How to Choose a Picnic Table?

What could be better than a delightful picnic in a park or your backyard to enjoy a beautiful sunny day? It's the perfect opportunity to relax, soak up the weather, and share quality time with loved ones. But to fully enjoy the experience, you need a table that meets your needs. This guide will help you navigate the essential criteria for selecting the right picnic table for your public space or garden.

Key Criteria for Choosing a Picnic Table

Table Size and Seating Capacity

The size of your picnic table primarily depends on the number of people you want to accommodate. For family gatherings or hosting friends, opt for a large table with ample seating. For a cozier setting, such as a romantic meal, smaller tables are ideal.

Ensure the table is spacious enough to seat everyone comfortably, allowing enough room for dining without feeling cramped. If children will be using the table, consider kid-friendly furniture like the Silaos picnic table, designed to suit their height and ensure inclusivity.

Additionally, measure the available space in your garden or public area to determine the suitable table size. Make sure there is enough room around the table for people to move freely and feel at ease.

Weather Resistance and Durability

As picnic tables are often placed outdoors and exposed to the elements, choosing a product resistant to weather and wear is crucial. Autoclave-treated class 4 wooden tables are known for their weather resistance, while metal tables often resist rust effectively. Plastic tables are also weatherproof but may fade over time.

Ease of Maintenance and Cleaning

Select a table that is easy to clean and maintain. Plastic tables are typically the easiest to clean, while wooden tables require regular maintenance to retain their appearance. Metal tables may need occasional anti-rust treatment to extend their lifespan.

Types of Picnic Tables

Wooden Picnic Tables

These are among the most popular choices due to their rustic charm and sturdy build. Their warm, natural appearance makes them perfect for green spaces. Wooden tables come in various types, such as:

• Pine Wood: Widely used for its water resistance and affordability.

• Oak Wood: More expensive and harder to find but offers exceptional durability.

Treated wood options are more resistant to weather and wear, while untreated wood may degrade quickly. Regular maintenance, such as applying varnish or waterproof treatments, can enhance their longevity.

Concrete Picnic Tables

Concrete tables are highly durable and often used in public spaces like parks. They require minimal maintenance but may lack the inviting warmth of wooden tables.

Recycled Plastic Picnic Tables

An eco-friendly and economical option, recycled plastic tables are lightweight, easy to move, and resistant to corrosion and fading. While they are durable, they might not match the longevity of other materials and can deform or crack over time. For added color and vibrancy, consider Silaos® recycled plastic tables, which come in various cheerful shades.

Compact Picnic Tables

Compact tables, made from kraft paper layers impregnated with phenolic resins, are highly resistant to weather, heat, UV rays, chemicals, and scratches. They are durable, low-maintenance, and suitable for public spaces, schools, and businesses. These tables are also eco-friendly as they are often made from recycled materials and can be recycled at the end of their lifespan.

Steel Picnic Tables

Steel tables are common in public spaces like parks and recreation areas due to their durability and weather resistance. They require regular maintenance to prevent rust but are highly resistant to vandalism and offer a sleek, modern look.

Children’s Picnic Tables

These are designed with smaller sizes and heights suitable for children. Often made of compact or wooden materials, they are available in colorful designs to appeal to younger users.

Accessible Picnic Tables (PMR)

Designed for individuals with reduced mobility, PMR tables offer optimal comfort and include features like wheelchair-friendly spaces at both ends. These tables are robust, safe, and long-lasting, making them ideal for public parks and gardens. They are available in wood, recycled plastic, or concrete, allowing you to choose the material that best suits your needs.

Installing a Picnic Table

Rules for Safe and Durable Installation

Installing a picnic table is relatively simple, but it’s essential to follow specific guidelines to ensure user safety and equipment longevity. Choose a flat and stable surface for installation, avoiding slopes or unstable areas. For concrete tables, sealing or simply placing them is sufficient due to their weight. Wooden tables can be placed, fixed, or slightly buried for stability. Steel and recycled plastic tables are recommended to be fixed for additional security.

Necessary Accessories and Equipment

For installation, you may need tools such as drills, jigsaws, wrenches, bolts, or concrete. Some models come with stainless steel hardware for easy assembly. Additionally, consider adding accessories like parasols, trash bins, information boards, or bike shelters to enhance the organization and usability of the space.

Finding the right picnic table for your needs can be a complex process, but by considering essential factors like size, material, weather resistance, and maintenance, you can select the ideal model for your public space, garden, or campsite.

While a high-quality picnic table might seem expensive initially, its durability and weather resistance can save money in the long run. We hope this guide has helped you identify the perfect picnic table for your needs. For more advice or quotes, feel free to contact us via email at info@wellbuilttable.com.au or by phone at 0433 506 828.

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