patio outdoor dining table and chairs

How to Choose the Right Outdoor Table for Your Space

Whether you are upgrading your patio, furnishing a new home with a fabulous outdoor space, or dreaming of sunset dinners on the back porch, searching for the right outdoor table can be overwhelming. There are so many things to consider, like size, material, function and budget. Where do you start? Choosing outdoor furniture, like a table, is similar to choosing furniture for the inside of your home. Think about how the space will be used and how many people will utilize the space on a regular basis. For example, a large family would not have much use for a bistro set on their outdoor patio, but a retired couple with a small patio might think that a bistro set is perfect. There are many materials, shapes and features available for outdoor tables. Before you rush to buy, start by doing a little research. You might discover that you know exactly what you want. On the other hand, you might decide that you need expert design help. Regardless, Paddy O’ Furniture has something to suit your needs and personalize your space. Read on to find out how to choose the right outdoor table for you.

Set a Budget

As with most types of furniture, outdoor furniture comes in a wide range of prices. This is especially true with tables. There are tables for every budget – from the economical to the extravagant. Set a budget for your outdoor table based on your comfort level, but remember that skimping on quality may mean that your furniture will only be functional and aesthetically pleasing for a few seasons.

Think About Material and Function

There are a wide variety of materials used to make outdoor tables. Natural stone, reclaimed wood, teak and powder-coated aluminum are just some of your options. If you are starting from scratch with no outdoor furniture, you likely have more leeway in deciding what material you would like to see on your outdoor table. Does a roof or screened room protect your outdoor furniture from the elements? If so, you can choose from several more options that will remain low-maintenance for years to come. The weather conditions where you live affect your decision when it comes to an outdoor table. For example, if you live in a humid climate, especially by the ocean, you might want to avoid iron furniture that can rust easily. If your space is exposed to the elements throughout the year, it may be more appropriate to choose low-maintenance materials like wicker or powder-coated aluminum. Does your area get extremely hot? If so, maybe a lighter-colored table would be the best choice. Darker colors tend to soak in the heat, making it hotter to the touch. However, if you like the look of a darker set better, you could strategically place a cantilever umbrella overhead to keep it shaded and cooler during its use. Next, consider function. Many designers recommend looking at your outdoor space as an extension to your home. Think about the rooms closest to your outdoor space. How will your table complement these spaces? Will the table primarily be used for dining, or does your space need something like a coffee table or side table? Does your outdoor space need heat? Maybe you should consider a table with a firepit. There are tables with fire pits in both dining table and coffee table styles. A firepit table gives you the best of both worlds, providing adequate table space and warmth at the same time.

Consider the Size and Shape of Your Space

Before you buy a table for your outdoor space, you should measure the length and width of your patio. Any table, whether it is a dining table, coffee table or console table, should have plenty of room around it to account for chairs and foot traffic. The general rule of thumb is to allow three feet of clearance on each side of a table. For example, if your outdoor space measures 15 feet by 10 feet, you’ll want a table that is no larger than 9 feet long and 4 feet wide. Scale is also important. Think about if you want to add furniture other than a table. If so, you’ll need to decrease the size of your table to accommodate additional furniture. Think about the shape of the table. Do you need a round or square table, or would you prefer a rectangular table to accommodate more guests? At Paddy O’ Furniture, we have a team of experienced designers to help you personalize your outdoors. Our designers have the experience that allows them to notice details in your outdoor space that you might not have considered. Our staff will talk with you about your space and help you find the best table for you, taking into account things like the traffic flow, views, colors and budget.

Shop At Paddy O’ Furniture for Variety and Quality

At Paddy O’ Furniture, you won’t find cookie-cutter furniture. Our furniture is only available in our stores and on our website. It isn’t sold anywhere else. Why? We design and develop our furniture to give you high-quality pieces that will last. What’s more, the furniture is accompanied by an outstanding warranty, one of the best in the industry. We are also committed to serving our customers with a dedicated customer service team. Forget calling a toll-free number only to be rerouted to a call center. The customer service team at Paddy O’ knows the product and cares about every customer. Choose a Paddy O’ Furniture showroom near you or shop online for the table that is perfect for you. We are here to help you select the furniture that adds to your home aesthetic, making your patio, backyard, balcony or pool deck the place where your family and friends will want to gather for years to come. Schedule your free design consultation today; we’ll meet you in person, via teleconference or in one of our showrooms.
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