Patio dining set questions

4 years ago

We're in the market for a new patio dining set. We do not want a table with a glass top, our 2 previous tables broke when an umbrella fell on it and a tree branch fell, so we want to avoid it. If the table is aluminum, how do you prevent it from heating up in the summer? Do you have the umbrella open all the time? I can buy chairs with cushions but the handles and the table top will be hot during summer and cold during fall. Would love to hear your experience with this type of dining sets. Thank you.

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Patricia Colwell Consulting

4 years ago

Why not look at teak for the table . Unfortunately the sunwill heat metal much worse than wood I like plastic chairs with sunbrella pads to add some color I actually have glass dining table it is a Corbusier with a 19 MM glass top it has withstood snow loads and really cold winters in 20 yrs has never even got any damage. The top weighs 200LBs but sronger than almost any other option.

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Comments (8)

Sarah
4 years ago
+1 for teak
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fnmroberts
4 years ago
We have cast aluminum. It is heavy and never moves even in very strong wind. While ours is partially shaded much of the day, a table cloth assures the surface is comfortable. Seat cushions are stored in containers on the patio.
Dream
Original Author
4 years ago
Love your setup @fnmroberts unfortunately we have no shade where we're planning to have the dining table. Do you think a table cloth would take care of the issue when there's no shade at all?

I looked into Teak and Eucalyptus tables, they need to be maintained, needs to be oiled every year. I don't know if I'm up to the task:)
fnmroberts
4 years ago
@Dream - you’re observing 25 years of growth. We began using an umbrella until the treess grew and the pergola was built. We never have had an issue with the metal table being too hot though and it does get hot here in July/August. A table cloth will insulate any metal. Inexpensive too.
Sarah
4 years ago
I’ve had out teak table for nearly a decade- it has weathered beautifully and the oiling I do each summer is just a stain preventative. Here it is today, clearly needing a cleaning before sitting down to eat. But every table needs that. This will last me at least 20 more years with very minimal upkeep.
Candace
4 years ago
How about a composite table/chairs?
Maureen
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
There are other options than glass, metal or teak and are weather resistant and durable. Look into pros and cons to see what meets your needs.

https://walkeredison.com/products/7-piece-extendable-outdoor-patio-dining-set?variant=39310994112578&epik=dj0yJnU9eXNUdXhIRHZ1a3Q1c1JhUGc3d0hYM3JUdU5jMlRjT0gmcD0wJm49LXpUc2VuellpVmgwOTBHNGFfVmRqZyZ0PUFBQUFBR0l3b2Nn

If heat/sun is a big issue, a table umbrella won’t cover everyone as the sun moves and suggest an offset parasol style and will be worth the investment. Will also keep sun off metal if you go that route.

We leave our umbrella up, as we use our table daily for all meals, but close when high winds are expected.

If interested, we did have a glass top table for 15 years or so and one very hot day it shattered. Didn't stop us from buying another one though, which we have had now for over 10 years.