When choosing a dining table, especially for an outdoor space like a patio, lawn, balcony, or courtyard, you have to be very careful. The material and quality of the table that you pick have a great impact on its durability, style, and aesthetics.
Most people consider precast concrete or wooden dining tables for outdoor use. But how can you decide which one is right for you?
A dining table is something that you and your family will be using a lot, and that is why you need something that can withstand harsh outdoor weather, frequent impacts, and regular use without experiencing wear and tear or sacrificing aesthetics.
This blog covers the main features of concrete and wooden dining tables in detail. With this information, you can easily figure out which of these options will suit your outdoor settings the best, so keep on reading till the end.
- Concrete Dining Tables
- Wooden Dining Tables
- Which of These is Better for Outdoor Use?
Concrete Dining Tables
Concrete-based outdoor furniture is perfect for contemporary living. It offers timeless aesthetics, longevity, and greater customization freedom. Concrete outdoor dining tables are becoming particularly famous globally. These low-maintenance tables do not require re-oiling, frequent repairs, or regular cleaning for them to last long.
Concrete dining tables can resist moisture, heat, and even regular UV exposure without cracking. The structural quality, along with the aesthetic versatility of concrete tables, is what makes them a perfect choice for almost all outdoor settings.
Pros
Following are some major benefits of concrete dining tables outdoors.
- Durability
Concrete outdoor dining tables give you durability and longevity even when used in adverse conditions. Concrete is a robust material that can withstand high stress, heat, and moisture. This prevents the table from breaking or cracking, which means you don’t have to spend anything on repairs or replacement even after several years.
- Weather Resistance
Your outdoor dining tables have to bear the impacts of heavy rain, harsh sun rays, UV rays, and heavy winds. Concrete’s exceptional composition makes it immune to environmental influences. It can withstand sudden temperature fluctuations without warping or cracking.
- Low Maintenance
The maintenance of a concrete dining table is extremely simple. You can use a soft, dry, or slightly damp cloth to remove the stains from it in no time. This table will not crack or chip like a wooden table, which further reduces maintenance needs and costs.
These tables do not lose their color, unlike wooden tables that require regular oiling or varnishing if they are to appear new.
You can further reduce the maintenance needs by applying a coat of beeswax or a pavement sealer once or twice a year.
- Versatility and Modern Aesthetics
Unlike wooden tables, concrete dining tables feature a neutral color palette and an inherently minimalistic design. These tables come in a wide range of styles and sizes that can complement all outdoor settings.
No matter whether you need a table for your lush green garden or a sleek urban balcony, you can find a perfect concrete dining table in no time. These tables offer you a blend of understated elegance and contemporary finish, which adds an artistic modern touch to your space.
- Pest Resistance
Concrete, being a non-organic material, is extremely unattractive to pests or insects. Pests cannot eat away at its surface, which allows it to maintain its look and structural integrity for years to come.
- Eco-Friendly Construction
Concrete-based outdoor dining tables are an eco-friendlier option compared to wooden tables. These durable tables last you for decades which means you don’t have to extract a lot of natural resources to meet the demand.
Apart from that, these tables are made using eco-friendly methods that lead to very few emissions. Eco-smart manufacturing and durability of these tables are what make them the top priority for environment-conscious buyers.
Cons
Following are a few cons of the concrete outdoor dining tables that you need to know.
- These Tables are Heavier
Concrete is a very heavy material compared to glass or wood. The dining tables made from this material offer minimal portability for this same reason. However, the greater weight of these tables is exactly what imparts high-impact resistance to them.
- These are Prone to Cracking or Chipping
In some rare cases, concrete can chip or crack. This usually happens if the table experiences extreme pressure or force that is more than its recommended capacity. Once cracked, these tables are not easy to repair, which can lead to permanent damage.
- They Can Get Very Cold or Very Hot
Concrete can absorb and trap more heat than wood. This makes these tables very uncomfortable in unshaded areas where there is constant sunlight. Similarly, in the winter, these tables can feel cold to the touch. However, you can remedy this by adding cushions, which adds more comfort.
Wooden Dining Tables
If you are looking for a more natural and aesthetic vibe, you can pick wooden dining tables made from cedar, teak, Oak, or mahogany to get better durability and weather resistance.
Wooden dining tables require regular cleaning and frequent repairs, which makes them very high maintenance. Wooden outdoor dining tables add a touch of sophistication and class to your space.
These lightweight tables are perfect for you if you want to create an outdoor space where you can have intimate gatherings or spend quality family time in a serene atmosphere.
Pros
Here is why wooden outdoor dining tables are a great idea
- Natural Aesthetics
Wooden furniture comes in natural brown, dark brown, or golden-brown hues that blend well with your lawn’s aesthetics. These tables appear as an extension to your house, which creates a very harmonious vibe.
- Variety and Versatility
Wooden tables come in countless textures and finishes. Each type of wood gives you a dining table that not only looks different but also meets your specific design and comfort requirements. These tables can be made from maple, mahogany, teak, oak, pine, or walnut wood.
These tables can be adorned with minimalistic insignias or intricate patterns to meet your specific aesthetic demands.
- Self-Renewing
Wood possesses a remarkable renewal capacity. Unlike other materials that experience a loss of color or freshness, which cannot be restored, wood can be sanded, waxed, buffed, and resealed. By making regular repairs, you can keep your wooden dining table looking fresh for years on end.
- Durable
Wooden tables are also quite resilient and strong (though not as much as concrete ones). These tables are made from hardwood, which can resist temperature fluctuations and humidity. To enhance the life of these tables, they are often coated with protective finishes.
Cons
Here is why choosing a wooden outdoor dining table might not be a great idea for you.
- They Are Susceptible to Heat and Moisture
Prolonged exposure to heat or moisture can lead to scratching, warping, swelling, and loss of color of the wooden tables. If you place hot dishes or cups directly on these tables, it can leave heat marks that destroy their appearance.
You need to coat these tables regularly, or place mats or coasters to protect them from heat.
- They are High Maintenance
Wooden tables require strict maintenance. You need to be extra careful when using them. You also need to wax or varnish them to make sure they don’t look old. Apart from that, these tables also require regular sealing and refinishing to keep pests at bay.
- These are Not Eco-Friendly
Wooden tables are made from hardwood that comes from forests. Excessive production, high demand, and shorter lifespan of these tables make them very bad for the environment.
- These are Vulnerable to Pest
Pests are a very common issue with outdoor wooden dining tables. Pests can eat away at these tables, making their foundations weaker. The presence of pests can not only destroy the look of these tables but also create hygiene issues.
- They Are Expensive in the Long Run
This might seem counterintuitive, but it has been observed that in the long run, these tables tend to cost more. You have to spend a lot of time and resources to clean these tables.
Regular repair, varnishing, sanding, or general care of these tables makes them a less ideal option, especially when you don’t have enough time or budget to spend on maintenance.
Which of These is Better for Outdoor Use?
When choosing between a concrete and a wooden outdoor dining table, you need to consider your budget, aesthetic requirements, and usage. You can pick wooden tables if you are looking to create natural aesthetics in an outdoor space where there is sufficient shade. These tables can break or crack easily, but their repair is easier and cost-effective.
The concrete tables, however, are a clear winner when it comes to design flexibility, durability, and long-term cost-effectiveness. Unlike wooden tables, concrete tables offer exceptional resistance to harsh weather and pests.
These tables can last you for decades with very little care and maintenance, which is why most interior and exterior design experts recommend these for outdoor use, both in residential settings as well as hotels and restaurants.
Conclusion
Concrete has been the top choice of furniture material for centuries. This material offers heat resistance, durability, longevity, and low maintenance. These features make it a perfect choice for outdoor dining tables.
Outdoor dining tables require very high strength and impact resistance since they are constantly exposed to the environmental elements. Continuous exposure to sunlight or rain can crack glass or wooden dining tables.
Concrete tables are designed to withstand rough and frequent use, which is what makes them a great long-term investment.
You can visit us at Naran Precast Concrete Co. if you are looking for premium quality, customized, durable, and stylish concrete dining tables for your outdoor use.