Table Talk: How to Select the Ideal Custom Dining Table for Your Home

 

WA's climate offers a bewildering array of outdoor entertainment options. The old favourite, the backyard bbq, has evolved into Alfresco dining, and here we focus on the key element of your Alfresco life, the dining table. Our specialty is tiled dining tables. Let's explore the pros and the pros of those!

 

Choosing the right tile.

There’s an infinite variety of beautiful tiles out there to choose from. And that’s the problem. When trying to select the perfect tile for your tile dining table, think beyond the tile itself. What colour tableware will you be using? Will you be using a table runner? If so what colour. What about the chairs? Are they neutral or will they be a feature colour? Create the context around your table first, and the answer will become clear. Maybe those bright red Moroccan handmaid tiles you fell in love with aren't quite the right pick. A neutral tile may not be the most exciting, but it might just bring your whole scheme together nicely.

 

Matt Terracotta as a feature colour. 

Size matters

While it’s tempting to go for an extra wide table to hold the Christmas turkey and all its trimmings, think about how your guests will interact around the table.  You don’t want Grandma shouting across the table because Grandpa is miles away. We recommended a 1 m wide table, or 900 mm for a smaller space. When considering length obviously choose a table to fit your space. But as a guide allow 60 cm per setting. So a 2.4 meter table will comfortably seat four people along one side. 

 

Custom tiled coffee table. 

 

Timber or metal frame?

Timber tables add an obvious natural charm, but what is it sitting on? A lovely teak outdoor table, may not work with your Jarrah decking. If you are going timber, make sure you choose a timber with a high oil content such as teak or eucalyptus. Also remember, timber tables will silver overtime if not regularly maintained.

Metal frames have the advantage of not clashing with other timbers. Also if it’s powder coated, you have an infinite choice of frame colour and gloss level.

 

Green tiled table styled with Angove Street Collective x Gather Ceramics serving wear. 

The in-between

When choosing grout for a tiled table, there are two important factors, colour and flexibility. Choose a grout that is highly stain resistant. We use Mapei Ultracolour Plus grouts. they're flexible, with water & mould repellent qualities. Additionally, for an added layer of protection make sure your grout is sealed.

We've had a lot of success with our white hand-made style tile and a white grout. From personal experience, even the white grouts are highly stain resistant. Dark grouts will better hide any indiscretions, and will coordinate well with darker tiles. Mix darker grout with a lighter tile to add dynamism and energy to your pattern.

 

Keep it sealed

Make sure your grout is properly sealed. Two coats of something like Aqua Mix's sealer's choice Gold should do the trick. 

Custom tiled outdoor dining table. 

 

Maintenance

 

Tiled tables aren't indestructible, but they come close. Give your frame the occassional wipe, and clean up any stains fairly soon after they happen. A good hose down at the start of the season and you'll be Summer ready!