We all want to have a well-decorated outdoor space where we can enjoy our free time. Have friends over on the patio, drink coffee in the garden on a beautiful new bench set, or sit by your natural pool in the backyard while reading your favourite book. To make all of this more enjoyable, you’ll need good outdoor furniture that suits your needs. When picking your outdoor coffee table, there are a few things to consider to make the best choice. Consider the climate in your area as different types of weather require different materials that can withstand the elements.
Concrete Coffee Tables
When you hear the term “concrete” you may think about pavements or buildings, but hardly about something that’s used as outdoor furniture. All of that is about to change. Concrete furniture is gaining popularity for good reason: it’s both attractive and sturdy, which makes it the perfect combination for outdoor furniture. When it comes to choosing concrete outdoor tables and creating the right timeless outdoor area, your possibilities are unlimited, from different shapes and sizes to a variety of finishes and colours. And just like anything else in this world, concrete has its pros and cons when it comes to furniture.
Highly Durable
People have been using concrete as a building material for at least 2000 years, and buildings such as the Colosseum and The Pantheon, are here to testify about its durability and strength. It won’t chip and scratch as easily as glass, wood, or stainless steel furniture. It will take a heavy object and a lot of force to damage it. It’s the perfect investment to save you from shopping for a concrete outdoor coffee table in the next ten years. Nowadays, concrete furniture is coated with a sealant that protects it from UV rays, moisture and extreme weather conditions such as ice, snow and winds. It won’t fade, scratch, crack or stain.
Versatile
These coffee tables are very versatile. They can be used on patios, backyards, gardens and even indoors. They look attractive, yet simple. You can choose from tall, short, wide and narrow designs; they can have a round or a square shape and vary in thickness and weight. The most important thing is that it will look gorgeous wherever you place it.
Design Freedom
Concrete furniture, with its universal smooth finish, natural tones, and clean lines, looks great on its own. It’s also appealing when combined with any style and material to achieve the aesthetic you want. Its earthy natural tones blend well with woods, stone, tiles, and man-made materials, such as terrazzo-style concrete floors, to create a welcoming and harmonious space.
Environmentally Friendly
Concrete is environmentally friendly at every stage of its life cycle, from raw material manufacture through demolition, making it an obvious choice for environmentally-friendly furniture. Limestone, the most common mineral on the planet, is the most used raw material for cement in concrete. Fly ash, slag cement, and silica fume are all waste byproducts from power plants, steel mills, and other production facilities that can be used to make concrete. And because of its durability and strength, you won’t need to replace it every 2-3 years.
Easy to Clean and Maintain
Many people are concerned about how much work and time goes into maintaining a concrete outdoor coffee table. After all, we all have busy lives, and no one has time to check, wipe, and clean their outdoor furniture regularly. This is what makes concrete so appealing. The only maintenance time you’ll need to take in is the occasional wipe down from trash and other items that accumulate over time. You won’t have to worry about it rusting, fraying, or wearing down as other materials might. You’re good to go with only a little soap and water.
Possible Downsides
- Heavy and bulky – hard to move around;
- It may not suit every outdoor setting;
- It may be expensive because of its durability;
- It quickly absorbs liquids and can stain if not coated;
- You have to use cushions for sitting on it.
Hardwood Coffee Tables
Wooden outdoor furniture is timeless. It’s very elegant and stylish and fits perfectly outdoors because it’s in its natural surroundings. These coffee tables can be made from different types of wood with different properties, but they’re all durable and beautiful in their way.
Durability
Wood becomes the most durable alternative for outdoor furniture in any season or climate once it’s treated. It’s also crucial to choose the wood that’s resistant to rotting and insect infestation. Unlike other materials, wood is extremely sturdy and long-lasting, and it’s not affected by poor weather.
Appearance
There aren’t many better options than wood when it comes to outdoor furniture. Every coffee table set will have its distinct appeal. This is because of the type of grain you’ll choose. Patio furniture offers many great features that can work well with both modern and traditional designs. Wooden furniture can be found in various styles, from modern to rustic.
Good Value
In general, wood is a low-cost material. It is not only inexpensive but also quite attractive and simple to handle. If you want to create something nice, consider building wooden patio furniture: a cute coffee table, some benches or an entire dining set. I if you don’t want to go all the way, try restoring an old piece of wood furniture from your garage, or a yard sale.
Easy to Maintain
Outdoor furniture can be made out of various materials, but wood is an excellent choice because it’s very easy to maintain. It doesn’t rust like other metals, but it can stain easily. That’s why it’s important to wipe it immediately and clean it on a regular basis to keep it looking wonderful.
Possible Downsides
- Requires regular maintenance and protection;
- Some types of wood may be more expensive;
- Sometimes it’s heavy and hard to move and repair;
- Can get damaged from the weather conditions if not protected properly.
