Once the leaves are on the all trees it means spring has officially sprung. It’s time to consider getting your garden looking ship shape and ready to enjoy those long balmy nights (we hope).
One key piece to shop for will be your outdoor dining table. And a good one will be different things to different people.
See Garden benches – the top weather-ready seats for your deck or patio
If you’re a big foodie and host, you are going to need something substantial and likely a dedicated spot for it to live. Creating a pergola and placing a table beneath is a clever way to create an outdoor room-within-a-room. Grow climbing plants that will provide natural shade as you are eating.
In this setting, a large solid-wood table with a chunky top made from timber or concrete is a smart choice. It will blend into its setting, and will survive season after season with proper care.
Image credit: Mark Bolton
For smaller gardens, we’d recommend something completely different. A lightweight table made from aluminium or similar can be easily manoeuvred out of the way to make space when needed.
We’ve trawled the shops for our pick of the best weather-ready dining tables. From raw and rustic to sleek and modern, these outdoor dining tables cover a plethora of styles and sizes, there’s something for everyone.
JOY TABLE, £2020, CANE-LINE
The aptly named Joy outdoor dining table is exactly that, with its unique table leg design and simple curved top, it oozes both minimalism and maximalism in equal measures.
CALVI TABLE, £1437, ANTOINE LESUR FOR FERMOB AT NUNIDO
Combining the convenience of being lightweight with the resistance of aluminium, the Calvi outdoor dining table can be used centre stage for a dinner party or to one side for lawn games.
ZEFIRO TABLE, £6637, ANTONIO CITTERIO FOR FLEXFORM
The Zefiro dining table, with its light, contemporary vibe, now comes as an outdoor table as part of the ever-growing collection from Flexform. We particularly love the stone top (shown) and how it contrasts beautifully with the aluminium tapered legs, fit for any modern gardener.
IVO TABLE, £695, HABITAT
The Ivo table is made from concrete, offering a modern twist on a classic design. Add traditional dining chairs or mix it up with colourful contemporary pieces – the options are endless.
OCEAN TABLE, £508, MATER AT HEAL’S
This sustainable outdoor table has been crafted using ocean plastic waste and recycled plastic, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional outdoor furniture.
BURFORD TABLE, £499, CROFT COLLECTION AT JOHN LEWIS
Whether you’re having breakfast in the conservatory or serving up a feast in the garden, this table is a sure crowd pleaser. With its stunning limed finish and natural grain, the Burford table will suit your outdoor space whatever the weather.
CORA TABLE, £899, KETTLER
A big and bold design with a rustic aesthetic, the Cora can be mix with wicker, wood or even metal seating to play up or play down its style. Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner around this acacia wood table all through the summer months.
CURTIZ TABLE, £3250, OKA
It’s hard to say what this teak table’s most striking feature is but perhaps it’s the fact it seats a whopping 14 people. If you’re a social butterfly who loves a banquet then this is the table for you.
