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Picnic tables are undeniably charming. These table-and-bench combos work as great seating for the kids or as an inviting replacement for an outdoor dining set. While classic options are traditionally made from wood, others are constructed from weather-resistant materials such as metal or plastic. With so many sizes and styles available today, there are options to fit every shopper’s preference.
For giving an outdoor space a dressed-down feel, a picnic table is an ideal choice. While these tables generally have a casual look, elegant and modern options are available as well. Read on to see our list of the best picnic tables for adding durable, convenient, and attractive outdoor seating.
- BEST OVERALL: Dura-Trel 6-Foot White Vinyl Patio Picnic Table
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Giantex Picnic Table Bench Set
- BEST FOR KIDS: Lifetime Children’s Picnic Table
- BEST PORTABLE: Trademark Innovations Portable Folding Picnic Table
- BEST MODERN: AllModern Joel Rectangular Outdoor Dining Set
- BEST ROUND: Best Choice Products Circular Wooden Picnic Table
- BEST TWO-IN-ONE: Best Choice Products 2-in-1 Picnic Table/Bench
- BEST DIY KIT: 2×4 Basics Picnic Table Kit
- ALSO CONSIDER: Giantex Picnic Table Bench Set for 6 or 8
How We Chose the Best Picnic Tables
Picnic tables can serve several purposes: as children’s seating, as a casual outdoor hangout spot, or as a relaxed replacement for an outdoor dining set. We have options on our list for all of these uses—including some other convenient choices like a two-in-one picnic table and bench and a DIY picnic table kit for builders.
According to Vivianne Chow, interior decorator and founder of Viv and Tim Home, “Shoppers might prefer a picnic table over an outdoor dining set due to the casual and relaxed feel that a picnic table brings to an outdoor space. The laid-back look of picnic tables makes them great for informal gatherings, backyard picnics, or family get-togethers.”
Each pick on our list is highly rated for its practicality and aesthetic. After all, even if it’s just a little picnic table for the kids, it doesn’t hurt for it to look nice. The tables are durable as well, made from a variety of materials ranging from gorgeous natural wood to low-maintenance plastic.
Our Top Picks
Our top picnic table picks add comfortable and casual outdoor seating fit for a variety of users and spaces. Durable and affordable, they’re perfect for a range of outdoor activities, whether it’s painting with the kids or enjoying a summer dinner alfresco.
Best Overall
Dura-Trel 6-Foot White Vinyl Patio Picnic Table
Pros
- PVC material is lightweight and durable: fade-, crack-, chip-, and peel-resistant
- Maintenance-free construction requires no sanding, refinishing, or repainting
- Appeals to those who like traditional picnic table designs but don’t want the upkeep of wood
Cons
- Only comes in white, which may show dirt more easily
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 72 inches long by 60 inches wide by 29 inches high
- Weight: 125 pounds
- Material: PVC
Made of low-maintenance, UV-protected PVC (polyvinyl chloride) crafted into a classic picnic table design, this table from Dura-Trel is ideal for shoppers who want a traditional look without the upkeep required by wood.
Thanks to its design, this PVC table actually looks like painted wood from a distance but resists fading, cracking, chipping, and peeling. It also doesn’t need to be refinished—only cleaned periodically. It comes with wood inserts for added stability and strength and can seat up to six people.
Get the Dura-Trel picnic table at The Home Depot, Walmart, or Bed Bath & Beyond.
Best Bang For The Buck
Giantex Picnic Table Bench Set
Pros
- Attractive and comfortable for an affordable picnic table set; wood-grain look adds style
- Steel frame adds sturdiness, and powder-coated finish is rust-resistant
- Rounded table and bench edges help prevent bumps, scrapes, and scratches that can be caused by sharp corners
- Several color options are available to suit a variety of preferences
Cons
- Build quality is similar to that of a folding table, so it’s not as durable as the pricier options on this list
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 54 inches long by 59 inches wide by 28.5 inches high
- Weight: 44 pounds
- Material: HDPE and steel
The Giantex picnic table bench set is an excellent picnic table for an affordable price. It’s made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), so it’s durable and very low maintenance. Like other high-quality plastics, it’s fade-, crack-, and peel-resistant, as well as waterproof and easy to clean.
The polyethylene tabletop and seats have a wood-grain texture to enhance their appearance and rounded edges for safety. They are mounted on a powder-coated steel frame that’s rust-resistant and gives the table a smart look.
Get the Giantex picnic table at Amazon or Giantex.
Best For Kids
Lifetime Children’s Picnic Table
Pros
- Designed with young kids in mind; sized to fit 4 children between 3 and 8 years old
- All corners are rounded to reduce the chance of injury from bumps or scrapes
- Lightweight and folds flat, making it easier to transport and store
Cons
- Some reviewers found it a bit wobbly once set up
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 35.5 inches long by 32.5 inches wide by 21.5 inches high
- Weight: 21.3 pounds
- Material: HDPE and steel
Give kids a designated outdoor sitting spot with the Lifetime children’s picnic table. This mini
is designed for little ones: it’s sized especially for kids and recommended for seating up to four kids between 3 and 8 years old.
Made of easy-to-clean high-density polyethylene (HDPE), it’s resistant to all that kids can throw at it, including wet messes and stains. Rounded edges improve safety, lowering the chance of bad bumps or scrapes from sharp corners. The low picnic table is mounted on a powder-coated steel frame that can fold flat for easier transport and storage. This convenient table can come on camping trips or be stored out of sight for the off-season.
Get the Lifetime picnic table at Amazon, The Home Depot, Walmart, or Lifetime.
Best Portable
Trademark Innovations Portable Folding Picnic Table
Pros
- At under 20 pounds and less than 3 feet long, this portable table is lightweight and compact
- Conveniently folds down into a built-in carrying case for easy transport
- Option to add an umbrella (not included) through tabletop hole is great for creating shade in parks, yards, or at the beach
Cons
- Has individual seats rather than full benches, so it only seats 4 people
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 33.6 inches long by 25.7 inches wide by 25.5 inches high
- Weight: 18.1 pounds
- Material: Plastic and aluminum
Looking for a portable picnic table for adults? This folding picnic table from Trademark Innovations is a stellar pick, ready to provide easy seating at parks or campgrounds. This table features an aluminum frame, attached bench chairs, and a plastic tabletop with an umbrella hole (though an umbrella is not included).
While this table doesn’t look as sturdy as options that are intended to stay in one place, the table holds up to 66 pounds, and each bench up to 352 pounds. The entire thing folds down into a built-in carrying case (when assembled, the case makes up the tabletop) that’s small enough for one person to carry and compact enough to fit a trunk.
Get the Trademark Innovations picnic table at Amazon, Wayfair, or Bed Bath & Beyond.
Best Modern
AllModern Joel Rectangular Outdoor Dining Set
Pros
- Modern design is very simple and will suit a wide range of outdoor decor styles
- Made of aluminum and polyresin, it’s stable, durable, and lightweight
- Benches for picnic table are freestanding, giving it a more modern look and providing more versatile seating
Cons
- Marketed as an outdoor dining set, this picnic table is much more expensive than traditional picnic tables
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 59 inches long by 36 inches wide by 30 inches high (table); 53 inches long by 15 inches wide (benches)
- Weight: 58 pounds
- Material: Aluminum and polyresin
A traditional picnic table is charming, but it might not fit well with contemporary outdoor decor. In that case, opt for a simpler modern picnic table, like the AllModern Joel rectangular outdoor dining set. It has sleek lines and sharp angles, with a pared-down design available in several neutral colors.
This polyresin and aluminum picnic table is durable and low maintenance. Its benches are detached from the table, which lends to its modern look and offers more seating flexibility.
Get the AllModern picnic table at Wayfair or AllModern.
Best Round
Best Choice Products Circular Wooden Picnic Table
Pros
- Attractive circular table design with rounded attached benches that fit nicely with the overall shape
- Great weight capacity; each bench holds up to 500 pounds
- Seating attachments make it easy to get in and out of each chair, even if others are seated
Cons
- Wood material requires maintenance; some reviewers recommend sealing it before use as the stain may not be adequate for long-term protection
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 35 inches in diameter by 27 inches high (table); 31.5 inches long by 16.5 inches high (benches)
- Weight: 52.44 pounds
- Material: Wood
Sometimes a round table just looks best. If that’s the case for your space, opt for the Best Choice Products circular wooden picnic table. This table is made from weather-resistant wood with an attractive blonde or walnut finish, but users can also paint it their preferred color.
Three built-in benches line the table to seat six adults, and each bench holds up to 500 pounds, making this a very sturdy option. The center of the table has an umbrella hole, though users looking for shade will need to purchase an umbrella separately.
Get the Best Choice Products circular picnic table at Amazon, The Home Depot, Walmart, Target, or Best Choice Products.
Best Two-in-one
Best Choice Products 2-in-1 Picnic Table/Bench
Pros
- Convertible design; can be used as a picnic table or a garden bench
- It’s easy to convert, requiring just 1 person and no tools
- Relatively lightweight at 42.5 pounds, so it’s not too difficult to move around
Cons
- Due to folding design, both the tabletop and benches are thinner than most traditional picnic tables
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 53.4 inches long by 58.5 inches wide by 29.9 inches high (as a table); 53.4 inches long by 27.7 inches wide by 18.9 inches high (as a bench)
- Weight: 42.5 pounds
- Material: Fir wood
Don’t need a picnic table year-round? Then the Best Choice Products two-in-one wooden picnic table and
might be a good choice. This smart design converts easily from a picnic table to a bench (and vice versa) in seconds.
This interchangeable option is great for small yards that might not have the space for a permanent table. Made of fir wood, this table-bench combo looks attractive, too.
Get the Best Choice Products 2-in-1 picnic table at Amazon, Walmart, Target, or Best Choice Products.
Best Diy Kit
2×4 Basics Picnic Table Kit
Pros
- DIY kit is great for builders who want to craft a picnic table but don’t want to start from scratch
- Design is intuitive and makes for straightforward assembly
- Allows for more flexibility; builders can choose their table size, wood type, and finish
Cons
- Lumbar is not included, which means an additional cost to the buyer
Product Specs
- Dimensions: Variable
- Weight: Variable
- Material: Resin and wood of choice
Want to build your own picnic table but not sure where to start? This DIY picnic table kit can help. It is essentially enough brackets and hardware for a table and two benches—users simply need to buy their own lumber and start building.
This kit offers extra flexibility since users can choose the wood plank size (up to 8 feet long) and paint or stain the table to their liking. The table brackets are constructed from durable resin, and their shape makes building the picnic table intuitive. In terms of tools, a screwdriver is all that’s required for those using precut lumber, but those cutting their own planks will also need a tape measure and saw.
Get the 2×4 Basics picnic table at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Woodcraft.
Also Consider
Giantex Picnic Table Bench Set for 6 or 8
Pros
- Very sturdy; each bench has a weight capacity of 800 pounds
- Design blends traditional and modern using a classic wood tabletop and a sleek angular metal frame
- Has nonslip foot pads to prevent the table from sliding on smooth surfaces
Cons
- Some reviewers found this table difficult to assemble
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 70.5 inches long by 60.5 inches wide by 30 inches high
- Weight: 59 pounds
- Material: Acacia wood and metal
With a wood tabletop and benches supported by a metal frame, this Giantex picnic table is perfect for those looking to combine the rustic look of wood with a modern, industrial touch. The metal frame does just that, which allows this table to suit contemporary outdoor spaces beautifully.
The acacia wood table and benches have a lovely finish, and the metal frame (complete with nonslip foot pads) adds excellent stability and strength. The table can hold 350 pounds, and each bench has a weight capacity of 800 pounds.
Get the Giantex picnic table at Amazon or Giantex.
Or, DIY Your Own Picnic Table
With the right tools, building your own picnic table is a rather straightforward project. Most DIY picnic tables are made of wood—it’s the easiest material to work with and provides that classic picnic table look.
Even beginner woodworkers can often handle this project; it’s possible to complete it with off-the-shelf lumber, fasteners, and a few basic tools, including a drill, tape measure, wrench, or screwdriver. A saw (such as a miter or circular saw) opens up even more possibilities since you can cut the wood to size.
Those with welding experience might opt to create a metal frame, making a classic picnic table look more industrial. All in all, it’s possible to DIY your own picnic table, even if you have limited experience. To get started, consider using picnic table plans as a starting point point.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Picnic Table
Picnic tables aren’t just for the park. If it’s your first time shopping for outdoor picnic tables, you might be surprised at the array of options available—from children’s seating and portable camping picnic tables to elegant all-wood units that can replace an outdoor dining table. Consider your needs and intended use, and take into account the size, material, and style you prefer to narrow down the best pick for your needs.
Size
Most picnic tables on the market will seat between four and eight people. Consider the picnic table dimensions you need based on required seating and available space. Picnic tables come in multiple shapes, including square, rectangular, circular, hexagonal, octagonal, and even triangular. Choose a shape and size best suited to the intended space. When measuring, make sure to account for enough clearance area for people to sit down and get up.
Portable picnic tables are a great choice for camping or occasional use. These options tend to be smaller than their permanent counterparts. When choosing a portable and collapsible picnic table, consider its size when folded down for storage.
Material
A wooden picnic table is a classic choice, but that’s far from the only available option nowadays. If you want a traditional or elegant look, wood is great, but remember that wood comes with weatherproofing maintenance. Wood tables can be harder to wipe clean, might be prone to mildew over time, and will likely need occasional resealing to protect them from the elements.
A metal picnic table is a very sturdy choice that will hold up well outdoors (as long as it’s made of high-quality treated metal). Lower-quality metal can rust over time, and a metal picnic table can get hot in the summertime and cold in the winter.
Synthetic materials are another excellent choice for a picnic table. Made of plastics, resin, or composite, they tend to be affordable, lightweight, easy to clean, and mold- and mildew-resistant. Both metal and plastic picnic tables require little maintenance; they’re weather-resistant and require only occasional cleaning.
Style
One of the first decisions shoppers need to make is whether they want a picnic table with fixed or movable benches. The former is more common, but the latter offers more seating flexibility. Artem Kropovinsky, founder of Arsight, an interior design studio based in New York, told us shoppers should consider what type of seating they want before they buy. “Choose simple attached benches for an integrated look or freestanding ones for greater flexibility and ease of movement.”
For those who plan to have their picnic tables out year-round, aesthetics are another major consideration—look for an option that adds visual interest to your space. Comfort is another feature to keep in mind, especially if you plan to use the picnic table frequently, so choose seats that are pleasant to sit on (for example, that don’t have uncomfortable large slats or sharp bench edges). If young children will be using the table, remember that options with rounded corners provide extra safety.
When it comes to temporary and portable picnic tables, the most important consideration is generally that they’re easy to put up, take down, and store. Some shoppers may opt for a folding table for this use.
FAQs
A picnic table can add unfussy seating to any outdoor space (and some people choose them for indoor seating, too!), providing an area for kids or adults to gather around. Still considering which picnic table to add to your space? We’ve answered some frequently asked questions to help you choose.
Q. What is the size of a standard picnic table?
Picnic tables can vary widely in size, but expect most to be around 72 inches long and between 27 and 30 inches wide.
Q. How do you clean a picnic table?
It depends on the picnic table material. Many will come with cleaning instructions, and following the manufacturer’s directions is generally best. Most picnic tables can be cleaned with water and a gentle scrub with a cloth or a nonscratching cleaning brush. Take care when cleaning wood tables to avoid damaging the finish.
Q. Why are picnic tables so expensive?
Material, brand, and style all affect a picnic table’s price. There are budget-friendly options out there (often made of plastic), which are usually best suited for light use.
