Small Outdoor Table for Plants Buying Guide

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A small outdoor table for plants is a short metal stand, usually 16 in to 17 in tall with a top of 10 in to 13 in, that lifts a pot off a patio or balcony floor and doubles as a tiny side table. Our research found three: a 10.21 x 10.21 x 16.38 in two-tier stand from Josmimic, a 12.8 x 12.8 x 16.5 in two-tier stand from Bamworld that states a 60 lb load, and an 11 x 11 x 17 in single-tier iron stand from NAKUPE that states 50 lb in its spec table. The top diameter limits the pot size, and the load limit is the number to compare.

Quick compare: the products in this guide

Sizes come from the Amazon listings as we read them; check the product page for the current details before you buy.

Product	Listed details	Link
Plant Stand 2-Tier 10.2in Width 16.4in Tall Flower Pot Rack Small Plant Table…	10.21 x 10.21 x 16.38 in; 0.83 kg	See details on Amazon Affiliate link
Bamworld Plant Stand Indoor Tall Plant Table Outdoor Plant Stool Black	12.8 x 12.8 x 16.5 in; states 60 lb	See details on Amazon Affiliate link
NAKUPE Plant Stand Indoor Outdoor, Metal Small Side Table 17″ Tall, Black	11 x 11 x 17 in; spec table states 50 lb	See details on Amazon Affiliate link

Why use a small table for plants outdoors

A pot on the floor of a balcony or patio sits in the wet. It collects splashes, leaves and dust, and the base can stain stone or wood. A table lifts the pot about 16 in to 17 in. That helps drainage, protects the floor and brings the plant closer to a seated eye level.

A small table also works as furniture. All three listings suggest uses such as a side table for a drink, a book or a candle. In a small outdoor space where a full side table would take too much room, an 11 in top is a workable compromise.

Metal is the common material for outdoor tables because it does not rot. The trade-off is rust, which we cover below. Open grid tops also let water drain, so a pot on a metal table dries faster than one on a solid board.

Three small outdoor plant tables from the research

Josmimic 10 in two-tier table

The Josmimic table lists as 10.21 x 10.21 x 16.38 in, weighs 0.83 kg (about 1.8 lb) and has two tiers and a round shape. The listing says the bottom tier supports pots up to 6.5 in across, and describes four adjustable feet for uneven ground and a heavy-duty black metal frame. The listing does not state a load, so treat the capacity as unknown. This is the lightest and smallest of the three, which makes it a good fit for a narrow railing shelf or a step.

Bamworld 12.8 in two-tier table

The Bamworld table lists as 12.8 x 12.8 x 16.5 in, 1.18 kg (about 2.6 lb) and a 60 lb load, with two tiers. The listing describes a removable top tray, which makes cleaning and moving plants easier, and four non-slip floor caps. It says assembly needs no tools. At 12.8 in, it has the widest top of the three and takes a larger pot.

NAKUPE 11 in iron table

The NAKUPE stand lists as 11 x 11 x 17 in and 2.4 lb, with a single level. The spec table states a 50 lb load, but one bullet says the stand was verified to bear 200 lb. These do not match, so use the 50 lb figure. The listing describes a cast or wrought iron build with a matte finish, a three-leg design, adjustable non-slip feet and a round grid top 11 in across. It says it fits pots of about 1 in to 11 in and can serve as a short table or bedside display.

How to choose

Top size

The top is the limit for pot size. A pot should sit fully on the top with its base inside the edge. For an 11 in top, a base of 9 in to 10 in is a practical limit. For the Josmimic stand, the bottom tier is stated at 6.5 in, so it suits small pots only.

Height

A 16 in to 17 in table is about the height of a low stool. Add the pot, and the rim reaches 24 in to 30 in. That is comfortable beside a chair. If you want a plant at standing eye level, you need a taller stand.

Load

Do the soil arithmetic. An 8 in pot holds about 2 US gallons, which is 462 cubic inches or 0.27 cubic feet. With a 2 lb pot and a plant, around 13 lb. That is 22 percent of a 60 lb limit, and 26 percent of a 50 lb limit. For a stand with no stated load, keep to small pots and light loads.

Feet and level

Outdoor floors are rarely flat. Adjustable feet, as on two of the three listings, let you level the table on pavers or a deck. A wobbling table is a risk to a full pot.

Rust and finish

Iron and steel need a coating. Check for powder coat or a matte finish, as the NAKUPE listing describes. Chips will rust, so touch up with outdoor metal paint. Put a rubber cap on the feet so the metal does not sit in standing water.

Worked example: three tables on a 6 ft balcony rail

A balcony is 72 in long along the rail and 48 in deep. You want three small tables with a chair at the end.

• Table widths. Josmimic 10.21 in, NAKUPE 11 in, Bamworld 12.8 in. Total = 10.21 + 11 + 12.8 = 34.01 in.
• Gaps. Leave 4 in between tables, so 2 x 4 = 8 in. Used wall = 34.01 + 8 = 42.01 in, which leaves 72 – 42.01 = 29.99 in, about 30 in, for a chair at the end.
• Floor depth. The tables are 10.21 in to 12.8 in deep. With the 48 in balcony depth, 48 – 12.8 = 35.2 in clear in front. That is about the 36 in minimum clear width of an accessible route given by the US Access Board, which we use only as a planning yardstick for a path you walk every day.
• Weight. Say one 8 in pot at about 13 lb on each table. Three tables carry 39 lb in total.
• Wind. A 16 in table with a 13 lb pot has a low center of gravity and is less likely to tip than a taller stand.

The three tables fit along the rail with room left for a chair, and the path in front stays close to 36 in.

Tips for outdoor use

Use saucers or none

A saucer holds water and can cause root rot and mosquitoes. On a grid top, let water drain through, and place a tray on the floor if you must protect a deck. Empty trays after rain.

Anchor in wind

A 16 in table is low, but a wind gust can topple a light pot on a light table. Place tables against a wall or a railing, and use heavier pots. A pot with a heavier base, such as ceramic, is steadier than a lightweight plastic pot.

Winter storage

Bring tables under cover when you can. Snow and standing water speed up rust, and freezing can crack ceramic pots. Brush off any snow and dry the frame before storing.

Mix the uses

Put a pot on the top and a drink on the lower tier of a two-tier table. If the table has a removable top tray, as on the Bamworld, take it off to rinse after watering.

Who should buy a small outdoor table for plants

• Balcony and patio owners who want one or two plants off the floor.
• Renters who want a movable, light table that leaves no marks.
• People who need a tiny side table next to a chair.

Who should skip it

• Owners of large pots. A top of 10 in to 13 in cannot take a 16 in planter.
• Windy rooftops. A light table with a tall plant can tip. Choose a heavier pot and anchor the table.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using the 200 lb bullet. The NAKUPE listing gives 50 lb and 200 lb. Plan from 50 lb.
• Trusting a missing load. The Josmimic listing states none.
• Putting a pot that overhangs. Base inside the top edge.
• Skipping the level check. Adjust the feet before you add a heavy pot.

Keep reading

These guides cover related picks and sizing checks for a small space.

• Metal Outdoor Plant Shelves Buying Guide
• Outdoor Wood Plant Shelf: Patio Buying Guide
• Table Mats Set Of 8 Buying Guide

Frequently asked questions

What size table do I need for a plant pot?

The top should be larger than the base of the pot. For an 11 in top, a base of 9 in to 10 in is safe. For the Josmimic bottom tier, the listing says 6.5 in pots.

How much weight can a small plant table hold?

The Bamworld table states 60 lb, and the NAKUPE table states 50 lb in its spec table and 200 lb in a bullet. The Josmimic listing does not state a load.

Will a metal plant table rust outdoors?

It can. Coatings resist rust, but chips and standing water lead to rust. Touch up scratches, keep the feet dry and cover the table in winter.

Can I use a plant table as a side table?

Yes, the listings describe side-table use. Keep drinks and books light, and do not exceed the stated load.

How tall is a small outdoor plant table?

The three tables in our research are 16.38 in, 16.5 in and 17 in tall.

Products worth checking

We have not tested these products. Sizes and features come from the Amazon listings as we read them; where a listing does not say, we say so.

Sources checked

• US Access Board, Chapter 4: Accessible Routes

Specifications come from the Amazon listings as we read them for this guide. Product details and availability can change, so confirm on the product page before you buy.

How we research our guides