As summer swings into autumn and the outdoor furniture retreats to hibernation, now is the perfect opportunity to freshen it up in preparation for its next appearance. Following the long summer of outdoor dining, table tops have no doubt have bared the brunt of many a drink spill and plate smash.
At Trent Furniture, you’ll find the very best in outdoor tables in a range of different colours, sizes, and finishes to suit your needs. All of our products are built to last and are weather resistant, stylishly designed with practicality in mind. To help you make your decision, we’ve put together a guide to help you choose the right table top for your needs.
Table top types
With so many materials and styles on offer, it can be difficult to know which table top to choose. Below are some tips to choosing the correct table top for the perfect outdoor setting.
Polywood
Made from 100% engineered plastic to retain its clean wood look, polywood table tops are maintenance-free as the weatherproof plastic lasts longer in all conditions for a durable performance. The high-density polyethylene is not only eco-friendly but is also UV resistant and withstands all of nature’s seasons.
Glass
Get more from your wicker furniture with a glass-top table. Stain-free and easily maintained, glass will withstand the year-round weather for a long-lasting finish which can be enjoyed time and time again.
Wood
Rustic wood furniture fits in with any garden setting. As an eco-friendly choice, it is made to withstand the outdoors with a weather-resistant finish. Wood furniture has natural beauty, texture, and colour.
Metal or Mesh
Steel Mesh offers a traditional look to any garden. The rustproof coating withstands the wet and winter months. A versatile piece that can be used year-round.
HPL
High Pressure Laminate is both durable and highly decorative. It features superior wear-resistance for a long-lasting and stylish finish.
A step by step guide to replacing your table top
Outdoor table tops are designed and manufactured to withstand consistent use as well as the unpredictable British weather. However, if your table top should need replacing, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide using glass as an example to help you out. Just remember, replacing a broken table top will be much more challenging, so take care!
When choosing your replacement glass, make sure the sizing and strength are correct for your needs.
Remove the top and outer rim by pulling up on the rim.
Place the table rim upside down on a protected surface, and angle your new glass table top into the rim.
Snap the supplied plastic clips into place, starting where the top meets the rim, pressing under the lip around the edge of the rim.
With the top and the rim still upside down, insert the table base (with the legs pointing up) and press down, snapping the glass into place.
Turn the table the right way up, and reposition in your outdoor area.
Looking after outside table tops
In order for table tops to stay looking clean and fresh, each material requires different furniture care processes to ensure it looks good for you and your guests. For starters, we recommend using a breathable cover when your furniture is not in use for additional protection. Read on to find out more about our tips to clean and maintain your furniture.
Polywood tops
The plastic resin of polywood tops have been purified and UV protected. Generally, it can be cared for and cleaned with soap and warm water. For certain stains and additional cleaning power, a 1/3 bleach and 2/3 water solution can be used on the product without affecting the colour.
Glass tops
Perhaps the easiest of table top choices to maintain, use a hot, soapy solution or a glass cleaner to ensure your table top is kept in a good condition. To remove the stubborn stains caused by pollen or dirt, use a glass-safe nonabrasive scrubbing pad.
Wooden tops
Clean with a wet cloth or soft-bristled brush and soapy water at least once a year. We recommend cleaning in the autumn, just before the colder months arrive.
Mesh tops
Coated to withstand all conditions and prevent rust, clean your table top with a cloth or sponge and mild washing-up liquid. Rinse any soap residue off and dry thoroughly. Applying a good quality, clear car wax once a year prolongs the life of your metal furniture – a top tip from us!
HPL tops
Clean the surface with a fat-dissolving cleaning agent that does not contain abrasives. To avoid discolouration, ensure the cleaning agent is removed from the surface with a damp cloth. Abrasive or highly aggressive cleaning products, such as steel sponges, can scratch HPL surfaces and cause irreparable damage to your table top.
Here at Trent, we are here to help you make the right choice in furniture. With customer service at the heart of what we do, we strive to ensure the products you purchase from us are of the highest quality.
Check out our full range of outdoor furniture, where you’ll find everything you need for a perfect outdoor dining experience.