How to Choose Your Garden Table: The Complete Guide

Choosing a garden table isn't just a matter of taste: it's an investment that needs to withstand the seasons, fit your space, and remain pleasant to use for years to come. Here's what you need to know before buying.

1. Which material for which use?

Solid acacia remains a safe bet. It's a wood naturally resistant to weathering and insects, requiring almost no maintenance beyond a protective oil once a year. Its warm grain and visible veins age well, unlike materials that degrade over time. This is the choice found in our Bastide solid acacia garden table 180 cm.

Tempered glass adds a contemporary touch and can be cleaned with a wipe. It resists minor shocks and UV rays well but needs to be wiped more regularly to avoid smudges. See it on the Obsidienne table, black tempered glass.

Aluminum is the most practical material for those who want to avoid heavy maintenance: lightweight, rust-proof, it's easy to move to reorganize a patio. The Solstice aluminum 8-person table is a good example, with a wood effect that retains the charm of natural material without its constraints.

2. What size to choose depending on the number of guests?

• 2 to 4 people: opt for a compact size, ideal for a balcony or small terrace.
• 6 people: allow for a length of approximately 150 to 180 cm, like the Bastide table.
• 8 people and more: go for tables 190 cm and longer, or a modular format with an extension.

A simple rule: allow about 60 cm of table width per seated guest, so everyone has space without feeling cramped.

3. Table only or complete set?

If you're starting from scratch, a table and chair set is often more economical than separate purchases and ensures immediate aesthetic coherence. If you already have chairs or want to choose them independently, a table only from our garden table collection gives you more freedom.

4. Maintenance: what you really need to know

Contrary to popular belief, wood is not necessarily the most demanding material. Factory-treated solid acacia only requires light annual maintenance. It's untreated wood furniture or unprotected metal against corrosion that poses problems over time. Always check that the metal structure is advertised as anti-corrosion or powder-coated before buying.

In summary

For a reliable and durable option: solid acacia. For minimal maintenance: aluminum. For a modern look: tempered glass. The right choice mainly depends on your actual use—daily family meals or occasional receptions with friends.

You can find our entire selection in our garden tables and garden furniture collections.