, beige, gray, blue, and red, make it easy to find a look that works for your space.

At just over $500 delivered, this is easily one of the best value outdoor sectionals we’ve seen all year. With nearly 1,000 five-star reviews, it’s clearly a favorite among Amazon buyers too. The most common gripe we found is that the backrests are a little lower than expected and, like many large, budget outdoor sectional sets, this one is tedious, though straightforward, to assemble. So be prepared to work a little before you get to relaxin’.

What do buyers say? “Absolutely loved this set. It fits perfectly in the backyard,” said one Amazon reviewer.

The “best” outdoor sectional for you is all a matter of personal preference. But, the most common things to consider are: Size, style, materials, and price.

Buying any large piece of furniture for your home is a commitment. One of the most important considerations is the overall dimensions. There’s no getting around the fact that you need to have the available space to fit your new purchase. Think like a carpenter before you start shopping: “Measure twice, and buy once.” Remember that you and your guests will also need enough room to comfortably walk around your new sectional, too—allow at least three to four feet around all sides.

Almost every outdoor section is either L-shaped or U-shaped—both of which look exactly like they sound. An L-shaped sectional is designed to fit neatly into a corner or serve as a visual “end point” for a conversational outdoor space. U-shaped alternatives are typically larger with more total pieces and can be set up in either an “L” configuration or in a conversational, dining-style “U” shape. The right shape for you depends on how you’ll most often use your set and how many guests you most often entertain at a time.

Style is, of course, the most personal decision of all. Modern sectionals are available in straightforward, functional designs that focus more on budget than high-end good looks, but there are plenty of ultra-premium designer options out there, too. Ultimately, the right look comes down to what works in your own space.

Sectionals are available in a wide variety of materials, too, from solid wood (acacia and teak are best) to synthetic resin and polyester. Whichever option you choose, be sure that it’s durable and weather-resistant. It should all sit on a high-quality aluminum or steel frame, ideally, one that’s powder-coated. Most outdoor cushions are designed to resist sun and staining and are typically water- and mildew-resistant too.

Budget is almost always a concern when shopping for furniture. The cost of today’s sectionals range from just a few hundred dollars for the most budget-friendly models (under $300) to $1,000-ish for midrange options to the very best designer sectionals that can top out at $3,000-plus. Many of the picks in our roundup include free shipping, but be sure to check your order, as delivery charges can sometimes tack on $150 or more.

Our backyard-loving staff researched and compared dozens of outdoor sectionals over the past year. We carefully considered the features and specs of every model, including overall dimensions, materials, warranty, ease of assembly, look and feel, and, of course, price. We focused on top-selling models with overwhelmingly positive buyer reviews on the retailer sites we trust most. The final list above represents our honest picks of the best outdoor sectionals worth buying in 2023.

Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South Africa, and survived a near-miss great white shark attack in Mexico. His travel advice has appeared on the websites for Forbes, Travel + Leisure, CNET, and National Geographic. He loves the great outdoors and good bourbon, and (usually) calls Tulsa, Oklahoma home. Mike also enjoys speaking in the third person. 

Christian Gollayan oversees e-commerce content for Men's Health and Women's Health. Previously, he was the Associate Managing Editor at TheManual.com. Christian's work has also been featured in Food & Wine, InStyle, the New York Post, and Tatler Asia.

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