Choosing an outdoor dining table that’s both durable and stylish

A stylish outdoor table is only a good buy if it can handle the weather. An outdoor table needs to handle sun, rain and food spills, while still anchoring a deck, balcony or courtyard. Choosing the right outdoor table comes down to your climate, routine and entertaining style. Picture: GettyThe best choice is not always the biggest or most expensive one — it is the table that works with your climate, entertaining style and everyday routines. Before you choose a particular look, think about what will happen around the table: how many people you host, where the chairs will go and how much maintenance you are prepared to take on. Here are some tips to find the right balance between durability, style and everyday use. Choose the right material for your conditions The material affects how an outdoor table looks and performs over time. In exposed areas, prioritise rust-resistant, UV-stable or naturally weather-resistant options. This Early Settler table seats eight to 10 people. Picture: Early SettlerPowder-coated aluminium is lightweight and low maintenance. Teak brings warmth, while recycled resin and plastic suit busy households. For example, the Kai Aluminium Outdoor Dining Table by ...