Teak Outdoor Dining Tables: The Heart of Summer Entertaining
The best summer memories seem to happen around a table outdoors — long dinners that drift into dusk, coffee on the deck, a cottage lunch that no one wants to end. At the centre of all of it sits the one piece that has to be tough enough for the elements and beautiful enough to gather around: a teak outdoor dining table.
Here is how to choose one that fits your space, seats your people, and lasts for Canadian summers to come.
Why teak is the best wood for an outdoor table
An outdoor dining table takes everything the season throws at it — sun, rain, humidity, spilled wine and the odd rogue sprinkler. Teak was made for exactly this. Dense and naturally rich in protective oils, Grade-A teak resists rot, warping and cracking without any sealant, and it will not rust or peel the way metal and painted tables do. Left alone it ages to an elegant silver-gray; oiled each spring it keeps its warm honey tone. Every ARB Teak table is backed by our 5-year limited warranty.
Sizing: how many people will you seat?
As a rule of thumb, allow about 24 inches (60 cm) of table edge per person, plus room at the ends. That means a 63-inch rectangular table comfortably seats six, while a round table around 59 inches seats six to eight for more conversational meals. Measure your patio or deck and leave roughly three feet of clearance on every side so chairs can pull out and people can pass behind them.
Shapes and styles
- Rectangular tables — the classic for larger families and bigger patios. Explore our Cordele teak dining tables.
- Round tables — sociable and space-smart for square patios; everyone can see everyone.
- Extension tables — everyday size that opens up when guests arrive, so you are ready for a crowd without living with a giant table year-round. See all teak tables.
Complete the set with matching teak outdoor chairs so the whole area works together from day one.
Caring for your dining table
Wipe spills promptly, and once or twice a season give the top a gentle scrub along the grain with mild soapy water. In winter, teak can stay outdoors, but a breathable cover or storage in a shed or garage helps preserve the finish through freeze-thaw cycles. For the botanical background, here is a primer on teak wood.
Teak outdoor dining tables: frequently asked questions
Can a teak dining table stay outside in a Canadian winter?
Yes — teak itself is unharmed by cold and snow. In freeze-thaw regions, a breathable cover or indoor storage simply helps the surface finish last longer.
How many people does a 63-inch teak table seat?
Comfortably six, allowing about 24 inches of edge per setting plus room at the ends. An extension table gives you flexibility for larger gatherings.
Do I need to oil my teak table?
Only if you prefer the golden colour. Left untreated the table weathers to a handsome silver-gray with no loss of strength; a spring coat of teak oil restores the warm tone.
Set the table for summer
A great outdoor table is where the season actually happens. Explore our teak dining tables and the full Patio & Outdoor Collection, on sale now through our Summer Teak Sale. Shop teak patio furniture at ARB Teak →
