In the UK, our gardens have to work pretty hard. They are our places to grow, relax, to host family, for the kids or grandkids to play, to catch the sun when it finally shows, and for that reason, we need to make the most of every spare square metre of outdoor space. Time in them is precious, and the weather in the UK rarely plays ball.
Choosing the right furniture is therefore not just about good looks. That budget DIY-store buy is on trend, but can you spend the day sitting in it? It is about practicality, durability, versatility, and long-term value. One question we hear more and more here at Lazy Susan is whether our extendable garden tables are truly worth the investment. With many of our sets north of £3K, it's a valid one.
The short answer is yes. For many households, they are one of the most practical and flexible pieces of outdoor furniture you can buy. The longer answer depends on how you use your garden, the size of your family, how often you host visitors, the size of your outside space, and the materials you prefer.
In this guide, the Lazy Magazine team are exploring the real benefits, the considerations, and the design advantages of extendable garden tables, to hopefully help you decide if they suit your garden and, most importantly, your budget.
Why are extendable garden tables so popular right now?
British gardens are rarely huge, especially in our towns and suburbs. In new build homes, they seem to be getting smaller. According to our friends at the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), the typical UK garden size is about 16 metres by 16 metres (approximately 256 m²) when front gardens, back gardens and side gardens are included. But even when space is more generous, it often needs to serve multiple purposes, so space is always a concern.
This is where an extendable garden dining table can offer the flexibility that fixed outdoor tables simply cannot. When closed, it is just like a family-sized 8-seater dining table that fits neatly into a good-sized patio or terrace. When extended, it transforms into a generous 12-seater centrepiece for outdoor entertaining, capable of accommodating extra guests at a moment’s notice.
This flexibility is particularly valuable for UK homes where outdoor dining depends on weather windows of opportunity and spontaneous plans. Friends staying longer at your next impromptu BBQ, family dropping by for an al fresco summer party, or neighbours popping round for a glass of wine or two on a warm evening are all easier to accommodate when your table can extend in seconds.
Extendable garden tables help save space and keep things flexible. You can enjoy a comfortable everyday setup without sacrificing room for circulation, design flow, planters or garden benches, yet you still can host larger gatherings when needed. For many households, that balance makes them great value over the long haul.
Extendable garden tables vs standard outdoor dining tables
Our traditional outdoor dining tables come in fixed sizes, and we sell a lot of them. While they look beautiful and are perfect for most, they lock you into one way of using your outdoor space. Too small, and you struggle when hosting. Too large, and your garden can feel cramped when it is just the family.
Extendable garden tables solve this problem elegantly. They provide two or more table lengths within one piece of furniture. This makes them especially suitable for mid-sized gardens, patios and terraces, but also appealing for larger gardens where flexibility still matters.
Of course, if the garden is only used by a fixed number of people, then a regular table is the smart choice. However, when you compare the build quality of our cast aluminium with outdoor dining tables made from plastic or lightweight wood, a well-crafted extending garden dining table offers superior durability and stability.
Weather-resistant materials such as cast aluminium can remain outside year-round without warping, cracking or fading. This is a major advantage over teak or other wood options that often require regular treatments and seasonal storage to prevent them from fading, or worse, splitting and cracking.
The benefits of extendable garden dining tables for real life
One of the biggest benefits of extendable garden tables has to be their versatility. They adapt to your life rather than forcing you to adapt to them.
On a weekday evening, the table might seat just you and the rest of the household comfortably for an evening meal in the late summer sun. At the weekend, it can extend to seat eight, ten or even twelve guests, making outdoor entertaining at your next the-weather-looks-good-tomorrow BBQ effortless and stress-free.
They are also ideal for a busy family life. As children grow, seating needs change. An extendable dining table grows with you, accommodating everything from outdoor homework sessions to birthday parties and relaxed summer barbecues.
From a planning perspective, extendable tables make it easier to arrange and rearrange your outdoor furniture. You can keep chairs neatly tucked in when the table is closed (ours are stackable too, so they take up minimal space in the garden shed if you want to put the extra away), creating more room to move around the garden. When extended, the table becomes the natural focal point, encouraging longer meals and better conversation.
One of our most popular bundle deals is to purchase our 10-seater Vanessa set (shown above in slate grey) with a Jasmine garden bench and Willow side table. The garden bench and side table are perfect for morning coffee, can be positioned away from the main dining area in a quiet corner, and then when friends and family pop round for a garden party, they can be pulled up for extra seating or as a handy spot for nibbles and drinks.
Choosing the right size and shape for your garden space
Before buying any extendable garden table, careful planning is essential. Start by measuring your outdoor space accurately. Consider not just the footprint of the table when closed, but also its full extended length. You should also allow enough room for chairs to be pulled out and for guests to move comfortably around the table.
We would recommend at least 75cm of free space around the table and chairs, and this is illustrated for our popular Catherine set. Please note, this is not an extension table, but the principle is the same; just make sure you base your measurements on the table at full extension.
The chair and working or free space for movement around are a guide only, but we would recommend the same for all our garden tables. If you are positioning the table close to a wall, for example, then you could reduce this as long as you're happy for people to shuffle into those seats.
When it comes to shape, rectangular extendable garden tables are the most popular choice for a reason. We have streamlined our offer as other shapes, such as round, just don't work in this instance. They maximise seating efficiency and suit long patios and terraces beautifully. They are also ideal for hosting larger groups, as extra chairs can be added easily along the sides.
Always think about how many seats you realistically need. A table that extends to accommodate twelve people is impressive, but if you rarely host more than eight, then a slightly smaller fixed garden table, such as our Catherine, may be more practical and easier to position.
Materials matter: Why cast aluminium excels in the UK climate
We spend a lot of time comparing materials on our magazine blog. And for good reason! Material choice is one of the most important factors when investing in outdoor furniture. Extendable garden tables need to withstand movement, weight and frequent use, all while facing rain, frost, sun and wind.
Cast aluminium is particularly well-suited to UK gardens. It is naturally weather-resistant, will not rust and can be left outside all year round without worry and without regular maintenance. Unlike wood, it does not swell or shrink with changes in temperature and moisture. Unlike plastic, it offers a premium look and feel that enhances the overall style of your garden.
A well-crafted cast aluminium extending garden dining table offers exceptional durability. It can last for decades with minimal maintenance, making it a practical and sustainable choice. It is also lighter than many people expect, which makes extending our "butterfly leaf" mechanism and rearranging your outdoor space much easier.
While teak and other hardwoods have their place, and are beautiful, they often require regular oiling and careful storage to maintain that appearance. For those who prefer a low-maintenance, long-life option, we are a little biased, but cast aluminium is hard to beat. It is a great quality all-rounder that just works in our gardens.
Style, colour and creating a cohesive outdoor look
Extendable garden tables are not just functional, though. They also play a key role in defining the style of your whole outdoor area. Or certainly the dining zone on your patio. Colour choice is especially important, as it sets the tone for your garden dining area.
Our classic white garden tables create a fresh, elegant look that suits traditional gardens and modern patios alike. Antique bronze brings warmth and a sense of luxury, pairing beautifully with greenery and natural stone. Slate grey offers a contemporary but timeless feel that works well in minimalist gardens and urban terraces.
When styling your extending garden table, think about the rest of your outdoor furniture. Lounge chairs, benches, cushions and parasols should complement the table rather than compete with it. Our water-resistant cushions add comfort and colour, while a well-chosen parasol completes the coordinated setup and provides essential shade for sunny days.
Other accessories, such as planters, outdoor lighting and tableware, help transform your extendable garden dining table into a truly welcoming space for both hosting and everyday family fun.
We can't stress this enough: Thoughtfully chosen details bring the setting together, creating an inviting atmosphere that works just as beautifully for relaxed weekday meals as it does for entertaining friends and family.
By considering the whole space, you can create an outdoor dining area that feels cohesive, comfortable, flows with the rest of your home and garden, and is effortlessly stylish.
Practical features to look for when buying extendable garden tables
In our experience, not all extendable tables are created equal. Look closely at the extending mechanism. It should be smooth, stable and easy to operate by one person. Poorly designed mechanisms can feel stiff or unstable, which undermines the practicality of the table.
Check the finish and craftsmanship. A premium extending garden dining table should feel solid, with a smooth or textured surface and carefully finished edges. This is especially important if the table will be used frequently or by families with children.
Weight is another consideration. While durability matters, a table that is too heavy can be difficult to extend or reposition. Lightweight yet sturdy materials such as cast aluminium strike the right balance between practicality and strength.
Finally, think about the delivery and aftercare. A reputable outdoor furniture brand will offer reliable delivery, clear assembly instructions if required and long-term support. This adds peace of mind and helps protect your investment.
While we are an online company, our Customer Service Team are on hand to answer any questions and provide assistance. Mistakes happen, things get damaged in transit, etc, but they will help you quickly resolve any issues. You'll find details of Delivery, Returns, and how to Contact Us across our webshop.
Are extendable garden tables good value for money?
Yes, extendable garden tables do cost more than standard outdoor tables of a similar size when closed. However, when you consider their versatility, durability and ability to adapt to different occasions, they often represent greater value for money.
Instead of buying multiple tables or compromising on size, one extending garden table can serve many purposes over many years. When made from premium, weather-resistant materials like our range, it can remain part of your garden life for many summers to come with minimal maintenance.
They also reduce the need for storage. Because they can stay outside year-round, you do not need to find space in a shed or garage. This convenience is often overlooked, but it plays a big role in everyday enjoyment.
For households that enjoy outdoor entertaining, hosting family and friends or simply making the most of their gardens, an extendable garden table is often a really sound investment rather than a luxury purchase. You get valuable use out of them. When the sun shines, they become the focal point.
Making the right choice for your garden and your life
So, are extendable garden tables a good investment?
For many UK homes, the answer from us is a confident yes. They offer flexibility, practicality and style in equal measure. They will help you to maximise space, accommodate extra guests, and enjoy outdoor dining without any compromise.
The key is choosing the right table for your needs. Take the time to plan your space, measure carefully, consider how you really use your garden and opt for durable, weather-resistant materials that suit the UK climate.
When time is taken to find the perfect set for your patio area and lifestyle, that garden dining table, be it an extension or a basic table set, it becomes more than just furniture. It becomes part of your everyday life, your celebrations, and your quiet moments of chill time in the garden.
At Lazy Susan Furniture, we believe outdoor furniture should work beautifully and live beautifully. A well-designed extendable garden table does exactly that, season after season, year after year.
If an extendable garden table has transformed the way you host outdoors, we’d love to see it in action. Share your outdoor dining moments with us on Instagram or Facebook by tagging @LazySusanFurnitureto support our Do Some Good charity campaign.
