There’s always a need for a table and some chairs whenever people get together outside. Whether they gather for a picnic or friendly cup of coffee, outdoor bistro sets are a perfect furniture addition.

Typically a bistro set comes with a small round table and two to four chairs but sometimes the table is square or rectangular. Usually the table stands about 27 to 32 inches tall. However, bistro sets at bar height have become increasingly popular in recent years. They may be a special order in some cases, but for some homeowners nothing else will do.

The table diameter varies according to its size and shape. Familiar shapes of round, rectangular, square and oval are fairly standard. Some outdoor sets however, come with five-sided tables (pentagon) or even seven-sided tables (a heptagon).

Outdoor Bistro Sets Add Style And Grace To Patios And Porches

The material or an outdoor bistro set often is what makes it stand out on a patio or porch. Popular materials include wrought iron, wicker, wood, cast aluminum and mosaic base. Choosing the right base for a table requires considering the weather conditions it must endure. For instance, homeowners in an area with abundant rainfall may want to consider wrought iron or teak rather than plain wood, which rots faster. Wood sets still work well on verandahs and porches, especially if they’re made to fold up and store when the weather turns nasty.

Wrought iron is often the material of choice for an outdoor bistro table because it stands up to vagaries of weather and will last several years. Most wrought iron tables have metal tops but some come with glass tops. The tops they may present safety issues in homes with active children that might crash into them or pets that could overturn them.

Mosaic bistro tables are very popular for their color, elegance and style. However, these sets usually cost more than others because of the additional craftsmanship required for setting the mosaic tiles. A mosaic bistro set often can start between $500 and $600 and go up from their.

What’s more, mosaic bistro tables are quite heavy and rigid. Typically made with mosaic tiles set in concrete, they also can be constructed of marble, travertine or slate. This results in an extremely heavy table that often is difficult to move. If considering a mosaic bistro set for your patio, plan its location well, because once it’s installed it’s unlikely you can move it without a great deal of trouble. It’s also wise to purchase covers for a bistro set to protect the tiles from damages caused by snow, ice or hail.

Wrought iron and cast aluminum sets also can be heavy, but they’re still easier to move than a mosaic set. These types can be relocated to another site in the garden or on the patio or front porch. They also can be stored inside during winter, or moved into a conservatory or sunroom to provide additional seating for entertaining when the party can’t go outside.

The beauty and versatility of outdoor bistro sets makes them one of the most popular furniture groupings to get for a patio, garden or porch.