An extendable garden table is an adaptable piece of outdoor furniture that can be expanded or contracted to meet different seating needs. It is the ideal set for those who like to entertain varying numbers of guests in a large outdoor setting.
Just like in an indoor dining room, a patio extension table will allow you to accommodate more guests but save space at the same time.
You can adjust the table seating capacity to fit the number of people you're having over. When they leave, the table can be collapsed to a more patio-friendly size.
No more squeezing your friends around a table that's too small, or bringing chairs out from the kitchen to provide extra seating when more people show up than expected. They free up space for other activities and help make your outside space feel less cluttered.
What is a patio extension table?
An extendable table lets you decide how you use your outdoor space. They are designed to accommodate varying numbers of people by allowing the length to be adjusted.
You can set it up for an intimate family meal for four or six without everyone feeling too far apart or extend it out for a big summer BBQ with friends.
There are several mechanisms on the market and some tables feature a butterfly leaf system where the extensions fold under the main table, while others have drop-in leaves that need to be stored separately.
For our collection, we chose what we think is the more practical butterfly design and the video below demonstrates how easy it is to extend the largest extension table in our collection, Isabelle:
We have a range of different table sizes in our collection that can be adjusted to different lengths, making them suitable for both family-sized gatherings and larger garden party-sized groups.
Our extension tables are made from the same weather-resistant cast aluminium as our regular garden dining tables, ensuring the same level of durability in terms of outdoor conditions and low maintenance.
Besides being super functional, these larger-sized tables will create a real statement in any outdoor space. They provide a flexible and stylish solution for those who like to cook, dine and entertain outside in the summer.
Why purchase an extendable outdoor table?
Purchasing an extendable outdoor table for a larger patio offers several benefits that we think will help enhance your outdoor living experience.
They can accommodate both small family meals and larger gatherings. You can adjust the table size based on the number of guests, providing you with a versatile seating solution.
When not fully extended, the table takes up less space, allowing you greater space to move around or place other furniture such as say a sofa set for lounging or planting and decor items. This makes it a practical option for those who like to use their patio for a number of different functions.
If you enjoy hosting outdoor events, an extendable table makes it easy to adapt to different party sizes without needing multiple garden tables.
Our range of high-quality extendable tables features our trademark classical styling to bring sophistication to your patio design scheme. They can be utilised as a focal point to draw people outside and their durable construction can withstand the ever-changing moods of the UK climate.
By investing our furniture it will provide you with long-term value and functionality, making it a worthwhile addition to your patio. The extension mechanism is easy to use, allowing you to quickly adjust the table size as needed.
A larger table makes al fresco dining more comfortable by providing ample space for food, drinks, and table settings. It can enhance the overall dining experience for you and your guests.
In summary, an extendable outdoor table pairs practicality and function with stylish good looks, making it a great addition for those with a large patio who enjoy versatility and stylish outdoor living.
How much space do you need for our extendable garden tables?
Our extension tables when fully extended are some of the largest tables in our collection. So while you don’t necessarily need a large patio for them, you do need sufficient outdoor space (for example, they could be moved onto the lawn for a summer garden party) when fully extended.
To determine the space needed on your patio for an extendable garden table from Lazy Susan Furniture, you need to measure and consider the following and we will use our Isabelle set (pictured above in white) as an example:
1. Table Dimensions
Start by checking the dimensions of the table in both its extended and non-extended states. We provide these measurements in our product descriptions under the dimensions tab
Ensure you have enough space to accommodate the table when fully extended. The dimensions for Isabelle extension table are shown in the illustration below:
2. Chair Space
Next factor in the dimensions (depth) of the chair you like. Our Isabelle set comes as standard with our April chair but there is the option to upgrade to our Kate, Jane & Rose chairs. To be on the safe side and give plenty of leg room, we would recommend around 75 cm around the table for the garden chairs.
Another popular configuration is to pair matching garden benches instead of a pair of chairs to create more comfort for you and your guests. Two chairs are equal in size to one garden bench, though to choose this option, please contact us before placing your order.
3. Clearance Space
We refer to this as “working space” but it is essentially the additional clearance space you need around the extension table and garden chairs for safe and comfortable movement. A good rule of thumb is to add 75 cm around the table. However, please note every patio is different, so you may want more or think you can work with a little less.
4. Total Space Calculation
Combine the extended table length and width of the table with the garden chair space and required clearance space
For example, our Isabelle table when fully extended is 121 cm wide by 304 cm wide. You then need 75 cm for the garden chairs plus a further 75 cm of clearance space on all sides.
The total footprint of our Isabelle set when fully extended is 454 cm long x 271 cm wide. When closed that drops down by 100 cm to 354 cm x 271 cm, taking it from a 12 to a 6/8-seater set.
Lazy Susan Top Tip:
Sketch or use an online tool to visualise how the table will fit on your patio along with other furniture, planting, walls, steps, posts, accessories, etc. A trick we use is to mark out the table and chair dimensions on your patio in chalk or masking tape. This way you can see if the table will fit and function when all is in place.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you have sufficient space on your patio or in the wider outdoor area for our biggest extendable garden table.
As we stressed above, this is a guide only, the chair and clearance space we recommend will guarantee both functionality and comfort, so use the tip above to test in your outside space. If seats are placed close to a wall, for example, both the chair and clearance space could be reduced.
The Lazy Susan extending al fresco dining collection for Summer 24
If you are looking for a stylish and functional garden extension table, then our range is specifically designed for UK gardens. Beautifully crafted from our signature high-grade, weatherproof cast aluminium, the range can accommodate up to twelve people when fully open, giving you more than enough table space when you want to entertain.
When your table is not in use, you can simply fold the centre section away and enjoy the extra outside space. We have specially designed our extendable garden tables and chairs to be incredibly lightweight, enabling you to move your furniture as you please – ideal for chasing that elusive sunny or shaded spot.
Plus, if you purchase one of our fabulous, functional extendable patio sets, then we will deliver it for free:
Jennifer 10-Seater Extendable Garden Table in Antique Bronze & White
Jennifer is a 180 cm x 112 cm rectangular extension table that opens up to 260 cm x 112cm when extended. This innovative space-saving set will allow you to organise small family dinners for up to 6 people and larger outdoor celebrations of up to 10 guests.
It features our trademark woven metalwork and the table weighs 58 kg, comes in a set with 10 chairs of your choice, and you can add a host of stylish coordinating accessories such as Parasols and Chair Cushions with big savings.
As with Isabelle, you can also choose matching garden benches instead of a pair of chairs to create more comfort for you and your guests. They look great at the head of the table and two chairs are equal in size to one garden bench. To choose this option, please contact us before placing your order.
Vanessa 10-Seater Extendable Garden Table in Antique Bronze, Slate Grey & White
Our Vanessa is one of our most imaginative and dynamic designs, and it features a 180 cm long x 112 cm wide table top that can be extended to 260 cm long, taking it from a 6-seater table to a 10-seater capacity depending on your hosting needs.
Perfect for a variety of patio and lawn spaces due to the flexibility of its length, our Vanessa table is a rectangular dining-style table that features a delicate lattice pattern and an ornate curved border.
Isabelle 12-Seater Extendable Garden Table in Antique Bronze & White
The aforementioned Isabelle is our largest extension table, measuring 454 cm long x 271 cm wide when extended and 354 cm x 271 cm when folded away, taking it from a 12 to a 6/8-seater set.
Featuring a stunning broad square latticework and smoothed corners it has a chic and more contemporary appearance that will allow you to organise everything from small intimate family dinners to large summer garden parties.
This spacious extension table weighs around 80kg, so whilst robust, it can easily picked up and moved by two people. It comes supplied as a set with 12 chairs of your choice.
However, as we’ve already mentioned, you can also choose matching garden benches instead of a pair of chairs to create more comfort for you and your guests. To choose this option, please contact us before placing your order.
Our final thoughts…
A large extendable patio table can be a sensible purchase depending on your specific needs and circumstances. Of course, free space is the most critical, so measure carefully before you buy.
Extension tables offer flexibility, so you can easily adjust the size based on the number of guests, making it suitable for both small family dinners and larger gatherings.
While cast aluminium is durable and weatherproof, the tables aren’t so heavy that they can’t be picked up by two and moved. This means the set could live on a medium-sized patio when closed but be moved to a larger lawn area and extended for garden parties, for example.
If you frequently host parties, family get-togethers, barbecues, or social events, then a large 10+ seater table can accommodate more people comfortably.
Just check you have enough space to accommodate extendable dining sets when the table is fully extended, along with enough room for chairs and comfortable movement around the table.
It is also important to consider how and where you will store the table when not in use, especially in harsh weather conditions such as high wind.
Our range is designed to be left outside in all weather but a cover for example can help keep it clean and ready to use. However, like other outdoor furniture, it will require a little maintenance to keep it in good condition. We recommend giving it an occasional wash with car shampoo and a light coat of car wax.
To decide if it is the right table for you, think about how often you will use the full capacity of the table. If large gatherings are rare, then maybe a smaller 6 or 8-seater might be a more practical choice.
Always purchase extension tables in materials that are durable and weather-resistant, such as teak, our cast aluminium, or synthetic wickers. Opt for a design that complements your outdoor space and is easy to operate.
Large 10 or 12-seater extendable dining sets are a great purchase if you have the space and often entertain large groups. However, it's essential to weigh the benefits against the considerations to ensure they align with your lifestyle and patio space requirements.
If you have one of our extendable garden tables, then we would love to see a few photographs for our Do Some Good initiative. You can tag us @LazySusanFurniture on Instagram or Facebook or Upload Here.
