Outdoor Tables

Four Types of Outdoor Table: Which One Do You Need?

Outdoor Dining Tables

An outdoor dining table is the centerpiece of any patio dining setup: a table at standard dining height (28" to 30") surrounded by matching chairs, designed for meals, morning coffee, and outdoor entertaining. Available in sizes from 4-person to 10-person capacity, in round, rectangular, and square profiles, and in materials from teak to aluminum to all-weather wicker.

Outdoor Coffee Tables

An outdoor coffee table is a low table placed in front of an outdoor sofa or lounge seating group, at a height of approximately 16" to 18". It holds drinks, trays, books, and decorative items within easy reach of seated guests and defines the center of a patio lounge area. Available in round, rectangular, and square profiles, with and without storage.

Outdoor Side Tables

An outdoor side table or outdoor end table is a small, single-person-scale table placed beside a patio chair, Adirondack chair, lounge chair, or outdoor sofa to hold a drink, book, or phone within reach. Most outdoor side tables range from 16" to 24" in diameter or width and stand 20" to 26" tall, positioning the surface near the armrest height of most outdoor chairs.

Outdoor Bar Tables

An outdoor bar table is a tall table designed for bar-height or counter-height seating on a patio, deck, or outdoor kitchen area. Bar-height tables stand 40" to 42" tall; counter-height tables stand 34" to 36" tall. Both pair with matching bar stools or counter stools rather than standard dining chairs. Outdoor pub tables and high-top patio tables serve the same function in a more compact, bistro-influenced footprint.

Choosing an Outdoor Table by Space and Use

• ● Dining for 2 to 4 people: A round or square dining table of 36" to 48" in diameter or width seats the group without dominating a smaller patio.

• ● Dining for 6 to 8 people: A rectangular dining table of 72" to 96" in length provides comfortable elbow room and a natural head-and-foot arrangement.

• ● Lounge area: An outdoor coffee table at seat height (16" to 18") paired with one or two side tables beside each chair.

• ● Bar area or raised deck: A bar-height table with stools creates a social high-top zone distinct from the dining or lounge area.

• ● Small balcony or side yard: A bistro-scale table paired with two chairs occupies as little as 4 x 4 ft of floor space.

Outdoor Table Materials at a Glance

• ● Teak: The premium natural wood option. Inherently water and rot resistant, no sealing required. Weathers to silver-gray if untreated; retains honey tone with annual oiling. Long-term investment.

• ● Aluminum: Rust-free, lightweight, low maintenance. Best for coastal and high-humidity climates. Holds powder-coat finish reliably across seasons.

• ● Resin wicker over aluminum: Warm woven appearance with full weather resistance. No annual treatment needed. Most popular casual patio aesthetic.

• ● Concrete: Heavy, extremely durable, develops character over time. Best for permanent installations; not suited to spaces where the table needs to be moved seasonally.

• ● Steel: More affordable than aluminum; requires quality powder coat and chip maintenance to prevent rust in wet climates.

Caring for an Outdoor Table

An outdoor table cover is one of the most cost-effective ways to extend the life of a patio table. A fitted cover protects the tabletop from UV fading, moisture, bird debris, and winter precipitation during the off-season and between uses. Measure the table's length, width, and height before purchasing a cover; an ill-fitting cover that collects standing water on the surface causes more damage than no cover at all. For teak tables, an annual application of teak oil or cleaner prevents the surface from weathering to gray and maintains the wood's natural resistance. For aluminum and steel, inspect the finish annually for chips and touch up exposed metal before rust takes hold.

Pair Tables with the Right Outdoor Seating

For outdoor dining tables paired with matching chairs, browse our patio dining sets for complete table-and-chair packages.

For individual outdoor chairs and seating to pair with any of these tables, see our complete outdoor seating and patio chairs collection.

Explore by Table Type

For alfresco dining tables in 4-person to 10-person sizes, browse our outdoor dining tables.

For lounge-area coffee tables to pair with patio sofas and sectionals, see our outdoor coffee tables.

For single-chair side tables for Adirondack chairs, lounge chairs, and outdoor sofas, browse our outdoor side tables.

For bar-height and counter-height tables for outdoor kitchens and raised deck seating, see our outdoor bar tables.