Outdoor Tables

Classification by Material

1. Wooden Outdoor Tables
   • Solid Wood Tables:
     • They are made of natural wood, such as oak, teak, pine, etc. Oak-made outdoor tables are hard in texture, have a firm structure and excellent durability. Teak is rich in oil, which can resist the erosion of wind, rain and insect damage, making it an excellent choice for outdoor furniture. Pine outdoor tables are relatively affordable, lightweight and easy to move, but their durability is slightly inferior.
     • Solid wood outdoor tables have a natural and rustic appearance, adding a warm atmosphere to outdoor spaces. They can be treated with different coatings, such as varnish or outdoor-specific wood paint, to enhance their waterproof and sun-proof properties.
   • Man-made Wood Board Tables:
     • They include outdoor tables made of plywood, fiberboard and other materials. Plywood is made by gluing multiple layers of thin wood boards together and has good strength and is not easy to deform. Fiberboard is formed by processing and pressing wood fibers, with a smooth surface.
     • Such tables have a relatively low cost and can imitate the texture of natural wood through surface veneering and other processes. However, their waterproof and durability may not be as good as solid wood tables and generally require more careful maintenance.
2. Metal Outdoor Tables
   • Iron Art Tables:
     • Iron art outdoor tables have diverse shapes, ranging from simple modern styles to gorgeous European classical styles. Iron has high strength and can bear heavy items. Through forging and welding techniques, exquisite table legs and desktop frames can be made.
     • However, iron art tables are prone to rust and need anti-rust treatment, such as galvanizing and painting. When used in environments with high salt content, such as by the sea, more attention should be paid to protection, otherwise rusting will be accelerated.
   • Aluminum Tables:
     • Aluminum is a lightweight and corrosion-resistant metal. Aluminum outdoor tables are light in weight, convenient for transportation and arrangement. They will not rust and can maintain a good appearance even when exposed to the outdoor environment for a long time.
     • Aluminum tables can further improve their surface hardness and wear resistance through anodizing and other processes, and there are multiple color options, such as silver, black, gold, etc., to adapt to different outdoor decoration styles.
   • Stainless Steel Tables:
     • Stainless steel outdoor tables have excellent corrosion resistance, especially those made of 304 and 316 stainless steel materials. 316 stainless steel contains molybdenum, making it more corrosion-resistant in harsh environments such as by the sea.
     • These tables are easy to clean, have a smooth surface and usually have a modern and simple appearance. They are often used in high-end outdoor dining places or for families who pursue high quality in outdoor spaces.
3. Plastic Outdoor Tables
   • Polyethylene (PE) Tables:
     • PE plastic outdoor tables are a common type. They have good weather resistance and can resist the effects of ultraviolet rays, rain and temperature changes. PE plastic is tough and not easy to break, and various shapes and colors of tables can be made through molds.
     • They are lightweight and relatively inexpensive, making them an economical choice for outdoor furniture. Some high-end PE plastic tables will also add anti-aging agents and other ingredients to extend their service life.
   • Polypropylene (PP) Tables:
     • The density of PP plastic is smaller than that of PE, so it is lighter. It also has good chemical corrosion resistance and impact resistance. PP plastic tables can maintain good performance even in high-temperature environments and will not deform like some low-quality plastics.
     • However, the hardness of PP plastic is relatively high, and its appearance may not have the soft texture of PE plastic, but it is more suitable for some occasions where a more solid structure is required.
   • Steel-Plastic Tables:
     • Steel-plastic is a composite material of plastic and steel, combining the corrosion resistance of plastic and the strength of steel. The frames of steel-plastic outdoor tables are usually made of steel, while the tabletop and other parts are made of plastic.
     • These tables have good stability, can bear relatively large weights, and at the same time have the advantages of plastic, such as being easy to clean and having a variety of colors.
4. Stone Outdoor Tables
   • Granite Tables:
     • Granite is a hard and wear-resistant natural stone. Granite outdoor tables are thick and heavy, with excellent stability and can withstand wind and rain. They have rich colors and textures, including gray, black, red and many other colors, and the texture of each piece of granite is unique.
     • However, due to their heavy weight, they are difficult to transport and install. And if the granite surface is hit by heavy objects, cracks may appear, so they need to be used carefully.
   • Marble Tables:
     • Marble outdoor tables have an elegant and gorgeous appearance and are highly decorative. They have a fine texture and can add a high-end atmosphere to outdoor spaces.
     • But marble is brittle and not resistant to acid and alkali corrosion. When used outdoors, it is necessary to avoid contact with acidic substances (such as acid rain), and the price is relatively high.
   • Artificial Stone Tables:
     • Artificial stone is a synthetic stone made through artificial means. It can imitate the appearance of natural stone, such as texture and color. Artificial stone outdoor tables have better consistency and will not have as large differences as natural stones.
     • They have a relatively low cost and have advantages in terms of stain resistance and easy processing. For example, more complex shapes can be made. However, their durability may not be as good as that of high-quality natural stones.

Classification by Function

1. Outdoor Dining Tables
   • Ordinary Dining Tables:
     • Outdoor dining tables come in various sizes. Commonly, there are rectangular tables that can seat 4 - 6 people and circular tables with a diameter of about 70 - 100 centimeters. Their tabletops are relatively flat, making it convenient to place tableware, food, etc.
     • The height is generally between 70 - 75 centimeters, which conforms to ergonomic principles and makes people feel comfortable when dining outdoors. Some dining tables also have holes for umbrellas, making it convenient to install umbrellas to provide shade when the sun is strong.
   • Barbecue Tables:
     • Barbecue tables usually have a special barbecue area. Some have built-in barbecue grills, while others have reserved barbecue positions on the tabletop. The materials of barbecue tables generally need to be heat-resistant, such as stainless steel or special fireproof materials.
     • They also have some auxiliary functions, such as storage areas for placing seasoning bottles and tableware. Even some high-end barbecue tables have refrigerated areas for storing drinks and ingredients.
2. Outdoor Leisure Tables
   • Coffee Tables:
     • Outdoor coffee tables are relatively low, with a height of generally about 40 - 50 centimeters. Their tabletop areas are usually small, making it convenient to place coffee cups, magazines and other leisure items.
     • Coffee tables have diverse design styles, including simple modern styles and retro styles with exquisite carvings. They can be matched with outdoor sofas or lounge chairs to create a comfortable leisure atmosphere.
   • Side Tables:
     • Side tables are small tables placed beside outdoor chairs or lounge chairs, mainly used for placing personal items such as mobile phones, books, drinks, etc. They are small in size, usually with a tabletop diameter of about 30 - 40 centimeters, and the height matches the armrests of the chairs, making it convenient to access items.
     • Side tables also come in various forms, such as square, round, triangular, etc., which can be selected according to the layout of outdoor furniture and personal preferences.
3. Outdoor Work Tables
   • Outdoor Desks:
     • Outdoor desks are mainly used for outdoor office work, reading and other activities. Their tabletop areas are relatively large, generally able to place laptop computers, documents, stationery and other items.
     • The height is usually between 70 - 75 centimeters to ensure comfort during use. Some outdoor desks also have drawers or storage compartments to facilitate the organization of office supplies. The materials of the desks should take into account waterproof and sun-proof properties to protect the items placed on them.
   • Gardening Work Tables:
     • Gardening work tables are used for outdoor gardening activities, such as pruning flowers, planting potted plants, etc. Their tabletops are generally resistant to dirt and wear, and some even have sinks to facilitate the cleaning of gardening tools and hands.
     • These tables may have tool hooks for hanging gardening tools such as scissors and shovels, and the height is also appropriate for standing operations.

Classification by Shape

1. Circular Outdoor Tables
   • Circular outdoor tables have no sharp corners, so they are relatively safe to use in outdoor spaces, especially in areas where children are active. They give a soft and rounded feeling and can create a warm atmosphere. Circular tables are more suitable for chatting, gathering and other activities. Since people sitting around are at an equal distance from the center, communication is more convenient. Their diameters vary. Small ones may have a diameter of only about 60 centimeters, used for placing a small number of items or as small side tables. Large ones can reach 2 - 3 meters and can accommodate many people for dining or holding large outdoor activities.
2. Square Outdoor Tables
   • Square outdoor tables include square and rectangular ones. Square outdoor tables have four equal sides and a regular appearance, giving a simple and stable feeling. They are suitable for being placed in regular outdoor spaces, such as the corners of courtyards or the sides of balconies. Rectangular outdoor tables are a common shape for dining tables and can be flexibly adjusted in size according to the venue and the number of users. The longer side can accommodate more people, which is convenient for multiple people to dine or work.
3. Irregular Outdoor Tables
   • Irregular outdoor tables have unique shapes, such as oval, polygonal (such as hexagonal, octagonal) or irregular shapes. Oval outdoor tables combine the softness of a circle and the space utilization of a rectangle and are visually beautiful. Polygonal outdoor tables can provide more seats and are suitable for large outdoor gatherings. Irregularly shaped outdoor tables are usually designed to adapt to special outdoor environments or design requirements. They can become the visual focus of outdoor spaces and show individuality and creativity.