How to Choose an Outdoor Table

How to Choose the Right Outdoor Table for Your Space

The best outdoor table fits your space, your weather, and how you’ll use it. Run through these questions before you buy and you’ll avoid the wobble, the rust, and the regret.

Start by measuring your space

Measure your patio or balcony first, then leave room to pull out chairs and walk around — usually about 90cm of clearance on each side. A table that’s too big makes the space feel cramped; too small and it can’t host a meal.

Match the size to your seating

• Balcony or small patio: a bistro or compact square for 2.
• Family use: a rectangular or round table for 4–6.
• Entertaining: an extendable or large dining table for 6+.

Choose a material for your climate

• Powder-coated aluminium: rust-proof and lightweight — great all-rounder.
• Teak & treated hardwood: weathers beautifully and lasts for years.
• Tempered glass tops: sleek, but choose thick safety glass.
• Resin/poly rattan: affordable and UV-resistant, low maintenance.

Don’t forget the practical details

Check whether the table folds or stores for winter, whether it has an umbrella hole if you need shade, and how heavy it is — a light table can blow over in wind, while a very heavy one is hard to move. Match these to how you actually live outdoors.