Everything you need to upgrade your patio for summer and how to protect it

Article’s chic, minimal furniture is always a top pick for those who prefer classic, understated style that will stand the test of time both aesthetically and quality-wise. The Brolla dining table is crafted from FSC-certified teak, meaning two things: First, it comes from a responsibly managed forest that ups the sustainability factor. Second, teak is one of the most weather-resistant woods available thanks to its natural oils that repel water and insects. Add in an attractive, timeless shape and you have a great option for outdoor dining and relaxing!

Acacia wood with a teak-look tabletop automatically makes this one of the most chic options on this list. Style aside, everything from the wood to the cushions used to build this set is water-resistant and thus less prone to breaking down quickly. There’s a short but sweet 90-day manufacturer’s warranty so you can use it for nearly the full season to see how it performs, but more than 350 reviews average a 4.7-star rating, lending confidence to the idea that you’ll enjoy lounging on this stunning set.

Clocking in at just 129 pounds combined for the whole set, this four-piece set is lightweight, minimal and sturdy enough to hold 600 pounds on the sofa or 350 pounds per chair. The 10 cushions included promise to resist mold and mildew, fading, UV damage, water and weather, and a one-year limited warranty allows for plenty of time to ensure those promises hold. All the necessary tools for assembly are also included, but you can also tack on professional assembly for an extra $109.99 if you want to streamline setup.

Wide arms and deep seats make this popular outdoor sofa from Home Depot extra comfortable, but the sticking points are the weather-resistant steel frame and treated fabric cover that will add to its longevity. There are currently five colors available to complement your outdoor setup, all of which come with a three-year fabric warranty. One drawback: the covers are not waterproof, so it is recommended you keep them covered when not in use.

Combining rattan and steel for a durable set, this top seller from Amazon (more than 14,000 ratings average 4.5 stars) is a great choice for anyone who wants an attractive conversation for two without breaking the bank. It’s currently on sale for less than $100, which makes it a quick and easy choice to have delivered now so you can be chatting under the sun with your best friend or spouse by the week’s end.

Another FSC-certified set on this list comes in the form of this gorgeous Indio Eucalyptus and mesh set of chaise lounges from Pottery Barn that feature clean lines and a minimal-chic aesthetic. They’re easy to stack for quick storage in the off season, and they come in Biscotti or Weathered Gray color options to match the mood of your pool or backyard.

You can create your own contract-grade (aka good enough to withstand commercial use) outdoor sectional thanks to this top-selling option from West Elm. FSC-certified Mahogany and Eucalyptus woods offer strength and water resistance, and yarn-dyed weather-resistant cushions offer a squishy place to rest, relax and catch up with friends. Configure your dream arrangment piece by piece when you choose from the chaise, sofa, armless single and corner pieces, priced separately but built for mixing and matching to best suit the arrangment you need.

Perfect for sofas, sectionals and even small groups of outdoor furniture pushed together, this waterproof cover is a great, affordable way to extend the life of your outdoor cushions and protect the wood, metal or other material used to create the base of your set. It comes in a variety of sizes, too, so click through to find one that fits your needs.

Another affordable but highly useful tool in protecting patio chairs are these easy-to-use, heavy-duty covers that come in a set of two and a variety of colors to fit your preferences. They come in a near-universal size range that can accomodate most chairs and loungers.

Now that you've protected your chairs, make sure your table is covered, too! This cover is made of a sturdy, dense materials with waterproof undercoating, and it promises to block moisture as well as sunlight, wind and other forms of damage your table might incur.

Protect against the fading and weakening properties of the sun on your outdoor pieces with this fabric spray. It works on rubber, vinyl, plastic and more, and it also helps repels dirt, dust, water and other potentially damaging substances.

Another top name in spray-on protection is Scotchguard, also built to ward off water and damaging UV rays. It has a simple, one-step application process and dries to be odorless, plus it can be used on nearly any material that has to withstand harsh conditions.