Choosing Table Bases for Outdoor Use

Our RSQ540 Stainless Steel Table Base   We are often asked by customers, "which of your bases can I use outside?" The answer will depend on your specific situation, your intended use for the base, and your local climate. The first thing we consider is the material from which the table base is made, as there are certain bases that are better suited to outdoor use, and some that will require more maintenance and care than others. The best table base material for your outdoor use will support your table well and be able to cope with your local weather. Here are some tips to remember that will help ensure your outdoor dining experience is worry free.

There are four main types of materials that our bases are made from: steel, stainless steel, cast iron and aluminum. All of our steel and cast iron bases feature corrosion resistant finishes that help protect your base from rusting and discoloration. However, cast iron and mild steel are not very resistive to corrosion on their own. Regardless of whether the finish is black powder coat, paint, or chrome, a cast iron or steel base will still require regular maintenance. If the finish is scratched or chipped, the blemish will need to be refinished to ensure the table base's raw material does not begin to rust. The benefit of using a cast iron or steel base is that they are strong enough to support table tops made from heavy materials, such as butcher block, granite or marble. If you are looking for a supportive and economical base for outdoor use, and you have the time to maintain the base's finish, cast iron or steel may be a good option. Some customers have reported using cast iron bases outdoors without any issues, so the success will vary heavily depending on your location's climate. As I'll explain below, if you need a table base to support a large or heavy table top, without having to worry so much about maintenance, a base made from stainless steel may be your answer. Table bases made from stainless steel are better suited for outdoor use than are cast iron and steel bases. Our stainless steel models are made from commercial grade 304 stainless steel, the same used to make high end kitchen appliances. These table bases also require occasional cleaning and maintenance when used outdoors, especially in more humid, coastal or rainy climates, but stainless steel will not rust. The metal can be cleaned easily, using a stainless steel cleaning solution, or even just white vinegar (click here to see our stainless steel cleaning tips). Like our cast iron and steel bases, many of our stainless steel bases are very strong and work well with a variety of table top materials, including granite. If you are looking to place a granite table outside, our stainless steel bases would be your best option. Many of the stainless steel table bases are compatible with our glass top adapter, which would allow you to create a sleek and modern glass table for your patio.

Another great table base material for outdoor use is aluminum. Aluminum does not rust, and is extremely corrosion resistant, and as such works great outdoors with little to no maintenance required. Aluminum table bases are very light in weight, which makes them easy to move inside when the weather gets really nasty or when you want to rearrange seating. The downside to having a light weight table base is that it will not support heavy table tops (see our guide to choosing a table base for your stone table top). In fact, we highly recommend that you do not pair any of our aluminum table bases with granite or other very heavy table top materials, as the base will not be heavy enough to prevent the table from tipping. If you are planning on using an aluminum base, consider using a lighter table top material, such as bamboo or Topalit. Regardless of the material from which your table base is made, it is generally a good idea to keep your bases under cover if possible, to ensure the finish will stand the test of time. Be sure your bases are not left sitting in standing water, and give them a wipe them down once or twice a week with an appropriate cleaning solution.