A garden coffee table is a stylish and practical addition to any outdoor space, creating a focal point for relaxation, social gatherings, and even some informal alfresco dining.
There is a well-known poetic reflection on the role of coffee tables in everyday life that goes something like this:
“A coffee table is the silent witness to life’s best conversations. It holds more than just books and mugs—it holds stories, laughter, and the quiet moments in between.” - Unknown
At Lazy Magazine, we would define a garden side or coffee table as:
“A garden side or coffee table is a low, outdoor table designed for use in a garden, patio, or outdoor seating area. It serves as a functional and decorative piece, typically placed in the centre of a seating arrangement, much like an indoor coffee table. These tables provide a surface for drinks, snacks, books, or decorative elements, making outdoor spaces more comfortable and inviting.”
Much like they do inside the home, the outdoor coffee table is the perfect piece of furniture for creating inviting outdoor spaces, serving as a focal point for relaxation and social gatherings.
And like their indoor counterparts, they provide a convenient surface for drinks, snacks, and decor, enhancing patio seating areas by adding style, functionality, and a central meeting point for relaxation and conversation.
However, our ever-changing and unpredictable climate demands durability and weather resistance. Unlike indoor tables that can be made from cheaper materials such as MDF or untreated wood, outdoor versions require robust materials like cast aluminium, teak, or HDPE synthetic rattans to withstand UV, rain, temperature changes, and frost.
The Lazy Susan cast aluminium collection combines style with resilience, offering elegant yet practical designs built to endure the elements. Whether as a standalone piece or paired with our larger coordinated patio bistro or dining sets, our outdoor coffee tables will enhance your outdoor space while maintaining their beauty over time.
In this guide, the Lazy Magazine team are exploring the best materials for garden coffee tables, ensuring they can withstand the UK’s ever-changing weather while remaining a beautiful and practical feature in your outdoor space.
Why coffee tables made from durable materials are important for the UK Climate
Simply put, a garden coffee table should be made from durable materials to ensure longevity, withstand outdoor conditions, and require minimal maintenance.
This is especially important in the UK, where our climate can be unpredictable, with frequent rain, humidity, temperature fluctuations, and occasional strong winds.
By choosing one or a combination of the following materials, you can ensure your coffee table and chairs remain both functional and stylish, even in the UK's challenging climate:
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Aluminium
Powder-coated aluminium is an excellent choice for those seeking a modern, low-maintenance garden table that can withstand a rainy climate. Its lightweight and rust-resistant properties make it easy to move while ensuring long-lasting durability. Additionally, it requires minimal upkeep, resists UV rays and moisture, and offers a sleek, classical aesthetic that suits a variety of outdoor spaces. However, it’s worth noting that the painted finish can be prone to chipping if handled roughly, and some cheaper options may lack durability. Despite this, we know better than anybody that high-quality cast aluminium tables remain a stylish and practical investment for UK gardens. -
Teak
Teak is another great option for UK gardens, thanks to its high natural oil content, which makes it highly resistant to rain, humidity, and moisture-related damage. This durable hardwood requires minimal maintenance, needing only occasional cleaning, and it naturally resists rot and pests, ensuring long-lasting performance. Over time, teak develops a beautiful silver-grey patina, that some love. However, it can be more expensive than other wood options, and if you prefer to maintain its original honey-brown colour, periodic oiling is essential. Despite the cost, teak remains a premium and long-lasting investment for UK gardens. -
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is another highly durable and rust-resistant metal, making it ideal for UK gardens where moisture and rain are common. Its sleek, modern design adds a contemporary touch to outdoor spaces, and it also requires minimal maintenance, needing only the occasional polish to maintain its shine. However, it can become very hot in direct sunlight, and its heavier weight makes it less portable than aluminium. Despite these considerations, stainless steel remains a stylish and long-lasting choice for those seeking a modern, resilient garden table. -
Rattan
Rattan, especially high-quality synthetic rattans, are a stylish and practical choice for UK gardens due to their weather resistance and lightweight design. It will blend seamlessly with other garden furniture materials, adding a natural yet elegant touch to outdoor spaces. While natural rattan is unsuitable for outdoor use as it absorbs moisture and can deteriorate quickly, synthetic rattan offers better durability. However, it can still fade over time if not UV-treated and is prone to warping and splitting due to temperature fluctuations. To ensure longevity in the UK climate, it's best to choose UV-protected, weather-resistant synthetic rattans, which require minimal maintenance and will retain their appearance for longer. -
Tempered Glass
Tempered glass is an excellent choice for those seeking a contemporary, easy-to-clean surface that pairs well with rattan, metal, or wood bases. It's weather-resistant, making it suitable for outdoor use, and offers a sleek, modern look that will enhance any garden space. However, tempered glass can be prone to scratches and smudges, requiring regular cleaning to maintain its appearance. Additionally, if shattered, it can pose safety concerns, not to mention a clean-up nightmare. Despite these considerations, tempered glass remains a stylish and practical option for those looking for a sophisticated garden table. -
Concrete
Concrete garden coffee tables offer unmatched durability and a striking, modern industrial aesthetic, making them ideal for UK gardens that experience varied weather conditions. They are highly weather-resistant, require minimal maintenance, and can easily withstand heavy use. However, concrete tables are extremely heavy, making them difficult to move, and they often need sealing to prevent stains and moisture absorption. Despite these considerations, their exceptional strength and unique look make concrete a solid (literally) investment for outdoor spaces. -
Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic-topped tables are perfect for adding a decorative touch to your garden while offering resilience against the varied weather conditions in the UK. They are moisture-resistant and can withstand temperature fluctuations, making them ideal for outdoor use. Additionally, they are low maintenance and easy to clean, ensuring long-term functionality. However, tiles can crack under heavy impact, and some ceramic surfaces may require sealing to prevent moisture absorption. Despite these considerations, ceramic-topped tables will deliver style and durability to outdoor spaces.
Why we think cast aluminium coffee tables are best suited to the UK climate
Our cast aluminium range is an excellent choice for UK gardens due to its combination of durability, weather resistance, and timeless style.
Unlike wood, which can rot, or iron, which may rust, cast aluminium is naturally rust-proof and does not absorb moisture, making it ideal for the UK’s wet and unpredictable climate.
The powder-coated finish we apply adds an extra layer of protection against rain, frost, and UV rays, ensuring the furniture maintains its appearance and structural integrity year after year.
Another key advantage is that our cast aluminium is lightweight yet sturdy. This makes it easy to move around the garden while still being stable enough to withstand strong winds, a common concern for outdoor furniture in the UK.
Additionally, our coffee tables will require minimal maintenance—just an occasional wipe-down to keep it looking fresh—making it a practical, hassle-free option for homeowners.
Beyond its functional benefits, our table designs offer a classic and elegant aesthetic, featuring our trademark intricate detailing that complements traditional and contemporary garden settings.
With a range of table sizes, chair styles, and colour finishes, it’s easy to find a set that suits your outdoor space. Combined with its longevity and low upkeep, our cast aluminium furniture is a smart and stylish investment for any UK garden.
Factors to consider when buying a garden coffee table
In addition to material, we must consider the following factors when choosing a garden coffee table to ensure it meets our needs and can withstand the British weather:
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Durability
Weather resistance is critical. Ensure the table is weatherproof and UV-resistant to prevent fading or warping. Opt for materials like powder-coated aluminium or treated wood for better longevity. Consider using a waterproof but breathable cover to protect it during winter or prolonged rain. -
Size
Measure your patio space to ensure the table fits comfortably with seating. By measuring, you can create a well-organised, functional, and visually appealing patio layout that enhances the overall experience. You want the coffee table to fit without overcrowding. Too large and you can make the space feel cramped Too small and it will not serve its intended purpose. -
Shape
The shape is important because it affects both the flow and overall aesthetic. A round table works well in smaller or more intimate settings, allowing for easy movement around it. In contrast, a rectangular or square table is ideal for larger areas, complementing traditional seating arrangements. -
Stability
Stability is also important because it ensures safety and durability, especially in outdoor environments where wind or uneven ground can be factors. A stable table will not wobble or tip over easily, providing a reliable surface for drinks and decor. -
Maintenance
Maintenance ensures your garden coffee table remains in good condition over time. Tables exposed to the elements need to be cleaned regularly to prevent dirt and weather damage. The material you choose also impacts upkeep—regular maintenance helps preserve appearance and functionality, ensuring it lasts through different seasons. -
Budget
Depending on material and brand, prices range from £50 to £500+. When selecting a garden coffee table, it helps determine the materials, design, and durability you can afford. Higher-quality materials, like teak or cast aluminium, typically cost more but offer better longevity and aesthetics. At the same time, budget-friendly options like plastic or softwood might be more affordable but could require more maintenance. Balance style, quality, and price to ensure you get value for your space without overspending.
The UK climate includes rain, wind, frost, and occasional heatwaves, so choosing materials that resist moisture, corrosion, and temperature variations is crucial.
Some materials require more upkeep than others. Consider how much time you’re willing to spend on cleaning and treating your table.
Your garden coffee table should complement the overall outdoor design. Lighter tables may be easy to move but unstable in strong winds.
How to protect and maintain your garden coffee table
To ensure your garden coffee table stays in top condition, even the most weather-resistant materials benefit from extra protection.
Investing in a high-quality, waterproof, breathable cover can significantly extend its lifespan, shielding it from rain, frost, and UV damage when not in use. This simple step keeps your table looking great, even after a long season of exposure to the elements.
During the harsh winter months, consider storing your table in a shed or garage for additional protection, particularly if it’s made of wood or has glass elements. This will prevent moisture from causing damage and preserve its overall condition.
For regular maintenance, take the time to clean and care for your table based on its material. Wooden tables should be cleaned and oiled periodically to maintain their beauty, while our metal tables need to be wiped down regularly and checked for paint chips.
Glass tables should be cleaned with a glass-safe cleaner to avoid smudges and stains, and poly-rattan tables benefit from a gentle brush-off and an occasional wash with soapy water.
By following these simple maintenance steps, you can keep your garden coffee table looking stylish and durable for years.
Our final thoughts…
Choosing the right garden coffee table for the UK climate involves balancing durability, maintenance, aesthetics, and budget.
Teak, powder-coated aluminium, stainless steel, synthetic rattan, tempered glass, concrete, and ceramic are all excellent choices depending on your preferences and garden style.
Naturally, we are biased, but we are confident that aluminium is the ideal choice for a garden coffee table due to its lightweight, rust-resistant nature, low maintenance requirements, and sleek design that complements various garden aesthetics.
It offers exceptional durability against the UK’s unpredictable climate without the concerns of fading, cracking, or excessive upkeep that can come with other materials.
By selecting the right material and following simple maintenance practices, your garden coffee table can remain a stunning and functional centrepiece for many summers to come.
If you have one of our garden coffee tables, we would love to see a few photos for our Do Some Good charity campaign. You can tag us @LazySusanFurniture on Instagram or Facebook or Upload It Here.
