How to Measure Your Garden Space to Choose the Right-Sized Furniture

When it comes to creating the perfect outdoor retreat, choosing the right-sized garden furniture is crucial. Oversized pieces can make your space feel cramped, while furniture that’s too small can leave your garden looking sparse. Proper measurements ensure a functional setup. Here’s an in-depth guide to measuring your garden and selecting furniture that fits perfectly.

 

Assess Your Space

Before reaching for the measuring tape, take some time to evaluate your garden. Understanding the layout and intended use of your outdoor space will help guide your furniture choices. Consider these key points:

• Purpose of the Area: Will the furniture be used for dining, relaxing, entertaining or a mix of activities? This will influence the type and size of furniture you need.
• Fixed Features: Identify any elements that can’t be moved, such as trees, flowerbeds, paths, sheds or decking. These features will determine the usable area for furniture.
• Traffic Flow: Take note of how people naturally move through the space. You don’t want furniture blocking key walkways or creating bottlenecks.

 

By visualising the intended use of the space, you can narrow down the furniture styles and sizes that will work best for your garden.

 

Measure the Dimensions

Accurate measurements are the foundation of good planning. Follow these tips to measure your space effectively:

• Clear the Area: Remove any temporary items, such as old furniture, toys or tools, to get a clear view of the space.
• Use a Measuring Tape: Measure the length and width of the area where you plan to place the furniture. For irregular-shaped spaces, measure the widest and narrowest points to get a better idea of the overall dimensions.
• Consider Vertical Space: If you’re adding features like parasols or pergolas, measure the height to ensure your furniture and accessories will fit comfortably.

 

Allow for Comfortable Movement

It’s not just about fitting furniture into the space—it’s also about how people will use and move around it. To avoid a cramped or cluttered look, leave adequate space around your furniture:

• Wooden Dining Sets: Allow at least 60–90 cm (2–3 feet) of clearance around the table for chairs to be pulled out and for people to walk behind them.
• Picnic Benches: Provide enough room in front for people to sit and stand up comfortably.

 

Visualise with a Mock-Up

To get a clearer sense of how the furniture will fit, try creating a mock-up of the layout. This can be done using simple tools:

• Chalk or String: Mark the outline of the furniture directly on the ground.
• Cardboard Cutouts: Cut pieces of cardboard to the size of the furniture you’re considering and place them in the space.

 

This step allows you to adjust the layout and experiment with different configurations before making a purchase.

 

Account for Uneven Surfaces

If your garden has sloped or uneven areas, it’s important to factor this into your measurements. Uneven ground can affect the stability of your furniture and may require adjustments:

• Levelling: Consider levelling the ground where the furniture will sit to avoid wobbling.
• Adjustable Legs: Some furniture pieces come with adjustable legs, which are ideal for uneven surfaces.
• Platform or Decking: For larger slopes, installing a flat platform or decking can provide a stable base.

 

Test Accessibility

Don’t forget to consider how the furniture will get to its intended spot. Measure doorways, gates or paths leading to your garden to ensure the furniture can be transported and positioned without hassle.

 

Future-Proof Your Choices

Think about how your garden space might evolve in the future. If you’re planning to add new plants, structures or features, choose furniture that complements these potential changes. Investing in versatile pieces can help you adapt to your garden’s changing needs.

 

Conclusion

Measuring your garden space is an essential step in choosing the right-sized furniture. By assessing the area, leaving room for movement and visualising your layout, you can create an outdoor space that’s both functional and stylish. Whether your garden is large or small, careful planning ensures your wooden furniture fits seamlessly into your outdoor oasis.