Popular Alternatives for the Top of Outdoor Patio End Tables
Patio furniture has come a long way since the days when a few folding lawn chairs sufficed for backyard seating. Today’s outdoor furniture includes oversized chairs and couches with decorative pillows. Tables hold market umbrellas that punctuate the scenery and give shade. Barstool sets have matching outdoor beverage stations with refrigerators. Much like inside the home, patio end tables are usually the center for relaxation and gathering. Because the patio table gets a lot of use and is a focal point of the backyard, many homeowners are interested in discovering table top alternatives.
Tempered glass. Today, you can find a built-in outdoor fireplace made of stone, a gazebo made of cedar, or a sculptured fountain bubbling in the backyard. Natural building materials are used in the backyard more than ever, and even an outdoor table top to glass is one area where you can seek a natural element. The Gazelle Glass Coffee Table by EuroStyle is an example.
Teak. Although costly, teak is an attractive patio table. Check out the Amazonia Teak Nile Teak Round Table by International Home Miami. Teak has a warm, rich color and a teak table can be paired with chairs made of another material. This material has limitations, though, as it eventually succumbs to the effects of sun and weather. If you cannot take it inside for winter, cover it completely.
Tile. Tiled table tops create a decorative focal point and can reflect a decorating scheme. Some tiled tables can be quite heavy, so it may require more than one person to move your tabletop. Ensure that the tile and grout on the tiled top have been sealed against water, or the tiles could become loose. Tile can be small colored chips that are formed into a pattern or large tile similar to floor tile.
Wicker. Wicker is a popular choice for outdoor patio tables, although a glass top is usually present. Again, be certain the glass is tempered. Although wicker does not tolerate weather well, all-weather wicker is available that looks like wicker but is plastic resin on a rattan frame.
Powder-coated steel. Patio-coated steel outdoor tables come in a large variety of styles and shapes and are usually sold in sets with chairs. Reasonably priced, powder-coated steel tables require minimum care. Rust that occurs with exposure to weather is the greatest concern with powder-coated steel. However, if caught early, rust can be sanded off and matching paint reapplied.
PolyWood. PolyWood is a UV-fade resistant and weather resistant option. It has markings that look like wood grain but it is actually made of high-density plastics. PolyWood is resistant to hot sun, cold winter and salty coastal air. An example is the Club 18″ Side Table by PolyWood.
Weather and wind are the enemies of all outdoor furniture. Ideally, you need to store outdoor furniture in a garage or shed during harsh winter months. Covering the furniture with zippered protective bags is also an option. Simply covering them with a plastic tarp gives protection from the elements and is less expensive well.
