Backyard tables can be categorized in several different ways. There are tables designed for different purposes as well as those made out of different materials. Further subdivisions can be made according to the style of the table and its cost. The one characteristic that most backyard tables share is durability and ability to survive in outdoor weather conditions, as this is the quality that typically differentiates outdoor furniture from indoor analogs.
Not all backyard tables are designed to perform the same functions. Some, for example, are made for large gatherings like picnics and include attached chairs. Others are designed for sunny spaces and have holes through which an umbrella can be placed. There are backyard side tables as well as personal tables for use outdoors. It is possible to find backyard tables in nearly any size or shape.
Durability is one of the most important features for backyard tables to possess. There are several materials that are durable enough to be used outside, although some must be specially treated to stand up to outdoor conditions. Wood, iron, and aluminum are all popular choices, although some of these may utilize additional materials. Glass, for instance, is commonly used as a tabletop. Combinations of materials can be attractive, though it is important to make sure that all components are capable of standing up to outdoor weather.
It is possible to find backyard tables in many different colors and designs. The way the tabletop is supported can also be different, and it is important to make sure that the table will be sturdy on the backyard terrain. A table placed on a level patio might not require a broad base, but tables for lumpy or sandy ground usually need to be quite sturdy.
Luxury backyard tables must often be protected from the elements due to the quality of materials used, but budget tables are typically designed to be replaceable. Some tables are designed to be folded and put away, while others are very heavy and must remain stationary. Depending on the intended use of the table and the weather where a person lives, very different tables might be appropriate.
Styles of backyard tables can be used to differentiate between types. Many pieces of backyard furniture consist of slightly open slats, because this design allows water to pass through easily, but tables that do not have to stand up to rain may have solid tops. Decorative features of these tables can vary between styles, and while some tables might look appropriate in a Japanese garden, others might be better suited to a desert home.