When arranging an urban outdoor dining set, proper walking space is crucial for both comfort and accessibility. For a typical 6-person rectangular table (approx. 96" x 40"), you should leave at least 36 inches (3 feet) of clearance between the chair backs and any walls or obstacles. This allows comfortable passage while seated guests remain at the table.
In tighter spaces, the absolute minimum clearance is 24 inches, though this creates a tight squeeze. For wheelchair accessibility, maintain 48-60 inches of clear space. Consider these key measurements:
- Between chair backs and walls: 36" ideal, 24" minimum
- Behind seated guests: 42-48" for serving clearance
- Between parallel tables: 60" for two-way traffic
- Main walkways: 48-60" for comfortable flow
Remember to account for chair movement when pulled out - dining chairs typically extend 24-30" from the table edge when in use. For curved furniture arrangements, maintain these clearances at the widest points. Always test your layout by walking through the space with chairs in use positions before finalizing your outdoor dining area configuration.