Italian Volcanic Stone Tables

Written by Jessica Graybill

The Italians are famous for creating beautiful, durable ceramics which have stood the test of time and come to be revered the world over for their expert craftsmanship. This artisanal prowess in the ceramic arts is now being translated to exquisitely-made Italian volcanic stone tables, using the same techniques as traditional ceramics. However, these tables are not ceramic; they are beautiful, virtually indestructible Italian volcanic stone. These gorgeous tables are carved from within ancient caves in Italy, individually shaped and smoothed, and then skillfully hand-painted and high-fired, just as conventional ceramics are. Occasionally, as a result of the high-firing process, natural minerals may appear as various colors in the glazed surface of these stone tables; a fleck of blue here, a speck of pink there, for example. It’s a natural process of the minerals present in the stone when they interact with the glazes in the high temperatures of the kiln, and is not a flaw, but an inherent quality of the stone. I find these “perfect imperfections” to be a true testament to the all-natural, handmade quality of these tables (they don’t affect the durability of the piece because all the strength is in the stone). These beauties are made to weather the hottest sunshine and fiercest winters year in and year out, with absolutely no impact on the finish!

A Raffaellesco Table, Handmade and Hand Painted in Sicily (Firenze Soup/Pasta Plates also pictured)

Expert Italian artisans employ ancient techniques to transform the carved volcanic stone into a highly dense and durable tabletop that is not only hard like granite, but which also features the intricate glaze work that has made Italian ceramics famous for centuries. Each table is high-fired twice (!), creating an ultra-durable alchemical fusion of stone and glaze that is ideal for carefree outdoor use year ’round, in all types of weather.

Fresh and lemony! Limoncello, anyone?

These beautiful, adamantine volcanic tables are available in a variety of shapes and designs, are all-weather safe, and made to last a lifetime. Though they are made to be left outside year ’round, rain, snow or shine, they look great inside too!

We love it when our customers send us photos of our tables (well…their tables!) in their final homes. We love what Julia did (left) with her fabulous enclosed outdoor patio. This gorgeous space is perfect for entertaining, and entertain she did – we rushed this to her so she could host a graduation party with her new tables!

Our Giallo Girasole collection on one of our volcanic stone tables.

Joe is super handy and really great at building the crates for these tables. You’re in good hands!

When you purchase a table from us, we take the time to ensure it is packed safely. Our warehouse manager and part-owner, Joe Spalluto, assembles each base and builds each crate himself! We’ve been doing this a long time, so we are very well-acquainted with shipping techniques; you’re in good hands. We’ve even shipped these tables as far as New Zealand!

We keep these tables in stock so they are available for immediate delivery. We’ve done all the legwork getting these beauties from Italy to the US, so your wait time is much shorter than ordering elsewhere! It does take some time to procure the lumber and build the crate, but within a few short weeks your table will be delivered and you’ll be ready for some elegant dining, indoors or out!

We offer FREE CURBSIDE DELIVERY of our volcanic tables in the 48 contiguous United States! Check out our table selection here.