Last updated on February 27th, 2021
Investing in good quality outdoor furniture is a great idea to really make the most of your outside space. Save yourself the hassle of bringing dining room chairs and other indoor furniture outside when you have some guests over, or even if you want to lounge about in the sun and enjoy some fresh air.
Outdoor sectionals offer a lot of seating options and are very robust and specially designed to withstand most weather conditions. When you get the right one it won’t discolor in the sun, or rot in the rain. So no matter what your weather conditions are like, the chances are a good quality sectional will last you a long time.
Furniture that is designed for outside use has its very own distinct style. Outdoor sectionals are always square or rectangular in shape and have low armrests and backs. The base is made of either natural high-quality material such as wicker or rattan, or PE resin that closely resembles wicker, that is weaved together tightly to form a base.
Water-resistant cushions are placed on the base for comfort. The sectionals often do not have any legs, and instead, have a grounded base.
The word ‘sectional’ means ‘L shaped’ when spoken about in furniture. Most outdoor furniture is designed in such a way that it can be either a sectional or a traditional sofa.
The following is a collection of our favorite outdoor sectionals and a bit about what we love about them, and what could be improved, along with their pros and cons. By the end of this review, we hope you have a better idea about the best sectional for your outside space.
Synthetic Woven Wicker VS Natural Woven Wicker
Natural wicker may fade in the sun and struggles to withstand harsh weather conditions. Natural wicker does look more rustic and authentic and has a gorgeous woody smell to it.
Synthetic wicker is far more durable than natural wicker. Its color doesn’t fade in the sun and it doesn’t peel and cause splinters when it wears down. The downside about synthetic wicker is that it looks and smells plastic, especially when it is warm.
High-grade synthetic PE wicker is made to last a few years, regardless of its exposure to rain and sunshine, making it great garden furniture material. On rare occasions, the synthetic wicker may melt in the sun. This usually only happens when the heat is magnified by a glass tabletop above.
For longevity reasons, synthetic PE wicker is the go-to material for garden furniture as it is lightweight and durable. Natural wicker is still beautiful and comfortable, but decreasing in popularity due to the higher price point associated with it.
Our Best Outdoor Sectional Reviews and Comparisons
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1. Waroom Outdoor Furniture Set
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2. Patiorama 7 Piece Conversation Set
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3. Walsunny 5 Piece Outdoor Set
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4. PHI Villa Patio Sectional
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5. Amolife 7 Piece PE Rattan Sofa Set
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6. Suntone 3 Piece Sectional Set
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7. Leaptime 5 Piece Patio Set
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1. Waroom Outdoor Furniture Set
Product Highlights
A 4 piece outdoor furniture set with water repellent qualities and UV resistant come rain or shine.
Features
- UV resistant
- Rust resistant
- Steel frame
- Made with all weather PE rattan
- Durable
- Storage table included
- Cushions made of water repellent polyester
- Cushions are machine washable
What We Like About Waroom Outdoor Furniture Set
Assembling the set is very easy and the instructions are clear and precise. The bolts and screws don’t require special machinery to tighten them sufficiently, so you can use a simple screwdriver to do the job.
The sofa is comfortable to sit on and 4 people can sit together on this compact corner set without feeling squashed. It feels sturdy and safe, too, which is just as important.
What We Don’t Like About Waroom Outdoor Furniture Set
The cushions slide about on the base while you are seated which can be extremely frustrating and not relaxing. After an hour or so of sitting the material can irritate sensitive skin, especially in the summer heat.
PROS
- Machine washable cushions
- Compact
- Seats 4 people
- Water resistant
CONS
- Cushions move about
- Non-waterproof storage table
2. Patiorama 7 Piece Conversation Set
Product Highlights
Handwoven and high quality 7 pieces set from Patiorama for outdoor use only.
Features
- Hand woven polyethanol wicker
- Powder coated steel frame
- 4 inch thick seat cushions
- Velcrow connecting the cushions to the frame
- Zippers on the cushions
- Easy to clean
- Removable tempered glass table top
What We Like About Patiorama 7 Piece Conversation Set
Assembling the set is easy enough with the right equipment, a cordless drill or an Allen wrench would do the job perfectly. The velcro on the seat cushions stops them from moving about and becoming uncomfortable for you and your guests.
What We Don’t Like About Product Name
The backrest cushions do not have a velcro strip attaching them to the sofa frame, this can be very annoying considering they are so lightweight and the slightest bit of wind blows them about. Although assembling the set seems straightforward enough, the pieces do not line up properly.
PROS
- Velcro on seat cushions
- Easy to clean
- Water resistant
- Hand woven
CONS
- Takes a while to assemble
- Cushions may become moldy in the rain
3. Walsunny 5 Piece Outdoor Set
Product Highlights
5 piece outdoor seating area set that is durable and made with a steel frame and black woven PE resin wicker.
Features
- Breathable cushions
- Lightweight and sturdy frame
- Easy to clean
- Fade resistant
- Machine washable cushion covers
- Quick and easy to assemble
- Plenty of configuration options
- After-sales service for up to 1 year
What We Like About Walsunny 5 Piece Outdoor Set
Changing the layout of the garden is made easy with this set, it looks beautiful in every arrangement and suits all garden styles. The wicker and cushions maintain their color and don’t get bleached easily by the sun.
What We Don’t Like About Product Name
The cushions are quite stiff and the sofa would probably give you a bad back if you lounge on it for the whole afternoon. The synthetic PE rattan wicker doesn’t withstand extreme weather, especially scorching hot summers, so take that into consideration if you live in an area with super hot summers.
PROS
- Easy to assemble
- Color stays vibrant
- Great configuration options
- Affordable
CONS
- Not sun resistant
- Stiff
4. PHI Villa Patio Sectional
Product Highlights
Made with all-weather reinforced rattan for outdoor use come rain or shine.
Features
- All-weather reinforced wicker
- Strong and sturdy steel frame
- 3.4 inch thick cushions
- Water resistant fabric
- Sturdy metal sofa fee
- Handwoven rattan
- Mould resistant
What We Like About PHI Villa Patio Sectional
The tools needed to assemble the furniture came with the set, so there is no need to purchase additional tools. Fortunately, the furniture looks exactly like the picture, a classic case of ‘what you see is what you get’ and there is no beating that.
What We Don’t Like About PHI Villa Patio Sectional
If you have a large patio or garden area, this set might look very small in the open space. It is much more appropriate for smaller areas than large gardens. The cushions and rattan are rough, however, this is due to the type of material it is made of and not an indication of the quality.
PROS
- Comes with tools
- Easy to assemble
- Good quality
- Long lasting
CONS
- Unclear instructions
- Uncomfortable
5. Amolife 7 Piece PE Rattan Sofa Set
Product Highlights
Large, cushioned patio set perfect for big outdoor spaces and comfortable lounging.
Features
- Black tempered glass on the table
- Removable cushion covers
- Weather resistant wicker
- Embedded tempered glass
- Adjustable feet for the sofa and table
What We Like About Amolife 7 Piece PE Rattan Sofa Set
The furniture is shipped with great care and packaged up nicely to avoid any damage in transit. You don’t have to worry about the glass sliding off the table as it is embedded onto the surface and doesn’t pose danger to small children or pets.
What We Don’t Like About Amolife 7 Piece PE Rattan Sofa Set
The cushions don’t feel soft or high quality, they are hard to sit on and the material is quite irritating against bare skin. The cushions are also thin which isn’t good considering the frame is so tough.
PROS
-
- Sturdy
- Feels safe
- Large
CONS
- Low quality cushions
- Uncomfortable
6. Suntone 3 Piece Sectional Set
Product Highlights
The Suntone 3 piece set is edgy and unusual with a modern twist on outdoor sectional furniture.
Features
- Powder coated rust proof frame
- Hand woven resin wicker
- Set of three
- Solid wood table
- Fade-resistant cushions
- Quick-dry cushions
- Cushion covers are removable
What We Like About Suntone 3 Piece Sectional Set
The set is versatile and suits any patio shape and layout. You get a few small blues and white pillows with the set that is beautiful for show and brighten up the set.
What We Don’t Like About Suntone 3 Piece Sectional Set
The cushions do not stay in place, so high winds will easily blow them away. If you can store the cushions in a garage then great, but if you don’t have a shed or a garage, storing the cushions when they are not in use could be a problem.
PROS
- Plenty of configuration options
- Versatile
- Comfortable
- Attractive and modern
CONS
- Scratches easily
- Hard to assemble
7. Leaptime 5 Piece Patio Set
Product Highlights
The Leaptime 5 piece set is designed for lounging about in the garden while reading a book and enjoying the sunshine
Features
- Frame made of woven steel and PE rattan
- Shipped in 3 packages
- Self assembly required
- Comes with assembly tools and instructions
- Double shelved table for extra room
- Arrange as you wish
What We Like About Leaptime 5 Piece Patio Set
The table is stylish and although small, it has an extra level for storage. The set seats up to four people and can be arranged however you choose, for example, a 3-seater and one chair, two 2-seaters or as a sectional sofa.
It is very convenient to be able to remove the covers to wash them. It doesn’t take longer than a couple of hours to assemble and it comes with its own assembling tools.
What We Don’t Like About Leaptime 5 Piece Patio Set
The cushions are not water or spillage resistant. If you leave the cushions out in the rain they will feel horrible, and could even grow mold over time. The back of the couch is quite low which could be uncomfortable for tall people and doesn’t let you slouch about and get cozy on it.
PROS
- Tools included
- Easy to arrange
- Heat and sun resistant
- Stylish and practical table design
CONS
- Not waterproof
- Uncomfortable
Final Verdict
The PHI Villa patio sectional wins this showdown. You get two spaces for sitting upright and one lounger which is a nice touch and allows you to really relax in your garden. It creates a comfortable ambiance and is appropriate for guests too.
PHI Villa Sectional Q&A
Q) Can the love seat be placed on either the left or right side of the sofa?
A) Yes, you can choose what side to have it on.
Q) What does the word ‘sectional’ mean?
A) In this context, it means ‘L shaped couch’. Most outdoor furniture has the option to be sectional or be configured as two separate sofas.
Q) Is the rattan high-density polyethylene?
A) Supposedly, it is, however, its durability depends on the weather conditions in your local area.
Q) Does high heat affect the ratan?
A) High temperatures will heat up the glass table and melt the synthetic rattan underneath.
Q) Is there a sofa cover for this sectional?
A) Yes there is, you can purchase the sofa cover ASIN: B07TV46KQ3
Q) Can the sofa be either right hand facing or left hand facing depending on your personal perseverance?
A) Yes, you can choose what side to have the sectional.
Q) Can the table be used as an ottoman?
A) The table size is the perfect size for an ottoman, you will need to purchase an extra cushion for that to work.
Q) Is this item already assembled when shipped?
A) Unfortunately no, the item is shipped in 3 boxes and would not be safe for shipment if it was delivered ready assembled.
Q) Is the set heavy and awkward to move around the garden?
A) The set can be easily moved around with the help of another person.
Alain is Cartbig’s managing editor, in charge of the research, production and editing of all content.
He has a BA in Journalism from Cornell University and is passionate about photography and technology.
He loves travelling but he lacks orientation so he never leaves home without his GPS. Really.