Open-air living has its own appeal and benefits, but it takes some effort to set up the perfect outdoor dining area. A huge part of the process is picking the perfect furniture, especially the dining set. 

The ideal dining table and chairs for your outdoor area have to look good, but they must also be durable enough to withstand the elements and provide good value for every dollar spent. Here’s a simple guide to help you choose a dining set that checks all these boxes for your outdoor living area. 

Determine How Much Space You Have 

This is the first rule in picking any type of furniture. While many people ignore this rule for outdoor spaces because there’s so much space available, there’s still a limit to every outdoor dining area. Measure this space as it will determine the ideal style, shape and size of the tables and chairs that you’ll get. Remember to leave a space of at least three feet around the perimeter of the table to provide sufficient space to move around. 

Settle on the Table Style 

Since it’s the biggest part of your dining set, the table style dictates the aesthetics of your outdoor dining space. While round or square tables evoke a sense of casual sophistication, oval or rectangular tables exude formal elegance. Note that the style of the table will also determine how many people you can seat and the type of dining chairs to pair it with.  

Determine Table and Chair Heights 

Choosing a dining set is about both style and function. The height of the table and chair plays a crucial role in this. Your table can be standard height (28 to 30 inches tall), but a low table works as well especially if you’re looking to channel a casual or relaxed vibe for your outdoor dining area. Once you’ve settled on the dining table height, the chair should also be selected to match, leaving a space of about 10"–13" between the table’s underside and the seat of the chair. 

Choose the Chair Style 

The dining table style often sets the tone for the design of the dining chair. Straight-back Windsor chairs and bistro chairs are quite commonly used for outdoor dining especially when you’re going for a classic elegance.  However, people these days have been going for chairs with bold, geometric shapes like egg chairs or cantilever chairs, even in outdoor areas. 

Picnic benches and woven chairs are great as well if the goal is a rustic or natural aesthetic. The design of the chair matters a great deal, too. Stackable or foldable chairs are quite common for outdoor dining areas because they save space and can be stored away when not in use. Consider this option if you don’t dine outside frequently. 

Furniture Materials and Construction 

Durability is always a big deal when choosing dining set furniture, but it’s even more important for an outdoor dining set. While wood is a common dining set material, only certain types, like teak or cedar will be sturdy enough to withstand the element in an outdoor space. Even these may still require regular treatment and  UV protection if you want them to last long. Powder-coated aluminium, plastic or PVC are often the top choice due to their durability and low maintenance. Rattan, wicker and natural grasses may not be the traditional choice for sturdy outdoor furniture. However, if you love how good they look in outdoor spaces, consider resin-treated options, as they tend to last longer, too.

Don't Forget the Shade

The shade is an important part of your outdoor dining set especially when the dining area isn’t situated under a permanent shade already. While shopping for your table and chair, consider the type of shade they’ll go under and make it an important part of your shopping.