Convenient!
i bought two if these tables, which i normally have "not extended" and set right next to each other forming a larger square table... i am able to extend one of them, or both, to create and even larger square-ish set up... if i need maximum seats, i can separate them and have chairs along all sides... this allows my kids extra space to play on patio when we do not have a large gathering, but when the party comes, we can accommodate everyone! the extending mechanism works great, i just got these a few weeks ago so i cannot speak to the longevity of the tracks, but so far so good... i also bought two cheaper fire pit covers, and use them to keep the tables covered when not in use... the covers are a little oversized, but i keep the tables up against each other to prevent them from blowing off... you can probably buy one larger one to cover 2 if you do the same plan as me... the one thing to mention, with both extended and next to each other, there is a small gap between the slide out pieces... the slide outs are a few inches more narrow than the center area... this is not a big deal, and i actually use that slot so i can have an umbrella in between them, but something to consider... the tables were not designed to be used that way, so this is not a knock on the product, just adding to my review with how i use them... also assembly was supper easy, took me 10 minutes to assemble both tables, they provide a unique wrench which makes it a breeze... tables are light weight that one person can easily transform them and move them around no problem.