Outdoor Tables

Outdoor Table Materials — Which Top Is Right for You?

The table top material is the most important purchase decision for outdoor use. Each option handles UV exposure, moisture, salt air and commercial cleaning differently — and the right choice depends on your environment and how the table will be used.

Aluminium table tops are the lightest and most maintenance-free option. Powder-coated aluminium is rust-proof in coastal salt air, UV-stable and requires no treatment. Typically 3–8 kg per top depending on size — easy to reposition and stack. The practical specification for pool decks and coastal venues where weight and corrosion resistance matter most.

Compact laminate is the commercial workhorse for outdoor cafe and restaurant tables. High-pressure laminate panels are UV-stable, moisture-resistant, scratch-resistant and available in a wide range of colours and surface finishes including timber-look, stone-look and solid colours. Compact laminate tops clean with a damp cloth and handle the repeated cleaning cycles required in commercial hospitality use. Browse compact laminate outdoor tables.

HPL (high-pressure laminate) is similar to compact laminate but thinner — typically bonded to a substrate and framed with aluminium edging. UV-stable for outdoor use. Suitable for sheltered outdoor positions and semi-covered alfresco areas.

Sintered stone tops are compressed and fired at high temperature — extremely hard, scratch-resistant, heat-resistant and UV-stable. Available in a full range of stone and marble looks. The premium specification for upscale residential terraces and hotel dining. Heavier than compact laminate but extremely durable. Browse outdoor dining tables.

Werzalit is a compressed wood-fibre panel with a resin surface coating — UV-stable, moisture-resistant and scratch-resistant. Long-established as a commercial outdoor cafe table top. Available in multiple sizes and round or square profiles. Lightweight and easy to reposition between services.

Outdoor Table Height Guide

Three heights cover the full range of outdoor dining and entertaining configurations:

• Dining height (72–75cm): Standard table height for outdoor dining chairs. Matches any standard seat-height outdoor chair (43–47cm seat height). Used for 2-top, 4-top, 6-top and 8-top dining configurations.
• Bar/counter height (90–110cm): For bar stools with 70–75cm seat height. Used in alfresco bar zones, rooftop bars and pool bars. Also suitable as standing height for drink rails and servery counters.
• Coffee height (40–45cm): For outdoor lounge settings with low-profile seating. Pairs with outdoor sofas and arm chairs in residential terraces and hotel pool areas.

Confirm the table height against your chair or stool specification before ordering — particularly for bar-height settings where the bench or bar top height is fixed by the venue fit-out.

Outdoor Tables for Commercial Venues

Outdoor tables for cafes, restaurants and hotel venues need to meet commercial durability requirements: UV-stable tops, rust-proof bases, scratch and stain resistance for daily cleaning, and stable construction for outdoor use in wind-exposed positions. For procurement teams requiring compliance documentation, CATAS-certified Nardi table options are available with EN 581 test reports on request. Browse outdoor cafe tables and outdoor dining tables. Trade pricing and bulk ordering available across the full range — contact our team for a commercial quote.

For complete outdoor dining configurations, see our outdoor dining range and our outdoor chairs range for individual chair selection to pair with any table top.

Visit Our Outdoor Furniture Showrooms

Outdoor Furniture Ideas operates two showrooms where you can see the full outdoor tables range in person — including aluminium, compact laminate and Nardi dining settings on display.

• Campbelltown NSW — Sydney-region showroom, serving Greater Sydney
• West Melbourne VIC — Melbourne showroom, serving Greater Melbourne
• View all showroom information