Extendable Outdoor Dining Tables: How to Choose the Right One

GUIDE / OUTDOOR TABLES

An extendable table gives you an everyday size and a big gathering size in one piece. Here is how to choose the closed and open lengths, the material and the range.

The short answer

Pick the table by two lengths: the closed size you live with every day and the open size for guests. Then choose the material. Resin and aluminium both suit Australian conditions and need little care. Start with our range of extendable outdoor tables.

How an extendable table works

An extendable table has a top that lengthens, so the same piece can seat a family on a Tuesday and a crowd at Christmas. The tables in our range typically extend by 60 to 70 cm, for example from 140 to 210 cm or from 210 to 280 cm. Measure the closed size against your space, then check the open size still leaves room to walk around.

Tables extend in different ways, for example with pull-out extensions, drop-leaf designs or butterfly extensions. The result is the same: a compact table most of the time and a longer one when you need it.

Closed and open sizes by range

Sizes are read from the product pages. Nardi is the Italian outdoor furniture brand we stock, and you can see every table on our 10 plus seater tables page.

Seating by table

From the product pages: the Nardi Rio 140 and Nardi Alloro 140 seat up to 6 at 140 cm and up to 8 at 210 cm. The Nardi Rio 210 seats up to 8 at 210 cm and 10 to 12 at 280 cm, and the Nardi Alloro 210 seats up to 8 closed and up to 12 open. The 140 cm tables suit everyday family meals on a smaller patio, and the 210 cm tables suit regular entertaining.

Choosing the open length

Our outdoor table size guide works from about 60 cm of table per person. On that basis, 8 people need roughly 220 to 250 cm and 10 or more need roughly 280 to 320 cm. If you only host big groups a few times a year, an extendable table lets you buy for the everyday size and open it for the day.

Small patios and balconies

On a small patio or balcony, keep the table closed day to day, as a spot for a morning coffee, a table for two or a work-from-home desk, and extend it when family or friends come over. Pair it with stackable chairs that can be put away when you do not need the extra seats. For more small-space pieces, see our balcony furniture.

Resin, aluminium or laminate

Resin and aluminium tables are made for outdoor use and need little more than a wipe with mild soapy water and a rinse. The Nardi Tevere is aluminium, the Tevere Lam has a laminate top, and the oval table has a ceramic stone top. Pick the finish that suits your style and read the care notes on the product page.

The Nardi Rio and Alloro tables have a polypropylene resin top on a powder-coated aluminium frame. They are UV-stabilised and built for permanent outdoor use, standing up to sun, rain and temperature swings year-round.

Add the chairs

Many of our dining settings pair an extendable table with chairs, so you buy one matching set. Browse the 10 seater outdoor dining sets or the 8 seater sets.

Frequently asked questions

How much longer does an extendable outdoor table get?

It depends on the range. The Nardi Rio and Alloro tables extend from 140 to 210 cm or from 210 to 280 cm, and the oval table in our range runs from 250 to 310 cm.

What size extendable table seats 8 or 10 people?

As a guide, 8 people need about 220 to 250 cm and 10 or more need 280 to 320 cm, from our table size guide. Check the open length of the table you are considering.

Are extendable outdoor tables strong enough to leave outside?

The tables in our range are made for outdoor use in resin, aluminium or laminate. Check the care notes on each product page.

Will an extendable table fit a small patio?

Yes. Choose a size that suits the space when closed and open it only for guests. Leave about a metre around the table so chairs can pull out.

Should I choose resin or aluminium?

Both suit Australian conditions. Resin and aluminium need little more than a wipe and rinse. Aluminium suits a lighter, slimmer look, and the choice is mostly about style.