Get The Right Dimensions For Your Backyard Bistro Table Dining Area Fire Pit Grill Or Outdoor Kitchen
Lauren Dunec HoangWhy Patio Size MattersSmall Patio for a Bistro SetGoal:Approximate size: bistro tablesPatio details: Secluded side yardLocation:Dimensions: Materials:Cost: Burns + Beyerl ArchitectsTip: Medium-Size Patio for Outdoor DiningGoal:Approximate size: Patio Around a Fire PitGoal: Approximate size: Patio details: Backyard gathering areaLocation:Material: Cost: Patio Under a Grill or Outdoor KitchenGoal: Approximate size: Boxhill DesignPatio details: Stylish grilling and entertaining patioLocation:Material: Poured concreteCost:BOXHILLLarger Patio for Multiple UsesGoal: Approximate size: Patio details: Spacious bluestone terraceLocation: Dimensions:Material: Cost:Westover Landscape DesignWestover Landscape DesignWestover Landscape DesignOther Sizing ConsiderationsMore on Houzz
S To Choosing The Best Patio Dining Set
Getting some sunshine and fresh air is a relaxing way to spend a nice day. So, it only makes sense to create your own enjoyable outdoor space with a functional and beautiful patio dining set. Use these buying tips to help choose the patio furniture at which youll enjoy meals, entertain, sip your morning coffee, and more. Its simple when you follow a few helpful steps
Where would you like to place your patio dining set? Take a look at your patio or backyard area and measure the available space. Its key to leave enough room so you can move around the tables and chairs comfortably. For example, if you have a narrow deck, it doesnt make sense to buy a large, round table. Instead a small, square or rectangular patio dining table may fit better.
Consider the traditional space needs for indoor dining tables, too. Youll want at least three feet of open space on all sides of the table so people have enough room to pull out their chairs. This is especially important on a deck, poolside, or in an area where railings or steps dictate the boundaries.
Whats the best material for patio dining tables? Your answer depends largely on your personal preference for the appearance, but two other factors to consider are its weather durability and amount of care the material requires. Here are some options:
Consider which features are key to your comfort and best fit your dining and entertaining needs. Here is a list of chair features to keep in mind as you shop:
Teak Points To Consider
Teak is durable and resilient, as it produces its own oil. Its a hardwood, so isnt easy to dent or scratch.
- Its completely resistant to wind, water, and rust and can stay outside all year-round.
- Hot plates and cups, and food and drink spills can all impact the surface of the wood.
- Its only available in one color, teak.
- Teak is difficult to maintain and needs to be regularly rubbed down and treated to avoid silver patina.
- Teak is one of the pricier options when it comes to outside furniture.
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Round Tables Fit Small Spaces Better
Round tables are great for small patios because they have no 90 angles, no sharp corners to navigate. This makes the table ideal for most square and rectangular patio spaces.
Without a head of the table spot, everyone gets the same amount of space. This also makes it easy to get into your dining chair. Theres no squeezing by Uncle Artie or shimming behind Cousin Cindy. No more trying to wedge yourself between your sisters twins on the bench seat. Its as simple as pulling your chair out and sitting down.
Each person at a 60 round table should have around 24 of personal space. That leaves plenty of elbow room for each person to sit comfortably and have full range of motion at the table.
Tip: Choose armless chairs and a pedestal base for the table to give you the most amount of space.
Why?
A table with legs only allows room for 4 chairs. Sure, you could pack in a few more chairs but theres nothing worse than being stuck, straddling the leg of a patio table. Inevitably youll end up bashing your knee or trying to free yourself with a feat of acrobatics to get up for a second helping of potato salad.
Arms on chairs also eat up space that could be better utilized. Every inch or fraction of an inch is important when figuring the seating for a round table. Armchairs will add inches to either side of the chair making each seat a super tight squeeze around the table.
Consider Additional Table Linens
Because dining table sizes are not standardized across the furniture industry, tablecloth dimensions usually fall within a range that can work on many tables. The standard tablecloth sizes we carry, for example, are 60 inches by 90 inches and 60 inches by 120 inches. A cloth with a drop of 8-to 9-inches from the side of your table is considered a comfortable drop for casual, easy dining. Plus, it wont restrict your diners legs or block access to the chairs.
If your table proves difficult to dress with a standard cloth, consider using other table linens as design elements. For extra wide tables, use multiple in place of a single tablecloth, by placing runners either across the width as placemats for two or use two runners along the length of the table under the place settings. If your table is oblong or oval, use a rectangular cloth, allowing it to pool on the corners.
Once youve found the right tablecloth size or solution, invest in a few colors or patterns so you can mix and match your linens with your dinnerware to suit the occasion. After all, fit matters.
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The Ultimate Size Guide For Buying Your Next Patio Umbrella
- The Ultimate Size Guide for Buying your next Patio Umbrella
Investing in a quality patio umbrella for your home can be a very fulfilling experience. Its more than just a backyard ornament, patio umbrellas are involved in countless precious memories and meaningful moments, spent with families and friends. So, if youre planning to buy your next patio umbrella and are wondering about the size thats appropriate for your desired location, read this ultimate size guide!
Patio Umbrella A patio umbrella serves a unique purpose for your homes outdoor atmosphere. You can use it for your garden, backyard, or patio to make it look beautiful, as well as for UV sun protection. Umbrellas can be made of different materials such as fiberglass, wood, and aluminum. Durable ribs and fancy waterproof canopies, in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, makes any patio appear more attractive.
The Ultimate Size Guide Buyers often get too excited upon purchasing a patio umbrella, based on the uniqueness of designs, patterns, shapes, textures, and colors. However, one of the most important features to consider when buying your next patio umbrella is its size. The size of your patio umbrella is truly vital to the overall appearance of your garden, backyard, or patio. Below are some practical and useful tips to consider.
Section C Fabrics & Materials Best Patio Umbrella Fabric
Click here to view all Sunbrella Fabric Options.
Just like the fabrics of your outdoor furniture, you need to make sure that the fabrics and materials used on your umbrella meet all-weather requirements. If you live in windy areas, you may want to consider fiberglass umbrellas that are flexible and are designed to bend slightly. Likewise, aluminum is very durable and is still a viable option.
As far as fabrics go, youll want to look for a few key phrases that will indicate a quality outdoor umbrella. All-weather, waterproof and UV resistant fabrics, and breathable designs that prevent mold and mildew are highly recommended. Sunbrellais the most well-known name in outdoor fabrics. They began making awning in the early 1960s. They now make fabrics for umbrellas as well. Learn more about Sunbrella Fabrics.
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Patio Tables Buying Guide
No outdoor patio is complete without the perfect patio table. Think about it — the patio table is where people gather to eat, drink, talk, or just relax. Whether youre enjoying a cup of coffee alone in the morning, having a few friends over for late night drinks, or hosting a big family barbecue, your patio table will be the hub of your entertaining space.
There are many factors to consider before choosing your perfect patio table.
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How much space is available for your table? Are you decorating a large back yard, or trying to utilize space on a smaller balcony?
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Do you like to entertain? How many people will typically be using the table at any given time?
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What material would look best in your space, and fare best with the climate in your area? What shape would fit best with your desired look and usage?
In this guide, well walk you through the basic styles, sizes, and patio table materials available so you can figure out exactly what would work best in your space.
Guidelines For Building A Deck
Are you building a deck? When determining the size, keep these guidelines in mind:
- In general, your deck should be wider than it is deep and run along the length of your house.
- Its vital to build a deck thats proportional to your home. A deck larger than your house will dominate the space, and a deck measuring a fraction of the area of your home will seem insubstantial.
- If youre planning on building a massive deck, consider a multi-level design for added dimension and for a logical way to break up areas for different uses.
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How To Choose The Right Size Patio Umbrella
When choosing a patio umbrella for a dining table, size and shape can factor into your decision. A simple rule of thumb for patio umbrella sizing is that your patio umbrella should extend over the table by 2 feet on each side. For optimal shade, look for a patio umbrella that mimics the shape of your dining table, e.g., if you have a rectangular dining table then a rectangular patio umbrella would provide the best coverage.
Your patio umbrella should extend over the edge of your outdoor table by 2 feet on each side.
What Size Patio Should You Build Heres How To Know
Determining the size of your homes outdoor patio can often be tricky. Many homeowners often end up with a patio that is either too large or too small. Sizing and proper placement of an outdoor patio are the most challenging aspects of landscape design.
To determine the size patio you should build, you must first know how much space you have to work with and how the patio will be used. The rule of thumb is that for every person on the patio, you should plan 25 sq. ft. . You may also consider the furniture you will place on it.
The rest of this article will discuss how you can determine the right patio space based on the patios purpose, the furniture you intend to place, the size of your yard, and the patio type.
When determining the ideal size for your patio, you should make the patio large enough to accommodate all the activities in your planning list. Start by determining how you will use your patio. Will you be cooking and dining on the patio? Do you intend to have a fireplace on the patio? In some instances, you might only be interested in a patio where you can relax, read, and enjoy the outdoor weather.
For comfortable entertaining, you need a minimum patio size of 550 square feet . For every person, you should set a space of 25 square feet . Therefore, if you want to have 50 people on your patio, the ideal space would be 1250 square feet .
Here is a video on how to build a patio:
Consider the Furniture You Intend to Place
Consider the Size of Your Yard
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Help With Patio Sizes
Patio sizes are determined by what needs to fit on your patio and howspacious you would like it to be. Suchthings you might want to include on your patio might be a dining table andchairs, lounge or club chairs, a fire pit, fireplace, or outdoor cooking area. Onceyou decide what is to be included, you can design your patio.
Outdoor Dining Tables For Your Balcony Or Patio
If you have enough space, you need to consider how to use it. Are you planning on romantic one on one dinners? Maybe a smaller patio table would be a good choice for this. Do you often find yourself hosting dinner parties for friends and relatives? Maybe a larger dining table will do the trick.
The answer to these questions should also influence the kind of environment you want to create in your outdoor room. For example, a wooden garden table with a nice brown stain finish will create a warm, cozy atmosphere. Choose a black metal table, and you will add a more modern touch.
If your needs vary from time to time, a folding dining table could be the perfect solution for you. Fold it up and out of the way when not in use and can expand it for occasions that require it.
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How To Calculate The Right Size Table:
- For the most versatility, choose an expandable table with leaves that will allow you to seat more people when company comes, but feel more spacious when its just your family.
- For a square room, small space or dual-duty rooms, consider a round pedestal table, which takes up less space and is easier to walk around. Bonus: Its great for conversation.
- For tight spaces, consider creating a dining nook in a corner with banquette seating lined up against 1 or 2 walls or use benches, which can slide under the table when its not in use.
- Allow about 2 per person at a rectangular table, though you can squeeze in more chairs when needed. As a rule of thumb:
- A 48-long table seats 4
- A 60-72 table seats 6
- A 80-87 table seats 8
- A 92-108 table seats 10
- A 120 table seats 12
- A 42-48-diameter round table seats 4
- A 60 round table seats 6-8
What Size Patio Umbrella Should I Buy
The size of your umbrella depends on several factors. How much space do you need? Whats your budget? How much space do you have available? These are all things that must be taken into consideration before purchasing an outdoor umbrella. Choosing an oversized umbrella will be overwhelming and throw off the balance of your outdoor arrangement.
Your umbrella should typically extend over your dining table by 2 feet on each side. If you have a 4-foot rounded table, this means you need an umbrella that measures 8 feet in diameter. Below youll find some simple solutions, courtesy of Lisa Hallet Taylor from PoolandPatio.About.com.
- Table = 30-36 inches Umbrella = 6-8 feet
- Table = 38-48 inches Umbrella = 9-11 feet
- Table = 54-60 inches Umbrella 11 feet or larger
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Measure Your Outdoor Space
Consider how much space you have and how it’s shaped. Is it a long and narrow balcony or a broad and wide deck? Much like furnishing a living or family room, use the area and shape of your outdoor space to determine the size of your outdoor furniture and the potential groupings it will accommodate. Most importantly, make sure to leave enough space around your furniture to walk around comfortably. Apply the same principles for traffic flow that you would use indoors.
For a small space, a bar table set may work better than a regular dining set, because bar tables are narrower, and stools take up less room than chairs. You can also take a look at cafe or bistro tables and chairs, as they have a smaller profile.
Before you head out to shop for furniture, make a quick sketch of the space, measure its dimensions, and jot them down on the drawing. Bring the drawing and a tape measure with you to the store. Unless you’re spatially gifted, it’s too easy to get the proportions wrong in your head and end up choosing furniture that’s too small or, more likely, too big for your space.
Work Out How Much Room You Have
Take a look at the variety of dining sets available, and when youve narrowed down your choices, think about the overall footprint or space the table and chairs will take up.
- Carefully measure your outdoor space and use tape or some other way to mark the size of the table before you buy it.
- Then, create similar templates for the chairs so you can see how they will interact with the table and the overall space.
- You will want some space between chairs and enough space around the outside to allow people to move around easily.
- If youre not keeping the dining set outside all year round youll need to work out if you have enough space to store it.
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