A large garden table is more than a piece of furniture. It is the centre of sociable evenings, family celebrations and relaxed hours outdoors. But while choosing the right model often comes with a good deal of anticipation, one crucial part is regularly underestimated: the delivery. With large, heavy tables in particular, that can quickly become a challenge. Anyone who is not well prepared risks unnecessary stress, damage or even extra cost.
In this article you will read what to look out for so that your new garden table arrives smoothly, from planning and measuring to practical tips for the day of delivery itself.
Why delivering a large garden table deserves extra attention
Large garden tables differ from smaller pieces in several respects. They are often bulky, heavy and not always easy to transport. Materials such as solid wood, metal or stone add weight and make handling more complicated.
Size is an important consideration. Where a small table passes through doors and hallways without trouble, a large dining table can soon become an obstacle. That gets more critical still if the table is delivered ready-assembled. In that case the piece cannot simply be taken apart to manoeuvre it through narrow gaps.
Then there is the logistics: delivery firms often have limited time windows and sometimes bring goods only as far as the kerb. That means you are responsible for moving the table to its final position. Without planning, that can quickly become a stressful situation.
The rule of thumb is therefore: the larger and heavier the table, the more important careful preparation becomes.
Will the table fit through your front door, garden gate or hallway?
One of the most common causes of trouble at delivery is a simple but decisive question: will the table actually fit through every opening it has to pass? Many people underestimate how difficult it can be to move large pieces of furniture through standard doors, narrow hallways or winding stairwells. The critical points are:
- Front door
- Internal doors
- Garden gate
- Hallways and passages
- Stairwells and lifts
A table may fit perfectly in your garden and yet be impossible to get there, if the route is too narrow. Corners and turns play a large part too. Even where the door is wide enough, a long table can jam when turned in a hallway.
How do you measure the space and the openings?
To avoid unpleasant surprises, accurate measuring is essential. Work through it systematically and take every relevant opening into account.
1. Check the dimensions of the table
Start with the exact dimensions of the garden table:
- Length
- Width
- Height
- Weight
Note too whether the table is delivered assembled or in parts. That information is decisive for your planning.
2. Measure every opening
Then measure every point the table has to pass:
- Door widths and heights
- Hallway widths
- Stairwell width
- Lift dimensions (width, depth and height)
- Garden gate
Important: do not measure only the narrowest point, but the whole route. Tight corners, turns or low ceilings can all make transport harder.
3. Take diagonals into account
A table can often be moved through a doorway at an angle. So take the diagonal measurement into account as well. A doorway frequently offers considerably more room on the diagonal than its plain width suggests.
4. Allow room to manoeuvre
Do not forget that carrying takes extra space. The table has to be turned and tilted. Always allow some leeway, therefore. A good tip: simulate the move with a tape measure or a cardboard box of similar size. That gives you a realistic sense of whether it is feasible.
What if the table cannot come in as one piece?
Sometimes, despite all the preparation, it turns out the table will not fit through the available openings. There are several solutions in that case, but it is wise to consider them as early as possible.
1. Choose a model that comes apart
The simplest solution is to choose a table from the outset that can be dismantled. Many models come with removable legs or modular elements. That makes transport considerably easier.
2. Arrange delivery straight into the garden
If the garden can be reached from outside, the table can be delivered there directly. That saves carrying it through the house.
3. Engage a professional furniture carrier
With especially large or heavy tables it can make sense to engage a professional furniture carrier. They have the equipment and the experience to manage difficult moves. Garden tables from Souren Furniture are delivered within a radius of 300 km from Nuth in the Netherlands by our own skilled team.
4. Assemble the table on site
Souren Furniture offers an assembly service. The table is then delivered in separate parts and built up on the spot. That is usually the easiest solution, even though it brings extra cost.
Practical tips for a delivery without surprises
To make the day of delivery run smoothly, there are a number of practical steps you can take. They help you avoid stress and organise the process efficiently. Agree a fixed delivery date where you can, so that you can prepare properly and are certain to be there.
A large garden table can rarely be moved alone. Arrange help in good time, from friends, family or professional services. Make sure as well that all the routes are clear:
- Move furniture or decorations out of the hallway
- Open doors fully
- Put pets somewhere safe
The fewer obstacles in the way, the easier the move. Large pieces of furniture can easily cause scratches. Protect vulnerable floors and walls with blankets or cardboard. If the table has to be assembled on site, keep the right tools to hand. A simple set of screwdrivers is often enough, but it is better to be prepared.
Check the table straight after delivery:
- Is there any damage?
- Are all the parts there?
- Does the product match your order?
Report any problems immediately so that they can be put right quickly. Since this is a garden table, the weather plays a part too. Rain or wind can make delivery harder. If in doubt, plan a dry spot for storing it in the meantime.
Good preparation saves time, money and worry
Delivering a large garden table is not a detail to be dealt with in passing. It calls for planning, attention and a degree of organisation. Anyone who looks into the situation on site in good time avoids unpleasant surprises and makes sure the new table is in place quickly and safely. Measure carefully, check every opening and think through in advance how the move should go. If in doubt, it is better to invest a little more time and effort in the preparation than to have to improvise on the day.
