Best tall patio table for versatility

The best tall patio table will provide a compact solution to al fresco drinks and dining. The key benefit of this piece of garden furniture is its versatility. And we're not just talking about putting a sheet over it to make a fort for the kids. Tall patio tables come in several shapes: There's a poseur table (pronounced 'po-zur') which is tall and round, and bar-style tables which are rectangular. You may also see them referred to as high tables which typically look like a console table. Additionally, tall square tables with stools make a compact seating solution for a smaller garden or balcony.

It's a party table by nature, but a tall patio table can also be used as an extra handy surface to prepare food for the BBQ. Alternatively, use this leggy table as a serving area for cocktails and buffet food at an outdoor celebration. Imagine sitting on your deck enjoying a croissant and orange juice at your very own al fresco breakfast bar. Some bar table sets come with stools that are designed to be tucked under the table for storage, so the set becomes one neat and compact unit. There are even some bar tables that have shelving built into the table for extra useful storage space. After all, not all of us have room for L-shaped outdoor sofas and hot tubs.

Recently, there has been a huge shift towards poly rattan (synthetic wicker) and steel frame garden furniture. These rattan effect dining sets have the benefit of being weatherproof and lightweight, whilst looking aesthetically pleasing. Compared to solid wood garden furniture, poly rattan is often cheaper too. However, with acacia hardwood, you get the benefit of a beautiful rich wood grain that's affordable and made from lighter wood. Another great option is an aluminium table, which is also weatherproof, robust and light; crucial if portability is an important consideration for you. Some metal bar-style tables have adjustable height and collapsible table tops, which makes them great for space-saving storage. Remember that you are going to have to bring the table inside during winter, so its material, weight, size and/or ability to be folded are important features.

Best tall patio table at a glance:

• Best bar-style garden furniture set: Stockholm Bar Dining Set
• Best collapsible patio table: Deuba Round Bar Table
• Best patio table for two people: Kitterman Square 2-Person Long Bar Dining Set
• Best patio table for style: Bar Table and Chair Set 3 Pieces Solid Acacia Wood vidaXL
• Best rattan effect patio table: Garden Bar Table Grey

As with any piece of furniture, you should measure the area where you want to put the table. Remember to allow for seating or standing room. A tall patio table can be positioned against a wall or be freestanding. Because of their height, it's a good idea to buy chairs and stools that are designed for them, as standard garden chairs may well fall short. Budget is going to be a factor, so in this guide, we've made sure to include affordable options. For more garden furniture know-how, scroll to the FAQs at the end of this article.

Best tall patio table

FAQs

Where should I position my tall patio table?

Ideally, go for a spot that's away from busy areas, such as footpaths, as you are creating a space to relax in. With a smaller footprint than a standard outdoor table, you can use it freestanding as a centrepiece or position against a wall side-on or end-on. Its compact size gives you versatility. Additionally, a tall patio table can be a secondary table when you need an extra surface. Generally, this type of table is lightweight so you can play around with positioning it. You do need to work out how you want chairs to fit around it - whether they'll be tucked under the table or positioned around. This can make a huge difference to how much space the table set takes up.

It's important to consider the aspect of your outdoor space. If you are south-facing you'll get more sun. You may want to position your table in partial shade, especially if you plan on dining outdoors for lengthy periods of time.

Does the table need to be near mains electricity? You may be working from home, albeit in the sanctuary of your garden, therefore a low battery will be a nuisance when you're getting your vitamin D.

Finally, you may want to make a feature out of your table, perhaps it's the centrepiece of a tropical-themed outdoor bar. If so, think about the plants and trees that you want around it - you could go wild with fairy lights and accessories too. There are some fabulous outdoor rugs this season to extend the home outdoors.

Can I leave my tall patio table outside in all weather conditions?

It depends on the material of the table. Look for tall tables made from weather-resistant materials if you plan to leave them outside year-round. Wooden tables should be treated with a protective coating to help prevent weathering. Additionally, we recommend investing in an outdoor table cover.

What is poly rattan?

Poly rattan is a strong, evenly wired plastic fibre that's also known as PE rattan, polyethylene resin rattan or synthetic wicker.

Poly rattan has been manufactured to remedy the high maintenance requirements of natural wicker. Luckily, manufacturing techniques have been refined in recent years, meaning it looks much more like the real thing now. Not only that, but synthetic wicker is also far more capable of withstanding wet weather conditions and is UV resistant. Undeniably, it lacks the charm of real wicker garden furniture but it is a cheaper option.

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Natalie Knowles is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for Modern Gardens, specialising in garden trends. When she's not flexing her mow-how, Natalie is a successful artist and illustrator.