Furnishing an outdoor space in South Florida isn’t easy. Most materials — like plastic, leather and wood — tend to warp in Miami’s intense sun and salty, humid air. So we spoke to furniture professionals to determine what kinds of dining sets can actually withstand South Florida’s intense conditions.
From a concrete bistro set to a teak dining table with swivel chairs, certain sets were made to withstand South Florida’s demanding weather better than others. So if you’re looking to redo your garden, patio or pool deck, keep reading for the best dining sets for those warm spring and summer evenings.
8 Concrete Sets That Won’t Break Down
Although you might not think to put “high-end” and “concrete” into the same sentence, there are some really high quality dining sets made from the famously hardy material. And Mitch Brean, Lead Designer and Director of Product Development at Stone Yard Inc, says GFRC, or glass fiber reinforced concrete, is especially hardwearing. As an added benefit, the surface stays cooler to the touch than almost any other material.
“In South Florida, selecting outdoor dining sets isn’t just about style — it’s about choosing materials that can handle year-round humidity, intense sun, and salty coastal air,” says Brean. “Look for pieces made from weather-resistant materials like GFRC or Fiberstone, which won’t crack, warp, or corrode over time. The right furniture should offer lasting performance without compromising on design.”
1. Mod Bistro: Modern concrete dining sets are all the rage these days. Use the cylindrical stools on their own, or add a cushion for extra comfort. Keep in mind that each piece will be super heavy (which you’ll be grateful for during hurricane season) but ultimately, the concrete will hold up for years to come.
2. Garden Get-Together: Whether your concrete table set is going in your garden or next to the pool, it definitely won’t blow away. It also won’t wear down in the sun, tropical storms, or simply from the ocean breeze. Plus, it looks like it came straight out of a Greek fable, so we love that.
3. Modern and Minimalistic: Terra Outdoor offers GFRC tables and benches, like a 95-inch table and an 87-inch bench that are both sleek and durable — which is really everything you could want for Miami.
4. How Elegant: Mixing concrete and faux marble adds some Roman flair, while still remaining strong and weather-resistant. It’s also made for both indoor and outdoor use, so you can move it when the weather gets oppressive.
5. Coffee Time: Whether you’re sipping a casual coffee or serving apps, fiberstone coffee tables work just as well. Surround it with some wicker seating (which you’ll have to cover when not in use) and it’ll look absolutely adorable for your next soirée.
6. Grand Feast: If you’re no stranger to hosting larger dinner parties, a long concrete table may be better suited for you. The “travertine” color perfectly emulates the color of sand, while the 86.3-inch width promises enough room for several plates. Match it with some teak dining chairs to pull off the perfect Miami look.
7. Desert Paradise: Transport from the Florida coast straight to the desert with Solid Rock Stone Works’ Desert Sand Dining Set. It comes with three benches, which can each fit up to two people — and fortunately, set-up takes only a few minutes.
8. Mix and Match: Get a high-quality concrete table on its own, and add on chairs to store when they aren’t in use. That way you can have a comfortable chair as opposed to concrete, and by storing them you won’t lose any to the elements.
7 Weatherproof Wood Dining Sets to Stay Mindfully Stylish
If you’re married to the idea of wood, opt for teak instead. It provides the same look, while withstanding the moist Miami air.
“It is very humid in South Florida, and that humidity impacts what the best materials for outdoor furniture are,” Mike Fretto, Creative Director at Neighbor tells Miami Herald, saying wood can get warped by the moisture. “If you really want a wood dining set, consider teak — it’s uniquely well suited to humid environments because it is a naturally oily wood, which helps make it far less penetrable by moisture.”
1. Sophistication: Yes, sophistication can be purchased on Amazon! The Cambridge Paxton Dining Set mixes and matches teak chairs with benches, and comes with a decent-sized dining table. As Mike said, teak holds up incredibly well, so you likely won’t have to replace it anytime soon (just go over with a sealant to maintain its color!).
2. Designed for Wear: Fretto’s own Neighbor Haven Dining Set is made from FSC-certified teak and all-weather rope, which means you can serve dinners there for years to come. If you don’t seal it, it will turn grey over time, but it’ll last just as long, and can be sanded and sealed again to restore the original color.
3. Refined Yet Strong: Keep the minimalist vibes going with Neighbor’s Felloe Dining Set. Even though it’s relatively minimalist and seemingly dainty, it’s hardwearing nonetheless. Because it features marine-grade hardware, it’s bound to last anytime, anywhere.
4. Ultimate Comfort: For a little extra luxe, we like this teak dining set with swivel chairs. The color won’t fade and the shape won’t warp — but you’ll want to make sure to take in the cushions to prevent mildew build-up.
5. Pop of Color: If all brown isn’t your thing, opt for a dining set with colorful cushions! The acacia table and chair frames are almost as strong as teak, but lighter and more affordable, while the bright cushions steal the spotlight.
6. Bench Babes: If you prefer a dining set with benches over chairs, you aren’t alone. It’s much easier when you’re hosting a party, because you can squeeze more people in.
7. Teak Bistro: If you’d prefer a teak bistro set to share a snack or a cup of tea, we won’t judge! Comes with two cushioned chairs, too.
8. Happy Hour: Cocktails on us! If you’re all about hosting backyard drinks, don’t hesitate to snag a teak high top set. Comes with two chairs that’ll make you feel tall AF.
7. Mix N’ Match: Don’t be afraid to get a set that mixes teak and other strong materials, like textilene twill rattan. It’s strong and UV-safe, so it’ll likely hold up just as well as the rest of the set.
5 Aluminum or Stainless Steel Sets
If the weight of materials like concrete and teak are an issue, properly cared-for aluminum and steel will hold up for years to come. It also tends to run at least a little lower in cost and you can find some really cute metal pieces, then add cushions for a pop of color.
“[As previously mentioned], wood can warp or deal with mold when exposed to too much moisture,” Fretto adds. “That often makes materials like steel and aluminum better, since they are not affected by moisture in that way. “
1. Dinner Party: Super hosts should consider an aluminum set that seats eight. The chairs come with cushions, and you can opt for beige, black or grey — it’s up to you.
2. Ergonomic Paradise: Just because a dining set is made of metal, doesn’t mean it isn’t comfortable! Look for chairs with arm rests and a more ergonomic back for a casual, two-person setting.
3. Stackable Seats: Take advantage of a steel set with stackable seats. Buy some cushions, or keep them as they are. Either way, it’ll match just about anything.
4. Upholstery: Who said steel seating had to be cold and hard? Sophia and Willis’ dining set comes upholstered with breathable, weather-proof fabric. Plus, they’re swivel chairs for added relaxation and easy rotation.
5. Blue Skies: Don’t be afraid to mix steel with colorful upholstery. It comes with an umbrella and cushions, too, so you’ll be relaxing to the max.
Tips for Buying Outdoor Dining Sets in South Florida
- Concrete, especially if it’s made with GFRC or fiberstone, is a lifetime material that will never blow or float away
- Heavy materials are preferable, especially during hurricane season
- Teak is the most durable commonly available wood
- Aluminum and stainless steel aren’t affected by moisture, but touch up chips to prevent rust and corrosion
- Wicker will last a lot longer if you keep it under cover when not in use
