patio furniture-what is your table top made from?

is it glass, slate, etc.?
i found a slate table i like but i wonder if it is hard to clean, does it wear well outdoors, etc.
what shape is your table -is it round, square, etc.
any table tops to avoid?
and lastly, what is the best thing to get as far as rust...what material is the best for outdoor furniture? thanks!:)

Re: patio furniture-what is your table top made from?

We got our set from Sears. It's rectangle, tiled top and aluminum. We live in the pacific northwest where it rains all the time and we never cover/put ours away. It's very easy to clean. The tiles pop out so you can switch them out to change the look. One consideration with tabletops is to make sure the top is smooth and won't be uneven (spilling or rocking).

Re: patio furniture-what is your table top made from?

We have an octagonal glass top set that was purchased at Harrows. We got the bar to match as a Christmas gift, also glass top.

Re: patio furniture-what is your table top made from?

We have a glass top one. Honestly, I am afraid to death of having it blow over, or someone dropping something on it. When we get a good set, I will be steering clear of the glass top ones.

Re: patio furniture-what is your table top made from?

I have a slate table that is rectangular & seats six. Slate is a natural stone so it will do fine outside (a lot of stepping stones are slate). If you want to protect it from stains you can use a stone sealer, also if you use an enhancing sealer it will make the slate darker & cover any scratches.


As far as cleaning, you are limited to the products that can be used on the slate. Honestly, I just hose mine off or scrub it with warm water and a wet rag.

Message edited 3/29/2009 1:20:13 PM.

Re: patio furniture-what is your table top made from?

We have a wrought iron table and this winter we didn't cover it and it still looks like new. It is pretty easy to clean. Ours is square and sits 8 people.

Re: patio furniture-what is your table top made from?

thnk u all so much for your responses...dh and i are going to go looking again this weekend...hopefully we will find something!

Re: patio furniture-what is your table top made from?

have two. one is oval and wrought iron, the other is rectangle with a glass top. both are very easy to clean, soap and water.

Re: patio furniture-what is your table top made from?

We had a glass top and once we had our first DC, we decided to get rid of it and get a cast aluminum table. I wanted something low maintenance. I just have to hose it down, whereas with the glass I had to use a squeegee (sp?) and/or windex & paper towels. No problems with rust and we don't cover or store our furniture.

I'd be hesitant with slate. Do you have to seal it? What happens if you get grease stains on it? And I would imagine you're limited to certain cleaning products on that surface.

Re: patio furniture-what is your table top made from?

I think ours is powder coated aluminum and it has a granite insert in the middle.