No matter your taste in coffee or how often you host family gatherings, an outdoor table is an essential piece for your backyard setup. Finding the appropriate option depends on how and how many people regularly use your patio furniture.
Wood patio tables boast classic charm, while sleek metal tables like this aluminum outdoor table work well with industrial aesthetics.
Teak
Teak wood is an extremely resilient hardwood. It naturally resists weathering, aging and mold growth – making it an excellent choice for outdoor furniture. One of the few materials capable of withstanding rain, snow and sleet without warping or cracking while standing up to UV rays without becoming bleached by sun exposure, making Teak the ideal material for year-round outdoor tables!
Teak wood may initially appear shiny and “polished,” as this effect is caused by natural oil within the wood itself. As time passes and this surface oil evaporation progresses, however, its color gradually transforms to an elegant silver gray hue over time – though you may speed this process by applying teak protectants; nevertheless, remember that this process only serves to improve aesthetics rather than compromise durability of the piece of furniture.
If you wish to preserve the natural honey/brown color of teak wood, applying an annual sealer application may help slow the aging process while protecting it from moisture and UV light exposure. Most commercial teak oils include tung or linseed oil in addition to varnishes that provide additional protection from environmental elements.
As with all wood furniture, teak will develop mold and discoloration over time, which may become unsightly if left alone. We suggest using mild dish soap mixed with water to wash your teak table regularly following its grain. Once all soap has been rinsed away completely it’s important to make sure that no moisture soaks into its pores and becomes brittle or absorb into it over time.
As part of regular cleaning of your table, be sure to quickly respond to oil or chemical spills as they arise. A brush, plastic bag, or soft cloth may help remove stubborn stains while being careful not to scratch the wood’s smooth finish. Once this task has been accomplished, consider protecting it with water-based wood protector available from most hardware stores.
Acacia
Acacia wood is an exceptionally strong and long-lasting choice for outdoor furniture, suitable for high-end custom made pieces as well as more budget friendly models. Lightweight with natural beauty, Acacia is often chosen by those seeking high-end or custom designed outdoor seating solutions for discerning buyers. More scratch resistant than many types of hardwood, its grain patterns and colors create striking visuals and unique chromatic characteristics make Acacia an excellent choice – 55% harder than white oak and 23% harder than hickory! A versatile wood, it can also be used to craft patio tables and dining sets with ease!
Acacia contains over 1300 species and varieties, but only a select few are grown for timber production. Most Acacia trees are planted for their attractive flowers that bloom between spring and summer – bearing clusters at branch tips that range in hue from pink, yellow or creamy white hues. Acacia trees grow quickly with minimal care required; many can tolerate drought conditions well due to deep root systems which enable them to survive dry conditions with ease.
Acacia plants serve many uses, from creating hardwood furniture to producing water-soluble gums used as thickening agents in food products. Furthermore, its seeds and leaves provide wildlife food sources; its seeds being consumed by birds and ants while its leaves serve as fodder for livestock. Furthermore, it’s often grown as decorative or landscaping plants.
To preserve and extend the lifespan of your acacia furniture, it’s essential that it remains protected. Store it away from direct sunlight and rain; regularly clean with soft cloth and warm water; apply wood preservative to its surface to guard against moisture damage; use protective covers when not in use or storage.
To preserve the look and integrity of your acacia furniture, it’s recommended to wax and oil it periodically each year. Not only will this protect it from moisture damage, but waxing and oiling can help your piece maintain its color as well. For heavy sun exposure exposures consider investing in UV blocking sealants found at most home improvement stores.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus wood can serve a multitude of functions, unlike its teak and acacia counterparts. Notably less costly and growing more quickly than their counterparts, its smooth grain makes eucalyptus easy to work with for all sorts of finishes; from casual patio sets to elegant dining table and chair ensembles. Furthermore, this versatile material comes in various shades so you can match it to any decor with stain or paint options available to complete the look.
Floristia can be grown either indoors or outdoors and makes an ideal landscaping addition, though frost should still be protected against. Stem cuttings can be taken from healthy plants using sterilized tools; cuttings should be three to four inches long with at least four leaf nodes before being dipped in rooting hormone before placing in pots with fresh soil, covered by clear plastic bags to retain moisture, and regularly watered for best results.
Indoor cultivation of Eucalyptus plants requires placing them in an area with both ample sunlight and moderate humidity levels. When their leaves begin to wilt, this indicates they require additional moisture – it’s best to water once weekly but avoid getting any leaves wet as this could cause them to rot and derail growth.
If your eucalyptus plant begins showing symptoms of disease, such as browning of bark or dryness and color changes in its leaves. Fungi or pest infestation could also have an impactful influence on them and neem oil is an ideal natural insecticide to apply as soon as you notice an issue with its health.
People wishing to start their eucalyptus tree from seed should first chill the seeds for two months before sowing them in late winter in shallow containers using seed starting mix with peat pots to avoid disturbing its roots. Furthermore, it’s essential that temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit are maintained as well as evenly moistened soil prior to sowing seeds.
Concrete
Concrete furniture requires regular care and attention in order to remain looking its best for years to come. Just like oiling or waxing a wooden table or leather sofa, regular cleaning and protective applications of sealers will keep an outdoor concrete table looking its best for many years to come. At Lyon Beton we utilize water- and oil-repellent solutions during production processes in order to help shield tables from stains while our Osa outdoor tables feature heat-treated Finnish pine as a more robust material capable of withstanding harsh environments than concrete alone.