Which outdoor folding tables are best?
When it comes to outdoor activities, it can be hard to overstate how helpful it is to have a folding table available. Don’t think they’re only useful for outdoor activities, either. In fact, they’re preferable over their indoor-intentioned counterparts, thanks to their typically greater durability. Multiple brands and retailers have outdoor folding tables for sale, so before purchasing, make sure to consider all of the following information.
The Office Star Folding Bench and Table Set is the top outdoor folding table thanks to its large, 6-foot length and comfortable bench seats, as well as its ability to fold down small and easily for storage.
What to know before you buy an outdoor folding table
Table/seating materials
The material that most outdoor folding tables are usually constructed of is fiberboard, resin or bamboo.
- Fiberboard: Fiberboard is made by compressing wood fibers into a board shape. The wood fibers don’t resist water or other liquids very well and thus should be dried immediately if they get wet. It’s also one of the heaviest materials.
- Resin: On the flip side, you have molded resin, one of the lightest available materials. It remains highly durable despite its light weight, but make sure your prospective resin outdoor folding table has had all the appropriate treatments applied to it. If the table hasn’t been properly treated, it won’t last as long as it could.
- Bamboo: The most aesthetically pleasing material, which is still very durable when it has been properly prepared. Its moisture resistance is in between that of resin and fiberboard.
Frame/leg materials
Aluminum and powder-coated steel are the two materials most often used in the frames and legs of outdoor folding tables.
- Aluminum: Aluminum is the most common material for frames and legs, thanks to its inexpensive cost and durability. Consumers also benefit from its exceptionally lightweight.
- Powder-coated steel: Powder-coating protects metal from rust and increases its overall strength. It’s heavier and costs more than aluminum, but if you plan on using your outdoor folding table regularly, you should consider a powder-coated steel option.
What to look for in a quality outdoor folding table
Textured surface
Some outdoor folding tables have a textured surface instead of a perfectly smooth and flat surface, thanks to the illusion of increased durability. Textured surfaces easily hide and/or mask normal wear and tear as well as certain types of stains, which gives the impression that the outdoor folding table is in better condition or is newer than it is. The only time a smooth surface is preferred is if your outdoor folding table is regularly required for an activity that demands a perfectly flat surface.
How much you can expect to spend on an outdoor folding table
The cost of an outdoor folding table varies, mostly based on its size, with certain materials also adding or subtracting to the overall cost. The smallest and lowest-quality outdoor folding tables that are 4 feet long cost between $40 and $60, while similarly-sized outdoor folding tables with much higher-quality materials can reach up to $100. The very biggest and best outdoor folding tables typically cost between $125 and $175.
Outdoor folding table FAQ
Can I leave an outdoor folding table outside all the time?
A. No. While outdoor folding tables are meant to be used outside, they are not meant to withstand constant subjection to the elements. Even when you consider all of the various protective chemicals applied to an outdoor folding table that help it resist temporary subjection to the elements, nearly all still have metallic parts that will eventually rust no matter how great the protection. Leaving your outdoor folding table outside permanently will rapidly increase the rate of degradation.
What’s the best way to clean an outdoor folding table?
A. Like most any type of table, or most any item at all for that matter, an outdoor folding table is quickly and easily cleaned by wiping it with a wet washcloth and promptly drying it. Don’t use any chemical cleaners, as they may eat away at the protective coatings applied to your outdoor folding table to help it last; try using water and white vinegar instead if you have a serious mess. Don’t use any materials that can scratch the table either.
What’s the best outdoor folding table to buy?
Top outdoor folding table
Office Star Folding Bench and Table Set
What you need to know: This is one of the biggest and most durable outdoor folding tables on the market.
What you’ll love: The dark coloration gives the illusion of decreased wear, and the table has a helpful handle when folded up for easy carrying.
What you should consider: Anything but a perfectly flat surface can cause the seating portion to rock unsteadily.
Top outdoor folding table for the money
Lifetime Portable Folding Picnic Table and Bench Set
What you need to know: If you don’t need a big table, then this 4-foot-long option is both fitting and affordable.
What you’ll love: This outdoor folding table is one of the easiest to both set up and take down.
What you should consider: At only 10 inches wide, the benches are thinner than will be comfortable for longer sessions.
Worth checking out
Coleman 4-in-1 Pack Away Camping Table
What you need to know: This is an excellent benchless option from one of the foremost outdoor brands known to consumers.
What you’ll love: The 4-in-1 of the name refers to this table’s ability to be folded and positioned into different setups for separate occasions.
What you should consider: Not all of the above positions are as steady as many would prefer them to be.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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