It used to be that a basic outdoor dining set meant a redwood picnic table and benches in the backyard. But not anymore. Across all categories of outdoor furniture materials — from woods to metals to wicker — the choices in tabletop style are good-looking and abundant with many newcomers to the category.
High Dining Tables
This trend has come from the popularity sparked in the indoor category of the same. Sometimes referred to as "gathering height" or "balcony height" tables, these measure about 36 inches from the ground — the category is in between bar height and dining height. Seating height is usually about 26 inches, and designed to be gotten into and out of more easily than bar height for most people, especially with chairs that have swivel or rocking action.
High dining is especially attractive and welcoming where there is a great view to enjoy, like over a garden wall or embankment where you would want an elevated view of the scenery.
But consider your available space — this type of set makes a great addition to an open patio or garden, but may not work well in an area where bulky chairs or oversize armrests could get in the way of traffic flow.
Chat Groupings
Designed for casual, small gatherings, these sets are most popular in four-person seating. Also called "gathering" or "conversation" groupings these sets are lower than traditional dining height. They make a great setting for cocktails, brunch or late-night conversations.
Chat tables come in a wide variety of finishes from basic woods, wickers or metals to dynamic mosaic tile and stone tops. You can also find several brands that sell these tables with inserted fire pits and/or drink coolers built in.
Chairs for this category are wider and deeper to increase comfort and keep the feeling relaxed. Here, too, you'll find options for rockers, gliders and swivel-action seating.
Dining Height Sets
The biggest news in traditional tabletop dining is that plain glass-top tables are being replaced with tinted, smoked and etched glass, giving new dimension and interest to this category. You'll also find lots of texture with the addition of beautiful tile tops, mosaics, granite and resin composites and brushed or polished metal surfaces.
Metal sets are more interesting too, with better options in cast aluminum and more intricate design patterns. Powder coatings have been improved for better rust resistance.
The most popular type of chair in this grouping is the "sling" chair, which has become the standard chair type sold with many different brands of dining sets. This vinyl material is mesh-like in its construction, and requires very little maintenance; nothing more than hosing off with soapy water to keep it looking good. This material is great for the beach or around the pool, as it's weather and UV-resistant and holds up well in salt water or chlorine-heavy environments.
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