Today, our backyards and patios hold the same importance as any other area in the house, making it crucial to select the right materials for outdoor furniture. In order to help you have a relaxing summer, we’ve gone over some of the greatest material options for modern outdoor coffee tables, including their features and care instructions.
Whether you’re after sustainable elegance or sturdy aesthetics, our guide will reveal the best materials that transform the way we gather under the open sky.
Top 6 Modern Outdoor Coffee Table Materials
1. Wood
Teak
When it comes to weather-resistant wood, nothing beats teak for a mid-century modern outdoor coffee table. Teak wood is harvested from Tectona grandis trees. South and Southeast Asian countries are home to these massive trees, which can reach heights of 130 feet and live for more than a century. The dense natural oils in teak give it outstanding water-repellent characteristics. Its first application was in ship construction, but nowadays, it is also utilized for making the best wood outdoor furniture.
Characteristics
- Durable.
- Excellent polish.
- Highly impervious to moisture.
- Alluring cereal.
- Quick growing wood.
Acacia
Furniture such as sectionals, sofas, modern outdoor coffee tables and, and more are frequently crafted from acacia wood, another popular alternative to teak. Acacia wood has a rich, inviting color palette, from pale yellow to deep brown. The acacia tree, from which acacia wood is harvested, is a native of Africa, Australia, and other tropical and subtropical locations with a warm climate.
Acacia wood is long-lasting and weather-resistant, making it ideal for outdoor deck furniture ideas. Acacia wood, however, should not be kept in close proximity to heat sources like fireplaces.
Characteristics
- Durability.
- Excellent polish.
- Highly impervious to moisture.
- Wood that grows quickly.
Cedar
Cedar wood is thin and can range in color from pale to light brown. White cedar and red cedar are the most popular choices for modern round outdoor coffee table ideas. Outdoor furniture, including benches, chairs, and coffee tables, are typically made of cedar, with red cedar being the more sturdy and long-lasting option.
Characteristics
- Durable.
- Lightweight.
- Ability to accept stains.
- Resistance to decay.
- Negative effects of time.
Maintenance
The natural oils in wood protect it from the elements, making it a low-maintenance material. Spills, stains, grime, and dust can be easily removed by spot cleaning with a mild soap and water solution.
Seal outdoor furniture at least once a year with a waterproofing agent like wood stain, paint, or polish. Bring any type of outdoor furniture inside for the winter if you have the room. Keep the patio set dry by covering it up on wet days.
2. Metal
Aluminum
Aluminum is extremely adaptable since it can be extruded or cast into virtually any form. Due to its low weight and high durability, it is a popular material for modern outdoor coffee tables. Unlike iron or steel, aluminum patio furniture won’t rust in damp or salty outdoor air, and it won’t dry up and crack like most hardwood furniture when exposed to the sun. You can use aluminum for various bistro table heights and sizes.
Characteristics
- Lightweight.
- Permits outdoor storage.
- Strong.
- Easy to disinfect.
Steel
Steel is the strongest material for outdoor furniture trends in 2023, but it is also the heaviest and most expensive. Steel patio furniture may be cumbersome to move about, but it will remain firmly planted in the face of bad weather.
However, due to its susceptibility to rust and corrosion when exposed to the environment, ordinary steel is not a good material for cozy small balcony ideas.
Characteristics
- Durable and reliable.
- Weatherproof.
- Resistant to outdoor wind.
- Low maintenance.
Wrought iron
Outdoor furniture made from heavy metal wrought iron is a common sight in public spaces like restaurants and parks. Unfortunately, wrought iron rusts and corrodes easily. The paint on wrought iron furniture often chips, exposing the iron underneath and inviting rust.
Wrought iron was once widely used for modern coffee table ideas, but it has since fallen out of favor due to its high price, susceptibility to rust, and need for regular upkeep and repair.
Characteristics
- Decorative designs.
- Quite durable.
- Solid construction.
Maintenance
Metals modern outdoor coffee tables require little in the way of upkeep. Applying a coat of UV-resistant paint will prevent rust from forming. Mild soap and water should be sufficient for cleaning outdoor furniture, but regular oiling or greasing of any moving parts or springs is recommended. Waxing and painting smooth surfaces can elevate the class of metal outdoor furniture.
3. Rattan/Wicker
It is common to find rattan, a species of vine, weaved into outdoor furniture due to its durability, portability, and resistance to weather and sun damage.
The organic vibe it may bring to your outdoor living space is one of rattan’s key benefits. In addition to its durability, rattan furniture’s adaptability means it may be used with both contemporary and classic décor. It can be treated with specific coatings to protect it from the elements, and it’s easy to clean and maintain.
Characteristics
- Durable and long-lasting.
- It can withstand the elements.
- Rot and waterproof.
4. Resin wicker
Resin wicker is a synthetic material that looks and feels like a natural wicker but can withstand the elements for longer.
It can withstand the sun, rain, and humidity, making it a popular material for outdoor furniture. It is unaffected by heat or cold and retains its original color even after being out in the sun for extended periods.
Resin wicker outdoor coffee tables are more robust than real wicker, but they can still crack or break with age, especially in hot or dry climates or under a lot of stress.
Characteristics
- Long-lasting and sturdy construction.
- Steady and lightweight.
- Multiple pattern options.
- Easy to care for.
Maintenance
Pieces of wicker/rattan furniture require almost no upkeep. Maintain your modern outdoor coffee table by frequently inspecting it, using a vacuum to eliminate dust, and wiping down surfaces with a moist cloth. Natural rattan and wicker furniture should have its sealer and shine renewed every year. Please don’t leave the pieces out in the rain or the snow; instead, bring them inside.
5. Plastic
Plastic modern coffee table ideas are a convenient alternative for outdoor use as they’re lighter and cheaper than wrought iron or stainless steel.
Modern plastic outdoor furniture is typically treated to be far more resistant to fading and cracking than its predecessors were. Plastic furniture also has the advantage of not requiring the same level of care and upkeep that wooden or metal pieces need.
Long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light can cause some plastics, such as those used in outdoor products, to degrade.
Characteristics
- Durable.
- Simple to maintain.
- Recyclable.
Maintenance
Plastics require nothing in the way of upkeep. Just use some warm, soapy water to clean it. Shade these items from direct sunlight to preserve their vibrant colors. Always keep an eye out for any cracks or other obvious damage. Maintaining the furniture’s like-new appearance calls for regular waxing and buffing.
6. Concrete
Concrete, long considered only a construction material, is quickly becoming a popular choice for contemporary outdoor furniture. A concrete modern outdoor coffee table is not only sturdy and long-lasting but also stylish.
However, concrete is naturally dense, porous, and stained. Acidic substances, such as vinegar or lemon juice, will break down the cement paste and soak into the surface, transporting the stain deeper into the concrete.
Characteristics
- Water and scratch proof.
- Very long-lasting.
- Aesthetic appearance.
Maintenance
Concrete doesn’t need much maintenance beyond the occasional wipe-down with a soapy sponge or cloth. Scrubbing the stain with a soft brush and then rinsing it with a garden hose is an effective method for removing stubborn stains. Loose dirt, dust, and debris should be brushed off the surface of the concrete furniture before washing.
To further safeguard it against the elements and frequent use, a sealer should be applied sometimes.
Conclusion
Investing in outdoor furniture is not a difficult task but a one-time event. Everyone who owns a home wants to furnish it with durable pieces that will last for decades.
So, it’s important to choose a modern outdoor coffee table material that withstands outside stressors, requires minimal maintenance, and enhances the look of every patio.
