How big should an outdoor dining table be? This size will make entertaining al fresco more comfortable

The right size outdoor dining table is key to making sure your guests aren't sitting on top of each other. Here's the size experts suggest, and the best to buy

An outdoor dining table
(Image credit: Chango & Co)
Aditi Sharma Maheshwari
By
published
in Buying Guides

The ideal size of an outdoor dining table needs to make sense for your lifestyle and space. That being said, your garden or patio should also be able to accommodate all its basic functions along with the dining table. All elements should be well-spaced out, making the area as welcoming as possible. 

So how big should an outdoor dining table be? Largely, the table should be about 72 inches in length for a dining area for eight people, while for 10 people, it should be more towards 92 or 100 inches in length. 

These sizes apart, you should have enough circulation space around the table for people to move around. If you're looking for the perfect piece for your garden or backyard, we have just the right options for you.

Best tables that seat 8 people

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An outdoor table that seats 8 people$459
Statler extendable table, Wayfair

Choose this outdoor table crafted from rich acacia wood, ideal for accommodating eight people. This piece features slat paneling and simple box legs. 

An outdoor table for 8$459
Expandable patio dining table, Walmart

Consider this rust-resistant and weather-resistant patio table for eight, with an aluminum frame, painted in dark brown, perfect for your outdoor soirees. 

An outdoor garden bench$274
Outdoor garden table, Target

Opt for this long piece for eight to serve dinner, drinks, or use as a table for board games with friends. It's great for picnics and poolside fun.

Best tables that seat 10 people

A 10-seater outdoor dining table$2,549
Outdoor dining set, Amazon

Consider this patio dining set made of teak powder-coated aluminum frame, that can easily seat 10 people. It's rust-and-mold-resistant, and durable enough to withstand all weather conditions.

An outdoor dining with 10 seats$1899
Sardis outdoor dining table, Article

This table with powder-coated aluminum legs and a chunky slatted teak top is a smart, sophisticated piece, perfect for a party of 10.

An outdoor dining table with 10 seats$6,791
Batten extension dining table, Crate & Barrel

Add personality to your outdoors with this long table along with chairs made in bold slats of sustainable teak. Each chair has a neutral-colored, fade-resistant seat cushion. 

What to keep in mind before buying an outdoor dining table

'If you like to entertain often and have a lot of BBQing outside with friends and family, then a large outdoor dining table that seats 12 is best if you have the room,' says Linda Hayslett, founder of LH.Designs. 'But if you're in a smaller space, like in the city, then a patio may be smaller, and having a round table that seats four to eight may work better for your outdoor space.' 

'But before bringing a dining table outdoors, consider the amount of space you have, as no matter what size table you have or outdoor space, you have to have at least six feet of space if you want chairs on all sides of the table,' says Linda.  'Many people don't realize that you need three feet on each side of the table.'

'An outdoor table is the same sizing as an indoor table: dining tables range from about 40"to 44" wide to 84" long (and seats six to eight well),' says Jane Lockhart, founder of Jane Lockhart Design. 'If you have a small space though, you may opt for a small round bistro table that is about 30" in diameter and seats two people.'

 

Aditi Sharma Maheshwari
Aditi Sharma Maheshwari
Design Editor

Aditi Sharma Maheshwari started her career at The Address (The Times of India), a tabloid on interiors and art. She wrote profiles of Indian artists, designers, and architects, and covered inspiring houses and commercial properties. After four years, she moved to ELLE DECOR as a senior features writer, where she contributed to the magazine and website, and also worked alongside the events team on India Design ID — the brand’s 10-day, annual design show. She wrote across topics: from designer interviews, and house tours, to new product launches, shopping pages, and reviews. After three years, she was hired as the senior editor at Houzz. The website content focused on practical advice on decorating the home and making design feel more approachable. She created fresh series on budget buys, design hacks, and DIYs, all backed with expert advice. Equipped with sizable knowledge of the industry and with a good network, she moved to Architectural Digest (Conde Nast) as the digital editor. The publication's focus was on high-end design, and her content highlighted A-listers, starchitects, and high-concept products, all customized for an audience that loves and invests in luxury. After a two year stint, she moved to the UK, and was hired at Livingetc. Currently, as the design editor, her focus is on kitchens and bathrooms and she covers exciting before/after projects, writes expert pieces on decor, color, and occasionally reviews exciting travel destinations.

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