Best Material for an Outdoor Dining Table

The right outdoor furniture should be durable, withstand the elements and improve the aesthetic of the setting.

Finding a suitable material for an outdoor dining table can be challenging. In this Best Material for an Outdoor Dining Table Guide, we are going to explore the best materials for outdoor tables that have high durability, weatherproof and are aesthetically appealing.

The Best Outdoor Dining Table Materials

When choosing a suitable outdoor material for your dining table, it all comes down to your preference, budget, and aesthetics. Here are some of the materials that are suitable for an outdoor dining table.

1. Granite

Granite excels in durability and aesthetics, making it a popular choice material for an outdoor dining table. Its intrinsic strength and timeless beauty can transform any dining space. 

Granite composition also helps resist UV sunlight, which prevents fading even in intense sunny conditions. Not only that, but the material can support large loads without splitting or bending. 

Pros

• Natural beauty with stunning shades and patterns
• Require minimal maintenance
• Exceptional durability
• UV resistant
• Luxurious aesthetic

Cons

• Requires periodic sealing
• Heavy to move around 

2. Glass

Glass provides a stylish and contemporary touch to an outdoor space with its clean lines. However, it’s good to remember that glass is fragile and requires careful handling. When choosing the type of glass to use, tempered glass is preferable. 

It is more resistant to impact and stronger, making it a suitable material for outdoor use. The best part is that glass pairs well with a wide variety of materials.  

It is also important to note that the strength of a glass table isn’t only determined by the tabletop but rather by the frame. A metal or wooden frame helps maintain its durability and stability. 

Pros 

• Provides a sophisticated and clean look
• Offers visual lightness
• Requires minimal maintenance

Cons

• Prone to scratches long-term
• More fragile than most materials
• Transparent which can lead to accidents

3. Ceramic / Porcelain

Ceramic makes an exceptional material for an outdoor dining table since it combines elegance and practicality. One of its standout qualities is its hardness, heat and weather resistance. It doesn’t crack, fade, or scrape even when exposed to strong UV rays or blows. 

Ceramic materials also come in various colours and finishes, making them versatile for customisation. Whether you prefer a traditional, modern or minimalistic look, ceramic provides a timeless beauty.

Pros

• Stylish aesthetic with versatility in colour choice
• Durable and non-porous 
• Require minimal maintenance, does not require sealing
• UV resistant and will not fade

Cons

• Can be pricey and requires a larger budget
• Heavy to move during installation

4. Sintered Stone

Sintered stone is another exceptional material for an outdoor dining table. It is a non-porous material, which means it doesn’t trap moisture. Sintered stone also has advanced durability, strength, weather resistance, and timeless beauty. 

This material is manufactured in a manner that mimics processes that form natural stone. The result is a dense, compact and high performing material. Sintered stone brands like Dekton, Neolith and Lapitec offer exceptional colour ranges with popular choices including keon, orix, trillium, entzo and laurent.

Pros

• Available in a wide range of modern colours and designs
• Non-porous and does not require sealing 
• UV resistant and won’t fade in the sun
• Exceptional strength and durability 

Cons

• Fetches a high price
• Requires professional installation
• Heavy

5. Travertine

Travertine is another material that’s suitable for an outdoor dining table. This material dates back centuries to the Roman Empire, which used it for outdoor structures. Made with sedimentary limestone, its appearance comes in warm tones and unique textures. 

Similar to marble, Travertine can be brushed, polished or tumbled to create various effects that fit different preferences. 

Travertine is durable and can withstand extreme weather conditions, including UV rays and scratches if cared for. Adding a protective seal will help protect it from stains and prevent moisture absorption. 

Pros

• Durable and resistant to the elements
• Offers a natural aesthetic with its unique tones and patterns
• Customizable to one’s liking

Cons

• Requires sealing for longevity
• Sensitive to acidic products 

6. Wood

With its natural appearance, wood is a classic material choice for an outdoor dining table. Whether it’s hardwood or softwood, both are impervious to most weather conditions. 

Teak is a top choice of wood material for outdoor dining tables. It is a hardwood and has exceptional weather resistance and durability. Its oily nature helps protect it from pest infestation and trapping moisture, ideal for outdoor use. 

Teak also has a classic appearance that adds an elegant touch aesthetically. Another outstanding quality of Teak is its dense nature, which helps prevent warping, shrinking or swelling. However, something to consider is that for wood materials to maintain longevity, they require treatment. 

Softwoods like Cedar, Cypress or Eucalyptus are naturally insect-proof and have a beautiful red/orange color. However, they’re lighter and are prone to warping over time. The good thing is that they offer a cheaper alternative to hardwood for an outdoor dining table material.

Pros

• Natural aesthetic with grain patterns
• Highly durable with resistance to the elements
• Easy to modify to suit various tastes

Cons

• It can catch fire easily
• Requires regular maintenance

7. Metal

Metal is another ideal material for an outdoor dining table, given its strength and durability. Now, there are several popular metals you can use, such as aluminium, wrought iron or steel. 

Galvanized Steel

It is a lighter yet sturdy material with a zinc coating to help prevent rusting, unlike regular steel. Its high density makes it hard to damage and durable, making it suitable for use in all weather conditions. Galvanized steel’s appearance is sleek, giving an outdoor dining table a modern feel and fitting various design styles.  

Wrought Iron

Wrought iron’s timeless design and strength make it an ideal material for an outdoor dining table. The material is sturdy and has a powder coating, which helps in weathering all climatic conditions, including rusting. 

Aluminium 

Aluminium is another popular material for building an outdoor dining table. The material is rust-resistant, durable and easy to maintain. Aluminium also has an elegant appearance, making it suitable for those looking for a contemporary outdoor aesthetic. 

Pros 

• Suits modern aesthetics
• Require minimal maintenance
• Highly durable

Cons

• Metal can be heavy
• It has aesthetic limitations
• Can get hot in the sun

8. Quartz

Quartz can be used as an outdoor dining table however is recommended to be used only in areas that are not in direct sunlight as quartz is not UV resistant. The colour of your Quartz table can fade over time unless you have an outdoor kitchen or area that is undercover and protected from the sun.

Quartz is highly resistant to stains and scratches and requires minimal maintenance, unlike wood and metal. 

Regarding appearance, Quartz has one of the largest colors and pattern ranges that align with both modern and classic designs. 

Pros

• Requires minimal maintenance
• Large colour range with modern designs available
• Highly durable 

Cons

• Susceptible to UV rays in the long term which can cause the colour to fade 
• High temperatures can damage the surface 

Conclusion

Finding the ideal material for your outdoor dining table comes down to your budget, aesthetic appeal, and preference.

Still torn between the different material options? At Paramount Stone Specialists, we can help you find the ideal worktop for your home. Contact us today on 01482 585600 or email us at info@paramountstone.co.uk for professional assistance on dining table solutions across the UK.