Best Outdoor Side Tables for Your Patio (2026)
Updated March 2026 · By Porch & Fire
You do not realize how much you need an outdoor side table until you are standing up every five minutes to set your drink on the ground or balance your phone on the chair arm. A small table next to every seat changes the whole experience.
We looked at metal, wicker, concrete, wood, and folding options — prioritizing weather resistance, stability, and whether they actually look good next to your existing furniture.
Grand Patio Steel Side Table
Clean lines, powder-coated steel, and a price under $40. Available in white, black, and a few accent colors. The perforated top drains rainwater so it never puddles. Light enough to move around but heavy enough to not blow over.
What We Like
- ✓ Powder-coated steel — rust resistant
- ✓ Perforated top drains water
- ✓ Multiple color options
Watch Out For
- ✗ Metal gets hot in direct sun
- ✗ No shelf or storage below
Christopher Knight Home Outdoor Wicker Table
PE wicker over an iron frame gives you the wicker look that lasts outside year-round. At 18 inches round and 20 inches tall, it is the right height for a standard patio chair. The flat top holds drinks securely.
What We Like
- ✓ All-weather PE wicker
- ✓ Pairs well with wicker furniture
- ✓ Good height for standard chairs
Watch Out For
- ✗ Not as stable as heavier options
- ✗ Round top limits usable surface
Kante Lightweight Concrete Side Table
The look of concrete without the weight. Made from a concrete and fiberglass blend that weighs a fraction of solid concrete but has the same texture and appearance. Looks incredible next to modern furniture. Will not blow away in wind.
What We Like
- ✓ Concrete look without the weight
- ✓ Modern industrial aesthetic
- ✓ Extremely weather resistant
Watch Out For
- ✗ Higher price point
- ✗ Only one color/finish
Camco Adirondack Folding Side Table
Folds flat for storage and opens in two seconds. The cupholder cutout is a nice touch — your drink is not going anywhere. Made from recycled resin that handles weather and sun. At $24, buy one for every chair.
What We Like
- ✓ Folds flat for storage
- ✓ Built-in cupholder
- ✓ Under $25
Watch Out For
- ✗ Plastic look and feel
- ✗ Only fits next to Adirondack-style chairs
Polywood South Beach Side Table
Made from recycled HDPE lumber — the same material as premium Adirondack chairs. Will not rot, crack, fade, or require any maintenance. Comes with a 20-year residential warranty. This table will outlast everything else on your patio.
What We Like
- ✓ 20-year warranty
- ✓ Recycled HDPE — zero maintenance
- ✓ Multiple color options
Watch Out For
- ✗ Premium price for a side table
- ✗ Limited to one size
Side Table Height Matters
The ideal side table height matches the arm height of your chair — usually 18 to 22 inches. If the table is too low, you are reaching down awkwardly. Too high and it feels like a dinner table next to a lounge chair. Measure the arm height of your existing chairs before you buy.
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