Outdoor picnic tables just never seem to go out of style. You still see them in yards and parks and common areas in all parts of the country. Generally seating several people, and easy to clean off, picnic tables will always be with us.


The Many Shapes and Sizes of Outdoor Picnic Tables

The long bench style picnic table is something we have all eaten at in our time. They are the long standing seat of choice at that birthday party in the park. They can vary in length, generally between six to eight feet, seating as many as you can cram on there.

Square and round outdoor picnic tables are also becoming quite popular. And no one says they have to stay outside. Many a cafeteria has those same style tables indoors. Where the square tables generally have four benches seating 2 people a piece, the round tables can be smaller, with only three benches around the table.

What Material Should Your Outdoor Picnic Tables be Made From

There are three common materials used to make picnic tables these days. We are all familiar with the wooden picnic table. Easy to build, sturdy, and cost effective. Over time however, they may warp, give you a splinter, and things like wood bees could take up residence.

Metal of course is common. Easy to shape into the style you need, known to be durable, and a family of bees won’t move in. Metal can rust, but there are all sorts of methods of keeping that to a minimum if not at all. I don’t know how familiar you are with metal, but no matter how clean, it aways seems to have this “dust” on it. A very popular custom is to cover the seats and table top with a layer of plastic. This no only makes sure your clothes stay clean, but it an easy way to change color, so you can add a little splash to the area in question.

Of course the whole table can be made from plastic. And these days, with people very aware of the environment you can even find tables made from recycled plastic. So you can add both beauty to the environment and well as help it at the same time. Plastic proves easy to assemble and clean. Won’t rust or warp. Color options are endless with this option.

Concrete tables are another option. These are pretty much theft free, as they are too heavy to mess with. And no, they don’t all have to be that rough stuff that was in your grandma’s garden. Concrete can be made perfectly smooth so no scratching.

Outdoor Picnic Tables Are for Everyone

When we think of outdoor picnic tables we generally think of parks, recreation centers, and camp grounds. At the very least we think outside, and there are many in the population that have difficulties getting around in the natural environment. Let’s not add to that.

It is not hard to find tables that are wheel chair accessible anymore. I bet you are thinking you can wheel a chair right up to the end of the standard table, and I am sure you can. But wheel chairs have a slightly different seat height, meaning the table top may be to high. The standard rectangular table does not generally have a very wide table top meaning a wheel chair might not fit. So too, there are legs holding the table upright, and those might interfere with where the persons legs will need to go.

Taking all that into account, it is no wonder that special needs are required to be met for a comfortable fit. With a round or square table, it is generally a simple matter of removing one of the benches, leaving room for a wheel chair to slide in.

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Filed under: Outdoor Dining Tables • Outdoor Picnic Tables

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