All About Picnic Tables

Picnic tables are staples at parks and schools, but they're also great for your own personal use. Picnic tables are a must have if you own a cabin or cottage, and they also make wonderful additions to backyards. 

Eat up and come back for seconds

In their traditional use, picnic tables use a modified table and two benches for the purpose of eating.  Picnic tables can be useful for many things other than eating, though;  gather around a picnic table to converse, or sit quietly and read a book.

Don't be a square

Picnic tables come in a variety of shapes and sizes.  While traditional rectangular tables are the most popular, you can also find round, square, hexagon, and octagon shaped tables as well.  A smaller table may comfortably sit four people, while a larger table can fit up to ten people.  Some picnic table benches have backs, and others don't.  You can even find folding picnic tables, which can be stored inside during winter months.

From wood to plastic

Picnic tables can be made out of many different materials, with each providing its own advantages and unique look.

Wood.  Traditionally, picnic tables were made out of any number of woods, including cedar, pine, oak, or teak.  This is still the choice of many, as wood is durable, strong, and can hold up against the elements.  Make sure a high quality wood sealer is put on your picnic table to ensure a long life span.

Recycled plastic.  Gaining in popularity in recent years, recycled plastic makes excellent picnic tables.  Recycled plastic is durable, requires little maintenance, and is environmentally friendly.  Unlike wood, these tables will never need to be painted, stained, stripped, or resurfaced.   

Metal.  A strong yet lightweight metal, such as aluminum or steel, makes for long-lasting picnic tables.  One of the benefits of an aluminum table is that it can be dyed any number of colors.  If it is treated with a thermo-plastic coating, it will be one of the strongest picnic tables around!

Make it stylish

There are a number of accessories you can add to your picnic table to ensure comfort.  Buy one with an umbrella hole drilled in the center, to keep out of the sun on those hot summer days.  Or, buy fitted seat cushions for the benches to ensure comfort.
 
  

Eat cheaply
 
Picnic tables vary in price, and in general, they tend to be more expensive than a folding table.  Typically, a table made out of high quality wood will be more expensive that one made out of metal. Look for deals online, or try building your own!

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