Nardi Clip & ClipX Tables: The Original Outdoor Cafe Table, Compared

Who the Clip & ClipX Are Built For

Cafes, gelato bars, bistros, and casual restaurants that need outdoor tables which can stay outside year-round without rusting, fading, or falling apart. The Clip and ClipX suit venues where tables get wiped down multiple times a day, dragged across pavers by customers, and left in full sun through an Australian summer. The perforated top drains rainwater on its own. No pooling, no wiping after a downpour.

The 70 cm models work for dedicated two-top layouts. Think sidewalk cafes, gelato bars, or anywhere space is tight. The 80 cm version is a comfortable two-top with room for plates, drinks, and a menu, and can squeeze four covers for a casual lunch.

Not ideal if you need a four-top dining table for extended service. At 80 cm square, the largest Clip seats four only in tight, casual settings. For proper four-top outdoor dining, look at Nardi's larger table ranges or cafe tables with separate tops and bases.

Clip vs ClipX: What's the Difference?

The Nardi Clip table is the original perforated outdoor cafe table. Circular beveled holes across the top, fiberglass resin construction, central pedestal base. It set the template that cheaper brands have been copying for years: polypropylene tables with cut-out patterns and a single central leg. You see the imitations everywhere: lighter, flimsier, and usually rated for residential or "light commercial" use only.

The ClipX is the commercial-spec evolution. Three differences matter:

Surface: The ClipX uses Nardi's DurelTOP, a double-layer honeycomb structure with a steel bar running the full perimeter inside the top. Stiffer, more rigid under pressure, harder to flex or crack. The Clip uses a standard single-layer fiberglass resin top.

Perforation pattern: The ClipX has square diamond-shaped perforations that match the aesthetic of the Nardi Net seating range. If you're pairing tables with Net chairs or armchairs, the ClipX is the visual match. The Clip's round perforations pair better with Bora, Costa, or Riva seating.

Structural reinforcement: The ClipX has a concealed steel stabilising bar inside the central leg. This adds rigidity without adding noticeable weight. The ClipX 70 weighs only 300 g more than the Clip 70.

Both models are the same price at each size. For new purchases, the ClipX is the stronger choice unless you specifically want the Clip's classic round perforation look or need to match existing Clip tables already in your venue.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Clip different from cheaper resin outdoor tables?

The Clip is made from fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene, not standard polypropylene. That reinforcement is what gives it structural strength at a lower weight, between 10.7 and 12.1 kg depending on size. Cheaper alternatives often use unreinforced resin, which flexes under load and becomes brittle in UV exposure over time. The Clip is UV stabilised and carries a 2-year manufacturer warranty backed by Nardi Italy.

Which size should I choose: 70 cm or 80 cm?

The 70 cm suits dedicated two-tops where space is limited. Sidewalk dining, small courtyard cafes, gelato bars. The 80 cm is the better all-rounder: comfortable two-top with room for sharing plates, and can handle four covers for casual meals. Most cafes ordering in volume go with the 80 cm.

Does the ClipX match the Nardi Net chairs?

Yes. The ClipX's diamond perforation pattern is designed to coordinate with the Net range's aesthetic. If you're furnishing with Nardi Net chairs, the ClipX is the matching table. The Clip's round perforations pair better with Bora or Costa seating.

Can I leave these tables outside year-round?

Yes. Both the Clip and ClipX are fully weatherproof. UV stabilised, rain-safe, and salt-air resistant. The perforated top drains rainwater naturally. No covers or seasonal storage needed. In coastal venues, rinse with fresh water periodically to clear salt residue.

What colours are available?

Anthracite, white, and tortora are the standard colours stocked by Cafeideas. Additional colours may be available via indent order. Contact the team for current availability.

How do you clean a Nardi Clip table?

Warm water and a mild detergent. Wipe down with a soft cloth. The resin surface resists most commercial cleaning products, but avoid abrasive scourers or solvents. For daily café service, a quick wipe between covers is all it takes.