Advice needed for backyard table.

[jillan]

We have a teak table on my back patio. All of this time I have had this ugly vinyl/flannel backed table cloth over it. I removed the table cloth over the weekend for the first time in years and couldn't believe how much I liked the table, got mad at myself for covering it all of this time.

Now comes the dilemna.... I need to put something over it to keep it from getting ruined.
It's the place where people will sit down and have a cold one and/or a cigarette.
Thinking about glass, but worried that people who come over will throw their keys down on it and it would scratch. It's gonna run about $125, so I consider that an investment...and I don't want to be the scratch police when people come over.

Anyone have any ideas what would be the best to put over the table, but still be able to see it?


Thanks in advance.

[Whoa_Nelly]

1. Plexiglass?

You could have translucent colors or clear

What are the dimensions of the table top?

[jillan]

7. I thought about that, but was advised against it as plexiglass scratches easily.

[Whoa_Nelly]

12. Oh..thought you were looking for an inexpensive way to protect the table top

Maybe change out that table with one from inside?

Make the teak table an indoor table...?

[jillan]

14. It's definitely an outdoor table - it has a hole for an umbrella.

The table gets alot of use and abuse :P that's why I want to protect it.

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btw - I love your avatar. I was raised on the Beatles and still am a huge fan.
Even have 3 framed Beatles posters in my house. One is very cool. It was from when
they first started out and is the copy of a cover of an entertainment newspaper from England dated Jan. '62....and in the pic, Pete Best was the drummer. That is a cherised gift someone gave me.

[AlCzervik]

2. maybe some type of marine varnish, teak is used on many sailboats as decking

i would look into that and your table would be protected but you could still enjoy it's beauty.

[jillan]

10. Another thing to consider.

I live in Az and it is hotter than you know what.
The table is protected from the sun, but that might be the best idea yet.

I really don't want to cover the table at all, so maybe this will work.

[Stinky The Clown]

3. Teak is pretty tough stuff. It can take a lot of abuse.

But so can a sheet of glass. Don't worry about scratches. It will take years to get so bad you can't stand it. I also suspect people will be gentler with the glass than you think. Most people will fear breaking it. That works in your favor.

[Wash. state Desk Jet]

4. Glass

because coatings tend to show the circular marks left behind by coffee cups ,cold beverages . And the stuff they sell that removes those stain marks doesn't work. Anybody works in a office knows about that~!

At a store that sells glass and manufactures glass tops to order ,for desks,tables windows,shower doors ,glass blocks etc. The sales people will demonstrate the various thickness and tempers.,and tints,not to mention the cool designer glass patterns! Than you add designer coasters and place mats! Glass suppliers in your phone book! Check out the designer glass in all thickness.s and dimensions!

In designer glass you could also do place mat sized glass mats with a glass center piece! That would look cool. You have to see the designs in glass to catch the concept! You could do glass coasters too with felt pads on bottom,you could add those yourself round felt dot type,stick on, bought at you local hardware!

With the kind of money you are willing to spend on a glass top,let your imagination have some fun! Make the table the place to be!

[NMDemDist2]

5. heavy duty clear vinyl tablecloth ?? n/t

[jillan]

8. Do they make them? lol - that sounds perfect....and cheaper.

[NMDemDist2]

11. i dunno about the gauges but here's a start....

http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog.jsp?CATID=cat3081&PRODID=xprd388094#review

edit to add, here's a link with more info, they have 40 gauge here too

http://www.ahh.biz/products/outdoor%20clear%20vinyl%20sheeting%20FVS020.htm

[jillan]

13. That's definitely alot cheaper.

Wonder how it will hold up with the smokers?

I'm going to look into this - thanks!

[NMDemDist2]

15. it's PVC so it *will* melt, but it's cheap enough to replace when needed n/t

[Warpy]

16. If they don't, they make clear vinyl shower curtains

just cut it to size and you've got the perfect tablecloth.

Still, glass is the best idea of all. Clods won't throw their keys at it because they will be afraid of breaking it. Spills can be wiped up. Cup rings can be erased with a sponge.

[yy4me]

18. How about one of the clear, heavy duty shower curtains? you

could trim it to size and either tack it underneath or use table clips to hold it. Would show the wood but protect it from stains. Certainly not as nice as clear wood showing but better than trying to sand or bleach out liquid stains. If course if you serve at this table, hot things would require a hotplate, but that is simple enough.

Once you start with things like varnish to protect it, you are facing maintenance time and cost. Any fabric stores near you? They may have rolls of clear plastic.

I'm not lazy but sometimes the improvised solutions are the best, saves lots of work later and always give you the option of backing out and trying something else.

[yy4me]

6. What is the diameter of the table? At many storm window

and door supply places (not Lowe's or HD,) you can get clear sheet vinyl, have them cut it for you if you do not feel comfortable doing so. We were having trouble with a similar type of project and they cut us a piece of Lexan and it worked fine. We needed something that could withstand a little weight. Your job seems much easier.

[jillan]

9. I'll look into that. Interesting.

[Dover]

17. Not quite sure why a teak table would require kid gloves.

I agree that its very beautiful and rich looking. But it's also a very durable, scratch and weather resistent wood, meant to take a lot of abuse. It could certainly handle regular dining wear, tear and mishaps.
Is it under a covered area or out under the sky? Perhaps you fear it will turn grey with exposure? If it hasn't already, it will naturally turn grey though I believe there are products that seal the original wood color that you would need to apply regularly. But the weathering won't affect it's longevity or durability much.