A side table earns its place by being where the glass goes down. Out here the question is what it's made of, because it will get rained on. Cast concrete from Seasonal Living and SUNPAN stays put in wind and needs nothing; powder-coated aluminum from Sunset West and Lloyd Flanders is light and rust-proof; glazed ceramic drums double as a stool; teak weathers silver unless you oil it. All of them are meant to stay outside, and the product page tells you exactly which material you're looking at.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which side table can stay out year round?
- Concrete, aluminum and teak, without a second thought. Glazed ceramic handles rain but should come in before hard frost, because water trapped in a chip can crack fired clay when it freezes.
- How tall should it be?
- Level with, or an inch or two below, the arm of the chair or sofa beside it. For low lounge seating that's usually 18 to 22 inches; the height is listed on every product page.
- Does concrete stain?
- Sealed concrete resists most spills; wipe them the same day. A little patina over the years is normal and most people like it. A stone sealer once a season keeps the finish even.
- Is it heavy to move?
- Concrete and stone are the heavy ones, which is exactly why they don't blow over. Aluminum and wicker tables lift with one hand. Free curbside delivery brings it to your driveway; placement is an optional paid service.