The Outdoor Dining Table Size Guide
The most common measuring mistake
People measure their deck, find a table that fits the space, and only discover at the first dinner party that nobody can pull their chair out. A dining table really occupies its footprint plus a metre of working space on every side.
The golden clearance rule: table edge to wall, balustrade or pool fence should be at least 900mm for squeezing past, and 1,200mm for comfortable circulation while people are seated.
How much table each person needs
Comfortable outdoor dining allows each setting roughly 600 to 700mm of table edge.
| Seats | Rectangular length | Round diameter |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 1,200-1,500mm | 1,000-1,200mm |
| 6 | 1,800-2,000mm | 1,400-1,500mm |
| 8 | 2,200-2,400mm | 1,600-1,800mm |
| 10 | 2,700-3,000mm | rarely practical round |
| 12 | 3,200mm and up | consider two tables |
Rectangular, round or square
Rectangular suits most alfresco areas and seats the most people per square metre of deck. Round is the conversation shape, but demands enormous clearance beyond eight seats. Square works beautifully for exactly eight people in generous square spaces. Once the size is settled, our guide to choosing an outdoor dining setting covers materials, chairs and the rest of the decision.
Fixed sizing, not extension
We don't currently offer extension tables. If your everyday number and entertaining number differ, buy the fixed size that fits your entertaining number, in A-grade teak, which avoids the mechanical complexity of extension hardware outdoors altogether.
Height pairings
Standard dining height is 750mm with 450mm seats. Bar-height outdoor settings (around 1,050mm) suit balcony rail lines.
A worked example
A typical 4 by 6 metre alfresco zone: usable width after clearance is about 1,600mm, so a 1,000-1,100mm wide table fits comfortably. Usable length is about 3,600mm, fitting an eight-seat table comfortably.
Try the arithmetic on us
Bring your dimensions, or even a rough phone sketch, into the Hawthorn or Southport showroom and we will lay it out with you. If you would rather start online, our free space planning service works from a photo and your measurements.
FAQ
What size outdoor table seats 8 people? A rectangular table 2,200 to 2,400mm long, or a round table 1,600 to 1,800mm in diameter.
How much space do you need around an outdoor dining table? At least 900mm from table edge to any wall or barrier, ideally 1,200mm.
How much table space does each person need? Allow 600 to 700mm of table edge per setting outdoors.
Is a round or rectangular outdoor table better? Rectangular tables seat more people in less space. Round tables up to eight seats are better for conversation but need much more clearance.
