Why an extendable dining table might be the smartest furniture choice you’ll ever make
It’s dinner time. The table’s set, candles lit, and everything looks perfect – until your guests arrive and there’s nowhere for them to sit.
Sounds familiar? Whether it’s a surprise visit from the in-laws, your child’s new friend staying for dinner, or a birthday gathering that grew from five to ten, a fixed-size dining table can quickly feel limiting.
An extendable dining table gives you the best of both worlds. It’s compact when you need the space, and spacious when you need the seats. At Home Made Home, we design and handcraft custom timber extendable dining tables that fit into your lifestyle. Whether you’re hosting a big birthday dinner or just having tea for two, your table adapts – no stress, no compromise.
What is an extendable dining table?
An extendable table is exactly what it sounds like: a table that grows when you need more space. It’s the perfect solution for homes that host big moments in small spaces. With clever, built-in extensions, it gives you flexibility without compromising on style.
There are several types of extendable tables out there. Some use drop-leaf designs that fold down from the sides. Others have butterfly leaves that fold and tuck underneath. Many rely on metal runners, rails, or brackets and they often come with extra panels you need to store somewhere (and then try to find when you're setting up for dinner).
At Home Made Home, we do things a little differently.
Dutch-style extendable tables
We specialise in Dutch-style extendable dining tables. It’s a design that has been used for centuries, and for good reason. These tables use a clever sliding mechanism built directly into the table’s frame. Each end of the table glides open smoothly to reveal a solid timber extension panel tucked neatly beneath the top. No bolts, no tools, no removable parts.
The best part? You don’t have to flip panels, line up awkward hinges, or wrestle with metal components. You simply slide each end apart, lift the central panel, and settle it into place. Watch the video below for a demonstration.
Custom extendable tables versus off-the-shelf options
When it comes to extendable dining tables, it’s easy to assume one size fits all. Until you bring home a piece that almost works. Maybe it’s a bit too short for your space. Maybe the timber clashes with your floorboards. Maybe the mechanism looks great online but doesn’t feel quite right when you use it.
Off-the-shelf tables: Quick, but often a compromise
Store-bought tables are usually built for the masses. That means standard sizes, standard materials, standard finishes. While they can be a quick and cost-effective solution, they often involve trade-offs: cheaper hardware, less durable materials, limited options, and a cookie-cutter look that might not feel quite like you.
Custom-made tables: Designed for your life
At Home Made Home, every custom-built extendable dining table is made to suit your home and your lifestyle. We start with high-quality Tasmanian Oak, then work closely with you to get the proportions, finish, and detailing just right.
The result? A table that fits your space, works your way, and adds warmth, beauty and character for decades to come.
What size table do you need?
Choosing the right size extendable dining table isn’t just about how many people you might have over for dinner one day. It’s about how your table fits into your space, your life, and the way you gather.
At Home Made Home, we help you find the just right dimensions, so your table feels spacious, but never oversized. Whether you’ve got a cosy dining nook or an open-plan living area, our custom-built extendable dining tables are made to suit your home, not the other way around.
Here’s a simple guide to help you get started:
Everyday seating guide (table closed)
4-seater: 1,200mm - 1,400mm
6-seater: 1,600mm - 1,800mm
8-seater: 2,000mm - 2,200mm
Extended seating guide (table closed)
Add 200mm - 500mm on each side depending on the design
Ideal for hosting 2 - 4 extra guests
Quick measuring tip
Allow at least 900mm around your table for people to pull out chairs comfortably. If your space is tighter, we can design slimmer legs to make movement feel easier.
And if you’re not quite sure what will work best, we’ll walk you through everything from room layout to seating needs and custom sizing, so your new timber extendable dining table is a perfect fit.
Ready to build your extendable table?
If you’re after a dining table that adapts to your life, is handcrafted, built to last, and designed just for you, let’s start the conversation.
We’re here to listen, design, and craft your dream custom timber extendable dining table with care and attention to every detail. We’ll even provide a detailed 3D sketch so you can see exactly how it will look in your home before we start building.
Get in touch today for a free, no-obligation quote.
