Key takeaways
- Square table, 4 chairs on 4 sides: square cover.
- Rectangle table with end chairs: rectangle cover.
- Rectangle table, chairs only on long sides: rectangle cover; length can be closer to table length plus 10 inches.
- Oval or racetrack table: oval/rectangle cover that matches length.
To size a rectangle patio table and chairs cover, measure the full footprint with the chairs pushed in, add 4 to 6 inches to the length and width, and choose a cover whose height reaches to within 2 to 4 inches of the patio floor over the chair backs. A cover sized to the table alone will not fit; the chairs add 12 to 20 inches on every side where they sit. The same method applies to a square patio table and chairs cover, which is the most common source of confusion because square sets are listed by table size, not overall footprint.
How to Measure a Rectangular or Square Dining Set
- Push every chair fully in. Tuck chairs as far under the table as the arms allow. This is the position the cover will hold them in.
- Measure overall length. From the back of the chair at one end to the back of the chair at the other. If there are no end chairs, measure the table length plus any overhang from side chairs whose arms stick out.
- Measure overall width. From the back of a chair on one long side to the back of the chair directly across.
- Measure height. From the floor to the top of the tallest chair back. Dining chair backs usually stand 34 to 40 inches high, taller than the 28 to 30 inch table.
- Add the allowance. Add 4 to 6 inches to length and width for an easy fit. For height, the cover should be about the chair height minus 0 to 4 inches, so it skims the floor without pooling water.
If the set has an umbrella, check whether the cover has a zippered umbrella opening. Covers without one force you to take the umbrella down before covering.
Classic Accessories Veranda Water-Resistant 108 Inch Rectangular/Oval Patio Table & Chair Set Cover, Outdoor Table Cover
Included for 'Rectangle Patio Table and Chairs Cover: Size Chart by Seat Count, Plus Square Sets' because the listing specifies Outdoor Table Cover, details this guide uses to compare options.
View on Amazon
Classic Accessories Ravenna Water-Resistant 88 Inch Rectangular/Oval Patio Table & Chair Set Cover, Medium, Taupe, Brown, Outdoor Table Cover
Included for 'Rectangle Patio Table and Chairs Cover: Size Chart by Seat Count, Plus Square Sets' because the listing specifies Medium and Taupe, details this guide uses to compare options.
View on Amazon
Classic Accessories Ravenna Water-Resistant 128 Inch Rectangular/Oval Patio Table & Chair Set Cover, Outdoor Table Cover
Included for 'Rectangle Patio Table and Chairs Cover: Size Chart by Seat Count, Plus Square Sets' because the listing specifies Outdoor Table Cover, details this guide uses to compare options.
View on AmazonClassic Accessories Ravenna Water-Resistant 108 Inch Rectangular/Oval Patio Table & Chair Set Cover, Large, Taupe, Outdoor Table Cover
Included for 'Rectangle Patio Table and Chairs Cover: Size Chart by Seat Count, Plus Square Sets' because the listing specifies Large and Taupe, details this guide uses to compare options.
View on AmazonTypical Set Sizes and the Cover to Buy
| Set | Table size | Footprint with chairs pushed in | Cover size to look for (L x W x H) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Square, 4 chairs | 36 x 36 in | 60–64 x 60–64 in | 64–68 x 64–68 x 28–32 in |
| Square, 4 chairs, large | 40–42 x 40–42 in | 64–70 x 64–70 in | 70–74 x 70–74 x 28–32 in |
| Rectangle, 4 chairs (side seating) | 48–55 x 32–36 in | 60–66 x 58–64 in | 68–72 x 62–68 x 28–32 in |
| Rectangle, 6 chairs | 60–72 x 36–38 in | 84–96 x 60–66 in | 96–100 x 64–70 x 28–32 in |
| Rectangle, 8 chairs | 84–96 x 38–42 in | 108–120 x 62–70 in | 120–126 x 70–74 x 28–32 in |
| Rectangle, 10 chairs | 108–118 x 40–42 in | 130–142 x 66–72 in | Custom or 140+ x 74 in |
The height column reflects a common design trick: many rectangular dining covers are cut 28 to 32 inches high so they drape just past the table edge but stop above the floor, letting air circulate. Full-drop covers at 36 inches and above protect seat cushions better but trap more moisture.
Rectangle vs Square vs Oval Covers
A rectangular cover on a square set leaves extra fabric bunched on two sides, which collects water and flaps in wind. A square cover on a rectangle set rarely reaches both ends. Oval covers fit both rectangle and oval tables when the chair layout is rounded at the ends, which is why some cover makers sell one oval/rectangle size for both. Rule of thumb:
- Square table, 4 chairs on 4 sides: square cover.
- Rectangle table with end chairs: rectangle cover.
- Rectangle table, chairs only on long sides: rectangle cover; length can be closer to table length plus 10 inches.
- Oval or racetrack table: oval/rectangle cover that matches length.
Fabric and Construction Compared
| Fabric | Typical weight | Water resistance | UV life (typical outdoor exposure) | Price range for a 6-seat cover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PE (polyethylene) tarp-style | Light | Waterproof but not breathable | 1 season | $20–$40 |
| 210D–420D polyester with PU or PVC coating | Light to medium | Water-resistant to waterproof | 1–2 years | $30–$60 |
| 600D polyester with PVC backing | Medium-heavy | Waterproof | 2–4 years | $45–$90 |
| Solution-dyed acrylic or polyester | Medium-heavy | Water-repellent, breathable | 5+ years | $120–$300 |
“D” stands for denier, a measure of yarn thickness, not overall quality. A 600D polyester cover is sturdier than a 210D one, but the coating and stitching matter as much. Look for taped or heat-sealed seams across the top, where water pools.
Features That Prevent the Common Problems
- Air vents: two or more vented flaps near the top reduce condensation and help stop the cover ballooning in wind.
- Drawstring hem with toggle: cinches under chair legs so the cover does not lift off.
- Buckle straps: click-close straps around table or chair legs add wind security beyond the drawstring.
- Padded handles: help pull a large 8 to 10 seat cover on and off without tearing seams.
- Umbrella zipper: a center opening of 6 to 8 inches with a zip or hook-and-loop closure.
Avoiding Pooling Water
A flat rectangle tabletop under a cover creates the perfect puddle, and pooling is the main reason covers sag and leak at seams. Easy fixes:
- Place an inflatable cover support or an overturned bucket in the center of the table to create a peak.
- Use a cover support pole if the table has an umbrella hole.
- Tilt chairs slightly forward against the table edge so water runs off the backs instead of sitting in the seats.
Which Cover Fits Your Situation
| Situation | Best choice |
|---|---|
| Rainy region, set uncovered year-round | 600D or solution-dyed fabric, vents, taped seams |
| Sunny Southwest climate | Solution-dyed fabric; coated polyester fades and cracks fast |
| Windy deck or rooftop | Snug fit, buckle straps, size at the small end of the range |
| Snow region | Heavy cover plus center support so snow does not collect |
| Occasional use, covered patio | Lightweight 210D–420D polyester |
When in doubt between two sizes, go one size larger for loose-fitting sets in calm areas and one size smaller for windy spots. A snug cover lasts longer because fabric that does not flap does not abrade at the corners.
