Shopping for patio furniture and garden tables in particular can be tricky, but don't let it be a hassle, and don't let someone talk you into a table you'll later regret. Take your time and try before you buy. When you get your table home, know the proper care and maintenance it requires to keep it looking like the day you bought it. This will save you a trip back to the store for a very, very long time.
The main thing to look at is what the different garden tables are made of. Metal, wood and resin are the big three, with metal and wood being the more popular and classic choices. And while some people prefer one over the other, the differences in quality are small enough that the choice really comes down to personal preference and price.
Wood Garden Tables
When shopping around for wood furniture, certain lumbers are better tempered to outdoor use than others. Examples include teak, shorea, cedar, and cypress and these are the perfect things to look for as far as garden tables. The wood can be finished or unfinished depending on the vendor and the type of wood.
Some woods, like teak and cedar, produce their own oils so they don't necessarily need a finish, but other softwoods benefit from having a protectorant sealing of some sort. At the same time, any wood that's left untreated for long enough will fade to a gray color as a result of solar patina. You can, however buy a color guard if you prefer to keep the wood's original coloration intact.
After you get your wooden table home, make sure to properly maintain it. For one, each year you should clean off all the dirt and cobwebs from your garden tables. In most cases, you can get away with just using soap and warm water, but wood-safe cleaners like
Murphy's aren't very expensive either. Tough stains might require you to use a solution of bleach or chlorine and water.
Metal Garden Tables
Another popular material for outdoor furniture is metal of a few different types. Aluminum is lightweight and modern looking, while stainless steel and wrought iron are elegant and sturdy. When you go in to look at metal garden tables, ask to make sure that they have been coated with a rust-inhibiting powder coating.
Even with rust-proofing, metal is prone to oxidation after a time, especially under certain conditions. Prolonged inclement weather is bad for any type of furniture, so try and cover garden tables with tarps during rain and in winter. Second, dirty furniture will lead to quicker rusting, so keep tables clean with a damp rag or hose down. You can also buy special cleaners for the different types of metal.
For small spots, soap and water will work well enough, but it's a more superficial kind of clean. Finally, saltwater is a big catalyst that speeds up oxidation. However, all hope is not lost if you live by the sea. Luckily, stainless steel comes in different grades of strength. The most common is 304 but 316 is more resistant to corrosion, making it ideal for beachfront abodes.
Whatever material you choose for garden tables, there are certain things you will want to find out before bringing anything home.
For metals: ask about rust-inhibitors and make sure the metal feels sturdy
For wood: Run your hand over the wood. If it's not smooth that means the craftsmanship is poor, which could mean that the whole product is inferior. Press your weight down on the table and check that it does creak or bow under pressure.
For both: Check the metal hardware that holds together furniture joints. It should ideally be powder-coated zinc, but anything strong and rust-proof should be ok.
Author Resource:-
Todd Arend is a freelance writing professional whose expertise covers a variety of areas, including patio and backyard furniture, landscaping and design. He regularly writes about Garden Tables and Outdoor Furniture Tables.
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