A garden set isn't something you buy every year. That's why it pays to think carefully beforehand: how many people usually sit down, how much space you really have, and how much maintenance you want to do. In this guide you'll read what to look for when buying a garden set, from the right table size to the material of the frame and tabletop. With a size chart, a materials comparison and the mistakes we see most often.
In short: first decide how many people the set is for and measure your patio. Allow 60 to 70 cm per person at the table and 70 cm of free space behind each chair. If you want low maintenance, choose an aluminium frame with a Centostone or Vironwood tabletop.
First: garden set or lounge set?
A garden set is a table at dining height with chairs: ideal for breakfast outdoors, lunch and long dinners. A lounge set sits lower and deeper, for sinking back with a drink. Not sure? A dining lounge set combines a lounge sofa with a table at (almost) dining height. Also read lounge set or garden set: which suits you?
| Garden set | Lounge set | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Eating and dining | Relaxing and drinks |
| Sitting position | Upright | Low and deep |
| Space | Easy to keep compact | Needs more floor space |
| Cushions | Optional | Always, plenty |
How many people? The right table size
Base it on the number of people who normally sit at the table, plus one or two extra places for visitors. You need 60 to 70 cm of table width per person to eat comfortably. A rectangular table should also be at least 80 to 90 cm wide, otherwise it gets cramped with dishes in the middle.
| People | Table size | Patio from (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Ø60 to 80 cm | 2,1 x 2,1 m |
| 4 | 120 to 160 cm or Ø110 cm | 3,0 x 2,3 m |
| 6 | 180 to 220 cm | 3,4 x 2,4 m |
| 8 | 240 to 280 cm | 3,8 x 2,4 m |
The patio sizes assume the middle table size with 70 cm of free space on each side. Want to know more? Read how much space you need for a garden set.
Bistro and balcony sets
2 people →
Garden set 4 people
View sets →
Garden set 6 people
View sets →
Garden set 8 people
View sets →
Dining garden sets
All dining sets →
Picnic sets
Table with benches →How to measure your patio
A garden set that looks compact in the webshop can turn out to be quite a squeeze on your patio. So measure beforehand, and not just the table.
Measure the length and width of the part of the patio where the set will go. Deduct plant pots, a drain or the swing radius of a door straight away.
Take the table size and add 70 cm on each side where chairs will stand. If someone also needs to pass behind the chairs, allow 80 to 100 cm.
Mark the outer dimensions with a garden hose, string or chalk. That way you can see straight away whether you can still walk past the set to the garden or the shed.
Check at what time of day you eat outside. If you're adding a parasol, leave room for the parasol base or choose a cantilever parasol beside the set.
Round, rectangular or extendable?
The shape of the table determines how many people you can fit and how conversation flows.
- Round: cosy, everyone can see each other and there are no corners to bump into. Great for 2 to 4 people and square patios.
- Rectangular: the most efficient shape for 4 to 8 people, and it fits well against a wall or along a border.
- Extendable: small when it's quiet, large when guests arrive. Browse extendable garden tables if you only need the extra space now and then.
Unsure about the table itself? In buying a garden table: what to look out for we go into more detail on tops and bases.
Materials compared
With a garden set, you look at two materials: the frame (and the weave of the chairs) and the tabletop. Many modern sets combine an aluminium frame with rope or wicker and a Vironwood, Centostone or glass top.
| Material | Strengths | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminium | Light, doesn't rust, low maintenance | Can get hot in the sun |
| Steel | Sturdy and affordable | Damaged paint? Risk of rust |
| Rope | Soft, modern, dries quickly | Brush off dust now and then |
| Wicker | Classic woven look | Quality of weaving varies |
| Teak and hardwood | Warm, heavy, long-lasting | Greys without oil |
| Teak look / Vironwood | Wood look without oils | Not real wood |
| Centostone / ceramic | Scratch- and heat-resistant top | Heavy, mind the edges |
| Glass | Sleek and easy to clean | Smudges and fingerprints show |
Want the full picture? Read aluminium or teak, what is rope? and what is Centostone? You'll also find an overview per material: aluminium garden sets, rope garden sets, wicker garden sets and teak garden sets.
Always check the specifications for "tabletop material". A table in teak look may have an aluminium or Vironwood top, and that saves you an annual oiling session.
Advantages of an aluminium frame
- Doesn't rust, even if the set stays outside
- Lightweight, so easy to move into sun or shade
- A bucket of soapy water and a soft cloth is all the maintenance you need
- Works well with rope, wicker and any type of tabletop
Comfort: seat height, seat depth and cushions
You're buying online, so trying the chairs out isn't an option. Look closely at the dimensions in the specifications instead. A seat height of around 43 to 47 cm suits a standard table height of roughly 72 to 76 cm. Also check the height from the underside of the tabletop: your legs and armrests need to fit underneath.
- Adjustable chairs are handy if you want to keep sitting after eating. Browse adjustable garden chairs.
- Stackable chairs take up little space in the shed over winter.
- Cushions make a chair with rope or Textilene much softer. Choose covers you can wash and store dry. See buying garden cushions: what should you look for?
Which garden set suits you?
Below are a few sets from the current range, by situation. You'll find the current price and availability on the card.
Balcony or small city garden (2 people)
On a balcony every centimetre counts. The Alfa has a round table of Ø60 cm; the Terni balcony set has an aluminium frame with four cushions and a seat height of 47 cm.
Alfa balcony set 3-piece taupe
Terni aluminium balcony set
Family or a regular group of four
A 160 cm table gives four people plenty of room, with space for dishes in the middle.
Cosmo/Felini garden set 4 people
Frequent guests: 6 people
Cosmo/Felini garden set 6 people teak look
Large groups: 8 people
A picnic set with fixed benches takes up less space than eight loose chairs. The Bell has an aluminium frame and a top and seats in Vironwood.
Bell picnic set 280 x 178 cm
Dining and lounging in one
Want to keep sitting after dinner? A lounge-dining corner set has a lower, deeper sofa with a table at dining height. The Allasio has a seat height of 43 cm and a slightly more upright backrest.
Allasio lounge-dining corner set 5-piece
5 common mistakes
Only measuring the table
A 160 x 90 cm table may look small, but with chairs and room to walk you'll quickly need 3 x 2,3 metres. Always measure including 70 cm of chair space.
Buying for the average, not for guests
Do you usually sit down with four people but have family round for dinner regularly? Then choose a table for 6 people or an extendable model.
Confusing teak look with teak wood
Teak look is a finish. That's actually handy, because you don't need to oil it. But if you really want wood, check the tabletop material.
Underestimating maintenance
Hardwood greys and needs oil, and cushions have to be stored dry over winter. If you don't want to spend time on that, choose aluminium with a low-maintenance top.
No place for winter
No shed? Then factor a protective cover and a cushion box into your budget straight away.
Complete your garden set
Shade
A centre-pole parasol fits through the hole in some tables; a cantilever parasol stands beside the set and keeps the tabletop clear.
Cushions
Loose garden cushions make hard chairs more comfortable and can give your set a whole new look in a few minutes.
Protection
A good cover and a dry storage spot for cushions will keep your set looking great for years. Also check out products for protection and maintenance.
Frequently asked questions
How big should a garden table be for 6 people?
Allow 60 to 70 cm of table width per person. For 6 people, that means a rectangular table of 180 to 220 cm long and roughly 90 to 100 cm wide. If you often have guests round the table, choose the longer size or an extendable table.
Which garden set material is the most low-maintenance?
An aluminium frame with a powder-coated finish needs the least upkeep: it won't rust and a wipe with soapy water is enough. If you pair it with a Centostone or Vironwood tabletop, you won't need to oil or stain the tabletop either.
Is a teak-look garden set the same as real teak?
No. Teak-look is a finish that resembles wood, for example on aluminium or on a composite such as Vironwood. Real teak greys over time if left untreated, whereas a teak-look tabletop keeps its colour and needs no oil. Check the specifications for "tabletop material" to see the difference.
How much space do you need around a garden set?
Leave about 70 cm behind each chair so you can pull it back and stand up. If you also want to walk around the table, allow 80 to 100 cm. A 160 x 90 cm table quickly needs a patio of around 3 x 2.3 metres.
Can a garden set stay outside all year round?
An aluminium frame can happily stay outdoors, but a protective cover keeps out dirt, leaves and moisture and protects the tabletop. Always store cushions dry over winter, even if they are water-repellent. Wooden sets benefit most from a cover or a dry spot.
