10 Editor-Approved Outdoor Sectionals That Turn Your Backyard Into a Relaxing Retreat

For this story, we turned to our trusted retailers for picks, selecting the products with the most reliable reviews. We added quite a few luxury pieces for anyone who has fewer spatial and budget constraints. Our goal was to find enough pieces that were varied in pretty much every element, including style, budget, and size. For any pieces we were unable to test, we focused on reading through the ratings, reviews, and aesthetics before adding them here. Additionally, two House Beautiful editors tested outdoor sectionals in their own homes. We evaluated them for comfort, and more importantly, how well they held up to inclement weather.

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 of the outdoor sectional is just as essential as it is for its indoor counterpart, as both sofas depend 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 refer to the cushion covers and the frame, both of which must be weather-resistant 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.

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, as 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, when 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.

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 also 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.

We've written about plenty of outdoor must-haves in the home space, including the best outdoor dining tables and pool chaise lounges, so you can trust that our shopping editors have the knowledge and research background to curate a list of the best outdoor sectionals.

We also brought in some experts to speak more on outdoor sectionals: 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.