Gathering around a large patio table to eat supper, hold a party, or spend time with your family is the best way to enjoy the warm weather. The following considerations must be made when buying outdoor tables.
Choose a Table Material That Can Handle the Weather
- More than the table’s appearance is influenced by the material from which it is constructed when choosing a patio table. Various materials are available, each with varying weather and weather resistance levels. Below, we’ve summarised the main advantages and disadvantages of the most popular patio table materials.
- Patio tables made of solid wood have a classic look and feel. Get a hardwood table, but stain or coat it to withstand damp weather if you’re trying for a stylish yet informal aesthetic. Otherwise, continuous exposure will cause the wood to decay.
- In terms of style and durability, metal patio tables tend to be the most formal. This makes them appropriate for windy situations and heavier than other tables. Iron, for example, can rust with time if it isn’t protected with a weather-proof coating.
- However, plastic or PVC patio furniture might mildew in moist conditions since they are light and straightforward to maintain.
- Patio tables of wicker or rattan exude a relaxed, carefree vibe that pairs nicely with country-chic design aesthetics. Wicker, like PVC and acrylic, is susceptible to mildew.
Make sure you choose a patio table that is appropriate for your current weather. It may cost more upfront, but in the long run, you’ll save money by not having to buy a new table each summer.
Take Measurements of Your Patio Before Making a Purchase
Take accurate measurements of the patio’s length and breadth with a companion. There should be enough area around the table for chairs and people to walk around it. It’s best to leave at least three feet of space around the perimeter of a table. In this case, if your patio is 12 feet long by 8 feet broad, you’ll need a table close to 6 feet long by 2 feet wide.
Reduce the size of your patio table to ensure that each piece of furniture has around three feet of clearance if you want to leave space for more furnishings.
The form of your room is also be taken into consideration. An outdoor patio will have a more relaxed atmosphere if the tables are round or square and take up less room than rectangular ones. Café and bar tables are even more compact, making them ideal for meals for two on a patio or balcony.
Seat Your Friends and Family at the Table
Get a table big enough to fit your family and a few friends for summer barbecues and outdoor eating. 18 to 24 inches of room for every individual, plus 6 to 12 in between each table setting, is a decent guideline for a relaxed meal.
A square table of 40 inches on each side and a circular table of 44 inches in diameter may easily accommodate four people. A rectangular table that is 56 inches long can seat six people, whereas a table that is 70 inches long can accommodate eight people comfortably.
Select Chairs That Are Both Comfy and Long-Lasting
Patio tables and chairs are often marketed as a set, but if you like to choose your seating or prefer a more varied design, you may buy them separately. Meanwhile, the same materials are usually used to make outdoor chairs for outdoor tables.
Choose weather-resistant cushions for maximum comfort. In addition, you must ensure that the seats fit your table. Standard dining chairs have a seat height of roughly 18 inches, which is appropriate for most outdoor tables with a conventional 30-inch height (standard dining height).
Choose a Table Umbrella That Provides a Good Deal of Protection From the Sun
An outdoor patio canopy might provide a welcome respite from the sun if you plan to use your patio table frequently during the day. Umbrellas are commonly held in place by holes bored into the tops of patio tables. Make sure your umbrella canopy covers the complete table if you’re buying one. An umbrella with a weather-resistant fabric can also do the trick.
