What size patio table set is best for the space in your garden?

The average size of a patio in the UK, according to paving specialist, Marshalls is between 40 to 50 m². That would give you a rectangular-shaped patio surface measuring up to 5 metres by 10 metres.

From our perspective that is a good-sized patio and you would have no issue fitting most of the patio tables in our range on there. If only things were that simple… 

Patios vary significantly depending on various factors, such as the shape, surface materials, design features, clearance, walkways, sun, shade, views, built-in features, etc. 

Working with averages can be a useful and informative way to summarise data and make generalisations, but in this situation, it can be misleading or problematic. Not all of us have patios big enough for our larger 10+ sets.

There is no specific standard or fixed “size” for patios in the UK, so when purchasing new patio furniture, it is important you do some research and carefully assess your patio before you buy.

We talk a lot in these types of articles about “working space” and this is the free space you need on your patio around your table and chairs for safe and comfortable movement. 

In other words, room to walk, pull out chairs, and sit down, with no trip hazards or feeling too squished in.

Outside of that average of 50 m², there will, of course, be a huge swing, from those with very little outside space to those with vast terraced areas, and at Lazy Susan we would categorise patios in the UK as follows:

1. Small Patios
   Small patios in the UK will be around 10 m² or smaller and are often found in urban areas where outdoor space is limited.
2. Medium-Sized Patios
   A medium-sized patio will range up to that 50 m² mark and is more common in suburban homes.
3. Large Patios
   Larger properties or those with expansive outdoor spaces are everything above 50 m² and will be most common in large detached properties and countryside homes.

Again, these are all just general guidelines, patio sizes and shapes will vary widely, and there will be those in urban settings with large patios and those out in the countryside with small ones. 

Much like the size of the patio table you need is often determined by the available or “free” outdoor space you have, so too would a new patio.

Other factors such as how you like to to spend time on it, be it outdoor dining, entertaining, or relaxation, will also influence the decision-making process. 

Good scale and proportion are also critical for both the patio surface and the table. You don’t want a patio so big it dominates the garden or so small it gets lost.

The same applies to a patio table and chairs, and a patio needs good flow so it is safe to use and move around when all the elements (such as furniture) are in place.

When planning a patio be it new or existing, it is best to consider your specific requirements and the layout of your outdoor area to determine a size that works best for you. 

This is where landscapers and garden designers will earn their stripes. They have the “eye”. They have a deep understanding of the design principles and can create the right scale, balance and flow.

Much of those design principles also apply to choosing a new patio table, although with significantly less financial risk, of course. 

Our range, for example, offers compact 2-seater Patio Bistro Tables up to 10-seater plus Patio Dining Tables, and as a general rule that would break down by patio size as follows:

1. Small Patios
   2-seater Bistro Sets & 4-seater Dining Sets
2. Medium-Sized Patios
   4-seater, 6-seater & 8-seater Dining Sets
3. Large Patios
   8-seater & 10-seater Dining Sets

The perfect size patio set will help to make your patio more beautiful, and functional. It should fit your needs and enhance your outdoor living experience.

A well-designed patio is an investment in your property that will bring both immediate and long-term benefits.

How to choose the right size patio set from Lazy Susan

Choosing the right size table set for your patio free space is critical, so here we have 7 simple steps/tips that will help you determine the perfect size, whichever group it falls into:

1. Measure your patio

To measure your patio for a patio table and chairs from our collection, start by measuring the following:

1. Length
   Measure the longest side of your patio.
2. Width
   Measure the shortest side of your patio.
3. Height
   Measure from the ground to the top of any windows, walls, railings or fencing, if applicable.

Then factor in the following:

1. Table Dimensions
   The space you need to leave around the sofa for people to walk and sit comfortably.
2. Chair Dimensions
   The space you need for other patio furniture, such as a coffee table, end tables, and chairs.

2. Consider the shape of your patio

The shape of your patio also has a significant impact on the size of the table you can fit. Likewise, the shape of the patio table can have an impact on the amount of floor space needed.

If you have a square or rectangular patio, it's usually easier to find a patio table that will fit. 

On the other hand, if you have an irregularly shaped patio with curved and straight lines, then you might have to consider how the table's shape will fit in the space without obstructing walkways or other patio features.

If that is the case, then the easiest way to determine what size set will fit is to break it down into smaller rectangles or squares and measure each section separately.

Be sure to measure the widest and deepest parts of your patio, as this will give you the most accurate idea of how much space you have to work with.

At this stage, we would also recommend that you sketch out a plan to scale of your patio and mark the location of any existing obstacles such as steps, walkways, access on/off, planters, etc. 

This will help you to best visualise how the garden sofa will fit in that space before you commit to buying. We also have an alternative method of visualising how the patio table set will look in place under point 5.

In terms of patio table shape, our collection features round, oval, rectangle and square-shaped tables in a host of sizes. As a general rule, the advantages of each shape are as follows:

1. Rectangular Patio Tables
   Ideal for most patio shapes.
   Accommodates more people compared to other shapes.
   Works well on long and narrow patios.
2. Round Dining Table
   Promotes conversation as everyone can see and interact with each other.
   Suitable for smaller curved edges or round patios.
3. Square Dining Table
   Work well on square patios or to create an intimate dining setting.
   Typically accommodates fewer people compared to rectangular or round tables.
4. Oval Dining Table
   Combines the benefits of both round and rectangular tables.
   Good for accommodating more people while maintaining a sense of intimacy.
5. Extension Dining Table
   Offer flexibility by extending to accommodate more guests when needed
   Great for those who host large gatherings.

Once you have a good understanding of the dimensions of your patio, the space requirements, furniture dimensions, and what shapes you like/think will fit best, then you can start looking at the suitable size table sets in our collection.

3. Allow for adequate working space

Of all the steps in this process, leaving space for people to move around comfortably and safely when the table and chairs are on your patio is the most critical.

You must leave enough space around the table for people to comfortably move in and out of their chairs, and as a general rule of thumb, we advise between 50cm to 75 cm for the chairs and then between 50cm to 75 cm for the working space so you can accommodate safe and comfortable movement (as shown in the diagram above for our best-selling June). 

If you have a larger patio, then of course, you don’t need to fill it with a patio set, and you can create a more open feel.

If your patio falls into the small category, then in our opinion it is always best to err on the side of caution and choose a slightly smaller bistro-style set.

You might also think you can work with a little less working space than we have recommended. For example, if say a table is pushed up against an outside wall, then you may be happy with the chairs up against it with no need for as much space behind. 

The best piece of advice we can give is that you can always add more furniture later, but it is more difficult (not to mention costly) to replace furniture or make a patio bigger to accommodate a set that doesn’t fit.

4. How many garden chairs do you need?

You also need to consider how many people you want to seat at the table regularly as this will have a bearing on the size of the table you need to buy.

Most of the patio tables in our collection are available in different set sizes. For example, our best-selling June can be purchased as a 4-seater Set or as a 6-seater Set.

That number of chairs will fit comfortably around that table, any more than 6 and you would be bumping elbows. You can purchase all of our Garden Chairs individually, so if you wanted to make it a 5-seater for example, then you can.

Ensuring that the table you choose can comfortably accommodate your desired number of guests depends on several factors such as our old friend the size of your outdoor space, the purpose of the chairs, and how you plan to use them. 

Here are some steps that can help you determine the right number of garden chairs for your specific situation:

1. Assess your outdoor space
   We covered this above but to establish how many chairs you can fit, measure the available space on your patio. You need to factor in the patio table + 50 cm to 75 cm for the chairs + 50 cm to 75 cm for working space. Consider the layout and design of your patio, including any existing furniture, plants, or features that may impact or guide the placement and movement of chairs when all is in place.
2. Determine the purpose
   Think about the primary purpose of the chairs. Are they for outdoor dining, lounging, socialising, or a combination of these activities? Consider the number of people you typically entertain or share the space with to establish how many you need. Many of our customers will buy a 4 or 6-seater set and add a garden bench as a bundle deal in the gift section. This way you you have extra coordinated seating when the need arises but it can be positioned in another part of the garden.
3. Plan for specific activities
   If you plan to have outdoor meals, then you should have enough chairs for each person who will be dining regularly. For more casual dining or socialising, you might not need a chair for every potential guest, but you should provide ample seating for comfortable conversations and relaxation.
4. Account for flexibility
   Think about whether you want to have the flexibility to rearrange the chairs for different occasions or activities. If so, having a few extra chairs that you can stack in your shed or a garden bench to one side that can be pulled up might be a good idea.
5. Consider storage in winter
   Unfortunately, we don't have the weather for year-round outdoor dining, so think about where and how you will store them during the off-season to protect them from the elements and keep them clean. We have just looked at this in detail in our How to safely store our metal garden furniture in a shed or garage for winter article.
6. Factor in your budget
   We haven’t mentioned this point yet but probably should have sooner, You must establish a budget for purchasing a patio table and chairs. How much you want to spend will impact the size of the table and the number of chairs. Make sure to balance your needs with your budget and invest in the highest-quality furniture for long-term investment and low maintenance.
7. Think about the long-term
   Think about potential changes or additions to your patio space. Will your seating needs change in the future due to a growing family, more frequent gatherings, or other factors? Look for ranges that won’t get discontinued so you can add more chairs further down the line if need be.

5. Mock-up to visualise how the patio table set will look in position

Under measuring we mentioned that you can sketch out a plan to scale to help visualise how the patio will look and fit together, however, there are some other great ways to do this.

The following are some of the ways we have done this in our gardens, and they will help to give you a better sense of the actual space and how the furniture will fit and flow when all in place.

1. Create a floor plan
   Of course, you can stick to the tried and tested method of using graph paper, a ruler, and a pencil to create a scaled floor plan for your patio. Decide on a scale (e.g. 1 cm = 1 metre) and use it consistently. Mark up all the steps, windows, doors, and other architectural features on the floor plan and add in your furniture to see if the space will function safely and comfortably.
2. Mark up with chalk
   Another great and simple way to do this is with pavement chalk. We wouldn’t recommend you do this on wooden decking but on any patio surface such as natural stone or concrete pavers where it can easily be washed off, it is a great way to see how everything will fit and flow when the patio table and chairs are on there. Get the dimensions from our website and mark them up in the chalk.
3. Cut out cardboard templates
   If you don’t want to put chalk all over your patio, then get some old cardboard boxes and cut them out to the dimensions of the table and chairs you like. Ensure that the dimensions of the cutouts match the actual furniture and pop them on your patio to see how it all fits and functions when in place.
4. Use garden design software or apps
   Another useful tool if you’re a bit more tech-savvy is the many online garden design tools and apps that will allow you to create digital representations of your patio and our furniture. Some of the more popular ones that many of the Lazy Susan team like to use include iScape, Home Outside and Home Design 3D. Most of them are free to download but you often have to pay a fee/subscription for the full version. Worth it if you’re planning a full DIY patio or garden redesign.
5. Experiment with arrangements
   The advantage of all the mock-up methods above is that you can move the furniture around on your floor plan to try different furniture arrangements. This way, you can visualise how various layouts will look without physically moving heavy furniture. Pay close attention to traffic flow, ensuring there are clear pathways and that furniture doesn't block access in and out of your home and into the rest of your outdoor space.
6. Consult with a landscaper or garden design professional
   If all of this sounds a bit much and you’re unsure about your patio design skills, then you can always consult with a professional. They can provide expert guidance, create detailed plans, and help you select the right patio furniture for your garden. 

6. Review the patio table and chairs' dimensions

Once you have all your measurements and you’re confident that the patio table and chairs will fit and that space still looks great and functions, give it all a final double-check before you click buy.

Check the dimensions of the specific patio table set you're interested in and compare them against measurements of your patio space to ensure a good fit.

7. Better to buy too small than too big

It's essential to strike a balance when it comes to table size.

You don't want a set that looks out of place or makes your patio feel cramped and uncomfortable to use. 

Take your time and carefully measure the space, plan your furniture layout, and select appropriately scaled pieces to ensure they meet your needs in terms of how you like to use your patio, whilst enhancing the overall style and functionality of the space.

When it comes to choosing the right size patio table for your garden, it is generally considered better to err on the side of caution and get a set that is slightly too small rather than too big for several reasons: 

1. Space Efficiency
   Smaller sets such as our round bistro tables take up less physical space, leaving more room for mobility and other items on your patio. It prevents overcrowding and helps maintain an open, airy feel in the space. This is especially important on smaller patios or apartment balconies where space is limited.
2. Traffic Flow
   As we have mentioned a few times, furniture that is too large could impede traffic flow on your. It can block access on to and off, create a trip hazard, and make it uncomfortable to move and sit. Smaller furniture allows for greater circulation and ease of movement on your patio.
3. Aesthetics
   Oversized furniture can overwhelm a patio, making it appear cramped and unbalanced. Smaller table sets are often more proportional on a small or medium-sized patio. They allow space for other items such as BBQs, planters, etc, and it can help to maintain visual balance.
4. Flexibility
   Smaller furniture is easier to rearrange and adapt to changing needs. It can be more versatile, allowing you to experiment with different patio furniture layouts and styles as your preferences or the patio's purpose evolves.
5. Cost-Effective
   Smaller furniture is more budget-friendly than larger sets. This can be advantageous if you have a limited budget or want to allocate your resources to other aspects of your garden design, such as planting and accessories.
6. Storage
   Smaller furniture can make it easier to incorporate storage solutions, such as garden shelves or a storage chest, which are crucial for maintaining an organised and clutter-free outdoor living space.
7. Visual Space
   Choosing smaller furniture can create the illusion of a larger patio, making a smaller patio feel less cramped. This is particularly important on balconies that are compact and closed in.
8. Future Proof
   Smaller furniture is more likely to fit in a variety of different outdoor spaces, which can be useful if you move to a new house or decide to make alterations to your existing patio.

By following these steps and carefully considering your patio space and personal needs, you can choose a set that not only fits perfectly but also enhances the comfort and functionality of your outdoor area.

Lazy Susan Patio Table Space Requirements

If you are shopping for new, then here we have split our ranges by patio size with required floor space (Patio Table Dimensions + 75cm for Chairs + 75cm Recommended Working Space) so you can see which patio table sets might fit best at a glance:

Lazy Susan Small Patio Table Sets: For patios 10 m² or smaller

2-Seater

• Tulip Round 2-Seater Bistro Set | Required Floor Space = 210 cm Diameter
• London Rose Round 2-Seater Bistro Set | Required Floor Space = 213 cm Diameter
• Mia Round 2-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 240 cm Diameter
• Eve Round 2-Seater Bistro Set | Required Floor Space = 210 cm Diameter
• Ella Round 2-Seater Bistro Set | Required Floor Space = 210 cm Diameter
• Hannah Round 2-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 240 cm Diameter
• Ivy Round 2-Seater Bistro Set | Required Floor Space = 213 cm Diameter
• Anna Round 2-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 230 cm Diameter
• Rose Round 2-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 215 cm Diameter
• Jill Round 2-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 235 cm Diameter
• Tulip Round 2-Seater Bistro Set | Required Floor Space = 210 cm Diameter
• Alessia Round 2-Seater Bistro Set | Required Floor Space = 210 cm Diameter
  
  

4-Seater

• June Oval 4-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 245 cm W x 300 cm L
• Hannah Round June 4-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 240 cm Diameter
• Alice Round June 4-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 270 cm Diameter
• Flora Round June 4-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 253 cm Diameter
• Mia Round 4-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 238 cm Diameter
• Amy Round 4-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 270 cm Diameter
• Anna Round 4-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 230 cm Diameter
• Lucy Square 4-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 241 cm W x 241 cm L
• Emily Oval 4-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 245 cm W x 300 cm L
• Jill Round 4-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 235 cm Diameter
• Lisa Round 4-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 256 cm Diameter
  
  

Lazy Susan Medium Patio Table Sets: For patios 10 m² to 50 m²

4-Seater

• June Oval 4-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 245 cm W x 300 cm L
• Hannah Round June 4-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 240 cm Diameter
• Alice Round June 4-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 270 cm Diameter
• Flora Round June 4-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 253 cm Diameter
• Mia Round 4-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 238 cm Diameter
• Amy Round 4-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 270 cm Diameter
• Anna Round 4-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 230 cm Diameter
• Lucy Square 4-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 241 cm W x 241 cm L
• Emily Oval 4-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 245 cm W x 300 cm L
• Jill Round 4-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 235 cm Diameter
• Lisa Round 4-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 256 cm Diameter
  
  

6-Seater

• Joyce Round 6-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 285 cm Diameter
• June Oval 6-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 245 cm W x 300 cm L
• Alice Round 6-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 270 cm Diameter
• Catherine Oval 6-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 255 cm W x 360 cm L
• Frances Round 6-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 300 cm Diameter
• Amy Round 6-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 270 cm Diameter
• Charlotte Oval 6-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 320 cm W x 260 cm L
• Sophia Rectangle 6-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 270 cm W x 350 cm L
• Emily Oval 6-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 224 cm W x 300 cm L
• Amelia Round 6-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 300 cm Diameter
  
  

8-Seater

• Gloria Oval 8-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 303 cm W x 362 cm L
• Catherine Oval 8-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 255 cm W x 358 cm L
• Frances Round 8-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 300 cm Diameter
• Madison Rectangle 8-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 256 cm W x 256 cm L
• Rosemary Oval 8-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 268 cm W x 410 cm L
• Amelia Round 8-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 300 cm Diameter
• Olivia Round 8-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 330 cm Diameter
• Tanya Square 8-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 312 cm W x 312 cm L
• Rosie Round 8-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 330 cm Diameter
  
  

Lazy Susan Large Patio Table Sets: For patios 50 m² and above

8-Seater

• Gloria Oval 8-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 303 cm W x 362 cm L
• Catherine Oval 8-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 255 cm W x 358 cm L
• Frances Round 8-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 300 cm Diameter
• Madison Rectangle 8-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 256 cm W x 256 cm L
• Rosemary Oval 8-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 268 cm W x 410 cm L
• Amelia Round 8-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 300 cm Diameter
• Olivia Round 8-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 330 cm Diameter
• Tanya Square 8-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 312 cm W x 312 cm L
• Rosie Round 8-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 330 cm Diameter
  
  

10+ Seater

• Rosemary Oval 10-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 300 cm W x 360 cm L
• Victoria Oval 10-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 327 cm W x 399 cm L
• Gloria Oval 10-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 303 cm W x 362 cm L
• Madison Rectangle 10-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 270 cm W x 450 cm L
• Vanessa Rectangle 10-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 261 cm W x 410 cm L
• Jennifer Rectangle 10-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 262 cm W x 410 cm L
• Isabelle Rectangle 10-Seater Patio Table | Required Floor Space = 271 cm W x 454 cm L
  
  

Please note that the dimensions above are a guide only, they do not factor in table shape or the number of seats.

For example, with a 2-seater round table such as our London Rose, you will not need the full 213 cm diameter of floor space as chairs will not be positioned on all sides.

For a 4-seater round set such as our Jill on the other hand (with chairs positioned on all 4 sides), you would require most of the 213 cm diameter of floor space to be free.

If you have any further questions regarding set sizes and what will fit on your patio, then please don't hesitate to call our Customer Service Team on 01243 68 42 62.

If you have any photos of our Patio Furniture on your patio, 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.