There is nothing quite like a nice dining experience. It simply is one of the most enjoyable experiences, especially when you have a large group of family or friends over. However, finding the right outdoor dining table that can accommodate everyone comfortably is not always easy. They are either not the right material, not the right look, or sometimes not big enough, especially to accommodate 8 people.
In this article, we will discuss in-depth guidelines for what to look for when buying an 8-seater outdoor dining table set, the minimum dimensions needed for a comfortable eating experience, and other useful tips to make your purchase easy. In the end, we will provide the best 8-person outdoor dining tables for 2023 to help with your decision. So let’s read on!
What to Consider When Buying an 8-person Outdoor Dining Table?
Size
One of the most important things to consider before you make the purchase is the size of the table you are going for.
When we say size is the most important, it is not only because a bigger table would not fit but because there are so many considerations related to the size that if you ignore any aspect, it can majorly impact your experience and the overall functionality of the table.
Size of the table
Don’t be fooled by a table dressed with eight chairs – it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s an 8-person table! Cheaper tables on the market often come with outdoor chairs but aren’t big enough to accommodate eight people comfortably. When dining with a group, serving bowls and dishes take up additional space, and you don’t want a chaotic eating experience with plates, cutlery, and glasses all crammed together .
It’s important to select a table that’s the right size for eight people to dine comfortably, not just one that fits eight chairs around it.
Size of the space
When buying furniture, it’s common to consider the available space and select a piece that fits. This works great for beds and sofas, but not so much for dining tables. Unlike static furniture, a patio dining table is a living piece that needs ample space for chairs to be pulled out and for people to walk around it. If you don’t take this into account, you could end up with a table that’s too big to function properly.
We just warned you against getting a table that is too small for all the plates and dishes, and we also say that getting a bigger one would be a bad idea too. So, what’s the solution? We’ve got a great tip to help you pick the perfect size for your patio dining table.
How to get the right sized table
Step 1: measure the space in which you want to place your dining table. Whether it is a patio, sunroom, or garden, make sure to accurately measure the workable space in the area. By workable space, we mean no other furniture or doors there need space to open and close.
Step 2: Get the measurements of the table you intend to buy. Usually, outdoor home furniture websites list their products with dimensions, which is very helpful when figuring out how big a table you need.
Now add the length and width of the chairs to the length and width of the table. This is the area your dining table will occupy when the chairs are pulled out.
Step 3: Take a piece of tape and paste it on the ground to map out the total area your table would require.
If you can walk around the mapped area comfortably, the table would be ideal for your space. However, if there is too much, almost awkward empty space around, you may go bigger with the table.
Material
The material of the dining table is another important factor you should consider. Depending on the climate you live in, the material should be able to withstand the outdoor conditions usual for your area. Ideally, go for something that can withstand any possible weather conditions, such as heat, rain, or snow. Some popular materials for outdoor dining tables include aluminum, wood, and wicker.
Style
Outdoor dining tables come in various styles, from contemporary to traditional. Since there are so many options available these days, you can easily choose a dining table style that complements the overall look of your outdoor space or appeals to your aesthetic.
Additional features
Some dining tables have unique features such as an umbrella hole, a built-in ice bucket, and cushions. Consider the features that would enhance your experience when buying a dining table to add to your convenience and comfort.
Storage
Even the toughest materials require a little bit of care. Putting away your modern outdoor furniture in the off-season is always a good idea. Consider the storage space available to pack and put away your outdoor dining table when not in use.
Our top picks for the best 8-person table
Extendable outdoor dining tables
SOL Gem Outdoor 9-piece Wood Dining Set
A great 9-piece hardwood set complete with an extendable table. This is ideal for small spaces as it extends to accommodate more people when there’s a need. It also features an umbrella hole, so if you want to add an umbrella, there is room for that too.
SOL Atom Outdoor 9-piece Hand-scraped Wood
A great 9-piece acacia wood set with extra wide patio dining chairs for a comfortable dining experience. This set also features an extendable table, but even when not extended the table is pretty wide, so you can ample table top space.
Dining tables with cushions
Astomi Outdoor Wicker Dining set
A good option if you are looking for a square 8-person outdoor dining table. Although wicker itself is pretty comfortable, the set also features cushions. That means the chairs wont get hot under the sun.
Dining tables with umbrella
PHI VILLA Outdoor Patio Dining Table
This set comes with 8 heavily padded swivel chairs made of steel. With a fitted umbrella on top, this dining table would be an ideal addition to any patio.
8-person Round Outdoor Dining Table
Amazonia Arizona Eucalyptus Wood set
This outdoor patio dining set is made of solid eucalyptus wood and is complete with 8 arm chairs. What’s unique is that it comes with a round dining table that is also extendable.
Buying the right outdoor dining table can truly make or break your outdoor dining experience. Follow the tips mentioned above for buying the right table for your space and set yourself up for success.
