Outdoor Table Care: Protecting Wood & Epoxy Tables in Canada

A handmade outdoor table can live beautifully on a Canadian patio for years — with the right care through our hot, UV-heavy summers and harsh, freezing winters. Outdoor furniture takes more punishment than anything indoors: sun, rain, freeze-thaw cycles, pollen and road salt all work on a surface over time. But a little seasonal attention goes a long way. This guide walks through exactly how to protect your investment, season by season, so your table looks great for a decade rather than tired in two years.

Are wood and epoxy tables OK outside?

Yes — when they're finished for outdoor use, as ours are, with weather-resistant, UV-stable coatings. But no outdoor furniture is truly “set and forget.” The difference between a table that fades fast and one that ages gracefully comes down to a few simple habits: cover it, keep it out of constant harsh sun, clean it regularly, and bring it in or protect it for winter. Do those and your table will reward you for years.

Use a cover — the single best thing you can do

A breathable, water-resistant cover when the table isn't in use is the highest-impact step by far. It blocks rain, UV and debris while letting trapped moisture escape, so it won't hold damp against the wood. Avoid sealing a table in non-breathable plastic, which traps condensation underneath and can do more harm than the weather itself. Choose a cover sized to your table with a snug but ventilated fit, and secure it on windy days.

Sun and heat

UV is the toughest thing on any outdoor finish — it's what fades and chalks surfaces over time. Where possible, place the table under a pergola, umbrella or covered area for part of the day, and rotate it occasionally so it ages evenly rather than bleaching on one side. Avoid setting hot grill items or pans directly on the surface — use trivets, especially on epoxy, which can mark under sustained heat just as it can indoors.

Everyday cleaning

Wipe the table down regularly with a soft cloth and mild soapy water, then rinse and dry. Clear away pollen, leaves, sap and bird droppings promptly — left to sit, they can stain or etch a finish, and tree sap in particular gets sticky and stubborn. Skip pressure washers and harsh chemicals; the force and the chemistry both strip protective coatings and can drive water into seams.

Winter storage

For Canadian winters, the safest approach is to store the table indoors, in a garage or in a shed over the coldest months. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles, deep cold and road salt are hard on any material, and snow that melts and refreezes on a surface is especially tough. If the table must stay outside, cover it well, lift it off direct contact with snow and standing water (risers or a deck help), and brush off heavy snow loads rather than letting them sit and melt into seams and joints.

Seasonal maintenance

Once a year — spring is ideal — give the table a deeper clean and re-apply the recommended exterior oil or sealant to wood surfaces. This renews water resistance, revives the colour and protects the grain for another season. It's a 30-minute job that adds years of life. Inspect at the same time: look for any lifting finish, loose hardware on the base, or spots where water might be pooling, and address them early.

A quick seasonal checklist

• Spring: deep clean, inspect, re-oil or reseal wood, tighten any hardware.
• Summer: wipe regularly, use a cover and trivets, shade from peak sun, clear pollen and sap.
• Fall: clear leaves and debris, deep clean before storage.
• Winter: store indoors if possible, or cover well and keep off snow and standing water.

Epoxy outdoors: a note

Epoxy outdoor tables are stunning, and our resins are UV-stabilized for outdoor use — but clear resins are happiest out of relentless, all-day direct sun. Shade during peak hours, a cover when not in use, and trivets for anything hot will keep an epoxy patio table looking its best for years.

Built for the outdoors

Every piece is handcrafted in Toronto and finished for patio life. Explore our outdoor & patio tables, outdoor dining tables and wood outdoor tables.

Frequently asked questions

Can an epoxy table stay outside in winter?

It's best to store outdoor tables indoors over the coldest months. If left out, use a breathable cover and keep them off snow and standing water.

How do you protect an outdoor wood table?

Use a breathable cover, keep it out of all-day sun where possible, and re-apply exterior oil or sealant about once a year.

Are your outdoor tables weatherproof?

They're finished with weather-resistant, UV-stable coatings for outdoor use. Seasonal care and a cover maximize their lifespan in Canadian climates.

Can I leave my patio table out in the rain?

Occasional rain is fine on a properly finished table — just avoid letting water pool for long periods, and dry it before covering.

How do I clean an outdoor table?

Use a soft cloth with mild soapy water, rinse and dry. Avoid pressure washers and harsh chemicals, which strip the protective finish.