As a San Diego interior designer where we're lucky to have good weather for almost year-round outdoor living, we have seen our fair share of outdoor furniture and learned what does and does not work. Here are our top tips for selecting outdoor dining furniture.

What are the best materials for outdoor dining furniture?

For outdoor dining, we like to consider comfort and durability so that our clients enjoy the experience of dining alfresco without the burden of worrying about high-maintenance furniture. In my opinion, outdoor dining tables do best when they are made of natural materials like teak or stone. I tell my clients that if a material can survive on a sailboat (or a yacht if you prefer), it's going to be just fine on land!

Teak Wood

That's why I'm all about marine-grade materials like teak wood because it's dense, tolerant to heat and moisture, and it has natural oils that prevent it from rotting. Plus, our clients love that it's eco-friendly and develops a beautiful patina over time that screams "relaxed beachy vibes."

Natural Stone

Another direction we often recommend is a stone table because it's naturally resilient to the elements and has a beautiful organic aesthetic that can't be duplicated. We are careful not to choose a stone that is too dark because it can be too hot for the touch, so we like travertine or limestone for their softer and lighter look.

Polywood Plastic

If a client lives in more inclement weather or the weight of a stone table is too heavy for an outdoor patio or rooftop deck, then we suggest a synthetic material like Polywood that is lightweight but equally durable. Unlike metals or other plastics, Polywood is made in a way that makes them fade resistant, so their color will always stay saturated over time and you don' thave to worry about sunfading or flaking. They are also an attractive option for our green-conscious clients because it's made of recycled plastic, making them an environmentally sustainable alternative to lumber.

Why is it worth it to splurge on quality outdoor furniture?

Investing in an outdoor dining table is worth it because it will encourage you to spend more time outside with comfort and peace of mind. Nobody enjoys sitting at a table that has been weathered and splintery, or rusted. That's why a durable material is worth the splurge because it will last a long time with little maintenance. I love eating outdoors, but it becomes a hassle to do so if you have to factor in cleaning off leaves and spiderwebs. That's where a good table cover comes in handy. Again, simplicity is key. Most people don't want to individually cover 6-8 dining chairs and a table every time they dine outdoors. So a round table or rectangle set up is ideal with an oversized cover that drapes over the table and chairs in one fell swoop!

Why should you hire an interior designer for outdoor furnishings?

It might seem counterintuitive to hire an interior designer for outdoor spaces. That’s understandable. However, our expertise in furniture spans both the indoor and outdoor realms… and we’ve learned a lot over the years. We find that the less barriers we create, the more likely our clients will use their outdoor seating more frequently. Durable materials like teak, stone or Polywood are great options to making dining outdoors more attractive and low maintenance. If you have any questions about selecting furniture for your outdoor space, reach out to us, we just might be able to help you!