When my old garden table started wobbling so much, I knew it was time for a replacement. But finding the right garden table took me weeks of research. You don’t have to spend that long though, because I’ve put together everything I learned about extendable garden tables, particularly those from Lazy Susan’s extendable garden tables, right here.
I’m going to walk you through why these tables might be just what your garden needs, what makes them special, and how to pick the perfect one for your space.
Garden tables aren’t just furniture. They’re where summer dinners happen, where morning coffees taste better, and where family gatherings spill outside when the weather’s nice.
Why Have Extendable Garden Tables?
Let me tell you why I eventually chose an extendable table over a fixed one. My garden isn’t huge, and I didn’t want a massive table taking up space all the time.
But I do love having friends over for barbecues in summer. With a regular table, I was always dragging out extra folding tables that never matched and wobbled even worse than my old table.
Extendable tables solve this problem beautifully. When it’s just my husband and me having breakfast outside, we keep it compact. When the neighbors pop over, we can extend it in seconds. It’s like having two tables for the price of one.
These tables are perfect if you:
- Have limited garden space but occasionally need extra seating
- Host different sized gatherings throughout the year
- Want your garden to look tidy and not overcrowded
- Need flexibility without buying multiple pieces of furniture
I’ve noticed more people are investing in their gardens too. A Garden Centre Association report showed spending on garden furniture up by 33% in the last two years. We’re all trying to make our outdoor spaces work harder for us.
Lazy Susan Extendable Garden Table Review
After looking at dozens of brands, I settled on a Lazy Susan extendable garden table. The company has been making garden furniture since 2007, and they specialize in metal garden furniture with a focus on practical designs. Their range includes round, oval, and rectangular tables that extend in different ways.
What caught my eye was the balance of price and quality. Some garden tables I looked at cost more than my first car! Others were so flimsy I could see them flying away in the first strong breeze. Lazy Susan seemed to hit that sweet spot in between.
First Impressions & Design Aesthetic
When the 8 seater extendable table arrived, my first thought was how solid it felt. The packaging was good too, which matters when you’re buying something online. No scratches or dings.
The design is what I’d call “classic garden” rather than ultra-modern or super traditional. The cast aluminum has this slightly textured finish that looks a bit like those fancy tables you see at garden centers for three times the price.
I went for the white version, but they do these tables in different colors. The white brightens up my garden, which has a lot of green from plants and trees.
What I really like is that it doesn’t scream “look at me” but still looks good enough that visitors often comment on it. It’s elegant without being showy. The design works well with most garden styles too, whether you’ve got a cottage garden or something more contemporary.
Functionality & Performance
This is where the table really shines. Extending it is so simple my 6-year-old nephew can do it. You just pull the two halves apart, and the middle section rises up automatically to fill the gap. No struggling with leaves that don’t fit properly or mechanisms that jam.
The table I chose extends from seating 4 people comfortably to seating 6. They do bigger versions that go from 6 to 8 or even 8 to 10 if you’ve got the space. When extended, the table feels just as solid as when it’s compact. No wobbling or dipping in the middle like some extendable tables I’ve tried.
One thing I wasn’t expecting was how much I’d use the extension feature. I thought it would be just for special occasions, but we use it almost weekly. Sometimes it’s for extra dinner guests, sometimes so my husband can spread out his gardening magazines while I’m reading my book.
Also read: How to Transform Your Garden into a Relaxing Retreat?
Materials & Durability
My previous wooden table lasted about three years before it started looking sad. According to my research, the average wooden garden table lasts 5-7 years if maintained properly. Metal tables typically last 10-15 years, and Lazy Susan uses cast aluminum which doesn’t rust like steel can.
After having mine for two seasons now, it still looks new. We had some crazy storms last winter, and I admit I forgot to cover it a few times. No damage at all. The aluminum doesn’t get hot in the sun either, unlike some metal furniture that can practically cook you if you touch it on a sunny day.
The table does have a protective coating, but it’s not that annoying kind that peels off after a year. It seems bonded to the metal properly. And cleaning is just a matter of wiping it down with soapy water. No oils or special treatments needed.
Comfort & Compatibility
A table is only as good as the chairs you pair with it, right? Lazy Susan sells matching chairs, but I actually mixed in some chairs I already had. The height works well with standard garden chairs, so you don’t necessarily need to buy a whole matching set.
The surface of the table is smooth but has tiny drainage holes, so rain doesn’t pool on top. The edges are gently rounded, so no sharp corners to catch your clothes on or hurt yourself when moving around the table.
One small issue is that the surface pattern, while pretty, means very small items like pills might fall into the grooves. Not a huge problem, but worth knowing if you plan to use the table for things like card games with small pieces.
Customer Feedback & Testimonials
Before buying, I looked at lots of reviews. Lazy Susan has over 2,000 reviews on Trustpilot with an average of 4.7 out of 5, which is pretty impressive. Most positive comments mentioned durability, ease of assembly, and good customer service.
My neighbor liked mine so much she bought one too, but in bronze. She said the delivery was quick and the assembly instructions were clear. Her only complaint was that the protective caps on the feet of her table were a bit loose, but customer service sent replacements right away.
Even my mom, who usually finds something to criticize about everything, admitted it was a “sensible purchase.” High praise indeed from her!
How to Choose the Right Extendable Garden Table?
If you’re shopping for an extendable garden table, here’s what I learned during my research:
First, measure your space twice. I know this sounds obvious, but measure both the area where the table will normally sit AND the area when extended. Nothing worse than buying a table only to find you can’t actually extend it because it hits a planter or wall.
Think about how many people you typically entertain versus maximum numbers. I usually have 2-4 people at my table but need space for 6-8 occasionally. Getting a table that’s too big for everyday use means wasted garden space.
Consider the shape too. Round tables are great for conversation but take up more space per person. Rectangular tables fit better against walls or fences. Oval tables are a nice compromise.
Material matters for longevity. In my experience:
- Aluminum lasts longest and needs least maintenance
- Wood looks natural but needs annual treatment
- Steel is strong but can rust unless very well coated
- Plastic is cheap but often looks cheap too
Check the mechanism before buying. Some extendable tables are harder to operate than others. Look for one person operation if possible. Videos online often show how they work.
Don’t forget about storage. Will you leave it out all year? If so, aluminum or good quality plastic are best. Will you store it in winter? Then check if it can be partially disassembled.
Finally, try to see one in person before buying if possible. If not, check the return policy carefully. Most good companies offer returns if you’re not happy.
Conclusion
After living with my Lazy Susan extendable table for two years now, I’m really happy with the choice. It’s made our garden more usable and entertaining much easier. The flexibility of having essentially two table sizes in one product has been even more useful than I expected.
Yes, it was more expensive than some basic options out there, but working out at about 50 cents per day over its expected lifetime, it’s actually good value. And every time I extend it without struggling or wobbling, I’m grateful I spent the extra.
Garden furniture is an investment in your outdoor living space, and with more of us spending time at home, having functional, beautiful outdoor spaces matters. An extendable table might be just the practical solution your garden needs.
If you have any questions about these tables or want to share your own experiences with garden furniture, drop me a comment. I love hearing how other people are making their gardens work for them.
