Perfectly practical garden table (Wilkinson Table Oval Resin Green)

Member Name: dooeyyooey

Product:	Wilkinson Table Oval Resin Green
Date:	26/06/09 (222 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Easy to assemble and store away, light, durable, inexpensive.

Disadvantages: None.

Now that it's summer and the weather permits it, I always enjoy having people over for a barbecue.

There is already a patio table and chairs set in the garden, but although large, it is not enough to accommodate all the food and drinks as well as all the people sat around it.

To resolve this, I decided to find a light, portable table, one that could be easily set up when needed, and then just as easily stored away without occupying too much space.

My first thought was to get a folding camping table.
But my research yielded very disappointing results: none of the camping tables I found were of the size that I was looking for, and they looked more cumbersome than I had expected and cost more than what I was willing to pay for something that was destined for only sporadic use.

Then a little light bulb went off over my head: resin tables!

They don't fold, but they have detachable legs that are easily assembled/disassembled and are very light and durable.

I specifically wanted a table that was at least 130 cm long and 65 cm high.

With this in mind I chose the Oval Resin Garden Table from the Wilkinson catalogue.

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Dimensions
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Length: 136 cm
Width: 85 cm
Height: 73 cm.

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Appearance
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Despite being called "Oval", as can be seen from the image above the table is actually rectangular with rounded edges.

The table top has a grid pattern, with each square having a slightly sandy texture, in contrast to the plain smoothness of the rest of the table.

At the centre of the table there is an orifice to put a parasol. It comes fitted with a lid.

The detachable legs have a half-octagon shape, and are slightly wider at the top than at the bottom.

The table is a very dark green. I do love this deep shade of green, and in the garden the colour blends in well with the surroundings.

It is a resin table, so not the fanciest of materials, and probably not the most likely to enhance the beauty of a garden by its mere presence in it.

As I acquired it purely for functional purposes, not decorative, the table's appearance was unimportant, yet I must say that within the resin range, it is a rather good-looking table and it looks better "in the flesh" (in the resin?) than it does in the catalogue photograph.

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Packaging
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The table came in packed in cardboard, sealed with so much sellotape that I resorted to cutting through the cardboard with a knife to get to the table.

The table itself was wrapped in translucid plastic with a label containing "important safety information" (more of which later) pasted on to it.

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Assembling / Disassembling
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So simple and easy: The table legs fit inside the slots under the table top.

When disassembled, the table can be stored away easily in a garage, outhouse or shed, occupying a minimal amount of space.

The underside of the table has a salient grid design, and the table legs fit into the spaces and can therefore be stored jointly with the top. It is a good idea to secure them with some tape, to keep them in place.

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Uses
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As a garden table, it is suitable for the outdoors and can be left outside throughout the year (although given its lightness, it is probably best not to leave it exposed to gale force winds).

It is perfect for occasional use, being so easy to set up and put away.

It also very easy to clean.
It is entirely washable. You can either wipe it clean or, alternatively, soap it up and hose it down.
The maintenance instructions advise cleaning it with warm soapy water.

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Safety
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The table came with the the following safety warning:

"IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION - KEEP FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

For casual domestic use only
Do not use on a smooth or shiny surface
Always check product integrity before use to ensure it has not been damaged or weakened
Always use on an even surface
Do not sit or stand on the table at any time"

To this I will add that one should keep in mind that the table is made of plastic, so nothing that is too hot should come into contact with it, as it might melt.

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Price
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£18.99.

A bargain, compared to the £35 - £90 price tags on the other similarly sized resin tables that I found on sale.

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Verdict
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I highly recommend this table for anyone looking for a large, practical table that is quick and easy to assemble, clean and store.

I have found this table to be solid and sturdy, and it has served me very well in the short time that I have had it.

Summary: Perfect for occasional use in the garden.