It’s the time of year when we’re dusting off our patio furniture: pulling it from the garage, hauling it up from the basement, uncovering it, sprucing it up and setting it on the porch or poolside for a season of enjoyment. For many of us, we’re not quite sure what we’ll find when we pull the canvas off. Will our tables and chairs be ready for us, or will they be rusted, broken, scarred, faded or just plain tired looking? Will we be disappointed in how well they’ve held up, and how much (or how little) use they’ve been good for?

Maybe it’s time to buy new. And maybe it’s time to really invest for the future by purchasing some reliable, long-lasting, well-made American patio furniture. From sea to shining sea, some of the best outdoor patio furniture today is made right here in the USA by American workers in American factories. These products feature sturdy aluminum and steel frames, which provide solidity and help the fabrics retain their shape. Zinc plated undercarriages and rocker components ensure years of stylish utility. Whether the materials are metal such as elegant wrought aluminum or steel, combined with tempered glass, poly-resin faux-stone or synthetic wood from recyclables, careful thought goes into design to establish table heights and chair measurements that are just right. With iconic names such as Tropitone and Minnesota-made Homecrest, you can’t truly appreciate the product until you’ve seen it, touched it and lifted it. Have a seat in one of these swivel rockers and pull up to one of the handsome tables, and you’ll know you’re experiencing some of the world’s classiest and best outdoor furniture.

The dining set is the anchor of your patio arrangement. Whether you buy a matched grouping or use contrasting tables and chairs, your choices are numerous. Tables can be round, square, rectangular or oval. Some tabletops are tempered glass, often with an obscuring or ripple patterning, others are wrought aluminum with artistic design, extruded aluminum slats and many are made of synthetic wood or fiberglass-reinforced polymer. Legs might be straight, curved, simple or ornate. Notice the solid look and feel of the best outdoor furniture brands.

You can even center your patio around a fire table. Some call these newer innovations, fire pits. Surround it with chairs and possibly include an outdoor sofa. These tables, some with attractive glass gems heated by LP gas, are ideal for hot dogs or marshmallows or just gathering with family and friends on a not-to-be-forgotten evening. Keep a fire bowl cover on hand for when the heat is not in use.

There’s no reason to limit chairs to just those that match the table, nor do chairs have to be simple and ordinary. Take a seat in a swivel rocker, which not only moves back and forth but also turns on its sturdy round base, and see just how many comfortable positions a patio chair can provide. Lay your arms on the rests; somebody put some consideration into positioning these just right. Notice the durable construction of these American-made chairs, which come in a stunning variety of attractive styles. There are low backs and high backs, patterned metal frames and fabric slings and woven seats and backs. Some are oversize with outdoor-ready cushioning that makes them look and feel as plush as high-quality indoor furniture.

All these styles—sling chairs, split slings, padded chairs, woven chairs—are available in stationary models as well as the swivel rockers. Many of those with fabric feature water-repellent materials that speed up drying time. Adirondack chairs and barstools add some variety to your outdoor space. And for sunny afternoons on the back lawn or next to the pool, there’s nothing like a chaise lounge. These aren’t limited to those with the familiar plastic straps; they’re also available with fabric slings and in ornate metal designs, quality pieces that will retain their shape and beauty season after season.

Then there are sofas, again with comfortable cushioning and materials that aren’t intimidated by the elements. And not just sofas, but also loveseats, gliders and multi-seat rockers. When your patio has an assortment of these inviting pieces, every guest will find a spot to fall in love with.

The best patio furniture calls for the best accessories. Make your design complete with umbrellas, side tables, beautiful trays, lazy susan and a few extra outdoor cushions. This summer can be the memorable one when you make your outdoor space come to life with the best patio furniture, and for years to come you’ll be proud to tell your visitors that the best pieces were made right here in America.