How do you store a patio table?

There are a few ways to store patio furniture during the off-season. If you have space in your shed, basement, or garage, you can simply move your furniture indoors to shelter it from the freezing temperatures and inclement weather. However, that’s not always a possibility—especially if you have larger patio furniture—in which case you can opt to cover your patio table, instead. You’ll want to look for thick, durable furniture covers that are waterproof and form-fitting, and be sure to clean your patio furniture thoroughly before putting it away for the winter.

How do you clean a patio table?

The best method for cleaning your patio furniture will depend on its material. In general, most spills can simply be wiped off with soap and water—because the table is made for outdoor use, it’s fine to let it air dry after. However, certain materials require specific maintenance, as well. For instance, wicker patio furniture also needs occasional vacuuming to remove dirt and debris from its cracks and crevices. When it comes to wood patio furniture , you’ll want to oil the material regularly to keep it hydrated and prevent cracking and weathering.

When is the best time to buy a patio table?

The best time to buy a patio table is when you need it! If you want to enjoy your outdoor living space in the summer, buy a table in the spring—after all, there are plenty of options available at all price points, so you're sure to find something that suits your needs and budget. However, if you’re hoping to score a deal on a patio table, most retailers mark down prices in the fall, as this is when demand for outdoor furniture decreases.

The 9 Best Patio Tables of 2021

Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.

Whether you want to eat dinner al fresco every night or host large barbecues in your backyard, a patio table is a must-have item for your outdoor living space. In fact, it will quickly become the center of your yard—a place where friends and family can gather to enjoy quality food and make memories.

Outdoor dining tables come in all shapes and sizes, and depending on how big your patio is, you can find an option that can seat anywhere from two to ten people (or potentially even more with an extending table). There’s also a wide range of styles available, from farmhouse to modern to bohemian, as well as products to fit every budget.

These are the best patio tables to anchor your outdoor space.

Our Top Picks

Latitude Run Kamthe Table at Wayfair

The simple, classic design of this sturdy yet relatively lightweight rectangular table would fit in with any decor style.

Read Review

Pottery Barn Indio X-Base Extending Dining Table at Pottery Barn

You can extend this solid wood table to a max length of 101 inches and it can seat up to ten people, making it perfect for large gatherings.

Read Review

Frontgate Danson Teak Dining Table at Frontgate

Although it's definitely a splurge, this teak table has two removable beverage tubs in the middle that you can fill with ice and drinks.

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Article Calliope Dining Table at Article.com

The wicker base of this round table gives it a breezy bohemian feel, and the overall size makes it great for small gatherings.

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StyleWell Mix and Match Outdoor Dining Table at Home Depot

You can't beat the affordable price of this simple table, which has a tempered glass tabletop and durable metal frame.

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West Elm Outdoor Prism Dining Table at West Elm

Give your patio a contemporary feel with this table's concrete geometric pedestal base, which is equal parts sturdy and stylish.

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IKEA ASKHOLMEN Table at Ikea

This budget-friendly acacia wood table can seat up to four people and folds flat for easy storage when not in use.

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Crate & Barrel Lanai Fliptop Dining Table at Crate & Barrel

If you're decorating a small outdoor space, the top of this table flips vertically for storage during the off-season.

Read Review

Christopher Knight Home Corsica Wicker Dining Table at Amazon

For a timeless and classic looking patio, opt for this gray wicker dining table. It's highly durable and can seat six people.

Read Review

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look for
Why Trust The Spruce

View On Wayfair

Dimensions: 60.25 x 37.75 x 28 inches | Material: Powder-coated steel | Seating Capacity: Six to eight people

The Kamthe Table has an attractive black metal design that would fit in well on any patio, regardless of your style. It’s 60-1/4 x 37-3/4 inches and can seat six people (potentially even eight if the chairs are narrow), and both its frame and tabletop are made from rust-resistant powder-coated steel for a durable, weather-resistant design. The table has a slatted top and curved legs for a modern silhouette, and there’s even an optional umbrella hole in the center that can fit poles up to 1.57 inches in diameter, allowing you to shade your eating space on hot summer days.

View On Pottery Barn

Dimensions: 76.25 x 38.5 x 30.5 inches | Material: Eucalyptus grandis wood | Seating Capacity: Ten people

If you regularly entertain large groups, you’ll appreciate the versatility of the Indio Dining Table, which can be extended to accommodate more people. The table is crafted from sustainably harvested eucalyptus wood and painted with a weathered gray finish, and it measures 76-1/2 x 38-1/2 inches. However, with its two extension leaves in place, the table is a whopping 101-1/2 inches in length, allowing you to easily seat up to ten people. The high-end table features a slatted top with an X-shaped base, and it’s crafted using expert techniques for unmatched durability.

View On Frontgate

Dimensions: 80 x 40 x 30 inches | Material: Teak wood | Seating Capacity: Six to eight people

The Danson Teak Dining Table is definitely a splurge, but its cool built-in beverage tubs are sure to be a hit with your guests. The table is hand-built from sustainably harvested teak wood, which is naturally mildew-resistant, and there are two removable aluminum beverage tubs that recess into the tabletop, ensuring a cold drink is always within reach. It’s 80 x 40 inches with a slatted tabletop and waterfall-style legs, and there’s a smaller lower shelf where guests can rest their feet. This patio table can comfortably seat six to eight people, and its natural teak finish will develop a beautiful silver patina over time.

The 5 Best Patio Dining Sets of 2021

View On Article.com

Dimensions: 54.5 x 30 inches | Material: Acacia top, synthetic wicker base | Seating Capacity: Three to four people

Create a breezy boho seating area with the Calliope Dining Table. This round table is 54-1/2 inches in diameter, and it features a slatted acacia tabletop with a synthetic wicker base. The frame of the table is made from steel for durability, and you can choose from either natural or black wicker to suit your space. The whole table has a very 70s vibe, and it can accommodate three or four people, making it ideal for intimate gatherings.

The 13 Best Places to Buy Patio Furniture in 2021

StyleWell Mix and Match Outdoor Patio Dining Table

View On Home Depot

Dimensions: 60.24 x 38.19 x 28.54 inches | Material: Metal frame, tempered glass tabletop | Seating Capacity: Six people

For a simple and affordable table to put on your patio, you can’t go wrong with the StyleWell Dining Table. It’s 60 x 38 inches and can seat up to six people at a time, and it features a plain metal frame with a smoke-colored tempered glass tabletop. The frame is made from powder-coated steel for durability with a versatile taupe color, and it even has a hole for a patio umbrella. This budget-friendly pick may be simple, but you can easily dress it up with a few stylish patio chairs and a centerpiece.

The 5 Best Patio Dining Sets of 2021

View On West Elm

Dimensions: 60 x 30 inches | Material: Concrete | Seating Capacity: Four to six people

The Prism Dining Table has a striking contemporary design, and its solid concrete construction makes it as sturdy as they come! The round tabletop is 60 inches in diameter, and it’s mounted on an intricate angled pedestal base. Both the top and base are made from solid gray concrete with a glossy finish, and together, they weigh a substantial 230 pounds—so be sure to enlist a second pair of hands if you ever need to move it. This modern table can seat four to six people comfortably, and it’s sure to become the focal point of your outdoor space.

View On Ikea

Dimensions: 44.12 x 24.37 x 28.75 inches | Material: Acacia wood | Seating Capacity: Four people

You can seat up to four people around the ASKHOLMEN Table, and when your gathering is over, the table conveniently folds up for compact storage. The table is on the smaller side, measuring 44-1/8 x 24-3/8 inches, and it’s made of solid acacia wood that’s treated with a semi-transparent stain to highlight the natural color of the material. The table has a traditional slatted top and X-shaped base, and it folds into a convenient flat form that allows you to stow it in a shed or other storage area during the off-season.

Crate & Barrel Lanai Square Fliptop Dining Table

View On Crate & Barrel

Dimensions: 35.75 x 35.75 x 28.5 inches | Material: Aluminum | Seating Capacity: Four people

Just because you have limited outdoor space doesn’t mean you can’t have a patio table! The Lanai Square Fliptop Dining Table is an ideal size for a small patio or balcony, measuring just 35-3/4 inches wide, and its tabletop flips vertically for storage, allowing you to simply push it up against a wall when not in use. It’s made from aluminum with a powder-coated black finish, and the lightweight design can seat up to four people.

Christopher Knight Home Corsica Wicker Rectangular Dining Table

View On Amazon View On Hayneedle.com View On Overstock

Dimensions: 69.25 x 38 x 28.5 inches | Material: Metal frame, polyethylene wicker | Seating Capacity: Six people

If you have other wicker furniture on your patio, the Corsica Dining Table will fit right in. It’s made from weather-resistant polyethylene wicker in a versatile gray color, and the table measures 69 x 38 inches, allowing you to place six chairs around its edges. The powder-coated steel frame can withstand inclement weather, and the base of the table is wrapped in matching wicker for a contemporary twist on the timeless furniture style.

The 9 Best Outdoor Furniture Covers of 2021

Final Verdict

The Latitude Run Kamthe Table (view at Wayfair) is a great option for most people, as the table’s rectangular shape can fit up to eight chairs and has a hole in the center for a patio umbrella. For a more upscale pick, you’re sure to impress guests with the Danson Teak Dining Table (view at Frontgate), which has two removable drink bins built into the tabletop.

Size

When shopping for a patio table, you’ll want to make sure it fits your space and can seat the appropriate number of people. Rectangular tables can often accommodate more people than circular options, especially if you choose to put benches on either side instead of individual chairs. You’ll also want to ensure there are around three feet between your table and any surrounding walls, as this leaves plenty of space to push back a chair.

Material

There are a number of common materials commonly used to make patio furniture, each of which has its own benefits. Solid wood is always a durable choice, and acacia, teak, and eucalyptus are often used for outdoor furniture, as they’re naturally mildew resistant. However, wood furniture typically needs regular maintenance, including oiling to preserve its finish. You may also see patio tables made from metal—just make sure it's rust-resistant—as well as resin wicker, both of which are water-resistant and long-lasting.

Style

When you’re buying any type of furniture—for inside or outside—you’ll want to find a piece that suits your personal style. There are many plain patio tables available that you can dress up with seasonal decor items or fancy chairs, but a bolder table with a unique silhouette or mixture of materials can stand on its own as a statement piece in your outdoor space.

FAQ

How do you store a patio table?

There are a few ways to store patio furniture during the off-season. If you have space in your shed, basement, or garage, you can simply move your furniture indoors to shelter it from the freezing temperatures and inclement weather. However, that’s not always a possibility—especially if you have larger patio furniture—in which case you can opt to cover your patio table, instead. You’ll want to look for thick, durable furniture covers that are waterproof and form-fitting, and be sure to clean your patio furniture thoroughly before putting it away for the winter.
How do you clean a patio table?

The best method for cleaning your patio furniture will depend on its material. In general, most spills can simply be wiped off with soap and water—because the table is made for outdoor use, it’s fine to let it air dry after. However, certain materials require specific maintenance, as well. For instance, wicker patio furniture also needs occasional vacuuming to remove dirt and debris from its cracks and crevices. When it comes to wood patio furniture, you’ll want to oil the material regularly to keep it hydrated and prevent cracking and weathering.
When is the best time to buy a patio table?

The best time to buy a patio table is when you need it! If you want to enjoy your outdoor living space in the summer, buy a table in the spring—after all, there are plenty of options available at all price points, so you're sure to find something that suits your needs and budget. However, if you’re hoping to score a deal on a patio table, most retailers mark down prices in the fall, as this is when demand for outdoor furniture decreases.

This article was researched and written by Camryn Rabideau, who is a freelance writer and expert on all things home. She’s taken several courses on interior design, so she knows what to look for when selecting a great outdoor patio table. She also has firsthand experience testing sofas as well as other pieces of decor. Additional reporting was done by Mackenzie Dunn, a lifestyle writer and editor whose work has appeared in Good Housekeeping, Woman's Day, HelloGiggles, Real Simple, MyDomaine, and more.