If you have a backyard with ample space for lounging and entertaining, it’s likely you’ve looked for a patio dining set at one time or another. While there are plenty on the market, it can be tricky to find one that’s comfortable, holds up to the elements, and accommodates all of your friends and family. To see if we’d found a winner in RST Brands’ Deco 9-Piece Patio Dining Set, we picked up our own set and got to work testing it out.
Assembly: Quick, but requires two people
The Deco 9-Piece set arrived in two large, heavy boxes, so we were anticipating a lengthy assembly process. After opening the boxes, however, we were happy to see that the chairs were already fully assembled and we just had to use the included bolts and washers to attach the four legs to the table. After that was taken care of, we just had to put the chair cushions together. The cushions and cushion covers come disassembled, so we simply had to slide the cushion into the cover and then secure it in place with the velcro strips that were stitched on all four sides. Once the covers were snug on the cushions, they easily attached to the chairs with two velcro straps that wrap around the base of the chair backs. This process wasn’t difficult or lengthy, but it did take us some trial and error because we didn’t realize that the cushions were different. Two are labeled “dining chair cushion,” while the other six are labeled “armless dining chair cushion”—we missed that at first, so keep it in mind as you work. While the assembly was a cinch and done in less than 30 minutes, you will need two people. The table is heavy and would be difficult to get out of the box with only one person. You also need to flip the table over to put the legs on (and then back again to set it up), so having someone else’s assistance will make the job easier.
Design and Size: Beautifully fit for a crowd
No matter the cushion color you pick—there are ten to choose from, including green, red, and beige—the remainder of the set it made from a rich, espresso-colored resin that’s woven into a wicker design. The top of each table is also crafted from a dark brown faux wood with distressed detailing. We went with the Bliss Blue cushions and were pleasantly surprised by how beautiful the set looked once fully assembled; we agree with other reviewers that the manufacturer’s images don’t do the dining set justice. The table—which measures 41 x 83 x 30 inches—comes with two armed chairs that go at the head of the table and six armless chairs go on each side. If you need to accommodate more than eight people, you can squeeze in two additional chairs but it’ll be a tight fit. We found the chairs to be quite comfortable thanks to high, 18-inch chair backs, cozy three-inch foam cushions, and wicker-resin chair bases which are much more forgiving than metal. Although the set doesn’t come with a patio umbrella, there’s a hole in the middle of the tabletop that can accommodate an umbrella with a post up to 2 inches in diameter. If you don’t have an umbrella or you remove it for some reason, there’s a rubber cap that covers the hole and blends in nicely with the table design.
Durability: Holds up to most weather conditions
Though the RST Brands set looks similar to traditional wicker patio furniture, it’s actually constructed from a hand-woven SolarFast® resin wicker that’s UV-, weather-, and water-resistant, so it won’t break down and deteriorate like standard wicker. The frame underneath the resin wicker is also made of powder-coated aluminum which will hold up to years of use. The cushion covers are crafted from Sunsharp® fabric, which is made from colorfast yarn that’s fade-, stain-, and mildew-resistant in most climates and weather conditions. The manufacturer of Sunsharp® fabric points out that even bleach solutions won’t destroy the fabric or compromise its color, so you don’t have to worry when it comes time to wash them. The fabric’s durability is especially great for those who regularly forget to bring their cushions inside before a storm and those who don’t want the added hassle of extra maintenance. If the cushions do get dirty, you can spot clean them with soap and water or easily take the covers off and throw them in the washing machine on gentle. We washed them twice and both times they came out looking good as new. The foam inside the cushions has multiple weatherproof layers that allow moisture to drain from them naturally. We left the set outside during a few rainstorms to see how well they held up and while we were pleased with the overall results, there were a few design downfalls. The tabletop has slats, so we expected water to drain right through them, but after a day of rain, we found a significant amount of water still pooled on the table. Additionally, while the cushion covers did repel some of the water (we could see visible water droplets on top), the cushions were still slightly saturated and it took a full day for them to drain and dry. If you’re planning to use your set soon after a rainstorm, it’s a good idea to bring the cushions inside. If you want to protect the whole set from the elements, you can also stack the chairs and stow them in a garage or shed. If you’d rather not bring the cushions in and out, but you do want added protection from the elements, RST Brands offers furniture cover sets that you can purchase separately. Replacement cushions and cushion covers are also available for purchase if you feel like your cushions are starting to lose their luster or you just want to change your color scheme.
Price: A worthwhile investment
With a retail price of $2,000, the RST Brands Deco 9-Piece set is definitely an investment, but with the proper care, it should hold up for years. Plus, since the design is more classic than trendy, you can design around it if your tastes change.
Competition: Your options depend on your budget
Wade Logan Castelli 9-Piece Sunbrella Dining Set: If budget isn’t an issue, but you want a patio set with a lighter finish, you’ll find it in the Castelli 9-Piece Sunbrella Dining Set with Cushions. Like the RST Brands set, the Castelli comes with cushions (in a wide range of colors from slate to royal blue) and the same modern, wicker look at a similar price point. Rather than having a dark brown base, though, the table and chairs are crafted from a light gray resin wicker. Want to take a look at some other options? See our guide to the best patio dining sets. The RST Brands Deco 9-Piece Patio Dining Set is a beautiful outdoor dining table that’s sleek, modern and available in so many colors that you’re sure to find one you love. Yes, it’s definitely an investment, but its weatherproof design means you’ll be enjoying it for years to come.
