Why a height-adjustable outdoor table is a must-have for your garden

Maximise your outdoor space with a multi-functional garden table

For a more relaxed approach to outdoor dining and lounging, a patio set with a height-adjustable table offers enhanced functionality and flexibility. Garden tables come in various shapes, materials, styles and sizes, with some being fixed (static) and others being height-adjustable.

So, what is a height-adjustable table? We’ve put a buyer’s guide together defining what is a height-adjustable outdoor table, the key features, as well as styles and tips of what to look for in a height-adjustable garden table.

Adjustable garden tables vs. standard static tables: Which is right for you?

Traditional garden dining sets are great for informal dining with seating for two, four, six or eight people around a static outdoor table. Fixed outdoor tables are made to remain at a permanent height and these can not be raised or lowered. Examples of these tables include dining tables, side tables, picnic tables and coffee tables. These static tables serve a purpose but can restrict the way you use your outdoor space, limiting you to only lounging or only dining together. If you want to do both, then an adjustable garden table with seating could be for you.

From morning coffee, to evening meals, and more, height-adjustable garden sets offers an all-in-one solution for outdoor living. Not all sofa lounge sets offer this functionality, but for those that do – you can enjoy the freedom to lounge by lowering the table for drinks or raise the table to enjoy dining together. Multi-height tables vary in how you operate them, from lifting the tabletops to using a foot pedal and this is an important consideration, especially if your mobility is limited. So what is a height adjustable table and how do you use them?

Exploring height-adjustable patio tables

Garden furniture brands that make height-adjustable tables vary in their designs and the ways you can use them. Generally there are two types of adjustable garden tables:

1. Dual Height Tables – these offer two heights enabling you to either raise or lower the tabletop.
2. Fully Adjustable Tables – these allow you to raise and lower the tabletop to any desired height.

So how do they work and which ones are best?

Dual-height garden tables

Dual-height garden tables are known also as ‘hi-lo’ or ‘lift and shift’ tables offer two height positions and require two people to operate. These outdoor tables are easy to use, with two foot gaps built into opposite sides of the table frame. This design allows for two people each side of the table (ideally stood) to rest a foot for leverage, then to lift and shift the table into position – either to raise or lower the tabletop. A raised position is ideal for dining and the lower position is perfect for relaxing with drinks. With no moving parts a dual-height table will last for years, as it only requires lifting into position.

Fully-adjustable patio tables

A tabletop that adjusts fully offers greater versatility and requires less people to operate it. You can select any desired height by yourself and unlike a dual-height table you won’t be restricted to two settings. A fully adjustable table can be raised or lowered by one of two methods – a foot pedal or a hand lever (manufacturer designs vary). Fully adjustable tables with a foot pedal are easy to use from a standing position with the foot pedal located at the base of a table. Hand lever operated adjustable tables typically include a single lever located just underneath the tabletop to make it easy to access and use. This means only one person is needed to operate the single pedal or hand lever of a fully adjustable table.

If the table comes with a foot pedal or hand lever, we recommend operating it whilst standing, this will keep hands free to guide the table to the desired height. Gently pushing down whilst using the foot pedal will help to guide the tabletop into position. If the table is operated by a handle lever underneath the tabletop, simply apply pressure to the lever to release the tabletop down or use it to raise the tabletop.

Fully adjustable tables operated by either a foot pedal or a hand lever have a long-lasting piston mechanism to create the up and down movement. The pistons are replaceable, so you can ensure the longevity of your height adjustable table for years to come. We think fully adjustable tables offer the ultimate blend of style and versatility, allowing you to impress your guests with smooth and easy moves!

Tips for adjusting your tabletop

• Always follow manufacturer advice when operating an adjustable table
• Check how many people should operate the height adjustable table to prevent tabletops from slipping from over tilting
• Wear appropriate footwear to adjust dual-height tables to prevent straining bare feet
• Remove items before changing the height of your table to prevent things from sliding off
• Test the tabletop is secure before placing items back on the table
• Check if your tabletop needs to be lowered before using a protective cover
• If you select a fully adjustable table and chairs set, check if you can purchase a spare piston to future-proof your fully adjustable table
• Never overload the tabletop with heavy items and don’t stand on the tabletop
• Use your adjustable table on a level surface outside

Discover adjustable garden table sets at Gates

Height-adjustable patio tables provide flexibility for both dining and lounging. These versatile tables enable you to lower the tabletop for a relaxed morning coffee and afternoon drinks, but they also allow you to raise the tabletop to dine in style and enjoy alfresco dining whatever time of day. Explore three of our favourite examples of height adjustable table sets which are all operated in different ways:

1) Hand lever:

Take a look at the L-Shaped Modular Sofa Set in Walnut Rattan with Piston Adjustable Table, Bench and Sofa Chair from Bramblecrest’s Fairford collection.

This fully height adjustable table smoothly lowers and raises by using the hand lever underneath the tabletop, making it easy for anyone to operate.

2) Foot pedal:

The left hand L-shaped reclining corner sofa set from the Hartman Vienna collection comes with a foot pedal to operate the height adjustable table.

To use, gently push the foot pedal with one foot to raise or lower the tabletop. Do this from a standing position. It only requires one person to operate the foot pedal.

3) Lift & shift:

Discover our Mini Corner Garden Sofa Set with 2 Stools and Rectangular Hi-Lo Table from Orchard Life’s Braeburn collection.

This dual height table is easy to use with two people. Both of you only need to rest a foot at each side of the longest side of the table and lift or shift into position.

You can browse our full range of multi-height and convertible tables in our Garden Sofa & Lounge Sets collections and discover the perfect height-adjustable patio set for your garden.

For more inspiration of expert advice, please feel free to contact our in-store Furniture experts at our Gates Oakham or Gates Hinckley stores or email us at: info@gatesgardencentre.co.uk