Picnic tables are typically made from wood, metal, plastic, or a combination of those materials. Wooden picnic tables are the most common choice and come in a variety of sizes and shapes, depending on what style you decide to go with.
The wood used is most often pressure treated pine, cedar, or redwood for longevity and weather protection. Metal picnic tables are typically made from aluminum, steel, or wrought iron. These types of materials are great for commercial settings and can be powder coated or galvanized for resistance to rusting or corrosion.
Plastic picnic tables are usually made from a synthetic material such as polyethylene, that is very durable and won’t corrode or rot. It is also the easiest material to clean, making it popular for use in public places.
Polyethylene picnic tables are often coated with a UV-stabilizer solution to prevent fading and cracking over time. A combination of materials can also be used to create a picnic table that incorporates the beneficial qualities of each material into the design.
No matter which type of material you choose, all picnic tables are designed to provide a convenient place for you to enjoy your outdoor picnic.
Can you use pine for a picnic table?
Yes, you can absolutely use pine for a picnic table! Pine is a popular option for outdoor furniture due to its strength and durability. While pine is more vulnerable to rot and decay when exposed to moisture than hardwood options, it is still a great option for a picnic table due to its strength, ease of maintenance, and cost.
Pine picnic tables will last for many years with minimal maintenance, such as applying a water-repellent sealer and wiping down the surface after each use. Additionally, pine is an inexpensive wood that is widely available and accessible to most, making it a great option to build a picnic table if you don’t have access to more expensive woods.
Keep in mind that when it comes to creating a picnic table out of pine, it is best to pressure-treat or use a decay resistant wood like cedar or redwood because pine is more susceptible to moisture damage.
Should I use pressure treated wood for a picnic table?
Yes, pressure treated wood is an ideal material for an outdoor picnic table. Pressure treated wood is designed to resist rot, decay and termite damage, making it well-suited for outdoor use. It is created by injecting a lightweight preservative into the lumber under pressure, which helps protect it from harmful elements.
Pressure treated wood should be your material of choice for optimal durability and longevity. Additionally, pressure treated wood is generally more affordable than many other options, making it a great value.
Just make sure to select wood that has been treated with safe, non-toxic chemicals, such as ACQ (alkaline copper quat) or copper azole. By choosing pressure treated wood for your picnic table, you can enjoy a beautiful, durable table that will last for years.
How do you make a timber picnic table?
Making a timber picnic table is an ideal DIY project for individuals or groups of family or friends, and can be completed in a few simple steps.
To start, you will need to gather your materials: a circular saw, jigsaw, drill and bits, screws, bolts, nails, tape measure, and your chosen timber. You should also make sure you have some safety gear, such as safety goggles and a dust mask.
Once you have all of your materials gathered, it is time to start cutting your timber. Make sure that you measure and cut each piece of timber accurately; use the saw to make all of your straight cuts, and the jigsaw to make any curved cuts.
When you have all of the pieces of timber cut, you are ready to start laying out and assembling the picnic table.
Layout your pieces of timber and assemble the pieces using screws, bolts, and nails. If you want to add any additional details, like decorative pieces, you should attach them at this point. Once all of the pieces are in position, reinforce and tighten the entire structure, making sure to use screws instead of nails for the most secure hold.
The finishing touches include staining or painting your picnic table, as well as adding any additional fun extras such as a parasol or covering. Once complete, you should be able to enjoy your new picnic table and the pride of making it yourself!.
What angle do you cut picnic table legs?
The angle you need to cut picnic table legs will depend on the style of picnic table you are making. For most picnic tables, you will need to cut the legs at a 30-degree angle. To do so, you will need to calculate a 15-degree angle from the top and bottom of each leg.
Once you have marked the angle, use a miter saw set to 30 degrees to achieve the desired result. Ensure that the angle is the same for each leg so the picnic table will be level when assembled. It is also helpful to measure the angle with a square and make any adjustments if necessary.
What is the average size of a wooden picnic table?
The average size of a wooden picnic table is 6-8 feet long and 28-30 inches wide. Most standard picnic tables seat 6-8 people comfortably, so you should use that as a general guide for the size you need for your picnic area.
The height of a picnic table is typically 29-31 inches. Much of the size will depend on the design of the table, however. For instance, if you opt for a traditional square design, you can often find them coming in sizes as small as 4 feet square and as large as 8 feet square.
If you opt for a rectangular design, they can be as small as 2.5 feet wide and 8 feet long to as large as 8.5 feet wide and 12 feet long. Of course, you also have the option of building your own wooden picnic table, which would allow you to customize the size to fit your specific needs perfectly.
Do outdoor tables need gaps?
Yes, outdoor tables need gaps. Table gaps prevent people from bumping into each other while seated around the table, as well as protect the table by providing an area for the legs to fit in between. It also gives people enough space to comfortably slide a chair in and out and for allowing for movement around the table.
With adequate spacing, you’d be able to move around your table without having to be too close or cramped together. Not to mention, proper spacing would also add a certain dimension of aesthetic beauty to your outdoor setup.
Gaps are important for outdoor tables that are long, as the long table is a nice setup but it can be easily ruined by improper spacing. The ideal gap between outdoor tables is approximately 16 inches wide.
If a table is made from a sturdy material, it’s advisable to ensure that at least one corner of the table is exposed and this would also help with creating adequate spacing around the table. By ensuring that there are gaps between outdoor tables, you can ensure that your outdoor dining experience is a pleasant and more enjoyable experience.
How many people does an average picnic table seat?
An average picnic table typically seats 6-8 people depending on the size and style. Some varieties of picnic tables can seat up to 10 people, while smaller, compact tables can seat 4 people. Most picnic tables are typically constructed from either plastic, wood, or metal, and the size of the table and the number of seats it accommodates can vary greatly.
While the length of the table is generally consistent at around 8 feet, the width can vary anywhere from 2 to 4 feet. Therefore, be sure to take into account the dimensions of the picnic table when considering how many people it can seat.
How wide should a picnic bench be?
The width of a picnic bench should depend on the size of the people who are going to be using it. Generally speaking, a picnic bench should be wide enough for two or three people to comfortably sit side-by-side on the bench.
However, for larger groups of people, a picnic bench should be wider than three people. For example, if six people are sitting at the picnic bench, a bench with a minimum width of 36 inches would be suitable.
Apart from the number of people who will be using it, the type of picnic bench is also a consideration when choosing the size. Some benches may have built-in armrests, which will usually take up a few of inches of additional space on each side.
If the picnic bench also has a backrest, the width of the bench might also need to be increased.
Additionally, it is important to consider the space available around the picnic bench. Having enough space surrounding the bench allows more people to move around the picnic area comfortably and also makes loading and unloading the food and other items easier.
Generally, a minimum distance of 36-48 inches from the picnic bench to any obstacles, such as trees or planters, should be left to provide adequate space for people to move around.
In conclusion, the width of a picnic bench should be chosen based on the number of people using it, the features of the bench, and the space around the bench. For two or three people, a minimum of 24 inches wide is recommended, whereas for larger groups of people, a width of at least 36 inches should be considered.