When you're in the market for a new patio table, it's a good idea to do some research on how to buy patio tables. You'll want to know about the available materials and styles before you buy. Read this patio table buying guide for information that will help you make a more informed patio furniture purchase.
Before you rush off and buy the first patio dining table you see, there are some questions you should ask yourself:
The answers to these questions will help you make a suitable choice.
Metal patio tables vary the most; with aluminum, steel and wrought iron being in the fore.
Aluminum is lightweight, rust- and fade-proof, durable, low-maintenance and available in many colors. Cast aluminum patio tables can have cross-hatch tops (woven design), glass tops, wooden tops and many other combinations. For rainy climates, aluminum is a good choice since it will not rust. But if you live in a windy area, aluminum is lightweight enough to be tossed around on very windy days.
To care for aluminum, use car wax or mineral oil to protect the surface. Wash occasionally with soapy water and, for added durability, add a powder-coat finish.
Steel is sturdy and durable, like aluminum, but weighs more. Most steel dining tables require little assembly. Steel patio tables can be combined with glass, resin or wicker and may have a cross-hatch top. If you live in a moderately windy area, steel would give you a sturdier choice that is still light, compared to wrought iron.
To care for steel patio tables, apply a protective finish to keep the metal from rusting, such as a powder-coat finish. To clean, wash with a mild soap and rinse.
Wrought iron is a great choice for all garden and patio tables. Wrought iron is very sturdy, durable and available in many designs. To help with the weight of wrought iron, you may consider patio tables mounted on wheels, if your patio allows for movement.
Wrought iron is usually combined with glass tops or has a cross-hatch top. When you add wrought iron to your home and garden, you'll bring in European charm, but wrought iron matches well with most garden d?cor.
Wrought iron furniture is virtually maintenance-free. To care for wrought iron, use paint to touch up cracks, if they develop after a while, and apply rust protection. Powder-coated finishes are ideal for wrought iron patio tables and furniture. To clean, wash with a mild soap and rinse.
Metal patio tables can stand up to constant use and sun exposure, and wrought iron and steel do well in windy climates.
Plastics and PVC (polyvinyl chloride) patio tables are very handy and affordable, if you're on a limited budget.
Plastics are lightweight and low-maintenance. If you are interested in a "green" home and garden, you'll be glad to know that many plastic patio tables are made of recycled materials. And if you have a smaller space, you'll love the stackable nature of plastic patio furniture. However, don't expect your plastic patio table to remain in place during windy weather. Also, for moist climates (rain, snow, humidity), you'll want to clean your plastic patio furniture with cleaners that prevent mildew.
To clean plastics, rinse with water.
PVC is a very low-maintenance choice for a patio dining table. It is also lightweight and is available in many colors. Unlike plastic, PVC doesn't require mildew protection because it is non-organic. Under extremely wet conditions, mildew may occur on dirt or other organic materials that are stuck to the furniture, but a mild bleach and water solution can easily remove it.
To clean PVC, simply rinse with water.
Plastic and PVC are both great for rainy climates and sun exposure, but be cautious in windy weather.
Wood is a natural and popular choice for patio tables and chairs. Popular woods for patio furniture are teak, cedar, acacia, eucalyptus and balau.
Teak is one of the hardest, strongest and most durable of all woods. It is perfect for outdoor use because it is highly resistant to rotting and nearly unaffected by the effects of sun, rain, frost or snow. Teak patio dining tables left in their natural state, without varnish, paint or oil, will naturally patina to a silvery grey color. If you want to preserve teak's golden yellow color, use a teak sealer on your patio table.
To care for your teak, occasionally wash with a mild soap and warm water. Varnishes, water sealants and oils are not recommended for teak.
Cedar is durable and naturally insect- and rot-resistant. Cedar is more lightweight than teak, making it easier to move. If you live in an area where humidity levels fluctuate between seasons, cedar is a good choice; cedar tends not to crack or warp. Cedar resists decay and wear from the weather, so if you leave a cedar patio table outside, you can do so without worry. If you want to preserve its natural appearance, you can add stain, or you can let it patina to a silvery grey color. Be careful leaving cedar in constant contact with the ground (dirt, grass).
To care for cedar, if left outside every day, treat with a sealer, stain or other protectant and clean with mild soap and water.
Acacia comes from a fast-growing tree and is a durable hardwood. It is strong, hard and naturally resinous, making it waterproof and ideal for outdoor furniture. It is a more affordable alternative to teak and cedar.
To care for acacia, use a mild soap and rinse with water.
Eucalyptus is another inexpensive alternative to teak. It is a hardwood with an attractive color that weathers very well due to its high oil content. Because of the oils found in eucalyptus naturally, eucalyptus patio tables require less regular maintenance than other wood furniture. It is also a heavy wood, like teak.
To care for eucalyptus, use a mild soap and rinse with water.
Balau is another tropical hardwood, like teak, but is more affordable. It is easy to maintain, and its look will last for a very long time. It is durable, extremely strong and is heavily laden with oils and resins, making it waterproof and great for outdoor furniture.
To care for balau, occasionally wash with a mild soap and warm water.
All wood, if treated properly, will weather well, resisting sun damage, decay and mildew. If left in its natural state, most woods will patina. Wood furniture is sturdy enough for every day use and heavy enough to not blow away. Wood patio tables are a great choice to match any home and garden.
Wicker is a weaving style that uses slender, pliable twigs or canes into hard woven furniture. Wicker patio furniture uses rattan, willow, reeds or bamboo. Wicker is lightweight, yet sturdy, making it very well-suited to sunrooms, outdoor patios and conservatories.
Wicker style is furniture with the styling and weave of wicker but is not made of grass, like traditional wicker. This synthetic wicker is often made of durable PVC, resin or vinyl.
To care for traditional wicker when mildewing occurs, use a mild bleach and water solution and allow the patio table and furniture to dry completely. To care for synthetic wicker, wash with a mild soap and rinse.
Traditional wicker is durable enough for repeated use, and synthetic wicker is waterproof and well-suited to use indoors and out. Both types of wicker patio tables are not heavy enough to stay put on windy days.
How can I be sure my patio dining table will match my other furniture?
Many styles of patio tables are similar enough to blend with other styles, but a good rule of thumb is to stick with the same materials. If your other patio furniture is wicker, stick with wicker, and if you use metal throughout the garden and patio, choose a similar metal patio table.
Another great way to keep everything matching is to purchase a patio set. Patio dining sets will have everything you need in the same style and material. You can also save a lot of money on patio sets.
What size patio table do I need?
First, choose the material and style you love. Then, consider the size of your space and the number of people using it. Sketch a seating plan for your outdoor furniture just as you would for indoor furnishings. Start by providing seating for every member of the family. Add some benches to extend the seating area for extra guests--a 5-foot bench comfortably seats three adults. If you have limited space, consider using a bistro table or a smaller round or square patio table. On the other hand, even a large patio dining table may be overwhelmed by a large deck. Grouping furniture in two or three areas for dining, conversation and relaxing will improve the proportions.
Design an outdoor room
Use a theme for your garden and patio; pair elegant wicker furniture with green plants from Overstock.com's home d?cor department to create a tropical paradise. Add lounge chairs and bistro sets for morning relaxation as you read the paper or sit by the pool. Don't forget to protect yourself from the sun with a patio umbrella or two!
Accessorize your outdoors
Creating outdoor living areas lets your family enjoy beautiful weather and a resort style at home. After moving the dining room outdoors, accessorize the patio furniture with extra conveniences, such as outdoor fireplaces and garden d?cor. Add pillows and throws that are designed for outdoor use to add extra comfort to your outdoor areas. To include real comfort, add a side table for lemonade and tea or hammocks for lazy mid-day naps.
