Outdoor Picnic Tables Buying Guide
By Bright Idea Shops
The right outdoor picnic tables can significantly enhance the appeal and functionality of any outdoor space, whether it's a park, school, backyard, or restaurant. From commercial outdoor picnic tables to outdoor plastic picnic tables for your patio, understanding your options is essential for making an informed decision.
Round outdoor picnic tables are perfect for fostering social interaction, while ADA picnic tables ensure inclusivity and accessibility for all. For schools and parks, durable and weather-resistant choices are a must, providing long-lasting seating solutions. Eateries can benefit from stylish and functional outdoor restaurant picnic tables that create a welcoming atmosphere for diners. Hexagonal picnic tables are an excellent option.
No matter the setting, selecting the best outdoor picnic tables can turn any space into a comfortable and inviting area for gatherings.
Table of Contents
Material Matters: Metal, Wood and Plastic Outdoor Picnic Tables
The first step in choosing outdoor picnic tables is deciding what material will work best in your setting. Consider the elements your tables will be exposed to, who will use them, and how much time you're willing to spend maintaining them. Here's a rundown of your choices, along with the benefits and drawbacks:
Choose Picnic Tables Made of Wood for That Classic Look
Wooden picnic tables are the traditional choice. They fit nicely in parks and other natural settings and are comparatively inexpensive. Remember that maintaining wooden outdoor picnic tables requires more time and effort. For example, you'll need to bleach them yearly to block mildew growth and use a water-based sealant to keep the elements at bay.
Wooden tables also are prone to splinters, cracking, and warping and require frequent repairs or replacement. Plus, they need repeated painting and staining to maintain an attractive appearance.
Another issue is that wooden tables should be taken off the ground in the winter since moisture that wicks into the legs during freezes and thaws causes extreme damage to wooden legs. A fitted cover is a good idea when your wooden table is not in use. And protect the surface with a tablecloth to prevent damage from food and drink.
Aluminum Picnic Tables Boast Durability
Outdoor picnic tables constructed of aluminum can resist corrosion and typically have a clear coat protecting the surface. Aluminum picnic tables hold up well in harsh weather, although you'll want to be careful – a strong wind may carry your aluminum picnic table onto a neighboring property. Plus, they're among the most expensive outdoor tables to purchase.
Remember to watch out for sharp corners that can cause injury to small children. To ensure your aluminum table's longevity, make certain the frame and hardware are high quality.
A major drawback to aluminum tables is their value. They must be used in a secure location to prevent thieves from taking and recycling them for their scrap value.
Opt for Concrete if Your Outdoor Picnic Table Is a Permanent Fixture
Durability is a significant benefit of concrete outdoor picnic tables. They are the preferred table of seaside parks for this very reason. Another advantage is their heavy weight prevents them from being vandalized. This advantage becomes a disadvantage if you need to move your picnic table to cut the grass or for any other reason. You’ll need to choose your supplier carefully, making sure they produce your concrete picnic table with the proper additives for good outdoor exposure, especially in outdoor saltwater environments.
Also, you'll pay higher shipping costs for concrete outdoor picnic tables due to their excessive weight. And because they're very difficult and costly to place, you'll need extra material handling equipment for installation.
HDPE Plastic Lumber Is Clearly the Best Option for Picnic Tables
If you lean to the green, recycled outdoor plastic picnic tables are your best bet. Recycled plastic looks like wood without the fussy upkeep required of a wood picnic table. Attractive and durable, these outdoor picnic tables are made from premium quality HDPE plastic lumber. So there's no need to worry about splinters, cracks, or rot. Plus, you'll never need to put a paintbrush to its surface. Using quality stainless steel fasteners ensures your recycled plastic picnic tables will bring many years of maintenance-free enjoyment. Fun fact: Each of our plastic picnic tables is made with over 1,300 milk jugs!
But beware: the quality of plastic lumber varies greatly from provider to provider. There are also differences in their:
- Attention to detail
- Lumber's color stability in outdoor exposure
- Fabrication skills
Always come to Bright Idea Shops for your best quality and value. Alan Robbins, President of Bright Idea Shops, was the "original creator" of durable, commercial grade picnic tables made from recycled plastic lumber materials, manufactured right here in the USA. Bright Idea Shops provides the highest quality products in the market today. We proudly beat to our own drum against the competition.
Shaping Up: Rectangle, Square, or Hexagonal Outdoor Picnic Tables
While you may have visions of a family barbecue with everyone gathered around a classic rectangular picnic table, you do have other options. Let's take a look at outdoor picnic table styles, from classic to contemporary:
- Rectangular: The traditional picnic table style, rectangular outdoor picnic tables are typically chosen for larger groupings. Rectangular 8-foot or 6-foot picnic tables are the norm. Modified versions include the step-through picnic table for easier access. Other modern options include white or other color choices and tables that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). A handicap picnic table will be a welcome addition, particularly in public venues.
- Hexagonal: Perfect for smaller groupings, the cozy seating arrangement of a hexagonal table enables people to chat comfortably with one another. Hex picnic tables seat six diners and are at home in any setting, particularly backyards, playgrounds, and schools.
- Square: Like a hexagonal table, modern square picnic tables create an inviting, intimate atmosphere.
What's the Setting for Your Outdoor Picnic Tables?
If you're choosing outdoor commercial picnic tables, your focus may differ entirely from someone who is looking for outdoor picnic tables for schools. Before you decide, you'll need to consider these options, whether you're shopping for a picnic table for your backyard or purchasing outdoor picnic tables for parks.
- Who's Sitting at the Table? Outdoor picnic tables are typically designed for adults, but child-size versions will work beautifully in schoolyards or at family functions where little ones will be present. Kids are frequently injured on adult picnic tables, either while climbing into their seats or bumping their heads on a sharp corner of the table.
- Where is it Situated? If you're choosing outdoor restaurant picnic tables, you are probably looking for round, hexagonal, or square options, which enable guests to chat without shouting down the table. Alfresco dining has become a popular option, and many modern picnic tables come in your choice of color to add flair and style to your outside seating venue.
- Weather or not? Outdoor park picnic tables need to be especially durable, given that they're exposed to the elements day in and day out. Maintenance is also an issue – business owners, park employees, and homeowners have better things to do than maintain outdoor picnic tables.
You'll also want to consider how environmentally friendly the tables are. With their recycled content, Bright Idea Shops' tables are always an excellent choice.
Serving up the Right Outdoor Picnic Tables for Your Space
Finding the best outdoor picnic tables for your needs requires a balancing act. Consider the type of environment and the primary users of the space. For high-traffic areas, durability and ease of maintenance are key factors.
Again, think about the tables' enviro-friendly aspects. Bright Idea Shops' recycled plastic lumber is good for the planet and your peace of mind.
Additionally, consider the aesthetic appeal and how the picnic tables complement the existing surroundings. Following are some suggestions on choosing the right outdoor picnic tables for your venue:
Restaurants and Bars
A hexagonal bar-height picnic table is perfect for bar and restaurant patios. In fact, the product designer and the marketplace feel this is the best craft brewery picnic table on the planet! These outdoor commercial picnic tables also make a great addition to places like zoos, college campuses, and office break areas. The raised height (or "pub height:) offers the best unobstructed view of lovely vistas, oceans, valleys, and breathtaking sunsets.
Schools and Kids' Areas
Specially made for pint-sized diners, kids' picnic tables provide a child-friendly version of the traditional picnic table. Ideal for backyards, they also are excellent outdoor picnic tables for schools.
Public Areas and Parks
City parks and other public areas are well-served by mission park picnic tables. Able to withstand the elements and heavy enough to resist thievery, these outdoor plastic picnic tables are a solid choice for your space.
Office Buildings
An upscale look that beautifully complements business settings, Park Avenue plastic picnic tables bring a touch of class to any outdoor environment. Park Scape picnic tables share the same separate bench feature that provides placement flexibility.
ADA-Compliant Areas
Yes, there are wheelchair & ADA-compliant picnic tables that afford accessibility without sacrificing style. An ADA picnic table is an inclusive addition to any venue. And some public spaces may mandate the inclusion of a handicap-accessible picnic table, so it's something to consider.
Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoor Picnic Tables
As a leading provider of outdoor picnic tables, Bright Idea Shops has a treasure trove of information to share. Here are some of the common questions we receive.
How do I choose the right size for outdoor picnic tables?
The size of your picnic tables depends on the intended use and available space. Standard picnic tables typically measure 6 to 8 feet long, accommodating six to eight people. For smaller spaces, consider hex or square tables, which can seat four to six people comfortably. Always measure your space before purchasing to ensure a good fit.
How do I maintain and care for outdoor picnic tables?
Maintenance is one of the areas where outdoor plastic picnic tables shine. Recycled plastic tables require minimal maintenance and can be cleaned with soap and water. They never need sealing or staining.
Can outdoor picnic tables be customized?
Yes, we can customize outdoor picnic tables. You can choose from various colors and styles to suit your venue. Plus, you can add a memorial plaque or your brand logo.
Find the Best Outdoor Picnic Tables at Bright Idea Shops
Now that you've had a chance to explore our Outdoor Picnic Tables Buying Guide, we hope you'll agree that tables made with recycled plastic are your best bet. Durable and virtually maintenance-free, recycled plastic picnic tables offer flexibility in color and design. You'll feel good knowing our picnic tables are made from premium quality HDPE plastic lumber. Good for the environment, great for your business or backyard! Outdoor plastic picnic tables from Bright Idea Shops are the right idea. Shop for yours today.
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