How to Measure > Table + Table/Chair Set Covers
Measuring for patio table covers and outdoor table and chair covers is easy with just a little preparation. Follow these steps to ensure a proper fit for your cover:
H = Height (sometimes called drop) for tables only is determined by measuring from the top of the table to the ground. For table and chair sets, H is found by measuring from the top of the chair back to the ground.
Note: Before measuring for L, W, or Dia on table and chair sets, place all chairs in as far as they will go underneath the table.
L = Length, found simply by measuring the longest side of the table if you're covering the table only. For table and chair sets, L is obtained by measuring the longest end of the set from chair back across the table to the opposite chair back.
W = Width, found for tables by measuring the side adjacent to the L side. For table and chair sets, the dimension is found by measuring the side adjacent to L from chair back across the table to opposite chair back.
Dia = Diameter on round furniture, found by measuring from one side of the table across to the opposite side. If measuring a table and chair set, Dia is determined by measuring from one chair back across the table and chair set to the opposite chair back.
- Round table and table and chair set covers fit nicely over octagon and hexagon shaped furniture.
- Sometimes round table and chair sets can be covered with square covers because the chairs stick out enough to give the set a slightly square look.
- Oval table and chair sets can sometimes be covered with rectangular covers because of the shape made with the chairs around them.
- Chairs can be strategically placed around a table to get the best fit for a table and chair set cover. For example, a cover will fit a rectangular table with 4 chairs better if the chairs are positioned in each corner of the table.
Having a problem with what we refer to as the "bowl effect"? The bowl effect is a cover that sags in the middle of the table and collects water. This happens because the chairs around the perimeter of the table are taller than the table, so the cover drops towards the middle of the table. There are two ways to prevent this from happening:
- 1. Place a large object such as a flower pot, bucket, beach ball, etc. on the table underneath the cover to form a raised area that will create valleys, allowing the water to flow off the table and onto the ground.
- 2. In lieu of purchasing a table and chair cover, purchase a cover for the table and separate covers for each of the chairs around the table.
- Table covers and table and chair set covers aren't intended to touch the ground so that air can properly circulate underneath the cover. Don't worry if the cover doesn't come all the way down to the ground.
- Bigger is better, so select an outdoor protective cover size that's slightly larger than your table or table and chair set dimensions.