If you are looking for a large garden table that can comfortably sit 10 people, then it is probably safe for us to assume that you have lots of free outside space, you love to entertain and, you either have a big family, or you like to host big groups of friends.
And while table size matters, other factors such as table shape, free space, material, style, comfort, functionality, and durability, also need to be carefully considered before looking to make such a large purchase.
In our 10+ seater range, you will find rectangle, straight-edge ovals like our best-selling Rosemary and round-edge oval-shaped outdoor tables such as Victoria (pictured below) - but which one is best for a larger set size?
That is what we want to help you with today. We are looking at what size and shape table is best for 10 people to help you purchase a set that fits with how you like to spend time in your garden and functions in the space you want to put it.
What things do you need to consider when looking to purchase a large patio set?
Here at Lazy Susan, we think a patio should be an extension of our homes where we can relax and unwind. That is why our collection is centred around patio dining.
Sunny days can be few and far between in the UK. When we get them, we want to make the most of them. Cook a meal for loved ones to enjoy outside or fire up the BBQ.
Comfortable and functional outdoor furniture that suits how we use the space - such as a large dining table for hosting family meals - will make you want to spend time outside.
What it looks like and what it does should go hand in hand. That way we can create garden and patio designs (and also furniture designs in our case) that are not only beautiful to look at but also serve their intended purpose. The right furniture should enhance our outdoor living experience.
If you have a large family and love big gatherings, then a large garden table is the ideal set. The best patio designs have to be functional as well as stylish, feel like part of our homes, and all flow and integrate seamlessly.
The same is also true for the large garden table itself. They should complement your taste and the look of your home and garden. They should fit with how you enjoy spending time outside.
To help you decide what is best for larger outdoor areas, we think the following 10 criteria are what are most important when looking to purchase a large garden table that can seat 10 to 12 people:
1. Patio Space
The starting point is always to see how much room you’ve got to play with. Measure the total available free space to see if the patio dining set will fit comfortably without overcrowding or obstruction (as the customer has done above with our Madison set).
Consider the layout you want and how the set will be arranged. Leave enough room for comfortable movement and any other items you want to add such as planters, BBQ grills, other types of furniture, etc.
Our recent How much space do you need on your patio for extendable garden tables? article looks at how to measure up and uses our biggest 12-seater extension table as an example to see what’s needed for it to fit in your garden.
2. Furniture Material
When it comes to materials, it is critical that they are durable and can stand up to the elements with minimal maintenance.
Common options on sale in the UK include wooden garden tables, metal tables, poly-rattans and plastic resins. However, all have pros and cons, with some materials requiring more upkeep than others.
For example, wooden garden tables will need regular sealing, while the cast aluminium we use for the Lazy Susan collection will just need an occasional wash with warm soapy water.
Our What patio furniture materials are the most weather-resistant? article looks at the suitability of our cast aluminium to the UK climate and explains why we chose to use it for our furniture range.
3. Furniture Comfort
We think a good garden table is only as good as the garden chairs that come with it and our collection is designed to fully coordinate.
We have a range of chairs to choose from that are elegant, durable, and ergonomically designed. Each set comes with a standard chair but in the "create your perfect set" section you will see options to upgrade. All our tables and chairs are specified to a comfortable height too.
We also supply a range of fitted cushions and coordinating parasols in a quick-drying outdoor fabric that is easy to clean and UV and shower-resistant (shown above in our stone finish on our Vanessa in slate), so you can dine in style when the sun is shining.
4. Furniture Style
Choose a style that complements larger outdoor areas and your design tastes. Consider colours that blend well with your outdoor décor and are resistant to fading.
The customer above has chosen our Madison in white, which looks stunning against the white-rendered wall and their light stone patio, and the size and shape fit perfectly in the space to create good scale and harmony.
Our collection is what we would refer to as classically styled, in that it has a timeless look that's designed not to go out of style. It fits our large garden dining range perfectly and complements the style of our homes.
Our How to choose the right style of patio furniture article explores the popular styles on sale in the UK, looks at how you can choose the right one for your outdoor space, and explores how you can achieve different looks with our collection.
5. Functionality
When purchasing a large garden table that can seat up to 10 or 12 people, look for additional features such as stackable chairs for easy storage in bad weather, extendable tables if you don't have copious space or a Lazy Susan server (as shown above on our Gloria set) to make it easier for guests to reach food and drinks.
Lighter materials such as you'll find with the cast aluminium we use are easier to pick up and move but still feel stable and sturdy. Think about where the furniture will go and what functionality will best provide a set that will work for you and your outdoor space.
6. Durability
It is fair to say that the UK climate is a mixed bag, so you need weatherproof furniture designed to be left outside. Cast aluminium is rust-resistant and our furniture is further protected with a tough powder-coated finish.
You also need to ensure the set is well-constructed with sturdy joints, fixtures, and fittings. Consider the climate, how you will use the furniture, and choose materials that can withstand what it will be exposed to.
Also, check if the manufacturer offers a warranty for peace of mind. We have a comprehensive 3-year Guarantee and Returns Policy to ensure the set is delivered to you in immaculate condition and free of any faults.
7. Budget
To ensure value for money, set yourself a budget and compare options within that price point.
Consider long-term value, not just the upfront cost. Higher-quality sets and materials will have a higher initial cost but will last longer and require less time and spending on care and maintenance.
8. Furniture Maintenance
Speaking of maintenance, assess how much is required to keep the set looking good when left outdoors. Consider if you have space to store the set during the off-season. If that is not an option, you can always cover it to keep it clean.
A cast aluminium set might be more expensive upfront than wood or poly-rattan, but it will require significantly less maintenance and fare much better when exposed to sun and rain.
9. Safety
Ensure the furniture is stable and not prone to tipping. Check for non-toxic finishes and treatments, especially if you have children or pets.
Our How is cast aluminium garden furniture made? article looks at our casting process and why we chose cast aluminium as our core material.
All our large garden tables and chairs are also supplied with screw-in protective feet to protect the metal and your patio surface, and they will give you some adjustment for uneven surfaces too.
10. Environmental Impact
Look for eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes. Consider whether the materials can be recycled at the end of their life.
Our Can garden furniture be recycled? article looks at the sustainability of our cast aluminium range.
By considering these key factors before you buy, you can choose a large patio set that not only fits your space and budget but also provides you with comfort, durability, and bags of style for many summers to come.
Why is table shape important when purchasing a large 10+ seater set?
Of all of the decision-making criteria above, it is the shape that is often the most overlooked in terms of its impact on functionality, comfort, and style.
With smaller tables, it is often not too much of an issue. You can work with it a little easier if you have a reasonable amount of free outside space. The bigger the tabletop though, the greater the design statement it makes.
At Lazy Susan, we have condensed our collection into the three shapes - rectangle, straight-edge oval, and round oval - we think are best for fitting with how we like to entertain and the shape and style of UK patios and gardens.
When choosing a table shape for your space, ask yourself the following 5 questions:
1. What shape will best fit?
Try to evaluate your patio's size and shape, how many people you need to seat at your al fresco dinner parties, your general style preferences, and the primary use of the table, to help you choose a shape that best fits.
There is no right or wrong but shapes that complement the space will help create better flow.
As a general rule of thumb, we find that large rectangle-shaped tables work great for 10+ people as they make the most efficient use of space.
They fit well on long, narrow patios (popular in the UK as they fit with our homes and best maximise space) and can accommodate more chairs along the sides with the hosts positioned at the head of the table.
Our round tables are generally better for more symmetrical patio spaces and they are excellent for promoting conversation as everyone is facing each other. However, when you start getting above the 10-guest mark, people can start feeling a little too far away from each other.
Large oval-shaped garden tables on the other hand are great because they sort of combine the advantages of both rectangular and round tables. They fit well on narrow patios while providing a rounded edge to create a more relaxed feel and facilitate the flow of good conversation.
2. What table shape will look best?
Consistency is often your friend in patio and garden design. By matching the table shape to the overall style and shapes on your patio and in your home and garden you can build a sense of unity and cohesion. Repetition of shape is a great way of guiding the eye through your garden and creating a natural flow.
For example, rectangular shapes and tables tend to look more formal and traditional. They have that classical dining room look, which is why they are so popular with those who like to host. Oval and round/curved patios and tables on the other hand will bring a softer, more casual feel to your outside space.
The key to deciding which will look best is to find visual balance. In other words, the table shape should complement the shape and size of the patio area.
For example, long rectangular garden tables might overwhelm a small curved edge patio but a small round or oval table could look lost on a large long rectangular patio.
3. What is the best shape for socialising?
Of course, if you are purchasing a large patio table, then there’s a good chance you’re using it to entertain. You want to encourage good conversation but that can be tricky once the set sizes start getting above 10 people.
The large round-edge oval tables tend to facilitate better interaction among all guests, as everyone can see each other. Rectangular tables could separate the conversation to each end of the table.
The rectangular and straight-edged oval tables on the other hand make it a little easier to serve food and drinks. They provide more usable surface space and accessible edges. Less standing up or leaning over to reach into the middle.
4. What shape will function best?
That last point could have just as easily been written under function. With 10+ large garden tables, longer narrow table tops tend to work best in terms of serving and dining.
Plus, they also lend themselves better to expansion, which is why our extendable garden tables are rectangular. They feature a butterfly mechanism whereby you can pull each end to reveal additional leaves to provide additional seating.
We looked at our range in detail in our How much space do you need on your patio for extendable garden tables?
The big advantage they have is that you can adjust the 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.
5. What shape is best for safe movement?
Clearance space or working space as we like to call it is critical around a large patio table and chairs.
You want room for people to sit comfortably and move their chairs in and out, space to walk around safely without tripping up, and room to serve food and drinks, etc.
Our large elliptical oval and round tables have no sharp corners, making them easier to navigate around without bumping into corners. The rectangular and flat-edged oval tables (which are also rounded off so safe) are great if you want to push one side close to a wall or the edge of your patio area.
Think about walkways, access points and the flow of traffic around the table. As a general rule of thumb, we would recommend between 50 to 75 cm of clearance space around the table and chairs.
If you’re a little unsure of fit and if the space will still flow and function once the table is in place, then mark up the set dimensions on your patio in chalk or masking tape to help get a better look and feel for what's what when the set is in place.
Our final thoughts…
The shape and size of large garden tables will have a dramatic impact on the usability, comfort, and aesthetics of your outdoor space.
By carefully considering how you plan to use the patio set and the features/characteristics of your outdoor area, you can select a table shape that enhances your outdoor living experience.
In our experience, with the larger 10+ seater sets, a rectangular or oval-shaped table fits and functions best.
However, you still need to ensure there is at least 50 cm of clearance space around the table and chairs for people to move around comfortably.
You will find the dimensions for all our sets in our shop, so measure carefully and check the table and chairs will fit and that there is still sufficient space left to pull out chairs, move around safely, etc.
What is certain is that if you like to entertain or have a large family, then a classically styled garden table that can seat 10 people will ensure everyone has enough elbow room and you can create a space that is a joy to spend time in.
If you have a large garden table from Lazy Susan, then we’d love to see a few photographs for our Do Some Good campaign. You can tag us @LazySusanFurniture on Instagram or Facebook or Upload Here.
