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Do you have outdoor dining furniture that you love?

7 months ago

I am looking for a new patio dining table and chairs. We have had the black metal Amalfi furniture from Ballard forever, and we liked it, but I would like something lighter this time. So far, I like this teak table from Ballard and these Serena and Lily chairs, but I wonder how comfortable the chairs are.




We have the indoor version of the chairs in our kitchen, but we have the armchairs, which have a larger seat.


I really would like chairs that don’t require a cushion this time, because our current cushions are always a mess. The furniture is on a patio with no enclosure and a big tree overhead.


Any recommendations? The table needs to sit 6-8 people.

Comments (43)

  • 7 months ago

    II haveI have those chairI have those chairsI have those chairs…I have those chairs… And you knowI have those chairs… And you know II have those chairs… And you know I alwaysI have those chairs… And you know I always singI have those chairs… And you know I always sing theirI have those chairs… And you know, I always sing their praiseI have those chairs… And you know, I always sing their praises

  • 7 months ago
    last modified: 7 months ago

    I have a teak table that seats 8 easily and Fermob chairs which I love. I have the Luxembourg ones. Very comfortable chairs without or with cushions. The chairs are light (aluminum-22%recycled, stackable, look great, lots of color choices and styles, and they are fully recyclable. I wish I had gotten a dining table from them instead of the heavy teak one. May switch the teak one to the lower patio. If you have visited the Luxembourg Gardens, the Fermob chairs I have are are like those around the sailboat pond except the arms have an armrest, not just tubular aluminum ones.

    Fermob


    I like the chair you show, but, for several years now, they seem to be everywhere.

    Sueb20 thanked cyn427 (z. 7, N. VA)
  • 7 months ago

    Umm, so you have those chairs, Mtn?

  • 7 months ago
    last modified: 7 months ago

    Yes, I have those chairs!


    Voice dictation... the cleaners are here putting all our stuff back.

  • 7 months ago
    last modified: 7 months ago

    I also have this set by the pool. The chairs are comfy and I like the bench option on one side. I chose it so that when you sat opposite the bench, there were no chairs obstructing the ocean view. It is also good to seat "n" kids.



  • 7 months ago

    I love Fermob, and wish I had it. I was just sitting in those very comfortable, classic chairs in the Jardin de Luxembourg last week! What I actually do have is vintage Brown Jordan, which I also love; I like the simplicity of both.

  • 7 months ago

    Hmmm I like the Fermob chairs as they seem like they’d be easy to hose off. Wonder if they are comfy if you’re 6’5” and 220 lbs. There is a store nearby that is a dealer but they are tiny and have probably two chairs in the store…but I should check them out.

  • 7 months ago

    I tried owning a wood glider...spent ALL my time trying to keep it from falling apart. The wood split, felt rough...it was just miserable to own. I had a plastic-wicker-woven patio swing...fell apart. Long gone!


    I like heavy cast aluminum. It won't blow away easily. It's under a covered porch, no getting too hot or too wet, water wipes off easily. I purchased a set by "Darlee". It's still going strong.


    I LOVE the Amalfi from Ballard design!

  • 7 months ago

    I agree about wood. Used to have a wood dining table, and wood loungers. If you're not lazy like me, and oil them (or whatever you're supposed to do) yearly, it's probably fine. Mine didn't last. I won't buy wood outdoor furniture again.

    I love those Serena and Lily chairs. Every time we eat somewhere where they have those chairs, DH comments that we should get them for outside.

  • 7 months ago
    last modified: 7 months ago

    Well, I just ordered two of the Fermob chairs to see how we like them. The stackability is appealing because we don’t have a lot of storage space. If we don’t like them enough to get more, we can easily use two for extra seating.


    DH has to oil our indoor dining table once a year so he can just add an outdoor table to his routine!


    I need to look again at the Fermob tables, though.

  • 7 months ago

    We have never oiled ours because we like it gray, but it does make sense to do so.


    I love those Serena and Lily chairs. Every time we eat somewhere where they have those chairs, DH comments that we should get them for outside.


    I have those chairs. 🤣


    Of note, the restaurant ones probably come from places like this (below).

    My K, when it was emptied recently for painting the floor, finally had zero smoke odor. (It had been very slight before that and after all the cleaning etc.). Now that the table chairs and all the appliances are back, I smell it again. I suspect the chairs, because plastic holds smoke odor I believe. I was thinking if I replace the chairs, rather than getting SnL, it would be smart to check out a source like this one...


    https://www.webstaurantstore.com/lancaster-table-seating-french-bistro-blue-and-white-chevron-outdoor-side-chair/427CSFRBSBLU.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&gbraid=0AAAAAD_Dx-vkQ_R_H0c5pe7-TxfNqW6_6&gclid=CjwKCAjw3f_BBhAPEiwAaA3K5IX1n8zD1spTtma8wfi5bAhhSz2wYLzACEnqSQYQ1CoLdijw_2g_iBoChdsQAvD_BwE

  • 7 months ago

    Wait, I like this grayish table on sale at PB.


    This is the color chair I ordered (cactus green).



  • 7 months ago
    last modified: 7 months ago

    I think stacking chairs are a brilliant idea and I like that color for outdoors especially. What is the table made of?


    Hmm, these are stackable FWIW https://www.webstaurantstore.com/lancaster-table-amp-seating-gray-teslin-outdoor-arm-chair/427CAFRBSGRY.html

  • 7 months ago

    Eucalyptus wood.

  • 7 months ago

    Have you considered getting one or more air purifiers, Mtn? I purchased a Blueair 211iMax after seeing DD2's (she has that one, as well as small one in DGD2's bedroom since she has allergies). I keep on it on auto.


    Have they used commercial ozone machines in the house yet? I would ask they do after everything has moved in. No humans or animals allowed during the time they are running. You can also buy a residential version that can be used when people are home.


    I like those chairs also, Sue. No advice on the table.

  • 7 months ago

    Richard Schultz 1966 is my favorite outdoor furniture. I like the white porcelainized top with white aluminum frame or, the colored top with the white frame, but this year they are not offering it in that combo, it's colored frames with the white top (?)



    I only have room for the small table and 4 chairs (2 every day). But I wanted to show the colored top version. This set is probably c. 1980s given the colorway. It's not really a yard. More like a courtyard.


  • 7 months ago

    I love the look of teak furniture. We bought a set when we had the condo in California where we spent the winter. Unfortunately, it needed more than just re-oiling when we returned after 6 months. I had to re-sand it lightly. Not too hard for the table top, but the legs and the chairs were a PITA. Then the tung oil. After 3 years, I sold the set and bought a metal table that looked like wood. So much easier to take care of.

    I like the green stacking chairs you picked out. I do like sitting on cushions when it's hot.

  • 7 months ago

    I have air purifiers at the ready in about 4 rooms. They seem efficient enough, are Levoit and weren't terribly expensive but I do have to buy replacement filters for them - they did not come with washable. Somehow as we've aged we've both developed pollen allergies and being open window people, run the purifier in our bedroom on low all night every night,


    I wish I loved my patio furniture but I only like it, Two sets of vintage Brown Jordan purchased by my sister in law and the size of the chairs feet didn't work well with the dock board spacing on her dock. If trying to scoot while seated in one of the chairs, it felt like tipping may have been possible and all ended up on my patio.


    I love the green chairs above. I have a quart of exterior paint that very color and think I will paint the two Adirondacks a BIL made for us first nice day I'm free. Chairs are not comfortable without cushions (somehow no matter what size you are) but they were a housewarming gift and I MUST use them 😊

  • 7 months ago

    I like all of these tables, which are similar in size and price. The first two get rave reviews at Ballard, and I have had good luck with Ballard outdoor furniture, though it was metal and outdoor wicker, not teak. The third one is from Room and Board and has no reviews, but I have had good luck with their indoor stuff.







    If I like the ”sample” I ordered, we’ll have these chairs.




    If not, I would get these, I think.


    The one thing I don’t love about the S&L chair is the whiteness of them. Not only outside-dirt-wise, but also because the exterior of our house has no white. Our trim is linen white and gold, with dark plum siding, and this seating area is very close to the house, not out by the pool or in a field, haha. I wonder if it will look too stark. I also wonder if I’m overthinking it. 😬


    Also, another factor is that my house is old and I think it would be cool to go ”mod” with the Fermob chairs. I have always admired their design. (Not chairs specifically but a florist near us has some accessories.)


    PS decided against Fermob table because reviews mention scratching etc.


    Anyway! Anyone see a distinct benefit of one of these tables? I think I like number 2 best.

  • 7 months ago

    I like the taper of the leg on #2 and it seems to be the legsthat are most different, though the pattern of the top could also be different. If you go with a wood table, make sure it is teak. Eucalyptus will last anywhere from one or two seasons to a few, in my experience. I had a loveseat, chairs and coffee table on my back porch -- covered and thought they'd be okay. They only lasted a few years. My teak table, chairs and loungers are probably 15 years old and have stood unprotected in the Texas sun, rain, hurricanes, hail, and arctic weather. Only issue we have had is a board on the side of one lounger split. They replaced the lounger (Westminster Teak - lifetime warranty). We don't use cushions on the chairs and picked the one we did for use without them. I believe they also stack (so they could be brought indoors during a hurricane or tropical storm), but we don't usually stack them -- just lay them down. Only the metal frame chairs by the fire pit have has one land in the pool (twice,, once before we laid them down and once in a pop-up thunderstorm last week).

    I like the chairs like Mtn's - they look more comfortable and more pleasing to my eye - if they are comfortable adn I doubt Mtn would strill have them if they aren't. As far as white, my theory is white always goes outdoors, even next to off-white or beige. They look like you could hose off dirt. I also like the way they look with the wood table better -- those would be my choice.

  • 7 months ago
    last modified: 7 months ago

    I have and love the metal furniture you could buy in the 90’s. It was called wrought iron, but was not the fancy stuff sold before that. It is comfortable without cushions and just needs repainting at times.

  • 7 months ago

    Lascatz, I considered eucalyptus but then did some googling….teak def seems to be a better option.

  • 7 months ago

    We have the Kettler Bretange table. Modern mix of wood-look resin top and sleek aluminum base. Much easier to maintain than the teak and Jarrah pieces we have had in the past.

  • 7 months ago

    If quality and price are comparable, i might choose based on the tabletop. I guess slats are needed … is this uncovered? but i hate big spaces between them.


    As for going modern, i am all for mixing but it has to look intentional. To me that means not just the chairs. A planter? lawn sculpture? idk

  • 7 months ago

    Or an overpriced portable light?




    Yes, this is for an uncovered patio.

  • 7 months ago

    This is kind of funny. We also have two wicker chairs on the patio with an end table that is black. So I decided to look up Fermob end tables…this popped up…



    I HAVE THIS TABLE. It is at our beach house and I paid much less than 350 for it! It used to be here, then moved to beach, and it’s coming back. It’s even the same color as the chairs I ordered.

  • 7 months ago

    I wanted to take advantage of the sale, and the in-stock status, so I ordered this table!



    I am not paying almost $200 for a cute lil fermob light, but I am going to order a couple of these from youknowwho for $39.99 each.



  • 7 months ago

    I love those, and I love outdoor lamps.

  • 6 months ago

    That looks so Sue- cute with the green chairs and lamps. Well selected!

    Have I shown you my couch, Barney? It is a bit less vibrant IRL. Claude is in the photo for scale, and he provides the dirty smudges, gratis.


    Sueb20 thanked lisaam
  • 6 months ago

    Sue that looks great! I love the color and the wood. I also love those little table lights! I think I need some as well.


    Out of curiosity, will you cover it when not in use? I'm still trying to figure out when I should or should not cover my patio furniture.

    Sueb20 thanked pricklypearcactus
  • 6 months ago

    Love everything about this patio table and chairs. The lights work so well on the table. Your house color makes it all work!

    Sueb20 thanked njmomma
  • 6 months ago

    Love the color and style of those chairs, Sue! They look great with the table and those lamps are perfect.

    Sueb20 thanked Kswl
  • 6 months ago

    Prickly, no, we are too lazy plus it looks way prettier uncovered. We will probably cover it in winter, though. Unless we clean our garage enough that it could fit in there! Garage cleanup is on the summer agenda…

  • 6 months ago

    Love your new table and chairs!

    Sueb20 thanked porkandham
  • 6 months ago

    Your vision on choosing has become the perfect reality! It all looks so good together.

    Sueb20 thanked Arapaho-Rd
  • 6 months ago

    It looks fabulous. I especially like the green chairs with the aubergine house color.

    Sueb20 thanked texanjana
  • 6 months ago

    Thank you all!

  • 6 months ago

    Looks super...perfect color match on the lamps/chairs.


    Outdoor tables are always happy, because they are really used for parties pretty much, though I am not above sitting outside on a pretty day even if it's just me . Enjoy!


    It just occurred to me, does the table accommodate an umbrella or maybe you don't need one.

    Sueb20 thanked mtnrdredux_gw
  • 6 months ago

    Looks great! i think one of those huge umbrellas would look great and provide shade. In answer to your question, we have outdoor furniture that we love, but no dining furniture. Sitting area under a pergola (with a shade top much of year) on back patio and seating on front porch. In our sunroom i have an antique dropleaf table i can open out for dining. Windows can be opened and this is much more conducive to dining in our climate. Our outside furniture is used daily!! (tina marie)

    Sueb20 thanked HU-688559642
  • 6 months ago

    There is a hole for an umbrella but we don’t need one. This area is very shady.

  • 6 months ago

    Your table and green chairs look fabulous!

    Sueb20 thanked OutsidePlaying
  • 6 months ago
    last modified: 6 months ago

    I like your table, chairs and lamps.

    Maybe you could find a tapered vase for the umbrella hole — if a bouquet doesn’t argue with your lamps.


    https://www.wayfair.com/decor-pillows/pdp/latitude-run-ladainian-glass-taper-vase-w112249017.html?piid=746376454