How to choose the perfect garden table and chairs set

2 Seat Dining

If it’s tea for two, a bistro set with two seats is the perfect choice. These compact patio sets not only save space but are ideal for smaller outdoor areas. A bistro set comes with a small dining table and two chairs, providing a romantic and cosy place outside to enjoy drinks, a meal or simply to unwind. A bistro table is useful for casual drinks, resting a book, or even your favourite outdoor accessory, like a plant or candle.

4 Seat Dining

For families of four, a 4-seat dining set is ideal. Made in a range of weather resistant materials, most four seat dining sets can be left outside year-round ready to use whenever you want. Many good quality four-seat dining sets include shade or have ready made holes to host a centre-post parasol and normally include a parasol base. The base is usually a 15kg parasol base that will sit neatly under the table.

6 Seat Dining

Sumptuous dining for six – explore larger dining sets with six seats, some featuring shade and Lazy Susan options. A dining table with a Lazy Susan makes sharing food and drink effortless. Six seat dining sets offer larger tables and additional seating for you and your guests. Six seat dining sets are perfect for larger families too, with enough seating for everyone.

8 Seat Dining

Dining for eight calls for a spacious outdoor setting. 8-seat dining sets feature large tables in elliptical, oval, round, rectangular, or square designs. When choosing the perfect set, consider your patio space and ensure there’s enough room to pull out chairs comfortably. With ample seating, these sets are perfect for hosting family gatherings, summer barbecues, or alfresco dinner parties.

Dining & Lounging

If a traditional dining table isn’t your style and you prefer a more relaxed outdoor eating experience, our garden sofa or lounge sets could be the answer. Seating up to eight, these spacious corner and sofa lounge sets feature height-adjustable tables, allowing you to raise them for dining or lower them for casual lounging with drinks, with some being fully adjustable to any height you need.

Lounging

For a more relaxed approach to spending time outside, without the requirement for a dining setup outside, then take a look at our garden lounge sets which offer comfortable seating for four or more arranged around a low coffee table. These sets bring indoor comfort outdoors and help you make the most of your garden with enough comfortable seating for you and your loved ones.

Metal Table & Chairs

Metal outdoor table and chairs are low maintenance and good quality sets can be left outside year-round. Our metal garden furniture sets feature a range of designs, from contemporary to traditional. For a more traditional look, discover our reliable cast aluminium table and chairs from Hartman’s Amalfi, Berkeley, Capri ranges. Alternatively, for an ultra modern look, discover our aluminium Livorno, Melbury, Mirfield, Novara ranges by Supremo Leisure.

What to look for in metal garden furniture sets:

• What’s underneath the powder-coating paint? Look for aluminium, steel and cast aluminium as these are the best for weather resistance. For example, aluminium won’t rust, but iron can rust if left exposed all season
• Does the furniture come with floor protectors? Exposed metal can damage the patio, as well as the furniture. Ensure floor caps are included on the table and chairs to prevent scrapes and scratches.
• Are the furniture feet adjustable? A good quality metal set will come with adjustable feet to enable you to get the table and chairs set balanced on an uneven surface.
• Is there a warranty? A warranty is important to tackle any structural issues that may arise. In our experience, three years or more is an acceptable level of warranty for metal garden furniture (always keep your proof of purchase).

Wooden Table & Chairs

A garden table and chairs set made from wood is a natural looking alternative to metal garden furniture and if treated correctly can last for years. Although not the lowest maintenance option, wooden tables and chairs are hardwearing, look beautiful, don’t need to be covered and can be left outside all year. Wooden garden furniture varies in style, from smart teak tabletops to traditional slatted picnic benches.

Things to consider when choosing a wooden outdoor table and chairs set:

• Which wood is best for outdoor use – softwood or hardwood? Softwood is strong but not as hardwearing and weather resistant as hardwood. Hardwood is the best wood for garden furniture due to its weather resistance, so that’s wood like acacia, teak and eucalyptus.
• Has the wood been sustainably sourced? Sustainably sourced wood minimises impact on the environment and shows a level of care on behalf of the manufacturer.
• How can I retain the grain colour of the wood? To prevent discolouration or the natural greying of wood, care and maintenance products can be purchased to help look after the wood (always follow the furniture manufacturer guidance).
• Does it come ready assembled? Some tables and chairs will require some simple assembly at home.
• Is there a warranty? Like metal and rattan garden furniture, look for a minimum of three years for a guarantee. This provides an indication as to whether the product has been made to last.

Rattan Table & Chairs

Comfortable, reliable and stylish, a synthetic outdoor rattan table and chairs can be left outside all year. High quality handwoven table and chairs can look like natural wicker and are usually backed by solid and dependable guarantees.

With any rattan patio set, consider the following points:

• Is the rattan woven on weather-resistant frames? Rattan wicker is best woven on strong aluminium frames that won’t corrode. This will prolong the life of your garden furniture.
• Is the rattan resistant to UV? UV-resistance prevents the weave from fading.
• What is the tabletop made from? Ceramic and tempered glass are the best for year-round use and weather resistance.
• Some rattan table and chair sets come with adjustable tables – how easy are they to operate? Foot piston operated tables are fully adjustable, are straightforward to use and only need to be operated by one person. ‘Lift and shift’ woven tables require a minimum of two people to lift them up or down. They are easy to use, but will require simple lifting.
• Is the rattan made with recycled materials or is the rattan recyclable? Unlike wood and metal, rattan won’t rot or rust, but at the end of its use, it is useful to know if your table and chairs set can be recycled, making it easier to dispose of sustainably.