Allow 24in of table width per person. A 60in round seats about 6; a 72in rectangle seats 6-8. Leave 36-48in between the table edge and walls or furniture so chairs pull out and people can pass.

Standard 28-30in tables pair with 18-19in seat-height chairs. Counter-height tables (34-36in) need 24-26in stools; bar-height tables (40-42in) need 28-30in stools — aim for 10-12in between the seat and the underside of the top.

Construction is noted in the product description. “Solid wood” is real wood throughout; “veneer” or “MDF with veneer” is engineered wood with a thin real-wood surface — lighter and more resistant to warping than solid wood.

Tables with pre-attached legs take 15-20 minutes. Tables where legs bolt on usually take 30-60 minutes with the hardware that ships with the piece. Solid-wood tops are heavy, so two people make it easier and safer.

Round tables: 48in seats 4, 60in seats 6, 72in seats 8. Rectangular: 60in seats 4-6, 72in seats 6, 84in seats 8. Add two more only if guests are comfortable sitting close together.

Only tables listed as outdoor are weather-resistant, using materials such as teak, aluminium or treated wood. Indoor wood and veneer tables warp, crack or discolour in rain and direct sun, so keep them inside or fully covered.