Text and photo: Marianne Vigtel Hølland

Small, light tables can easily be blown over by strong gusts of wind and cannot be left out in all kinds of weather. To overcome this, a large slate slab is a super alternative and a great opportunity to make different versions of beautiful, solid garden tables.

Here are some ideas to inspire you.

Here, I have used a large round slate slab from Oppdal to create a cosy and slightly hidden corner in our garden. Oppdal slate is light in color and discreet. It makes a nice contrast to the green of the garden.

I have mounted the slate slab on an old wooden box, but it can just as easily be laid on a tree stump or old table frame. The slab is so heavy that, as long as the base is stable, the table will be steady, too.

The table can in principle always be left out in the same place, but if you want to move it around, it’s just a question of dismantling it and carrying it piece by piece.

Smaller slate slabs can also make attractive and flexible small tables.

Here, I have used a frame made from old barn timber with a Oppdal silk brushed tile on top.

It makes a perfect occasional table next to your sunbed, at just the right height to place a refreshing summer drink.