How to Select Your New Outdoor Table Top's
Whether you’re sourcing new outdoor tables or opting for a table top replacement on existing bases, the right material will affect durability, maintenance, guest comfort, and long-term project costs.
Outdoor hospitality table tops must perform in high-traffic commercial environments while being fully exposed to weather, temperature changes, spills, cleaning chemicals, and hot table ware. Selecting the correct material early in the design process helps avoid premature wear and replacement.
Wood Outdoor Table Tops
Wood brings warmth, texture, and a relaxed aesthetic that suits many café and restaurant concepts. However, for commercial exterior use, not all wood is appropriate. Solid wood table tops such as ash or oak are not suitable for outdoor hospitality settings, as they are prone to movement, swelling, and splitting when exposed to moisture and temperature fluctuations.
For designers who want a natural timber look outdoors, iroko wood table tops are a more suitable choice. Iroko offers increased weather resistance and stability, making it better suited for commercial exterior seating areas, while still delivering a high-end, natural finish.
Metal Outdoor Table Tops
Metal table tops are frequently specified for commercial outdoor café and restaurant furniture due to their strength and longevity. They perform well in fully exposed environments and require minimal day-to-day maintenance, making them ideal for high-use hospitality projects.
From a design perspective, metal offers a clean, contemporary look, but it’s important to consider user comfort. Metal surfaces can absorb heat in direct sun and feel cold in winter.
Stone Outdoor Table Tops
Stone table tops, including marble and quartz, are among the most durable materials available for outdoor hospitality seating areas. They offer a premium aesthetic, excellent resistance to heat and cleaning chemicals, and strong performance in exposed exterior conditions.
Due to their weight, designers must ensure that the table base is approved for exterior use and compatible with the load of the stone top. This makes early coordination between table tops and bases essential during the furniture specification stage.
For interior designers working on new cafés, restaurants, or refurbishment projects, outdoor table tops should always be specified with both material performance and base compatibility in mind. Many commercial table bases are suitable for exterior use and are clearly identified as such, making it easier to pair them with the correct outdoor-rated table top.
Whether you’re refreshing an existing external seating area or designing one from scratch, choosing the right outdoor table top material ensures your project delivers on both design intent and long-term commercial performance.
Need Help Choosing Outdoor Table Tops?
From material selection to base compatibility, we’ll help you find the best outdoor table top solution for your café or restaurant project. Submit your details and one of our specialists will contact you.
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