We recently published our guide to buying a 6-seater garden table and chairs and in it, we discussed the importance of measuring your space to determine if - when the table and chairs are in place on your patio - there is still enough room for the space to flow and function.
When we talk about flow and function, it is just the garden-designer-in-us way of saying how we move around the space, and whether we can still do the things we need to do such as sitting down, pulling chairs out, accessing, etc, safely and comfortably when all is in place.
Measuring your patio for a 6-seater garden table and chairs is a super simple process but one that is critical. In this post, we want to look at the process in detail to ensure you get the perfect 6-seater set (or any other size or type of set for that matter). We have some simple steps for you to follow and a few tips to help you check it is a good fit for the spot you want to put it:
1. Determine where you want to put it
Start by deciding where you want the table and 6 x chairs to go on your patio. For many, this is a straightforward decision and the space often dictates where the set will go. For others, especially if you’re lucky to have a larger patio, you might have several options.
You need to consider design factors such as the shape and size of the patio, the surrounding landscape, and any existing features or obstacles (such as plants, trees, or outdoor structures).
Think of your outdoor space as a room inside the home. Pick a position that makes the best use of the space. With a 6-seater garden table and chairs that could be close to access inside the home so you can easily bring food and drinks out or close to your grill if you like to host family BBQs.
There is no right or wrong answer. It is the spot where you think it looks good and functions best.
You could choose to place it based on where the sun is at different times of day. For example, if you have an east-facing patio, it will be great for morning coffee in the sunshine. West, then you can enjoy the setting sun with an evening meal. On the other hand, you may prefer to position it in the shade.
If you are lucky enough to have a great view, then, of course, you must look to position the table and chairs to take it in. Or maybe the set itself is the focal point like a fireplace in a living room, so you position it so that when inside looking out it draws the eye.
2. Carefully measure the space
With a tape or laser measure, carefully measure the full patio and the area where you plan to place the table and chairs. Measure both the length and width of the space to ensure that you have enough room for the furniture.
Our simple step-by-step process is as follows:
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Measure the patio dimensions
Use a tape or laser measure to measure the length and width of your patio. Measure at various points along each side to account for any irregularities in the shape and factor in any fixed structures or features. -
Determine table size
Based on the dimensions of your patio, decide on the best set size and shape for a garden table. As a general rule of thumb, our oval tables are great for longer, narrower patios, while our round tables work well on smaller or square-shaped patios. Our What shape garden table should I buy? article looks at this subject in detail. -
Factor in seating capacity
Consider how many people you want the table to accommodate comfortably. Many of our sets are available with two seating options. For example, our June set is available as a 4 and 6-seater set, while our larger Catherine table comes as a 6 and 8-seater set. -
Check the table dimensions
If you already have a specific table from our collection in mind, then you will find the dimensions in our shop. All our tables come with recessed legs, so there is ample room to tuck in legs and chairs, and the key measurements you need to use are the tabletop. -
Check the space needed for 6 x garden chairs
Check the space required for the chair you want and factor this in around the table. Consider both the width and depth of the chairs when they are pushed in and pulled out. Most of our sets come as standard with our April chair but there is an option to upgrade, and dimensions do differ, so make sure you check for the garden chair style you choose. -
Calculate the total floor space needed
Add the space required for the table + chairs + working space needed around the table. This will give you the total floor required for that 6-seater set of garden table and chairs on your patio. -
Factor in working space
You need to allow enough space around the table for chairs to be pulled out and for people to sit and move comfortably. We refer to this as working space and we advise clearance of between 55 cm and 75 cm between the chairs and any walls, edges of patios, fixed structures or items on your patio such as BBQs, planters, etc. -
Check access and flow
Assess how the new furniture will affect the flow of traffic on your patio. You need to make sure that when the table and 6 chairs are in place there is still enough room for people to move around the patio without it feeling cramped or creating a potential trip hazard.
If we take our best-selling 6-seater June Set as an example:
The table dimensions are shown in the illustration above.
The set comes as standard with our April garden chair and the dimensions are shown in the illustration above.
Add it all together and the required floor space on your patio is shown in the illustration above.
Please note that this is a guide only. Every patio is different. You might be able to work with less working space. We advise between 55 cm and 75 cm but you can adjust this if you think you can work with less. The table and chair sizes in our 6-seater range also vary, so please check the dimensions for the specific table you want to order.
3. Carefully plan your outside space and check furniture fit
If you’re struggling to visualise how it will look, then we would recommend that you draw out a plan to scale on graph paper. This will help you to accurately represent the dimensions of the space and see if the furniture will fit and function.
The basic steps to creating a scale plan are as follows:
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Materials
All you need is an A3 pad of graph paper, a ruler, a pencil, an eraser, and any additional drawing tools or garden design templates you might find useful. -
Measure
Take accurate measurements of the whole patio area and note down the dimensions of the space - including length, width, fixed features such as steps, pergolas, etc, and any irregularities to the shape such as angles or curves. -
Scale
Pick a scale at which you'll be drawing your patio. Choose one that allows you to accurately represent the dimensions of your patio while still fitting within the confines of the page of graph paper. Probably the most common (or easiest to work with) scale used in garden design drawings is 1:100, in other words, 1 centimetre = 1 metre. -
Outline
Start by outlining the shape/edges of your patio on graph paper using the measurements you've taken. Work in pencil as you can easily rub things out and make adjustments as needed. -
Features
Once you have the basic outline of your patio, you can look to add in the dimensions of the garden table and 6 chairs along with any other key features such as pathways, flower beds, BBQ grills, etc. Use the same scale to ensure accuracy. -
Revise
The advantage of doing this is that it is a great way to experiment with different layouts and patio configurations. Use your eraser to make changes as needed until you're satisfied with the design. You can create different versions to compare and contrast different layouts and see which one fits and functions best. -
Finish
Once you're happy with your patio design, go over the final drawing with a darker pencil or pen to make it more legible. Double-check all measurements and details to ensure accuracy and you’re good to start ordering your new set.
Alternatively, if you’re a little more tech-savvy, then you can also do this in a garden or patio design app. Our What are the best garden design apps? article looked at our top 5 apps and there are links to download them (most are free to try but require a fee to unlock additional features, etc). Many of them also use what is known as augmented reality, so when all the dimensions are keyed in, etc, you get an interactive real-world perspective.
If that all sounds a little OTT, and you’re concerned space is a little tight, then another great tip is to just take the dimensions for our furniture and with some chalk, blankets or large cardboard boxes, mark it up, fold it up, or cut it out to full scale on your patio. That way you can play around with different layouts, see exactly how it fits, and get a better feel for how the space will function when the table and chairs are in situ.
4. Check for any access issues
Our 6-seater sets are supplied Ready-To-Assemble, which means they come to you with the legs of tables and the backs/armrests/legs or chairs.
For most people, this isn’t an issue, and the boxes can be easily taken to the spot you plan or want to put them. However, checking access when ordering a new 6-seater garden table and chairs is important for several reasons:
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Size
Our 6-seater sets come in bulky or oversized packages so check that you have adequate access. -
Access
Check the dimensions of any doorways gates, or narrow passageways that the furniture will need to pass through to reach its final destination in your garden. -
Obstacles
Evaluate any potential obstacles such as trees, shrubs, or other outdoor structures. Clearing these obstacles or selecting furniture that can be easily manoeuvred around them will ensure smooth delivery and placement. -
Logistics
Understanding access constraints can help you plan for the delivery. It will allow you to communicate with the delivery team in advance, providing any instructions or making arrangements for alternative delivery methods if need be. -
Damage
Attempting to force large pieces of furniture through tight spaces could result in damage to the furniture itself, as well as to your property or landscaping. -
Installation
Our garden furniture will require assembly upon delivery. Adequate access ensures that you have enough space to assemble the furniture properly and safely in its intended location.
If you have any specific concerns about your Delivery, then please don’t hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team.
5. Check for any clearance or height issues
Height, unlike inside the home, is not usually an issue on a patio. However, it is still worth considering it before you buy, especially if you have any overhead structures, such as awnings, pergolas, tree branches, etc.
Also, if you plan on placing the set close to any windows, it pays to ensure that there is enough clearance above/from the table and chairs.
Checking any potential height restrictions and that the height of the tables and chairs is adequate when buying a new patio furniture set will also ensure the following:
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Comfort
The height of the garden table and chairs will directly impact usability, comfort and ergonomics. Garden chairs should be at a comfortable height for sitting and relaxing with an ergonomic seat and backrest. Tables should have recessed legs and be high enough for chairs to fit underneath. -
Balance
The height of the full set should also contribute to the overall balance of your outdoor space. Furniture that is proportionate to its surroundings will create a space that looks good. Checking the height against other key features (such as trees, planters, walls, etc) on your patio will ensure that it complements the existing elements on your patio. -
Function
Different types of garden furniture serve different purposes, and their height plays a crucial role in how they function. For example, our garden tables are designed to be at a comfortable height for patio dining, while our chairs are comfortable and ergonomic for spending time sitting at the table. A sofa-style set with a coffee table on the other hand will be much lower for a more laid-back position. Checking the height dimensions will ensure that the furniture functions in the way you want it to and in the way you intend to use it. -
Clearance
Measuring the height of patio furniture will also help to make sure that there is adequate clearance and accessibility around the furniture. It will help you to determine if there is enough clearance from any overhead structures, such as a pergola or awning, as well as the proximity to any potentially overhanging windowsills, trees, etc. -
Scale
Measuring the height of patio furniture will also help to maintain a proper sense of scale and proportion in your outdoor space. Taller furniture could overpower smaller patios, while lower furniture could get lost in larger spaces. By measuring the height, you can select furniture that fits the scale of your patio accordingly.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure the classic 6-seater table set that you choose from our range will fit comfortably on your patio and function perfectly. If you're ready to buy, please browse our 6-seater range.
If you have any photos of your 6-seater garden table and chairs, then we’d love to see a few for our Do Some Good charity campaign. You can tag us @LazySusanFurniture on Instagram or Facebook or Upload Here.
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