So what you need are leaves that pull out from underneath the table and pop up to the right height but the problem i see is that the the rectangle would have to be 48” wide to make that happen to get the leaves in the size you want to fit. Of course this will not be an absolute square but could work. I do agree that wood might not be the choice for material.I have no idea of your space but my aunt had a round table like this that expanded to a huge circle when opened

I would think the middle of the table would be hard to reach for a dinner setting. Also, you would put guests a distance away from each other in a square as opposed to a rectangle. I've sat at banquet dinners with this set up and it was not conducive to conversation. Maybe that's why this style is hard to find?

Wow, some great ideas and concepts, and food for thought. That bottom table is the closest I've seen yet, except I'm not sure how well it works with the leaves folded down. There probably are good reasons this isn't a configuration seen before-- some clear practical problems for construction, deployment & seating.

If you can get the heights and lengths close enough, you might be able to get the effect you want with a folding table set up next to the dining table and pads crosswise across both of them, all covered with a tablecloth (which I think you'll probably have to make to fit). Like the way hotels make a double bed out of two twins pushed together with mattress pads crosswise.

jay- did you ever have any luck finding the rectangular table that opens to a square? I want one too for the same reason! Good points above as to why it is not readily available, but I’m still searching!

I actually have one. It seats 6 during the day in a rectangular configuration and 8 when I put a leaf in. I need this configuration at Christmas when I host my husband's very large family for dinner. The problem is that it's a high-top table and I hate those. Very uncomfortable seating but it's a necessary evil. I bought it off a friend and don't know where she got it.

I bought mine many years ago from Habitat. Two at each side, 1 each end. Leaves slide out lengthwise each side to make square seating 2 people each side. Been searching for new table same design but no joy so keeping old one. Good luck with your search.

You need 24" for each seat position, and at least 48" wide to accommodate serving pieces. Your table should be 4 x 8 just to seat 8 people. To make a rectangle square, you would have to have the leaves inserted in the lengthwise middle of the table. Yes, you would have to have a cabinet/furniture maker do a custom build.

I have one that I bought 16 years and have LOVED. It seats 8 when fully expanded, but has been perfect for my family. No one ever feels left out of the conversation. It’s time to replace it but cannot find a table like it. Have you found anything?

I am also searching for a table like this. Please share if you find one.

I bought a folding table the exact same size as my dining table and it works great!

Here's one:

https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/tables/dining-room-tables/large-extendable-rectangle-to-square-cherrywood-butterfly-leaf-dining-table/id-f_15344482/