How do you clean a picnic table?

The best method for cleaning your picnic table will ultimately depend on what it’s made from. Plastic and vinyl picnic tables can often be washed down with a garden hose and scrub brush, but you’ll want to avoid abrasive cleaning tools on wooden tables, as they may scratch the surface.

How do you store a picnic table?

In the off-season, it’s a good idea to cover or move your picnic table. “Covering picnic tables when not in use can also go a long way to preserving their longevity,” says Lenhart. There are a variety of picnic table covers available to accommodate tables of different shapes and sizes, or, if you have a lightweight or folding picnic table, you can store it in a sheltered location , such as a garage, shed, or basement.

How do you weatherproof a picnic table?

“While many wood picnic tables are treated and generally meant to be outside, weatherproofing sealers can still degrade after a couple of years of exposure to sun and rain,” explains Lenhart. “I recommend resealing tables at least once every two years, if not more if you live in a very wet or cold climate.” To weatherproof a picnic table, you'll want to apply a waterproofing stain or sealer to the material.

The 9 Best Picnic Tables of 2023

If you’re looking for ways to add more seating to your outdoor living space, a picnic table is a classic choice that's perfect for outdoor entertaining.

“The first step when choosing a picnic table is to decide if you want a style with connected benches, or benches that you can move about freely,” recommends Kevin Lenhart, Design Director at Yardzen. Then, you can consider other factors such as size, style, and seating capacity.

While evaluating different products, we looked at factors such as materials, seating capacity, weight capacity, style, and design features to help you find the perfect option for your space, from small patios to large backyards.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Dura-Trel Traditional Picnic Table at Home Depot

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Best Budget:

Stansport Heavy-Duty Picnic Table and Bench Set at Wayfair

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Best Splurge:

Global Industrial Rectangular Picnic Table at Amazon

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Best for Kids:

Crate & Kids Modern Kids Picnic Table at Crate & Barrel

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Best Folding:

Cosco Outdoor Living Folding Picnic Table at Amazon

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Best Wood:

Style Selections Pine Picnic Table at Lowe's

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Best Large:

Orren Ellis Bima Picnic Table at Wayfair

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Best Round:

Leisure Season Picnic Table at Wayfair

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Best Design:

Walker Edison Outdoor Dining Set at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust The Spruce

4.8

Dura-Trel Traditional White Picnic Table

Hayneedle

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What We Like

Multiple sizes
Classic design
Durable, low-maintenance construction
20-year warranty

What We Don't Like

Time-consuming assembly

With a classic design that can seat up to six people, The Dura-Trel Traditional Picnic Table is our top pick. We love that it's made from a durable vinyl that requires little maintenance, making it easier to maintain than a traditional wood option. The table has a white finish and comes in two different lengths—6 or 8 feet—and it features a slatted top with attached benches.

This picnic table is crafted from UV-protected PVC vinyl, and it won’t develop mold or mildew, even if it’s left out year-round. It doesn’t require any sanding or staining, either, and when it needs to be cleaned, you can simply take a garden hose to it. Plus, the brand even backs the product with a 20-year limited warranty!

The one downside of this product is that assembly can be quite cumbersome. The brand says it will likely take two to three hours with two people, and you’re definitely going to need power tools if you want the task to get done quickly. However, considering that the table is reasonably priced, we think a few hours of labor is worth the trade-off for a well-made piece of furniture that will last for years.

Price at time of publish: $371 for 6 feet

_{Dimensions: 72 x 60 x 29 inches | Weight: 125 pounds | Material: UV-protected vinyl | Weight Capacity: Not listed}

Stansport Heavy-Duty Picnic Table and Bench Set

Walmart

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What We Like

Inexpensive
Lightweight and portable
Folding design
Table and benches can be used separately

What We Don't Like

Unattractive design
Legs rust if wet

If you’re looking for a picnic table that can be brought out when you need extra seating, the Stansport Heavy-Duty Picnic Table and Bench Set is a budget-friendly choice. It’s not the most attractive set, so you may not want it to be a permanent fixture in your yard, but the good news is that it can easily be folded down and stored when you don't need it. Plus, its lightweight design and separate benches make it a top choice for camping, tailgating, and other events where you need to travel light.

This three-piece set is crafted from high-density polyethylene with steel legs and supports, and with both benches, you can seat up to four people. The table can be slightly bulky to move around, but everything can be set up (and broken down) quickly and easily. Just don’t leave this set outside in inclement weather, as the metal legs are prone to rusting if they get wet.

Price at time of publish: $196

_{Dimensions: 44 x 26 x 28 inches | Weight: 43 pounds | Material: HDPE and steel | Weight Capacity: 500 pounds/bench}

Global Industrial 8' Rectangular Picnic Table

Amazon

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What We Like

Oversized design
Multiple colors
Built-in umbrella hole
Doesn’t heat up in the sun
7-year warranty

What We Don't Like

Expensive

You can seat a crowd at the Global Industrial Rectangular Picnic Table, which is a whopping 96 inches long. This oversized table is made from durable powder-coated metal, and it has a protective coating that keeps the surface at a comfortable temperature to the touch, even in direct sunlight. The picnic table has attached benches, as well as a built-in hole in the center for a patio umbrella, and it comes in a variety of colors to match your backyard decor.

The edges of the table and benches are all rounded so you don't have to worry about bumping into sharp corners, and it even has mounting tabs that allow you to anchor it into the ground for added stability. The materials will resist fading and mold, even if it’s left outside in inclement weather, and it is backed by the brand’s seven-year limited warranty. You will need to put this picnic table together upon arrival, and while it is quite pricey, it’s a well-built option that provides ample seating for your next backyard party.

Price at time of publish: $1,199

_{Dimensions: 96 x 62 x 29.5 inches | Weight: 190 pounds | Material: Powder-coated steel | Weight Capacity: 1,000 pounds}

Crate & Barrel

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What We Like

Cute modern design
Three benches
Made from sustainable wood

What We Don't Like

Sun exposure can fade finish

Your children will have a blast hanging out at the Crate & Kids Modern Kids Picnic Table, which has an adorable contemporary design. Instead of a classic rectangular shape, this child-sized table has a unique triangular form with three built-in benches for little ones. It’s made from sustainably sourced acacia wood, and it’s finished with a pretty gray stain.

Because of its three-sided design, you don’t have to worry about this table tipping over if someone sits on the edge, and its 23-inch height is small enough for most toddlers and young children. When it gets dirty, the table can be cleaned with a damp cloth, but the brand says you should avoid leaving it in the sun for extended periods of time, which can cause the finish to fade.

Price at time of publish: $399

_{Dimensions: 52.25 x 45.25 x 23 inches | Weight: Not listed | Material: Acacia wood | Weight Capacity: Not listed}

Amazon

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What We Like

Inexpensive
Folds flat for storage
Stain-resistant surface
High weight capacity

What We Don't Like

Grooves in tabletop are hard to clean

The Cosco Outdoor Living Picnic Table is easy to store in the off-season thanks to its convenient folding design. When you don’t need it, the table folds into a flat 72 x 57-inch form, allowing it to be tucked away in a shed or basement. This inexpensive picnic table is made from a steel frame and UV-resistant resin tabletop, and it can comfortably seat up to eight people at a time.

It might not be the most aesthetically pleasing piece of furniture ever, but this picnic table still has a lot to offer. There’s an umbrella hole in the center of the tabletop, and the material is splinter-free and stain-resistant. The benches have a high weight capacity of 800 pounds each, but the one downside is that dirt and debris can be trapped in the grooves on the tabletop, making it trickier to clean.

Price at time of publish: $265

_{Dimensions: 72 x 57 x 29 inches | Weight: 69.5 pounds | Material: Steel and UV-resistant resin | Weight Capacity: 800 pounds (bench)}

The 7 Best Picnic Blankets of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Brown Southern Yellow Pine Rectangle Picnic Table

LOWE'S

View On Lowe's

What We Like

Affordable
Solid pine construction
Pressure treated legs
Can be painted or stained

What We Don't Like

Some quality issues with the wood

The Style Selections Rectangle Picnic Table is a classic option made from yellow pine wood. It’s 72 inches long with attached benches and can comfortably fit around six people. All the table's components are pre-cut and -drilled, making it easy to assemble, and because the wood is unfinished, you can customize the appearance with paint or stain.

The legs of this picnic table are made from pressure-treated lumber that will provide protection against rot, mold, and bugs, while the non-treated top is safe for food. If you plan to leave this picnic table outside all year round, you’ll want to put some type of protective layer on the top to prevent moisture from soaking in. While it’s an excellent value for a solid wood picnic table, some buyers do report issues with the quality of the wood, noting that it arrives split or warped.

Price at time of publish: $149

_{Dimensions: 72 x 59 x 28 inches | Weight: 165 pounds | Material: Yellow pine | Weight Capacity: Not listed}

Bima Rectangular 8 - Person Outdoor Dining Set

Wayfair

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What We Like

Stylish contemporary design
Seats up to eight
Durable construction
Lightweight for its size

What We Don't Like

Expensive

There will be plenty of seating for the whole family at the Orren Ellis Bima Picnic Table, which has a sleek contemporary design. The dining set is crafted from powder-coated aluminum with a white finish, and it features a crisscross base and attached seats. The 79-inch table can seat up to eight people at a time, and despite its oversized form, it’s surprisingly lightweight and can easily be moved around your yard.

This contemporary picnic table will make an attractive addition to any outdoor living space, and its durable powder-coated finish is easy to clean. The material is rust-resistant, so it can be left outdoors without worry, and while it is pricey, we think the table’s large capacity and sleek appearance make it worth the splurge.

Price at time of publish: $1,300

_{Dimensions: 79 x 73.5 x 29.5 inches | Weight: 95 pounds | Material: Wood and aluminum | Weight Capacity: 1,322 pounds}

Wayfair

View On Wayfair

What We Like

Solid wood construction
Seats up to eight people
Built-in umbrella hole

What We Don't Like

May require additional finishing

Instead of a traditional rectangular shape, the Leisure Season Picnic Table is an 82-inch circle with four attached benches. It’s crafted from solid cedar wood, which is naturally moisture- and insect-resistant, and it has a beautiful red-toned finish that will be an attractive addition to your patio space. The table can comfortably accommodate up to eight people—two on each bench—and it has an impressive total weight capacity of 1,500 pounds.

Because there are a lot of pieces, this picnic table can take quite a while to put together, and it’s easier to assemble with multiple people. It has a built-in umbrella hole that accommodates 1.5-inch poles, allowing you to shade the table on hot summer days, and while the cedar finish is technically weather-resistant, you may need to add an additional coat of waterproofing or sealer to ensure its longevity.

Price at time of publish: $780

_{Dimensions: 82 x 82 x 30 inches | Weight: 108 pounds | Material: Solid cedar | Weight Capacity: 1,500 pounds}

Walker Edison 6-8 Person Outdoor Wood Dining Set

Amazon

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What We Like

Attractive chevron pattern
Multiple finishes available
Expandable tabletop
Solid wood construction

What We Don't Like

Requires regular maintenance

The Walker Edison Outdoor Wood Dining Set doesn’t have the traditional attached benches of a picnic table—instead, it comes with two detached benches that give you more movement. The three-piece set is made from solid acacia wood, which is known for its water resistance, and it comes in a variety of finishes to match any decor. While closed, the table is able to seat up to six people, but it also has an expandable drop-leaf that increases its capacity to eight people.

What sets this wooden picnic set apart from the rest is the attractive chevron pattern on the benches. Instead of straight slats, the tops of the benches are covered in an eye-catching V-shaped design, adding a touch of style to any space. Just keep in mind that the table will need to be oiled every few months to maintain its original condition.

Price at time of publish: $895

_{Dimensions: 79 x 35 x 30 inches | Weight: 75 pounds | Material: Acacia wood | Weight Capacity: 400 pounds (benches), 150 pounds (table)}

Final Verdict

We recommend the Dura-Trel Traditional Picnic Table for a traditional style that’s extremely low-maintenance. This vinyl table comes in two different sizes, and its white finish is UV resistant and extremely easy to clean. If you’re shopping on a budget, the Stansport Heavy-Duty Picnic Table and Bench Set comes with a folding table and two matching folding benches, and while it’s not the prettiest piece of furniture ever created, it’s easy to store and move around as needed.

Style

There are benefits to both picnic tables with attached benches and ones without. “The classic picnic table has connected benches, but this style often has a large footprint and can be fairly heavy, so it only should be considered if you have a wide space for it and don’t plan to move it very often," said Kevin Lenhart, Design Director at Yardzen, so this may not be the best option for small yards.

“Opt for a style with freestanding benches (seen in this Walker Edison option) if you need to save space or want a more flexible seating arrangement,” he recommends. “You can often tuck the benches away when not in use, or move to accommodate extra seating like a high chair.”

Other style choices you may want to consider include the shape of the picnic table—rectangular and round are the two most popular choices—as well as if it has a hole to accommodate a patio umbrella, seen in our best folding option.

Size

You'll also want to consider the size of your picnic table—both in terms of its actual dimensions, as well as how many people it can seat. It's important to measure the area where you plan to put the table to ensure it will fit properly with enough clearance for people to sit down and stand up.

Before shopping, determine where you want your picnic table to live. "When picking a location for a picnic table, you should consider the ways in which it will be used. If it’s mostly for eating, place it conveniently close to the kitchen. If it’s mostly for play, you may want to keep it close to other play features, to establish a general kids’ zone," says Lenhart. Then, you can measure your space and find the right size and shape table to fit comfortably.

Material

There are a variety of materials commonly used to make picnic tables, each of which has its own benefits and drawbacks. “For any table that’s going to be out in the open, I recommend investing in sturdy and durable material,” says Lenhart. “You want a table that will last you years vs. just a few seasons.”

Wood: Picnic tables are traditionally made from wood, and there are many solid wood options available today. Wood is both attractive and durable, but it tends to be heavier than other materials and needs to be properly cared for, especially if you plan to leave it outside year-round. A wooden picnic table will need regular weatherproofing, otherwise, it may begin to rot. Johnathan Brewer, The Spruce's Home Improvement Review board member notes, "Some picnic tables such as those made of wood will require maintenance. Purchasing a cover for the table will help protect it from the elements."
Plastic/Resin/Composite: Many inexpensive picnic tables are made from some type of plastic or resin, and there are several benefits to this material. It’s typically lightweight and extremely easy to clean, and it isn’t as susceptible to mold and rot as wood. However, most plastic picnic tables are supported by a metal frame, which can rust if left out in the elements.
Metal: “Treated metal, like powder-coated steel, is a good option for year-round exposure to extreme weather,” says Lenhart. However, metal benches, as seen in this Global Industrial option, aren’t the most comfortable and can get hot when it’s sitting in direct sunlight.

FAQ

How do you clean a picnic table?

The best method for cleaning your picnic table will ultimately depend on what it’s made from. Plastic and vinyl picnic tables can often be washed down with a garden hose and scrub brush, but you’ll want to avoid abrasive cleaning tools on wooden tables, as they may scratch the surface.
How do you store a picnic table?

In the off-season, it’s a good idea to cover or move your picnic table. “Covering picnic tables when not in use can also go a long way to preserving their longevity,” says Lenhart. There are a variety of picnic table covers available to accommodate tables of different shapes and sizes, or, if you have a lightweight or folding picnic table, you can store it in a sheltered location, such as a garage, shed, or basement.
How do you weatherproof a picnic table?

“While many wood picnic tables are treated and generally meant to be outside, weatherproofing sealers can still degrade after a couple of years of exposure to sun and rain,” explains Lenhart. “I recommend resealing tables at least once every two years, if not more if you live in a very wet or cold climate.” To weatherproof a picnic table, you'll want to apply a waterproofing stain or sealer to the material.

This article was written by Camryn Rabideau, a freelance writer and product tester for The Spruce. While researching picnic tables, she spoke with Kevin Lenhart, Design Director at Yardzen, for insights on choosing the best option for your backyard. As she compared different products, she looked at factors like material, size, style, and special features.