Buying Guide for Outdoor Dining Tables

Factors You Need to Consider When Buying Outdoor Dining Tables:

There are so many outdoor dining tables to choose from that it can be a little bit daunting to commit to one that you’ll love. There are many things to think about when it comes to choosing an outdoor dining table – like the space it will be going into, what kind of elements it will be exposed to, the size of the actual table, the function you want it to perform, and of course the material of outdoor dining table is predominately made out of. Having to think about all of these aspects simultaneously can make decisions tedious, time-consuming, and stressful. That’s why at Remarkable Outdoor Living our team of professional outdoor furniture consultants take away the need to worry about balancing all these thoughts at once and can give you valuable information and suggestions on terrific, stylish and quality built outdoor dining tables based on your desired outcome – giving you the reprieve you need to breathe and make a clearer decision.

Far too often do people forget about the space that their dream outdoor dining table will be going into once they purchase it, and it isn’t until they get it home and assemble it do they realize that it simply isn’t suitable. Instead of approaching buying an outdoor dining table based solely on its appeal, aesthetic, or design, it is more often than not more important to ensure that the outdoor dining table will actually add value, energy, and happiness to your outside space, not encroach, cluster or conflict. That is why it is important to evenly think about the space, style, shape, and size of your outdoor dining tables and your actual outdoor place.

The space that you will be placing an outdoor dining table into, the syle of that outdoor dining setting and ensuring that complements its surrounds, the shape of that outdoor dining table and making sure it is practical and functional for your intents and needs, and the size of the outdoor table, making sure to take into account, not simply space, but also acknowledging proportions of the table in relation to outside space, ensuring it is not overbearing or diminished by the space.

1. Outdoor Space Size 

How big is your outdoor place? You think you might know but it never hurts to get out your trusty measuring tape and actually get the real measurements of your outside space. Outdoor furniture showrooms are lovely places, yes (and trust us, we know!) But the outdoor dining tables on display can be difficult to visualize in your space. There is nothing wrong with going back home to check if the outdoor dining table will fit. You always want to make sure that your patio dining chairs or dining benches can be pushed out comfortably for easy access around the table. If your space is on the smaller side, try for a compact outdoor dining table that will maximize the area the most (we will talk more about this is the shape of your desired outdoor dining table). It will also help to ask yourself how much of your space you want to dedicate to your table. If you have a large, open space – will a small round 4-seater outdoor dining table look out of place? If you have a balcony, will a large extension table be practical? (we will talk more about this in Size).

2. Ideal Outdoor Dining Table Style 

Now that you know what your constraints space-wise are, it’s now time to start thinking about the style of an outdoor dining table that you would like to purchase. There is a plethora of styles, designs, and aesthetics available, and at the end of the day it all comes down to your personal preference. Remarkable Outdoor Living specializes in the largest variety of outdoor dining table styles available in Australia, including Modern & Industrial to Contemporary & Eclectic, Mid-Century & Hamptons. There’s also an abundance of materials that outdoor dining tables can be made from, such as Plantation & Reclaimed Teak, Concrete, Aluminium, Stainless Steel, Resin, Glass & Wicker (All available online & instore at Remarkable Outdoor Living). However, it’s also quite important to take into account your surroundings i.e. the style of your space, home, and even landscape. It will make the space more inviting and harmonious if the furniture complements the space in which it resides, as opposed to conflicting with an already established aesthetic.

3. Suitable Outdoor Dining Table Shape

If you have decided what style you want your outdoor dining table to be, then it is time to start thinking about its shape. This is when you have to start thinking about practicality and functionality. Are you an entertainer and desire to host glamorous and large functions for dozens of guests? Or do you live in a city apartment with a simple balcony and want to maximize your space as much as possible? The shape of an outdoor dining table pairs up perfectly with functionality and take our word for it – there are plenty of options when it comes to choosing a functional dining table suitable for your needs. There are Outdoor Extension Tables, Round Outdoor Dining Tables, Low Outdoor Dining Tables, Fold Up Outdoor Dining Tables, and even Outdoor Pop-Up Coffee/Dining Tables. It’s also a great idea to take into account the shape of the legs on the table.

Is your intent to tuck in all the chairs when not in use? Then a 4-leg rectangular table will most likely be the most appropriate. Do you need to conserve as much space as possible? Then maybe a table with a central base might not be the best option, as your chairs won’t tuck in all the way. These are the kind of questions that you need to ask yourself, but with some help from our friendly Outdoor Furniture Experts, you’ll be able to answer these questions much easier.

4. The Best Outdoor Dining Table Size

Ensuring that your outdoor dining table is proportionate to your outside space is arguably the most crucial step in selecting the perfect outdoor dining table. You’ve assessed your space, you’ve chosen a style, you’ve decided the shape, and now it’s time to determine its size. As mentioned previously, the size of the outdoor dining table should not be decided solely on the space, but also acknowledging proportions of the table in relation to space and ensuring it is not overbearing or diminished by your outdoor place. You don’t want your outdoor dining table to dominate the space, but you also don’t want it to be lost in the space either.

For example, for a large & spacious timber deck, what would best suit your outdoor space? A round glass table with a capacity of 4 people? Or a generous Extension table suitable for 10-12 people? How about a small balcony in the city? Is it best to go for a large rectangular table that takes up most of the already limited space, or choose a small 2-seater bistro dining setting?

It is important to give thorough consideration to space, style, space, and size when choosing an outdoor dining table, and we can all agree that sometimes it may too much to think about all at once. At Remarkable Outdoor Living our friendly, dedicated, and expert outdoor furniture specialists will assist you every step of the way to ensure that making your final decision is easy and above all else, pleasurable.