In this post, we’ll go through the various advantages and disadvantages of extension table and fixed-length table. Since holidays are coming and you are getting ready for guests – food, drinks, decoration, games, etc. Only one thing left before you can sit back and relax – do you have enough seats for your guests? Well, adding more tables is what most people do, but the overall presentation of the dinner is not as delightful, since some people will have to sit at different tables, which happen to be different designs or colors, from the main table – unless you have bought the same tables to match up the theme.
Nevertheless, when you are shopping for an outdoor dining table for either your garden or backyard, you should always think twice before you make any decision, as it is a huge investment. The first thing to consider is, how often gathering takes place and how many people will be present. For instance, if you have a family party twice a month, a total of 12 people, and only 6 people when no guests are around – an extension table for 12 will be your option. However, there are certain conditions where you would prefer a fixed-length garden table, other than the reason we just mentioned.
Adaptability
Extension table no doubt is flexible and able to adapt to the number of guests, both planned and unplanned events. Whereas fixed-length can only offer a limited amount of seats – guests will have to fight for their seats or keep their eyes on whoever is finishing the food.
Choice of Materials
An extendable table is harder to make, as it is built to be able to transform or extend, in which screws are necessary – it is usually made up of teak, leaving you to have a lesser choice. On the other hand, a fixed-length dining table can be made up of other materials but teak-like synthetic wicker, in which the table can be woven in unique weaving styles and colors, based on your preference – fully customize your outdoor theme.
Design
The ideal design or the appearance of the table is entirely dependent on personal choice – if you like a slightly complicated or fancy design, go for an extension table, since it involves moving parts and requires more room to make it work. Extendable table can sometimes impress your guests, as it’s more fun and cool than a regular table, leaving them a great dining impression – it works exceptionally well on kids.
As opposed to complicated design, fixed length tables tend to look thinner and can be built on every simple setup – a piece of teak wood on four legs. This fits well for your minimalist outdoor setup, and of course, if you prefer, complex design for fixed-length is always available for your option.
Portability
If you have a huge backyard, congratulations to you and you may skip this part. For those who would like to save space, getting a portable table or furniture is vital, as you can use the table either indoors or outdoors, or keep it in the corner when you do not need it. The extension table, as we have discussed above, tends to be complicated and heavier due to the materials used; therefore, it’s not easy to move around.
The fixed-length outdoor table is simple and can be made up of lighter materials, such as a wicker and powder-coated aluminum frame. It’s much more portable and even your kids can help you to move the table.
Cost & Space
Generally speaking, an extension table is more costly than a fixed-length dining table, because of its complexity and materials. However, if you know you will be holding gatherings regularly at your house, like the example we talked about in the beginning – it’s worth the investment of getting an extension table. If you have a fixed-length table and need more seats to accommodate your guests, not only does it cost more to get extra tables to entertain, but also need more space to keep it. Whereas extension tables save cost and space, in the long run.
Ease of Use
Needless to explain, a fixed-length dining table requires zero knowledge to operate. But an extension table can be tricky sometimes, especially for someone who is not familiar with the operation part, such as your kids or your guests. They might get injured if not taken care of properly.
Maintenance
The simpler the better. An extension table involves more mechanical and moving parts; it tends to break more easily, as compared to a fixed-length dining table. In addition to that, the moving joints need to be taken care of regularly, such as cleaning and oiling, to keep the screws away from mold and rot, so that it moves smoothly. Other than dusting the dirt away, a fixed-length dining table needs no special care and lasts for years of use.
Based on the comparison, we hope you can make the right decision and be wiser, when it comes to choosing your garden table. Once you make up your mind, you can then select the look and style you like from an outdoor furniture store that offers a wide variety of collections for outdoor garden tables.
