While Caitlin writes humorous posts about curved sofas, I’m here to shed light on a frequently overlooked piece of outdoor furniture. As the unofficial advocate for “big picnic tables,” I wanted to address the few curious souls wondering why I adore them so much. The humble picnic table may not be a design statement with fancy wood grain or trendy finishes, but they are ubiquitous in public spaces like parks, churches, and schoolyards. Despite their simplicity, they are a perfect fit for our park-like backyard. So, the question remains: Why should you consider a picnic table? Let’s explore a variety of styles to showcase their versatility (some even fancier, I promise).
They Work On Every Uneven Floor Surface
Three years ago, I purchased my first picnic table (shown above) for our pea gravel area near the mini-gym and pool. Pea gravel can be a challenge for chair legs, making it hard to move chairs and maintain balance. A picnic table with attached benches was the perfect solution. While not cheap ($750 for a wood picnic table), I loved the clean lines, wood tone, and easy assembly. We got two tables to accommodate larger gatherings.
They Sit Evenly On Flagstone
We moved two tables onto our flagstone landing pads in the backyard and absolutely love them. Despite the flat and even flagstone surface, traditional dining legs would get caught in the gaps. The attached benches provide stability with only four contact points on the floor.
Wait, I Have A Grassy Backyard! Can I Have A Picnic Table?
You can definitely enjoy a picnic table in a grassy backyard. They are versatile and easy to move around, preserving the grass underneath. Placing them near a tree for shade adds to their charm. These tables are ideal for casual gatherings or can be combined for larger dinner parties. Here’s why I love picnic tables:
- The casual and inviting vibe welcomes everyone to enjoy a day outdoors.
- They are cost-effective compared to a table and chairs set.
- They age beautifully, especially when treated or painted for year-round use.
- They are versatile and can be placed on various surfaces like flagstone, pea gravel, or grass.
- They can be dressed up with a table-scape or left as-is for a simple, charming look.
- They are durable and perfect for various activities like crafting or dining.
- They attract kids and are great for family gatherings.
- They look fantastic when pushed together for larger gatherings.
- They require no storage and can be used year-round.
The Portland EHD team often works outside, finding the picnic tables comfortable for extended periods despite lacking back support or cushions.
We also have a more upscale picnic table from Rejuvenation that I adore, but the detached benches can be wobbly on our flagstone and limit seating capacity (hence the chairs on the ends).
While this post may not revolutionize the picnic table market, the functionality and charm of this classic outdoor furniture piece are worth considering for any home. Rustic versions have their own appeal, and some are surprisingly affordable. For longevity, brands like POLYWOOD offer durable options in various colors. Check out our roundup of picnic tables below if you’re in the market (you can even paint the wooden ones for a personalized touch).
1. Premium Picnic Table Kit | 2. Outdoor Grey Black Metal Rectangle Extension Table + Koro Outdoor Dining Bench | 3. Park Picnic Table | 4. Wood Patio Dining Set | 5. Hometown Picnic Table | 6. Sardis Outdoor Dining Table + Sardis Outdoor Bench
Backyard Case Picnic Table Unassuming