It’s that time of the year again–warmer weather is setting in and the summer season is right around the corner. As you spend more time outside enjoying the sunshine and hanging out with family and friends, it’s important to have a place where you can gather and share meals on your patios, decks, and other outdoor spaces.
Buying the right table to go with your outdoor furniture set can take your backyard get-together to the next level. So, continue reading for some of the main points to consider when purchasing an outdoor table.
What’s your climate?
Picking the outdoor table that’s right for you and can endure over the years to come is no easy task. Even still, you will want to consider the weather and climate of where you live to increase the table’s lifetime. Factors like whether you live on the coast where the air is more humid, in a place where it rains heavily, or in a hot and dry climate will impact which table you should choose.
This is particularly important when picking what material you’d like your table to be made out of. For example, iron can’t withstand the salty air near the ocean, though other metals like aluminum aren’t heavy enough to stay secure during a strong windstorm. When considering a wood table, keep in mind that heat and heavy sunlight may cause it to crack and splinter, while exposure to frequent rain may cause rot and molding if it’s not stained and finished properly.
Measure your outdoor space
When buying a table for your outdoor space, assess the area where you will be placing it, and consider the appropriate shape and size of the furniture that could comfortably fit there. The last thing you want is to overwhelm your space by buying a table that’s too big, which can make foot traffic congested. Before you make any purchases, measure the dimensions of the patio or deck where you would like to place your table, and make some assessments about what size of table would fit best. Then, once you’re online or in the store, you can take note of the dimensions of your desired table and you’ll be easily able to decide if it’s the right fit for your outdoor space.
Consider style
Of course, when choosing a table for your outdoor space, you can’t overlook the design element that comes into play. While the table needs to be functional and practical for your space and climate, it also should be aesthetically pleasing and fit the rest of the design of your outdoor area.Plus, there are a variety of table styles that you can utilize in your outdoor area to match your needs. For those who are going to host large dinner parties, a long dining table would be best. Or if you have a smaller outdoor space, consider purchasing a bistro or bar table for maximum function, without getting in the way of other elements on your deck or patio. Other options like picnic tables or fire pit tables are fun choices that can liven up any outdoor space.
Above all, picking the right outdoor table to go with the rest of your furniture set is an important decision, as it is the hub of your outdoor space that brings people together. So whether you’re getting ready for backyard family barbeques or looking forward to enjoying your morning coffee on your patio, taking the above-mentioned factors into consideration can help you make your purchase.
Bailey Schramm is a writer from Happy Writers, Co.