Elevate Your Outdoor Experience

Living in an area blessed with year-round al fresco dining opportunities offers endless inspiration. Though the scorching summer months like August may pose a challenge, the allure of outdoor dining remains irresistible. Whether it's savoring an early morning cup of coffee on the patio or enjoying a late-night snack by the pool, the outdoor ambiance enhances every moment. Embrace the essence of outdoor living by selecting the perfect patio dining table and chairs, transforming your patio space into a welcoming retreat for family and friends to gather and create cherished memories.

Let's get started! There are a few basic questions to consider as you begin planning:

How many individuals typically gather at the table, and how many guests will it accommodate during entertaining occasions?
What are the dimensions of your patio space?
Describe the patio surface material – whether it's concrete, flagstone, pavers, wood, etc. Additionally, specify if the surface is smooth or textured.
Identify the entryways and other notable features such as the grill or outdoor kitchen, exterior doors, windows, columns, and walls. Take note of their proximity to the patio or deck edges, ensuring safety precautions are in place, especially if you have a swimming pool.
What is the shape of your patio or deck – square, rectangular, or free-form?

Which patio table to choose:

Now that you’ve made note of these things, it’s time to think about the type of table you will need and how much space will be needed. Is there a style that you prefer? Rectangle, oval, round, square? What about the type of table base? Legs, pedestal, trestle or cross-beam?

Table Shape

A round table will make your space feel cozier and more intimate with the added benefit of flexible arrangement around the considerations you defined earlier while a square table gives your diners a little more elbow room.

Round tables as a rule are available in sizes as small as 24 inches (for 2 people) up to 60 inches.
Square tables in general are available as small as 30 inches (for 2 people) up to 64 inches.
Rectangle tables can be as small as 40 inches in length up to 102 inches.
Oval tables are typically a minimum of 60 inches in length up to 84 inches.

As you can imagine there is a table for any size patio!

Table Base

There are various types of table bases available for all shapes; each with benefits and drawbacks.

Round tables are frequently supported by a pedestal base which provides a greater space underneath the table for your diner’s comfort; however, some round tables are supported with post legs in a square pattern. Depending on the size of the table and chair, you may be able to pull in an additional chair if needed with a pedestal base.

Square tables are generally supported with a post leg in each corner which can make it a little more challenging to add-in another chair.; however, you will find some styles that are supported with a pedestal base. Square tables allow your guests a little extra table top space!

Oval tables are predominantly supported by a pedestal-type base that extends the length of the table with the occasional post leg support available. All-weather wicker tables may have a skirt that extends fairly low so take that into consideration when looking at a wicker dining set if you have long-legged diners.

Rectangle tables are mostly supported by post legs at each corner or by a cross-beam support or trestle. A cross-beam or trestle base may impede upon the space for knees and feet under the table and at the ends. Be sure to take into account the overhand at the ends of the table so there is sufficient room to pull your chair in close to the table top. Another support option that you will find is a center pedestal on small rectangle tables or double pedestals located at the ends of the table on large tables.

Up next, select the type of chairs you prefer

When it comes to patio dining seating, you have three primary options to consider: standard dining chairs with either four legs or a sleigh base, swivel rocker dining chairs with a round base, or a bench option. While standard dining chairs are typically the more budget-friendly choice, each option offers its own advantages. A sleigh base provides stability from front to back, which is beneficial on uneven surfaces. Swivel rocker chairs offer stability on various patio surfaces and require less space to sit down, making them ideal for maximizing seating around a larger table and providing a relaxing experience post-dining. Benches offer additional space and easy access for diners to slide in and out without needing to move the bench.

Type of Material & Cushion or Not?

As you decide on the type of patio dining chair, also consider the frame material and whether to use cushions. Patio dining chairs come in aluminum, cast aluminum, all-weather wicker, and recycled plastics, each with its unique benefits. Cushion dining options are available with either full chair cushions or seat cushions, providing added comfort. Alternatively, sling or padded sling styles are suitable for uncovered areas or around swimming pools, offering durability and easy maintenance.

Now that you have an understanding of your space requirements, seating preferences, chair type, and table shape, it's time to determine the appropriate size that will best suit your needs.

So, how much space do you have to place your gorgeous new patio dining set?
In general, you need to allow the depth of the chair plus “scoot room” (the space you need to move the chair away from the table to sit down or walk behind) of 8 inches to the edge of the table top plus the width (or length). If you have a grill or outdoor kitchen in the same space as the table, be sure to allow room for the chef to move around freely. If space is limited, you can get by with the chair depth plus 4 inches or consider using a bench or swivel rockers instead. Dining chair depth will vary from 18 inches to 25 inches and you will need to take into consideration if you prefer chairs with arms or without which will impact the number of seats around the table.

For instance:
Your patio space is 10’ x 15’ without any obstructions other than the exterior doorway. Your chair is 25” deep and you would prefer a 48” round table to seat 4. Chair depth 25” + Scoot Room 8” + Table width 48” + Scoot room 8” + Chair depth 25” = 114” total inches or 9.5 feet. Since this is a round table, you would use the same measurement for length and width. This table would easily work in your space with enough room to enter and exit the dining area.

How many chairs?

It’s time to wrap up the number of chairs needed. A good rule of thumb is to allow about 2 feet of eating space per person. It’s okay to reduce that if you occasionally need to seat more guests but most people will prefer a little more elbow room. A round table doesn’t require much calculation as a 48-inch table seats 4, a 60-inch table can seat up to 6. Tables smaller than 48 inches seat 2-3. Rectangle and oval tables need a little more thought. Keep in mind most patio chairs with arms are 24-26 inches wide and it’s best to have a couple of inches at minimum between each chair.

Tip: Rectangle tables less than 42 inches wide may not allow the placement of a chair at each end as there will not be sufficient dining space. Also, check the overhang at the end of the table with double pedestals, cross-beam or trestle support as there needs to be plenty of room for knees and feet!

For instance:
Your rectangle table is 72 inches in length and 42 inches wide. Following the rule of thumb, 2 chairs that are 25 inches wide will require a minimum of 54 inches. The maximum number of chairs around this table will be 6 with 2 on each side and 1 at each end.

Let Us Help You Design Your Outdoor Space!

We're delighted to assist you in designing your outdoor space! Bring in your patio measurements along with any considerations, and we'll handle the rest. Alternatively, if you prefer, we're always happy to visit your home and create a plan on-site. Feel free to reach out to us at (225) 450-6844 if you have any questions, or visit our showroom located at 333 St. Christopher Ave Ste F Gonzales, LA 70737.