Outdoor Tables

Outdoor Tables UK: Find the Perfect Table for Your Garden, Patio, or Balcony

Introduction: Why the Right Outdoor Table Matters

Choosing the right outdoor table is like picking the right pair of shoes for a long walk — it needs to look good, feel right, and stand up to whatever the day throws at it. Whether you’re entertaining under the stars, enjoying a lazy breakfast on the patio, or squeezing in dinner on a tiny balcony, the table you choose shapes the whole experience. In this guide I’ll walk you through the best stores in the UK to buy outdoor tables, highlight standout pieces, and share practical tips so you leave with a table that fits your life and your space.

Top UK Retailers to Consider

If you’re shopping for outdoor tables in the UK, some names stand out for design, value, and variety. Two stores featured in the data — Nordic Nest and Buy Sheds Direct — offer very different strengths: Nordic Nest focuses on stylish, design-led pieces, while Buy Sheds Direct has sturdy, classic wooden tables ideal for traditional gardens. Beyond those, big UK retailers such as John Lewis, Wayfair UK, Dunelm, IKEA, and Garden Trading are worth visiting for wide selections and different price points.

Nordic Nest: Scandi Style Meets Outdoor Living

Nordic Nest is a great place to look if you love minimalist, Scandinavian design. Their outdoor table range brings clean lines, muted colours, and clever proportions that suit modern terraces, courtyards, and contemporary patio setups.

Featured pieces from Nordic Nest

- Bliss Dining Table, about 2'8" x 2'8" (square): a compact dining option in desert red that's perfect for small terraces or as a pair to flank a bench.

- Bliss Dining Table, about 2'8" x 4'4" (rectangular): this larger variant gives you room for more guests without swallowing your patio.

- Go Coffee Table, roughly 2'7.5" diameter: lightweight and circular, ideal for coffee, plants, and those lazy afternoons.

- May Outdoor Table, about 2'9" x 2'9": a stylish green table that brings subtle colour without shouting for attention.

- Tio Coffee Table, roughly 2'0" diameter, and small lounge tables like the Novo, about 1'8" across: perfect small-surface solutions that complement lounge seating sets.

Buy Sheds Direct: Classic Wooden Garden Tables

If your garden leans rustic, cottagey, or traditional, Buy Sheds Direct is a strong option. They specialise in wooden garden furniture and picnic tables that feel durable and family-friendly — think long summer lunches and kids climbing on benches.

Popular wooden options from Buy Sheds Direct

- Refectory Wooden Garden Table, 6' x 2': a long, narrow table ideal for communal meals or pairing with benches.

- Low Sleeper Wooden Garden Table, 4' x 2': compact and sturdy — a good fit for smaller lawns.

- Grizedale Circular Table, 4' x 4': a round table perfect for intimate conversations and central planting displays.

- Circular Picnic Table, 6' x 6' and 8' x 8' styles: built for gatherings and family feasts with integrated seating options available.

- Rosedene rectangular ranges around 5' x 3' for medium gardens: classic proportioned tables that stand up well to everyday use.

Other Recommended UK Retailers

You don’t have to limit yourself to the two stores above. Here’s a quick run-through of other trusted UK retailers and what they’re best at:

John Lewis & Partners

Great for quality, warranty-backed pieces and a wide range of materials from teak and oak to metal and woven synthetic rattan. If you want reassurance and a bit of style polish, John Lewis is a safe bet.

Wayfair UK

Massive variety and often very competitive prices. Wayfair is perfect when you want to compare hundreds of styles and read lots of customer reviews before deciding.

Dunelm

Budget-friendly, practical options — ideal for first-time outdoor furniture buyers who want value without too much fuss. Dunelm often carries folding and space-saving tables that perform well on balconies.

IKEA

Simple, functional tables with modern design cues and very accessible prices. IKEA works well for compact spaces and easy-to-assemble solutions.

Garden Trading & Habitat

These are great for rustic charm (Garden Trading) or contemporary, eclectic choices (Habitat). If you want furniture that brings personality to the garden, browse these for unique finishes and artisan touches.

How to Choose the Right Table: Size, Shape, and Function

Ever stood awkwardly next to a table that felt too big or too tiny? Size matters more than you might think. Here’s how to pick one that feels right.

Measure your usable space first

Take a tape measure and mark the area where the table will sit. Allow at least about 3' of clearance around table edges for chairs and traffic flow. If you’ve got a 6' x 2' dining table, you’ll want roughly a 12' x 8' zone to breathe comfortably if you’re including chairs on all sides — think of it as giving your table room to stretch its legs.

Pick the right shape for your space

- Rectangular tables work well for long narrow patios and can be tucked up against a wall.
- Round tables encourage conversation and fit small terraces nicely; a 4' diameter round table is great for four people.
- Square tables are compact and tidy for balconies and small courtyards.

Consider how you use the table

Are you a weekly host who needs an extra-long refectory table, or a couple who want a cosy bistro setup for morning coffee? If you entertain often, favour extendable or long tables; if space is tight, look at folding or small circular tables.

Materials Explained: What Holds Up Best Outside?

Material choice determines longevity, maintenance, and the look of your table. Let me break down the common materials and what they mean in everyday life.

Teak and other hardwoods

Teak is the gold standard for outdoor furniture because it naturally resists rot and looks even better with age. Expect a higher price, but also years of service and a beautiful silver-grey patina if left untreated.

Treated pine and softwoods

More affordable and solid in form, treated softwoods can last many seasons if maintained with periodic oiling or staining. They’re the backbone of many classic garden tables from brands like Buy Sheds Direct.

Metal frames (aluminum, steel)

Aluminum is lightweight and rust-resistant — great for portable tables and modern designs. Steel offers heft and stability but needs powder-coating or treatment to prevent corrosion in damp climates.

Synthetic rattan and resin

Low maintenance and weatherproof, synthetic rattan looks like natural weave but withstands sun and rain without much fuss. It’s ideal for lounge-style coffee tables and dining sets where you want the woven look with less upkeep.

Glass and ceramic tops

These give a refined look, especially on metal-framed tables, but they can chip or break if treated roughly. Good for adding a sleek surface to an otherwise robust base.

Style Tips: Match Your Table to Your Garden’s Personality

Your outdoor table should feel like it belongs — and make a statement at the same time. Here are simple ways to match style to space.

Urban balcony

Small-scale pieces, folding tables, and compact round tops win here. Look for lightweight aluminum or compact wooden bistro sets that won’t dominate the area.

Family garden

Durable woods or heavy metals that can take bumps and spills are best. Picnic tables and refectory tables from Buy Sheds Direct are great for weekend feasts.

Contemporary patio

Lean into clean lines, muted colours, and materials like powder-coated metal, glass, and synthetic rattan. Nordic Nest minimalist offerings fit perfectly in this setting.

Maintenance Made Simple

Think of outdoor table care like a short workout: a little effort regularly keeps things healthy for years.

Quick seasonal checklist

- Sweep off debris weekly.
- Wipe down frames and tops with mild soap and water monthly.
- Re-oil or protect wood once a year to preserve colour and prevent cracking.
- Store cushions dry and out of the elements when not in use.

Winter care

If you can, store delicate pieces in a dry shed or cover them with waterproof covers. For heavy, rust-resistant tables, a breathable cover and occasional oiling is sufficient.

Budget vs. Premium: Where to Spend and Where to Save

You don’t need to splurge on everything — but there are places where paying more really pays off.

Spend on the frame/material

A solid frame and weather-resistant material will extend life and reduce long-term costs. If your table is the centrepiece, invest here.

Save on accessories

Tablecloths, cushions, and decorative lanterns are easy to upgrade without breaking the bank. They let you refresh the look without a full replacement.

Where to Buy: Quick Buying Checklist

Before you click buy, run through this checklist like a quick mental run-through: size measured? material chosen? clearance around the table? style matched to the garden? If yes, you’re ready — and you’ll avoid those “why did I do that?” moments later.

Try before you commit

If possible, see samples in-store or read lots of reviews online — touch and feel matters. A table that looks great in a photo might feel flimsy in person, and that sensory check will save you regret.

Final Thoughts: Pick a Table That Makes You Want to Spend Time Outside

Your outdoor table is more than a piece of furniture — it’s the stage for breakfasts, barbecues, games, and quiet evenings. Whether you lean Scandinavian, rustic, or practical, focus on size, material, and daily use. Stores like Nordic Nest give you design-forward options while Buy Sheds Direct supplies classic wooden choices built for family life. Mix practicality with personality, and you’ll end up with a table that feels like it’s always been part of your garden.

Conclusion

Finding the perfect outdoor table in the UK is about balancing form and function. Start with accurate measurements, pick materials that suit your climate and lifestyle, and choose a store that matches your taste — from Nordic Nest sleek Scandi designs to Buy Sheds Direct robust wooden classics. With a bit of planning, you’ll create an outdoor dining spot that invites people in and keeps the good times coming.