The classic picnic table is an ever-popular option option for outdoor seating. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to enhance your backyard, or a business, school, or park planning a welcoming outdoor area, picnic tables are a great way to create a functional and inviting space. With so many styles, materials, and features to choose from, selecting the right picnic table can be overwhelming. This comprehensive Picnic Table Buying Guide will help you understand your options such as size, shape, and materials so you can make an informed decision.
Why Choose a Picnic Table?
Picnic tables are versatile and durable, which makes them perfect for a variety of outdoor settings. They serve as a gathering place for meals, meetings, socializing, and rest. For homeowners, a picnic table offers a perfect spot for family barbecues, garden lunches, or kids’ crafts. For businesses, churches, schools, and parks, picnic tables provide a dependable outdoor seating solution for break areas, playgrounds, and public spaces.
Where to Use Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are designed to fit almost any outdoor setting including:
- Residential yards and patios
- School playgrounds and campuses
- Parks and nature reserves
- Corporate campuses and outdoor break areas
- Restaurants and cafes with outdoor dining
- Churches and community centers
- Apartment complexes and HOA common areas
Choosing the Right Picnic Table for Your Space
Picnic tables come in many sizes and shapes, may have features to accommodate certain needs, and can be made from different materials. When selecting a picnic table, consider the following:
- Purpose: Is it for family use, commercial use, or public access?
- Space: Measure your available area and allow at least 3 feet of clearance on all sides.
- Accessibility: For public and commercial spaces, consider ADA-compliant tables.
- Aesthetics: Choose a color and style that complements your space.
- Traffic: Higher traffic areas require more durable materials such as recycled plastic
Types of Picnic Tables
At Polly Products, you’ll find a wide selection of picnic tables designed to meet different needs, spaces, and user groups. Here’s a look at the most popular options:
Rectangular Picnic Tables
- Most popular and traditional style
- Available in standard 6-foot and 8-foot lengths
- Ideal for backyards, schools, and public parks
- Some models are wheelchair-accessible (ADA-compliant)
Round Picnic Tables
- Perfect for social gatherings and casual settings
- Encourages face-to-face interaction
- Great for patios, outdoor cafes, or community centers
Hex Picnic Tables
- Unique and space-efficient design
- Can seat up to six people comfortably
- Great for gardens, courtyards, and themed outdoor spaces
Youth Picnic Tables
- Scaled-down versions for children
- Safe, sturdy, and great for schools, playgrounds, or family yards
ADA Picnic Tables
- Designed for accessibility
- Features extended tabletops to accommodate wheelchairs
- Available in rectangular and round configurations
- Essential for parks, schools, and businesses with public access
Size and Specifications
When choosing a picnic table, make sure that it will fit your space well with room to walk around it. Polly Products offers a variety of dimensions to suit your space and seating needs:
- 6-Foot Rectangular Tables: Seat 6-8 people comfortably; fits well in medium to large spaces
- 8-Foot Rectangular Tables: Best for high-traffic areas or larger gatherings
- Round and Hex Tables: Usually seat 4-6 people, perfect for tighter or more decorative areas
- Youth Tables: Designed for children under 12; compact and safe
All Polly Products tables are designed with strength, safety, and longevity in mind. They come with stainless steel hardware and are easy to clean with just soap and water.
Material Matters: Wood vs Metal vs Recycled Plastic
The material of your picnic table significantly affects its longevity, maintenance, and environmental impact. Here are the most common materials and how they compare:
Wood Picnic Tables
Wood picnic tables offer a traditional look and are usually more affordable upfront. However, they require regular maintenance such as sealing and staining, and can rot, splinter, and warp from exposure to moisture. This makes them less durable and not ideal for high-traffic public areas.
Metal Picnic Tables
Metal picnic tables are strong and durable which makes them suitable for high-traffic areas and commercial use. They usually cost more than other options and have more of an industrial/ commercial look which makes them less popular for residential use. Metal picnic tables are also less comfortable to sit on and can become uncomfortably hot or cold depending on the weather. Many metal picnic tables come with a coating that makes them more durable against the elements but they may still rust over time.
Recycled Plastic Picnic Tables (HDPE)
Recycled plastic picnic tables are eco-friendly and extremely resistant to the elements. They are very low maintenance and don’t require painting or staining. Recycled plastic from Polly Products is UV-stabilized to resist fading, won’t crack or rot, and is splinter-free. Although recycled plastic outdoor furniture can be higher cost upfront compared to wood, it lasts much longer and offers many advantages over other materials.
Polly Products uses 100% recycled HDPE plastic to manufacture picnic tables that not only perform beautifully but also support environmental sustainability. Each picnic table diverts thousands of milk jugs from landfills and turns them into something both useful and durable.
Considerations on Warranties
When buying a picnic table make sure to inquire about the manufacturer’s warranty. Warranty offerings can tell you a lot about the quality of the product and the manufacturer’s willingness to stand behind their products. All Polly Products picnic tables have a 20-year commercial use warranty and our Take-Back Program ensures that old parts are recycled properly. As a comparison many other companies that offer recycled plastic products only have a 1-year commercial use warranty.
Why Choose Polly Products
Polly Products stands apart in the outdoor furniture industry thanks to its commitment to quality, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. Every picnic table Polly Products makes is:
- Made in the USA
- Constructed from 100% recycled HDPE plastic
- Designed to endure years of outdoor exposure without fading, cracking, or splintering
- 20-year commercial use warranty
- Backed by a team of knowledgeable customer support staff ready to help you find the perfect product
By choosing Polly Products, you’re not just buying a picnic table—you’re investing in a sustainable future and supporting a small business located in a rural Michigan community. Whether you’re furnishing your backyard, setting up an outdoor dining area, or planning public park installations, choosing the right picnic table can elevate your space while providing comfort and function. With Polly Products’ wide selection of recycled plastic picnic tables, you’ll find durable, attractive, and eco-conscious options that suit any need.
Explore the full selection of picnic tables at PollyProducts.com and make a choice that’s good for your space and the planet.
