Choosing the right outdoor dining table transforms your patio into the outdoor party center, allowing you to enjoy memorable mealtime moments with family and friends year-round. How to find the best outdoor table for your party? It starts with choosing a suitable dining table material for the local climate.
Additionally, there are also other factors to consider, such as the table’s size, shape, style, and decor. In this guide, we’ll explore these factors to help you find the best outdoor dining table that perfectly fits your style.
1. Conside The Local Climate
For long-lasting durability, it’s important to consider local climate conditions when choosing your outdoor dining table. Different materials will perform slightly differently in different climates, so choosing the right material for your local climate ensures optimal performance.
- Coastal Areas: Salty and humid sea breezes can corrode metal and cause rust, so recycled plastic and wicker are ideal materials for outdoor dining tables.
- High Humidity and Rainy Areas: Recycled plastic and aluminum are rust and mildew resistant, making them ideal for very humid areas.
- Sunny Areas: Teak and other hardwoods resist UV rays and don’t heat up, making them ideal for areas with strong UV rays.
- Cold or Windy Areas: Choose a heavier material like aluminum or stone to ensure stability.
2. Determine Dining Table Size
Measure your patio area to determine the right table size to avoid crowding. Leave at least 0.9 meters of space around the table to accommodate chairs and allow for comfortable movement. If your patio is too small for a large group of guests, consider an extendable or round table. These can accommodate more guests within a limited space.
3. Match Dining Table Shape to Your Space
Determine the right dining table shape based on your space and the number of guests. Here are some common types:
- Round: Round dining tables save space and are convenient for face-to-face dining. Perfect for small or compact patios.
- Square: The square design creates a modern look and is designed for patios with symmetrical or compact layouts.
- Rectangular: A square dining table is ideal for backyard parties or family dinners. The square design can accommodate more guests and is suitable for larger patios.
4. Choose the Best Material for Outdoor Dining Table
What are the common materials for outdoor dining tables? Which material is best? Here are some of the material types we can choose from:
- Wood: Wood is one of the most common dining table materials and can be mainly divided into two types: hardwood and softwood. Although softwood is cheap, it is not strong and durable enough, such as cedar and pine. Hardwoods like teak and oak offer a natural look and excellent weather resistance, but they require higher maintenance and a higher purchase budget.
- Metal: Aluminum or stainless steel are common metal dining table materials. They are durable yet lightweight, and are waterproof, rust-proof, and insect-proof. But in direct sunlight, they can get so hot that they become unusable
- Recycled Plastic: HDPE is the most common recycled plastic and the best material for outdoor tables. It is highly durable and resists fading, mold, or splintering. It requires minimal maintenance and can last for years with just soapy water.
- Wicker or Rattan: Wicker or rattan tables are perfect for coastal patios. They withstand rain, moisture, and sunlight. It needs to be placed in the shade to prevent cracking due to long-term exposure to sunlight.
Learn the pros and cons of different outdoor table materials to find the best outdoor dining table for you.
5. Match the Style to Patio Decor
Match your dining table to your patio style and make your patio an outdoor focal point season after season. A seaside theme or a bohemian patio? Try a rattan table or one in white or other light finishes. Obsessed with country style? Opt for wood and HDPE tables with natural grain. Warm and earthy neutrals like brown and gray enhance the rustic feel. For a modern patio, an aluminum table or one with clean lines is ideal.
6. Decorate Dining Table for Comfort and Style
Don’t forget the details and add decorations or accessories to make your outdoor table more stylish and attractive.
- Comfortable Cushions: Purchase seat and back cushions to add comfort to your dining chairs. Choose weather-resistant, hard-wearing fabrics such as polyester and cotton.
- Delicate Potted Plants or Candles: Place some potted plants or candles in the center and around the table to add warmth and elegance.
- Stylish and Vibrant Table Decorations: Choose vibrantly colored and patterned tablecloths, placemats, or trays to enhance the look and feel of your table.
- Patio Umbrellas: Use patio umbrellas to shade your outdoor dining area for cooler dining.
- Outdoor Lighting: Hang string lights above your dining table to light up the night and make your dining space more romantic and charming.
Discover more outdoor dining table decoration ideas to make your dining space vibrant and inviting.
7. Shop Serwall Outdoor Dining Table for Your Party
Made of HDPE plastic, Serwall outdoor dining tables are designed to last for years without fading, warping, or rotting. At Serwall, you’ll find a variety of types and styles to match your party theme. Shop our stylish outdoor dining tables to find the perfect party table for your needs.
