The style of seating you provide is a crucial site amenity when constructing your outdoor area. A table in picnic style is an essential outdoor seating and dining option because its design makes it easier for groups to chat, eat, and have fun together.
Given the variety of such tables available, you might wonder which is the best for your space. Read on to learn about the various styles, materials, finishes, and installation options to choose the right table to open up your living area and spend precious moments outside.
What Should I Look for in a Picnic Table?
When searching for the best option for your outdoor area, you get to choose from superior picnic tables in both looks and quality. These come in various shapes and sizes and employ different materials. Look for a table with the proper shape and size to fit your area and seating requirements so you’ll have enough room to move around it.
Additionally, you need to consider the local climate, as extreme heat and cold throughout the year can harm the integrity of the table. Assume the weather elements: how much rain, snow, sun and humidity the area experiences to choose a durable material against the elements. If you pick a material that’s not weather resistant, opt for a portable option to store somewhere during bad weather.
To choose the ideal picnic table for your needs, follow these steps.
Pick the Right Material
Material choice is always critical, especially when choosing outdoor furniture. Compared to interior furnishings, outdoor picnic tables need to uphold a different amount of wear and tear. Due to exposure to the weather, you must choose an option made of high-quality materials, such as teak, if you want it to endure a lifetime.
Both in Australia and internationally, teak is a high-end outdoor furniture material that is very popular. It’s a strong wood that grows well into tall, sturdy furniture and is one of the hardest timbers, making it perfect for long-lasting outdoor effects, superior to other woods like pine, oak, and bamboo. Other advantages include its sustainability, low maintenance requirements, and resistance to water and pests. On the plus side, teak also has an exceptional aesthetic appeal.
When it comes to outdoor table materials, asking yourself the following questions can help immensely in selecting the ideal one for you:
- How durable do you want it to be?
- Will it last if left outside?
- Do you look for easy maintenance? If so, how simple will it be to look after the option you’re considering?
- In terms of aesthetics: how will your table look in the long run?
- In terms of purpose, how well will the surfaces withstand food and liquids?
- Do you need a comfortable table? Or you’re more into a lavish-looking one?
- How lightweight do you want it to be, and does it need to be weather-resistant?
Determine the Right Size
Before buying the table, choose where you want it to be installed and measure the area to ensure you have enough space. Remember to leave enough space around the table in addition to the table’s size so that people can pass it easily.
A table with the appropriate dimensions should fit your area and seating requirements. When choosing picnic tables with built-in seating, consider how much room you’ll need to move around the table, and into and out of the seats.
Choose the Right Shape
Once you determine how much room you’ll need for the table, consider the design you desire. Even though you can choose a table style based on how many people will be seated around it, your choice of shape will mostly depend on your style preferences. Think about the general design of your space and whether a round, square, or rectangular table will fit the available space.
Also, consider whether you prefer attached or separate seating. Although separate chairs can provide more comfort for individuals seated at the table, attached seating does take up less space.
Choosing the right table shape is crucial if you have space restrictions. Square tables fit more in a compact space because of their smaller size. On the other hand, round and rectangular tables can frequently accommodate bigger groups of people, making them ideal for campers, parks, and playgrounds.
Select the Best Colour for You
The natural colour of a teak outdoor picnic table and its delicate, earthy tones are a great finishing touch to your all-around garden landscape.
Alternately, select vibrant, vivid colours for a contrasted look. Steel, aluminium, or recyclable plastic tables come in various colours to help you customise your outdoor area. To give the entire property a unified design, pick one or several colours that go well with your overall patio décor.
Accessorise Your Table
If there aren’t any trees nearby to provide shade, consider adding a patio umbrella as an accessory. Umbrellas can block UV radiation from the sun and improve the quality of warm days. Additionally, it can give you the privacy you need for your trendy alfresco area or simply for enjoying the company of your loved ones. Insert an umbrella into a stand attachment or the hole in the middle of some tables.
