Garden furniture, like any other furniture in the house, needs to have an ideal balance between form and function. Your outdoor material choices should hold up to the elements, provide sufficient comfort for long days in the sun, and should still look appropriate for every occasion.
We will walk you through the steps of making an informed selection about the material used in your square outdoor coffee table below.
1. Wood – Overall Best for Outdoor Coffee Table
Acacia
The Royal Navy utilized acacia wood for ship construction in the 18th century. However, the material is currently used as one of the greatest materials for square wood outdoor coffee tables due to its popular water-resistant features.
Characteristics:
- Quite durable.
- Appealing finish.
- Highly impervious to moisture.
- Fast-growing timber.
Teak and Shorea
When properly maintained, teak and Shorea are two of the greatest woods for large square outdoor coffee tables due to their extreme hardness and longevity. These tropical hardwoods are impervious to decay, expansion, contraction, and warping.
Characteristics:
- Highly durable.
- Protected from the elements by nature.
- It turns a stunning silver as it ages.
- Easy maintenance.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus hardwood, while not as robust or durable as teak or Shorea, may resist the environment for decades without deteriorating if it’s regularly treated. It has a beautiful red-orange color that gradually turns silvery grey over time, and it is long-lasting and naturally insect-proof.
Characteristics:
- Long-lasting.
- Anti-mold and rot-proof.
- Resistant to the elements.
- Contains a lot of oil.
Maintenance of Wood Outdoor Coffee Tables
Square wood outdoor coffee tables need easy routine maintenance, the first step of which is cleaning. After cleaning, adding a sealer or water repellent to the best wood outdoor furniture is essential. Outdoor furniture rarely has a topcoat, such as varnish or paint, and its care is often restricted to the wood’s surface. If you do this once or twice a year on a regular basis, your furniture will last for many years.
2. v – Most Versatile Coffee Table Material
When it comes to outdoor furniture, metal is a go-to material. Aluminum, steel, and wrought iron all have their advantages and disadvantages.
Aluminum
Aluminum is one of the most long-lasting materials for square metal outdoor coffee tables since it is lightweight yet strong, highly robust, and rust-resistant. In order to ensure that your aluminum outdoor furniture lasts as long as possible without losing its good looks, it will typically be painted, powder coated, or wrapped with synthetic rattan.
Characteristics:
- Lightweight yet strong.
- Weather and rust-resistant.
- Simple to clean.
Steel
Steels’ sturdiness and weight make it exceptionally long-lasting and windproof. However, it is a lot more trouble to get around. If you’re set on using steel, know that plain steel is just as prone to rusting as stainless or galvanized steel.
Characteristics:
- Durable and trustworthy.
- Weatherproof.
- Withstands extreme weather.
- Easily maintained.
Wrought Iron
A square metal outdoor coffee table will be a permanent fixture in your yard; it is quite heavy and, hence, resistant to severe winds, but this also makes it very difficult to move. It would be best if you looked for a style that has been powder-coated for added protection because wrought iron is less water-resistant than other metals and can rust fast without adequate care.
Characteristics:
- Decorative designs.
- Strong and sturdy.
- Very long-lasting.
Maintenance of Outdoor Metal Furniture
If treated with care, metal can last forever. Most square metal outdoor coffee tables are coated in paint, varnish, or powder to avoid rusting.
Spray your metal outdoor furniture frames with a garden hose to get rid of dust and filth. Use a soft cloth dampened with soapy water to wipe off the metal surfaces, and then dry thoroughly with a low-abrasion or microfiber cloth.
3. Rattan – Most Popular Coffee Table Material
Rattan, a species of vine that is woven into furniture, is commonly used in square outdoor coffee tables due to its durability, portability, and resistance to weather and sun damage.
The organic vibe it may bring to your cozy small balcony ideas is one of rattan’s key benefits. Rattan furniture is very adaptable and may be used in both conventional and cutting-edge settings. It can be treated with specific coatings to protect it from the elements, and it’s easy to clean and maintain.
Characteristics:
- Long-lasting and sturdy in construction.
- Can stand up to the weather.
- Anti-mold and waterproof.
4. Wicker – Most Weather-resistant Outdoor Material
The term “wicker” is used to describe the woven method of construction rather than the actual material. Thin strands of PVC, nylon, polyethylene, or high-density polyethylene are used to create resin wicker. It mimics the look of natural wicker but requires much less maintenance. Since it is water-resistant by design, your wicker outdoor coffee tables won’t get moldy or mildewed.
Characteristics:
- Lightweight.
- Long-lasting; can’t be damaged by water or mildew.
- Multiple color options.
Maintenance of Rattan and Wicker Outdoor Coffee Tables
Wicker and rattan square outdoor coffee tables are extremely low-maintenance. Inspect your contemporary coffee table periodically, vacuuming away dust and cleaning down surfaces with a damp cloth to keep it in pristine condition. According to the square coffee table dimensions, sealant and polish on wicker furniture should be refreshed once a year.
When the weather outside gets too bad, cover your furniture or move it inside.
5. Plastic – Best in Affordability
Plastic furniture (particularly resin) can be created to look like wicker rattan, wood, and other materials while still being lightweight, affordable, and available in a broad variety of colors and textures. Square outdoor coffee tables made from plastic last for a long time and don’t get damaged easily by the elements or pests. This low-maintenance material doesn’t need any extra finishes to look beautiful and won’t peel, crack, or fade.
Characteristics:
- Long-lasting quality.
- Easy to care for.
- Recyclable.
Maintenance of Plastic Outdoor Coffee Tables
One of the most low-maintenance materials for a square outdoor coffee table is plastic. Use a cloth dampened with warm water and dish detergent to wipe out plastic; this makes quick work of wiping away grime. To remove grime from tiny cracks and crevices, all you need is a soft toothbrush and a light touch.
If you want the color to last on your plastic patio set, keep it out of direct sunlight.
6. Tempered glass – Most Stylish Outdoor Furniture Material
Tempered glass tables are one of the best outdoor furniture trends 2023; coffee table surfaces in outdoor settings can benefit greatly from the resilience of tempered glass. It can withstand intense heat and sunlight without becoming brittle or discolored, and it can be easily cleaned.
Characteristics:
- Strong and durable.
- Tolerant of extreme temperature.
- Wind- and pressure-proof.
Maintenance of Tempered Glass Coffee Tables
Protect your glass square outdoor coffee table from scratches and dropped goods with mats, coasters, and a tablecloth. Maintaining a clean surface on the glass is essential for safety reasons. Glass can easily be scratched, so cleaning products containing abrasives should be avoided.
7. Concrete – Best Known for Durability
Concrete, often thought of primarily as a building material, is rapidly gaining favor as a material for square concrete outdoor coffee tables. Any type of outdoor furniture made of contemporary concrete can withstand the elements and look great doing it.
Characteristics:
- Impervious against moisture and scratches.
- Extremely durable.
- Traditional appearance.
Maintenance of Concrete Outdoor Coffee Tables
Combine a pH-neutral cleanser or a mild detergent with hot water to make a cleaning solution. Harsh chemicals and acidic cleaners should be avoided since they can eat away the concrete.
Conclusion
The material you choose for your square outdoor coffee table should reflect your tastes and preferences. Think about how long it will last, how resistant it is to the elements, and how much maintenance it needs. Whether you decide to go with wood, metal, or concrete, a high-quality square outdoor coffee table will be a great addition to your outdoor environment.
