Ceramic is hugely popular in gardens these days. And for good reason: it looks sleek, is incredibly durable and requires minimal maintenance. But what exactly is ceramic? And how do you ensure that your ceramic table or garden set looks as good as new for years to come? In this blog, we'll dive deeper into ceramic and share our best maintenance tips!
What is ceramic?
Ceramic is a collective term for products made from clay and other natural raw materials. These are baked at extremely high temperatures – sometimes above 1000 degrees – which makes the material rock hard. Think of crockery, tiles and also: garden tabletops made from garden furniture!
With garden furniture , it's often a ceramic top that is glued onto an aluminium or glass base. This gives you the look of stone, but with the weight and stability of modern construction. Beautiful and practical!
The characteristics and properties of ceramic
Why would you choose ceramic in the garden? Simple: ceramic has plenty of advantages.
- Scratch-resistant: A ceramic tabletop is rock hard. Cutlery or flower pots won't easily leave scratches.
- Heat-resistant: A hot pan or dish? No problem. Ceramic can handle heat well.
- Stain-resistant: Unlike natural stone, ceramic doesn't absorb stains.
- Colour-fast: The colour of ceramic remains the same for years. Even when the sun is beating down on it.
- Weather-resistant: Rain, cold, snow or sun? Ceramic doesn't mind any of that.
- Low-maintenance: A quick wipe with a cloth and you're done.
That sounds like the perfect material for the garden, doesn't it? Well, almost. Because ceramic too has its limits – we'll get to that in a moment.
How do you maintain ceramic?
Fortunately, ceramic is incredibly easy to maintain. But again, a little care goes a long way in extending the lifespan of your furniture.
Here are our best tips:
- Wipe down regularly: A damp cloth and a bit of mild soap are usually all you need to remove dirt and dust.
- Avoid harsh cleaning products: Don't use abrasive cleaners, bleach or vinegar. These can damage the surface.
- Use coasters and placemats: It's not strictly necessary, but it prevents minor accidents or scratches.
- Cover your furniture in winter: Not because ceramic really needs it, but you'll also protect the frame and other parts of your garden set.
Cleaning ceramic garden furniture
Had a barbecue or did a glass of wine spill? Here's how to clean your ceramic garden furniture again:
- Step 1: Remove loose dirt with a soft brush or cloth.
- Step 2: Make a solution of lukewarm water and a bit of green soap.
- Step 3: Clean the surface with a soft sponge or microfibre cloth.
- Step 4: Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a dry cloth to prevent water marks.
For stubborn stains, you can use a special ceramic cleaner (available at Boender Outdoor 😉).
What can ceramic not withstand?
Although ceramic can handle a lot, there are a few things you need to be careful with:
- Hard drops or impacts: Although ceramic is hard, it's not unbreakable. A hard blow to a corner can lead to a crack or chip.
- Strong acids or chemicals: These can damage the protective layer and lead to dull spots.
- Sand as an abrasive: Sand particles under a flower pot can cause scratches when moved.
Our advice: treat your ceramic with care – and it will stay beautiful for years to come!
How long does ceramic last?
A very long time! Provided you handle it with a bit of care, ceramic easily lasts 10 to 20 years in the garden. The material itself barely wears. What can wear is the adhesive layer between the ceramic and the base – but this is often of top quality and weather-resistant.
Is ceramic suitable for outdoor use?
Definitely! Ceramic is ideal for outdoor use. It withstands:
- Summer heat without expanding
- Rainy days without discolouring
- Frost without cracking (we'll get to that in a moment)
Additionally, it's easy to clean and retains its luxurious appearance for years.
Curious about the pros and cons of a ceramic tabletop? Then read this article!
Can ceramic crack in frost?
A frequently asked question. And the short answer is: no, ceramic cannot crack in frost. Because the material is so dense and hard, it absorbs virtually no moisture. And no moisture means no expansion in frost.
However, we do recommend keeping your ceramic garden table dry in winter – also to protect other parts of your garden furniture, such as the frame.
Can ceramic withstand rain?
Absolutely. Ceramic is non-porous, which means water doesn't seep into it. So a rain shower is no problem at all. In fact, after a good downpour it's often practically clean already!
Just watch out: water can pool on the surface, and if you don't dry it off, lime stains can form. These are fortunately easy to remove, but prevention is of course better.
Can ceramic break?
Yes, but it rarely happens. As we mentioned earlier: ceramic is hard, but that also makes it vulnerable to hard impacts, especially on the edges or corners. If you drop a flower pot on it or bang it with a heavy object? Then it can break or get a chip.
Tip: put heavy objects down carefully and avoid 'tossing' garden tools near your table.
Curious about what to look for when buying a garden table? Then read this article!
Can ceramic discolour?
Good news: ceramic barely discolours. Not even after years in direct sunlight. This is because the colour is baked right through the material. So UV radiation has little effect.
That said, dirt, leaves or bird droppings can temporarily leave a dull haze. But a quick wash and it's gone again.
Conclusion: ceramic in the garden = convenience & luxury
Ceramic is not only beautiful to look at, it's also incredibly practical. With minimal effort, your ceramic garden set will shine for years to come. Whether you choose a striking table with a ceramic top or a complete lounge corner – with a little care you'll get the best from this fantastic material.
Curious about our range of ceramic garden furniture? Visit Boender Outdoor and get inspired. Coffee is waiting!
Also see: Ceramic garden tables
