The right outdoor furniture for your patio

When the weather warms up, we all enjoy spending more time outdoors. Your patio can be the ideal spot to unwind in the spring and summer, if you add the right furniture.

Patio furniture should be comfy, so you can relax as well outdoors as you do in your living room. However, outdoor furniture also has to be durable enough to hold up to rain, wind and other elements without breaking down quickly.

From outdoor couches to dining tables to chaise lounges, we’ve gathered a list of some of the best patio furniture to help upgrade your outdoor living space into one of the comfiest areas of your home.

What types of furniture can I buy for my patio?

Patio and decks are essentially extensions of the living and dining spaces inside your home, so you can find outdoor furniture similar to the pieces you have in your living room or kitchen. Patio furniture sets are usually the most popular option, featuring a couch or loveseat with armchairs and a coffee table. You can also purchase outdoor sofas, loveseats, club chairs and coffee tables for your patio individually.

Chaise lounges and lounge chairs are another common furniture option for your patio. They’re not only comfortable but also make it easy to catch some sun for an even tan.

If you enjoy dining al fresco, a patio dining set is a must-have. It usually includes a large dining table and four to eight chairs to pair with it. A patio bistro set, which only seats two, is compact enough to fit on the most cramped patio.

Best patio furniture sets

Top patio furniture set

Christopher Knight Home Navan 4-Piece Chat Set

What you need to know: This low-profile, sturdily constructed patio furniture set can seat up to four but still fits on most small to mid-size patios.

What you’ll love: It features a powder-coated aluminum frame and weather-resistant cushions for improved durability. It includes a loveseat, two club chairs and a coffee table. It is easy to assemble.

What you should consider: The cushions are somewhat flimsy.

Top patio furniture set for the money

Safavieh Rocklin Teak 4-Piece Patio Set

What you need to know: This lovely wooden furniture set adds coastal flair to any patio and provides seating for up to four without breaking the bank.

What you’ll love: The set is made of durable acacia wood and features weather-resistant foam-filled cushions that can be cleaned with water and a brush. It includes a loveseat, two chairs and a coffee table.

What you should consider: The cushions don’t offer much support, and the wood stain can be uneven in some spots.

Best outdoor sofa sets

Top outdoor sofa set

Modway Quest Wicker Rattan Patio Daybed with Canopy

What you need to know: This striking patio daybed set offers a unique modern look and a truly comfortable, versatile design that provides shade from the sun.

What you’ll love: The frame is made of powder-coated aluminum and synthetic rattan weave treated with UV protection to prevent fading. The upholstery is fade- and water-resistant. The pieces come apart, so you can arrange them in various configurations.

What you should consider: The cushions can easily fall off the daybed.

Top outdoor sofa set for the money

Mainstays Stanton Cushioned 4-Piece Patio Conversation Set

What you need to know: This set provides plenty of bang for your buck with a highly durable loveseat, two chairs and a coffee table that can fit even on a smaller patio.

What you’ll love: It features a sturdy powder-coated steel frame. The cushions are covered with water-resistant fabric and stay in place. The coffee table has a sleek, modern glass top.

What you should consider: The cushions aren’t very thick and don’t provide much support.

Best outdoor club chairs

Top outdoor club chair

Oakmont 2 Piece Outdoor Furniture Patio Bistro Chairs

What you need to know: This set includes two club chairs that can fit on nearly any patio, deck or terrace and are seriously comfortable thanks to the included cushions.

What you’ll love: Each chair boasts a long-lasting iron frame. The cushions are removable for easy cleaning and are available in red, blue, or brown cushion covers.

What you should consider: Some people reported issues with the chairs rusting quickly.

Top outdoor club chair for the money

Crosley Furniture Sedona Solid-Cast Aluminum Outdoor Club Chair

What you need to know: This chair is extremely sturdy and well-constructed despite its more affordable price tag.

What you’ll love: This chair features durable cast aluminum construction. It offers a comfortable, contoured seat and is treated with a UV-resistant coating.

What you should consider: The chair feels fairly lightweight.

Best outdoor chaise lounges

Top outdoor chaise lounge

Crosley Furniture Palm Harbor Outdoor Wicker Chaise Lounge

What you need to know: This chaise lounge combines form and function with a stylish, comfortable design perfect for sunbathing or napping on your patio.

What you’ll love: The durable steel frame is built to last. The moisture-resistant cushion is extremely thick and supportive. The chair adjusts in six reclining positions.

What you should consider: Assembly can be somewhat difficult.

Top outdoor chaise lounge for the money

KingCamp Patio Lounge Chair

What you need to know: This chaise lounge may be fairly basic, but it folds easily for storage and can be moved around your patio.

What you’ll love: It’s made of sturdy, anodized steel and 600D Oxford fabric and can hold up to 300 pounds. The pillow is removable, allowing you to adjust its position and making cleaning easier.

What you should consider: The seat is pretty low to the ground and may be too firm for some.

Best patio dining sets

Top patio dining set

Safavieh 7-Piece Outdoor Living Horus Dining Set

What you need to know: This dining set offers a unique, attractive look and seats up to six despite its small footprint.

What you’ll love: Its strikingly modern look can give any patio a resort-like feel. It includes a table and six matching stools in a neutral gray color. The stools fit under the table when not in use.

What you should consider: It can take a lot of time to put together.

Top patio dining set for the money

Birch Lane Fleur 2-person Square Outdoor Dining Set with Cushions

What you need to know: This simple, two-person set is perfect for putting on an apartment balcony or small patio.

What you’ll love: The chairs can hold up to 250 pounds, and the foam cushions are removable.

What you should consider: The table is small and can be a little wobbly.

Best patio bistro sets

Top patio bistro set

Oakland Rose Patio Bistro Set

What you need to know: This bistro set comfortably seats two on even the smallest patios, and its stunning rose design makes it a striking piece for your outdoor space.

What you’ll love: It includes a table and two chairs. The rust-free cast aluminum and cast iron construction is highly durable. It assembles quickly and easily.

What you should consider: The set is relatively small, so it may not provide as much space as you’d like.

Top patio bistro set for the money

Grand Patio Premium Steel Patio Bistro Set

What you need to know: This folding bistro set stands out for its bold color options and budget-friendly price tag.

What you’ll love: It’s made of powder-coated, rust-resistant steel and folds for easy storage. It’s available in several colors: black, peacock blue, red, sage green, white and yellow.

What you should consider: It isn’t as sturdy as some other bistro sets.

Best patio bar sets

Top patio bar set

Best Choice Products 7-Piece Outdoor Rattan Wicker Bar Dining Set

What you need to know: This attractive patio bar can do double-duty as a dining set and fits even in smaller outdoor spaces.

What you’ll love: It’s made of charming weather-resistant wicker that’s tightly woven and reinforced with a steel frame. The bartop features tempered glass for a modern look. The stool cushions feature high-quality foam and durable polyester covers.

What you should consider: The bar is taller than other patio models, which may not be to everyone’s taste.

Top patio bar set for the money

Suncrown 3-Piece Outdoor Wicker Bar Set

What you need to know: A highly durable set, this patio bar looks and performs like it costs more than it does, making it a great value.

What you’ll love: It’s made of sturdy, weather- and UV-resistant synthetic resin wicker. It features a tempered glass bar top and two storage shelves. It comes with two stools and offers easy assembly.

What you should consider: While assembly is easy, it can take up to 2 hours.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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The estranged wife of the commissioner of Minnesota’s Department of Corrections is charged with attempted murder of their son, who is a vulnerable adult.

Julie Louise Myhre-Schnell, 64, told an investigator that she crushed up Lorazepam pills, a prescription medication used to treat anxiety, and put them into a “slurry” of water, and emptied it into her son’s feeding bag at his group home in Vadnais Heights, according to a criminal complaint filed Thursday.

She told the investigator after the Dec. 3 incident that she intended to kill her son. When the investigator asked how she felt upon finding out he was going to survive she said, “I was worried about them finding out through the toxicology, and I was probably trying to figure out what I’m going to do. I’m just going to go to jail.” She said she “completely regretted he survived,” according to the complaint filed in Ramsey County District Court.

Paul Schnell, the DOC commissioner, said Thursday morning that it would be inappropriate for him to comment on the charge against Myhre-Schnell.

Order for protection

In June, Schnell applied for an order for protection for their son, who is now 33. According to his affidavit:

Schnell and Myhre-Schnell were foster care providers when a 3-month-old ward of the state came to live with them, becoming their son. He has Spina Bifida and other medical needs that require use of a wheelchair, ventilator and around-the-clock medical care.

He lived with Schnell and Myhre-Schnell into adulthood. In 2017, the court granted Schnell sole, legal guardianship of his son. They moved him into his Vadnais Heights group home in 2021.

In May 2023, Schnell and Myhre-Schnell separated and lived in separate residences. It was “amicable,” Schnell wrote. The divorce case is ongoing.

In the last quarter of 2023, Myhre-Schnell “began to noticeably struggle more with mental health,” Schnell wrote in the affidavit. “At this time, (she) was frequently providing for some of the daily cares of (their son) because (the group home) … was facing considerable challenges with staffing.”

In early December, nurses told Schnell that his son had been transported to the hospital because he wasn’t waking or responding as expected. He was treated and released from the hospital.

In the days that followed, Schnell wrote that he arranged for all care of his son because Myhre-Schnell “said she needed to disengage from providing care for (their son) to better attend to her own mental health.”

On May 30, Schnell’s adult daughter called and frantically reported she’d found a note taped to her mother’s bedroom door saying, “Don’t come in my room alone. I had to go. I don’t want you to find me by yourself. Please do not call 9-1-1. Do not resuscitate…”

Myhre-Schnell was hospitalized. Schnell later received a call from Myhre-Schnell’s sister reporting that Myhre-Schnell told her that in early December 2023 she’d gone to her son’s group home and attempted to overdose him with medication, which resulted in his hospitilization.

The information led Schnell to file a report to the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office for investigation and to apply for the order for protection for his son from Myhre-Schnell.

Criminal complaint

The criminal complaint filed against Myhre-Schnell said she texted her son on Aug. 6, saying she’d put her medicine in his feeding bag, “hoping he would ‘go to sleep forever.’” He responded that he was “on the fence” about deleting her number.

The investigator talked to Schnell’s son about how he felt when he found out what happened, and he said, “I made it, I’m still here,” but he said finding out what Myhre-Schnell admitted to “was heavy” and “a lot to process.”

Myhre-Schnell, of St. Paul, was arrested Wednesday and booked into the Ramsey County jail. An attorney wasn’t listed for her in the court file as of Thursday morning.

Schnell has been DOC commissioner since 2019. He was previously police chief in Hastings, Maplewood and Inver Grove Heights, and was formerly a St. Paul police officer and Carver County sheriff’s deputy.

For help

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can be reached by calling or texting 988 for free 24/7 support.

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Which vacuum for a hardwood floor is best?

Most vacuums are designed for carpeted floors. If you have hardwood floors, you know they, too, get soiled. Here’s where vacuums designed for hardwood floors come in. Unlike regular vacuums, they don’t damage or scratch delicate hardwood floors. If you have pets, no problem. These specially designed vacuums take care of dander, fur, and other allergens, leaving your floors shiny and clean.

What to know before you buy a vacuum for hardwood floor

Why use a hardwood floor vacuum?

Cleaning hardwood floors presents unique challenges. Conventional vacuums with brush rollers and thick bristles can scratch your floors. Because dirt and debris stay on the surface of hard floors, suction is the primary cleaning method for hardwood floor vacuums. This method picks up dirt without damaging your hardwoods.

Types of hardwood floor vacuums

Canister: Canister vacuums tend to have a large dust capacity and include a flexible hose attached to the unit. The hose can reach into nooks and crannies that other designs can’t. Be sure the unit’s wheels aren’t metal or plastic, which may scratch your floors — opt for rubber wheels instead. Canister vacuums can be bulky and more difficult to store.
Upright: Upright vacuums have the strongest suction and the advantage of standing upright in a one-piece unit that won’t tip over. They often come with attachments. They can be quite heavy. Be sure the head doesn’t have brush rollers.
Stick: Stick vacuums are streamlined versions of upright vacuums. They are upright but skinnier and lighter, making them well-suited for smaller spaces. They are usually only designed for hard floors, so this isn’t your best bet if you need a multi-floor vacuum. They are generally cordless.
Robotic: Robotic vacuums work on their own and have sensors to work around obstacles such as walls and stairs. They can be scheduled to run, and some people like using them daily, especially in households with pets. Be aware their dust capacity isn’t as great as other types. Some models can get stuck or may have limited battery life.

What to look for in a vacuum for hardwood floors

Pets: If you have pets, select a vacuum with powerful suction to compensate for the lack of bristles for picking up pet hair.
Capacity: For larger floors and homes, consider a vacuum with a greater canister size to collect dust and debris without frequently emptying the unit. Robotic vacuums have the smallest canister size.
Cordless: Cordless models operate on rechargeable battery power and are highly convenient. They also tend to be quieter than models that have to stay plugged in. Be aware they don’t provide as much suction and have limited running time.
Attachments: Attachments are used more on carpeted floors if you use a vacuum with multi-floor capability. Attachments may include a roller brush, though this is not for use on hardwood floors.
Mop and sweep: Robotic vacuums offer this feature to thoroughly clean hardwood floors.

How much you can expect to spend on a vacuum for a hardwood floor

Prices for hardwood floor vacuums range from $70-$800, depending on the vacuum type. Cordless stick vacuums are available for under $150. Upright models can cost twice that. Robotic types are the most expensive, ranging from $200 to $800.

Vacuum for hardwood floor FAQ

Q. Why not just sweep my hardwood floors?

A. You can sweep your hardwood floors, but sweeping takes more time and effort than vacuuming. Sweeping can be quick and effective for localized messes, but vacuuming is faster for entire floors. Vacuuming also doesn’t spread dust and allergens back into the air, which sweeping can.

Q. Can I use a hardwood floor vacuum on my carpets?

A. Your best option is to select a hardwood floor vacuum with a roller brush attachment that you can use on your carpets and detach when vacuuming your hard floors.

What’s the best vacuum for hardwood floors to buy

Top vacuum for hardwood floors

Dyson V7 Fluffy Cordless Stick Vacuum for Hard Floors

What you need to know: This cordless vacuum is specifically designed to be used on hardwood floors without scratching.

What you’ll love: The bristles are super soft, ensuring your hardwood floors stay scratch-free. The head is slim, so it fits easily under furniture. You can also convert it into a handheld vacuum.

What you should consider: It’s got a shorter battery life than some other vacuums.

Top vacuum for hardwood floors for the money

Shark APEX Stick Vacuum

What you need to know:  This lightweight vacuum is a top pick for pet owners.

What you’ll love: The self-cleaning brush roll makes it easy to pick up pet hair without it getting tangled in the vacuum. It’s easy to swivel and very lightweight. You can also convert it into a hand vacuum.

What you should consider: It doesn’t stand up on its own.

Worth checking out

eufy Robot Vacuum 11S MAX

What you need to know: This quiet and compact robot vacuum glides easily on almost any floor.

What you’ll love: It can be scheduled and is very quiet. It is self-guided and pivots intuitively around stairs, walls and other obstacles. It has a sizeable dust capacity.

What you should consider: Some people had issues with it getting stuck around furniture.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.