The best outdoor sofas are stylish, comfortable and durable enough to withstand the elements. Even if you plan on positioning your couch under a roof or pergola, it should still be crafted from weather-appropriate materials that won’t rust or fall apart. If there’s one we recommend over all others, it’s the Pottery Barn Woodside Eucalyptus Outdoor Sofa, thanks to its sturdy wooden construction and elegant design. And for those seeking something more affordable, we suggest the Ebern Designs Lovall Wicker Outdoor Loveseat, which has a petite frame that’s also ideal for smaller patios.
The best outdoor sofas are versatile, stylish and provide extra seating for guests.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERS
As with any patio furniture, it’s important to consider how well an outdoor sofa can hold up to rain and sun exposure. “Over the years as a designer, I’ve learned that durability is the name of the game when it comes to outdoor furniture, especially sofas,” says Joyce Huston, lead interior designer and co-founder of Decorilla Online Interior Design. “You want something that’s stylish but can handle the wear and tear of the outdoors, so think water- and sun-resistant pieces that can easily be cleaned and moved when needed.” Our experts agree that you should also evaluate what style you’re after and how much seating you need. Ahead, you’ll find the best outdoor sofas to create a cozy, comfortable backyard oasis.
Dimensions: 75.5 x 30 x 27 inches | Weight: 74.5 pounds | Frame material: Solid eucalyptus wood | Fabric: Outdoor performance or Sunbrella
Pros:
Durable eucalyptus frame
Hardware is finished in antique brass
Cushion upholstery is customizable
Cons:
Cushions are sold separately
Pottery Barn’s Woodside Eucalyptus Outdoor Sofa is a stylish, versatile and durable option that seamlessly fits into any outdoor space. It’s made from solid eucalyptus wood, which is naturally resistant to rot and decay, and has mortise-and-tenon joinery for added stability. The curved frame lends an elegant feel to this piece, and it comfortably seats several adults. Keep in mind that the cushions are sold separately, but you can choose from dozens of upholstery options ranging from Sunbrella fabric to high-performance bouclé. Made-to-order cushions take several weeks to deliver, so opt for the in-stock, high-performance canvas option if you need them sooner.
Dimensions: 50.3 x 28.7 x 30.1 inches | Weight: 42.5 pounds | Frame material: Polyethylene wicker | Fabric: Olefin
Pros:
Polyethylene wicker is weather-resistant and easy to clean
Cushions are water, stain and UV resistant
Fits small spaces
Cons:
If you don’t want to spend a fortune on an outdoor sofa, we recommend the compact Lovall Wicker Outdoor Loveseat. It fits two adults and can be nestled into a smaller patio, backyard or outdoor terrace. The polyethylene wicker won’t warp, crack or split over time, and the durable cushions hold up well to frequent use. Customers also give this sofa high marks for the quality, comfort and reasonable price.
Dimensions: 80 x 34.8 x 37 inches | Weight: 70 pounds | Frame material: Commercial-grade aluminum with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) wicker | Fabric: Sunbrella
Pros:
Sustainable, durable wicker frame
Easy-to-clean, stain-resistant cushions
Backed by a generous warranty
Cons:
Wicker furniture—in particular, synthetic wicker furniture—is ideal for those who want something ultra-durable that can withstand sun and rain. We’re big fans of Yardbird’s Harriet Collection, which includes this timeless sofa with thin arms and cushions swathed in resilient Sunbrella fabric. The only downside is the color options are limited—the wicker frame is only available in a brown-grey hue, and the cushions come in just two options, Silver and Mist. Fortunately, the colors are neutral enough to fit into most décor schemes. One more perk: The frame is backed by a generous 10-year warranty, while the Subrella has a 5-year warranty.
Dimensions: 66 x 31 x 3o.5 inches | Weight: 75 pounds | Frame material: FSC-certified teak with stainless steel hardware | Fabric: Sunbrella
Pros:
Attractive solid teak frame
Available in seven colors
45-day trial period
Cons:
Teak requires some maintenance
Not all types of wood are suited for outdoor furniture—but teak is among the best options, as it’s resistant to mold and mildew. In particular, we recommend the the Haven Loveseat from Neighbor, which has a solid FSC-certified teak frame and quick-drying foam cushions, swathed in Sunbrella fabric available in seven colors. Just note that teak does require some upkeep (you want to keep a teak protector formula and a protective cover on hand), and the sofa should be positioned in a place that receives plenty of airflow. But overall, maintenance is relatively easy with this sofa. For instance, the cushion covers are removable and can go in the washing machine. What’s more, if you ever run into more serious issues, the brand offers a five-year warranty on the cushions and a three-year warranty on the frame and hardware.
Dimensions: 102.7 x 34.2 x 35 inches | Weight: 97 pounds | Frame material: Solid acacia | Fabric: Olefin
Pros:
Modular design can be arranged in different ways
Deep, comfortable cushions
Cushions are loose and can be rearranged or removed
Cons:
Only two colors to choose from
Modular sofas are a good choice if you entertain often or just want the flexibility to change your furniture’s configuration from time to time. This sleek, minimalistic option from Article is an excellent choice because it comes with three pieces, or modules, that can be grouped together or combined with other pieces from the Cove collection to create a custom design. The seat cushions attach to the frame with fabric straps, so removing and rearranging them is easy. Note: The solid acacia wood frame has slight, natural variations in color and texture and will gradually fade to a soft gray.
Dimensions: 82 x 43.5 x 34.4 inches | Weight: 107.6 pounds | Frame material: Metal | Fabric: Textilene
Pros:
Fully upholstered frame with ample pillows
Deep seat for enhanced comfort
Wide armrests
Cons:
This comfy sofa is crafted with a durable metal frame and upholstered for a soft lounging, napping or reading spot. (It’s the outdoor version of West Elm’s popular Harmony Sofa.) The cushions are covered in Textilene fabric, which is water, mold and mildew resistant. With a seat depth of 24 inches and plenty of plush pillows for support, this chic sofa perfectly blends style and comfort. Although only offered in one color, the soft white hue should pair well with existing décor and other furniture.
Dimensions: 43 x 24.5 x 34.5 inches | Weight: 33 pounds | Frame material: Acacia wood | Fabric: Polyester
Pros:
Contemporary, armless design
Solid acacia wood frame
Compact and easy to move
Cons:
Some reviewers say the cushions fray over time
This modern loveseat is a wonderful choice for furnishing a small patio or balcony. It measures 43 inches—enough room for two adults—and has a comfortable, low-profile seat. The back is reclined slightly, and the water-resistant cushions have ample foam padding. Reviewers say it’s easy to assemble and adds a stylish touch to their outdoor space.
Dimensions: 84-108 x 39 x 34 inches | Weight: Not listed | Frame material: Engineered wood | Fabric: Solution-dyed acrylic
Pros:
Chic, coastal design with removable slipcover
Available in three widths (84, 96 and 108 inches)
48 different fabric options
Cons:
Pricier than most options on this list
Slipcovered sofas are popular because they’re easy to clean (simply remove the slipcover and throw them in the wash) and allow you to change the look of your furniture without investing in an entirely new piece. This pick from Serena And Lily is fully upholstered and has an elegant, coastal feel, thanks to the rope trim on the cushions. The plush seat cushions have a fiber-wrapped foam core—the back cushions are filled with recycled fiber—and the waterproof ticking helps protect the interior. Plus, there are three widths and 48 fabric options to customize your sofa based on your preferences.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted home and kitchen editors have extensive experience testing, researching and reviewing the best home products on the market. Over the years, we’ve published expert-backed articles on various types of outdoor furniture, including the best patio furniture, best outdoor sectionals and more.
The Forbes Vetted home and kitchen team includes three expert editors: deputy editor Rebekah Lowin, senior editor Amanda Arnold and editor Sholeen Damarwala.
Katherine Louie, the author of this piece, is a lifestyle editor with extensive experience covering home and kitchen topics. She conducted in-depth research into the best outdoor sofas on the market to help determine which couches to highlight.
Louie also gathered key insight and guidance from three industry experts: Joyce Huston, lead interior designer and co-founder of Decorilla Online Interior Design; Meredith Mckenzie, principal designer at The Selective Design; and Andy Wu, outdoor living expert and founder at Backyard Oasis.
We regularly revisit articles to ensure we continue to stand behind our product recommendations. This story was last updated in May 2025.
How We Chose The Best Outdoor Sofas
To find the best outdoor sofas, we researched best-selling brands and asked industry experts—as well as our team of experienced staffers—for product recommendations and insights on what to look for.
Our home and kitchen team focused on trusted brands and retailers, like West Elm, Pottery Barn and Wayfair.
We compared key features, such as dimensions, weight, frame material, fabric, cushioning, style and price.
We took customer reviews and average star ratings into careful account, sticking to models that have garnered an average rating of at least 4 stars and only a negligible amount of concerning reviews, if any.
The final products on this list reflect in-depth research conducted by our writer and meticulous vetting by the editorial team.
What To Look For In The Best Outdoor Sofas
“When it comes to picking the right outdoor furniture or sofa, you need to think of it as an extension of your living room,” says Andy Wu, outdoor living expert and founder at Backyard Oasis. “Outdoor spaces should be designed with the same comfort, intention and stylistic sensibilities as any indoor room.” We consulted with three experts to determine what you should consider when shopping for the best outdoor sofas.
Size
It’s important to measure the size of the space you’re decorating, as you want to ensure the sofa doesn’t overwhelm your space but also provides enough seating when you host guests. If you have a large family or entertain often, the Article Cove Outdoor Modular Sofa is an excellent option because the modular design allows you to add pieces as needed. The Serena And Lily Paros Sofa is another great choice, as it comes in three widths. Alternatively, if you have a smaller patio or balcony, opt for a compact piece like the Ebern Designs Lovall Wicker Outdoor Loveseat. “Measure your space before buying any pieces and confirm the measurements of your pieces. If you feel comfortable doing so, you can also create a floor plan for the best outcome,” says Meredith Mckenzie, principal designer at The Selective Design.
Materials
Our experts agree that frames made from rustproof aluminum or iron are a solid choice, along with teak and all-weather wicker. “Choosing a sofa with a powder-coated aluminum frame is a great option for homes in coastal areas or rainy climates since they’re lightweight, sturdy and shrug off rust and humidity,” says Wu. While teak resists rot and decay, it fades over time, especially if left in direct sunlight. “Other great wood options includeacacia, ipe and bamboo—they stand out for their resilience and aesthetic appeal, all while promising longevity and comfort,” adds Wu.
Look for cushions made from Sunbrella, Olefin or other UV- and mildew-resistant materials. The cushions should be easy to clean and hold up to inclement weather.
Maintenance
Although outdoor furniture is designed to be left outside and can withstand the elements, proper care and maintenance can prolong its lifespan. Avoid using harsh chemicals when cleaning furniture; instead, opt for a mixture of warm water and dish soap. This mixture works well for most materials, but invest in a specialized wood cleaner for wooden frames. Also, store outdoor furniture indoors or cover it with an outdoor furniture cover during the off-season to prevent wear and tear. UV light can fade materials over time, so fitted covers should be used throughout the summer, not just during inclement weather.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is The Best Outdoor Furniture To Be Left Outside?
The best outdoor furniture should have a weather-resistant frame, like aluminum or iron, and durable cushions that are easy to clean. Fabrics like Sunbrella or Olefin (a synthetic material that is stain- and mildew-resistant) are popular choices and stand up well to inclement weather.
What Type Of Furniture Is Best For An Outdoor Patio?
Durable furniture that matches your style is the best choice when designing your outdoor patio. Another important consideration is size: You’ll want to ensure you have enough seating when you entertain, and it should work within the layout of your outdoor space. Carefully measure your space several times and leave enough room between the furniture to move around. If your space has existing décor, it should complement your current pieces.
What Is The Best Outdoor Sofa That Holds Up To The Weather?
All of the sofas on this list are durable, high-quality and hold up well to various types of weather conditions. Generally, look for frames made from weather-resistant materials like aluminum and iron and supportive cushions that are stain-, UV- and mildew-resistant.
