Upgrade your outdoor living! Discover the best table top materials, including HPL (durable, low-maintenance, UV/bacteria resistant), Sintered Stone (scratch/stain proof, versatile, but heavy/pricier), Thermal Laminated Aluminum (wood-look finishes, resistant to swelling/cracking), and Porcelain (versatile, durable, low moisture absorption, UV/mildew resistant). Ready to find your perfect outdoor table? Read more to compare and choose.

The Best Materials For Table Tops

Tables are having a moment. Gone are the days of all table tops being glass (thankfully!). There are now so many other materials which lend themselves to elevated design and longevity. Here are a few of my top picks:

HPL (High Pressure Laminate)

Gaining popularity in the outdoor furniture world, this material is an extremely  durable composite material, and can be made to look like wood or natural stone such as marble. It is virtually maintenance-free, and resistant to UV rays, breakage, and cracking. It is also inherently bacteria resistant, which is a great feature for table tops.

SINTERED STONE

Sintered stone is formed by subjecting fine particles of glass, quartz, and porcelain to high pressure and heat. This creates a very durable, compact surface which is resistant to scratches, moisture, UV rays, and staining. It has been used as a surface material for indoor and outdoor, and has now made its way to the furnishings industry. There are many surface designs and colors available, which makes it very versatile. Drawbacks are that it is heavy and more difficult to fabricate, and tends to run higher priced than other materials.

THERMAL LAMINATED ALUMINUM

A technique called sublimation using thermal lamination has gained popularity for outdoor furniture, specifically in table tops. A laminate film is applied to a metal surface then heated, which forms a bond. The laminate can mimic the look of wood and other materials, and creates some very interesting and beautiful finishes. It is resistant to swelling and cracking, UV rays, and freezing, which makes it a great choice for outdoor furniture.

PORCELAIN

Porcelain is another great material widely used in outdoor table tops. It is a very versatile and durable material, with many different colors, textures and patterns available. It has a very low moisture absorption rate which makes it nearly impervious to freeze-thaw cycles, as well as UV and mildew resistant. 

Feeling inspired to upgrade your outdoor living space? Don’t settle for ordinary! With so many innovative and beautiful options like HPL, Sintered Stone, Thermal Laminated Aluminum, and Porcelain, your perfect outdoor table is waiting. Reach out today to learn more!