Extendable Garden Furniture Buying Guide

Looking for more information on extendable garden furniture? You’re in the right place.

We’ve put together an easy-to-follow guide that covers everything you need to know about extending garden furniture. We’ve also included recommendations from our premium collections here at Cotswold Teak - so be sure to stick around!

Read on for our guide to extendable garden furniture…

What is extendable garden furniture?

Extending garden furniture can be defined as outdoor furnishings that can expand should you require them to. The most common types of furniture built with extending features are garden tables, purchased either on their own or as a set, complete with matching outdoor chairs.

Typically, an outdoor table that supports being extended often has a built-in mechanism that allows for seamless and effortless expansion, typically located in the middle of the table. However, there are four main types of extendable tables, which include:

• Traditional extending tables (drop-in tables) - the table is extended by sliding the ends on both sides, revealing a centre gap. Then, what is known as ‘leaves’ (added table surface) are placed within the gap, creating a larger tabletop.
• Butterfly leaf tables - this type of extending table can have multiple leaves that are hinged, which are stored in a hidden compartment underneath the table. To extend the table, simply slide the table where the extension gaps are situated and release the hidden leaves, lifting them into place.
• Drop leaf tables - this type of extending table features collapsible leaves, typically attached to the ends of a table surface using sturdy brackets. Simply lift and secure into place when required, and collapse the table leaves when not in use.
• Stow leaf tables - lastly, these types of extending tables are similar to butterfly leaf tables, however, the additional leaves are designed to store away compactly and neatly underneath. When the leaves are stowed, they remain visible - creating a double-layered table appearance.

The benefits of extendable garden furniture

There are many benefits to choosing extendable garden furniture. See below for the main reasons people furnish their outdoor space with extending features.

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Variety

Extending garden tables, just like any other type of outdoor table, are available in a range of sizes, designs and styles.

So, no matter your personal style or decor preference, you can rest assured that options are abundant when shopping for the perfect extending garden table!

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Quality & durability

Another valuable benefit is that to support extendable features, the overall quality tends to be better than your standard garden table.

This is because additional features, such as being extendable, will require the garden furniture to be built with durability at the forefront of the design process. This is to ensure that the furniture addition can withstand being extended without compromising the quality of the table.

This means outdoor furniture that can support being extended is usually made from premium materials, to ensure longevity.

At Cotswold Teak, our extending outdoor tables are made from the finest solid teak, designed to contain mortice and tenon joints, which are dowelled and pegged for added strength. So, when you choose us - you can rest assured that you’ll receive a high-quality, sturdy outdoor furniture addition!

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Functional and convenient

It doesn’t matter how frequently you host loved ones at your home, extendable garden furniture will always be a highly convenient addition to any outdoor space.

Opting for this type of garden furniture will mean you’re always prepared, and ready to accommodate as many guests as you like. Plus, if you’re a large household, you’ll always be able to take advantage of your garden and spend quality time with one another when you have access to extendable garden furniture.

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Space-saving

Another benefit to extendable garden furniture is that they are space-saving features.

If you’re working with a smaller outdoor space or you simply want to maintain a spacious look and feel in a larger setting, you’ll have the option to keep your garden table not expanded, only making use of the feature when necessary.

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Low maintenance

As long as you’re investing in quality extendable garden furniture, it should be relatively low maintenance and be no more of a hassle than any other type of garden furniture. However, all furniture will require a little upkeep now and then to ensure longevity.

We recommend following the guidance of the manufacturer, however, generally speaking, we advise keeping your extendable features clean and the extendable mechanism free from anything that may block the mechanism that allows the furniture to extend.

If you’re interested in solid teak extending furniture, we recommend reading our recent article on teak garden furniture do’s and don’ts. It’ll tell you everything you need to know about cleaning and maintenance, providing you with the knowledge you need to ensure your additions last for many years to come!

To read our blog post on the do’s and don’ts of teak garden furniture, click here.

Extendable garden furniture at Cotswold Teak

We offer a wide range of premium garden furniture at Cotswold Teak, including many extendable options.

Whether you are looking for the perfect outdoor garden table or a set to complement your outdoor space, we’re confident you’ll find it here with us. For a taste of what our range has to offer, see below!

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Arrow 6 Seater Extending Rectangular Teak Table - 120cm

To start, we have our gorgeous Arrow 6 Seater Extending Rectangular Teak Table - perfect for those looking for an extending feature with a sophisticated look and feel.

Handcrafted from the finest solid teak, this extending table option is a durable and robust outdoor table, made to last for many years to come.

Ideal for alfresco dining, this beautiful extending rectangular table will seat up to 6 people spaciously and comfortably.

Our Arrow 6 Seater Extending Rectangular Teak Table benefits from an extension mechanism built into the framing, with hidden extension leaves found stowed away within the table. Simply release and secure the table leaves into place when more table surface is required!

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Avon 8 Seater Extending Oval Teak Table - 150cm

Looking for the most elegant garden furniture extending table? We’ve got just the perfect option for you. Next, we have our gorgeous Avon 8 Seater Extending Oval Teak Table - ideal for those looking to add a luxurious touch to their outdoor space.

Our oval-style extending table is carefully handcrafted from premium solid teak, specially designed to be a robust and durable addition to any outdoor space. What’s more, this table can expand up to 210cm, spaciously seating up to 8 people! Perfect for a night spent dining, surrounded by loved ones.

Our Avon 8 Seater Extending Oval Teak Table features a built-in mechanism found on the frame of the table, with the addition of hidden table leaves, which can be found neatly stowed away within the table.

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Arrow 12 Seater Extending Rectangular Teak Table 240cm with Grisdale Side Chairs and Grisdale Carver Chairs

Are you looking for the perfect extending furniture set to add a touch of class to your outdoor space? Look no further! Introducing our Arrow 12 Seater Extending Rectangular Teak Table 240cm with Grisdale Side Chairs and Grisdale Carver Chairs.

Similar to our other collections here at Cotswold Teak, this stunning set is handcrafted from the finest solid teak. We also only use FLEGT Licensed Timber to create our tables, which means our entire offering is kinder to the planet.

A great choice for hosting alfresco dinner parties, our Arrow 12-seater furniture set can expand up to 300cm, providing 12 people with the space to comfortably enjoy quality time together.

This extendable table also features a built-in parasol hole in the centre, complete with a stylish brass finish. The tabletop of this furniture set can also be unscrewed from the base, and the legs are also collapsible - making it easy to store away throughout the colder months!

This set is completed by 10 of our Grisdale Side Chairs and two of our Grisdale Carver Chairs, designed to add a touch of elegance to this beautiful outdoor seating arrangement. To expand the table, lift the extension leaves (found hidden within the table) and slot them into place.

Cotswold Teak: the home of premium solid teak garden furniture

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading our guide to extendable garden furniture. If you’re interested in finding the perfect extending furniture addition for your outdoor space, check out the rest of our website today.