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Choosing the Best Commercial Picnic Table for Parks & Recreation

Group of friends high-fiving and laughing around a wooden picnic table in a park.

Oh, goodness! Thankfully, summer weather is finally upon us. But when it comes to creating inviting and functional outdoor spaces, there are a lot of elements to consider. Such as having aesthetic gardens and outdoor planters, ensuring spaces are close to local businesses, and having accessible picnic tables.  

 

Picnic tables are the cornerstone to ensuring experiences with parks and recreation are optimal. Whether you're trying to optimize a community park, recreational centre, or a general public space, you need high-end picnic tables to give patrons a place to have a reprieve, whether that's having lunch or taking a rest.  

 

Today, we'll discuss the importance of outdoor picnic tables and go over the ideal picnic table dimensions for parks and recreation! 

 

Understanding the Needs of Your Park or Recreation Area 

We understand that you may be completely aware that your park or recreation area needs a picnic table, but you need to understand what type you need. It has to fulfil the needs of your space. So, there are some questions you generally need to ask yourself:  

 

Who is going to use these picnic tables in your mind? Are they families with children? Individuals who stopped at a foot truck or kiosk for lunch? Or those with physical limitations or disabilities looking for an accessible place to eat/rest? Regardless, you need to choose an option that appeals to the masses of your community.  

 

This is where picnic table dimensions become important, as you want to ensure it fits your space while accommodating assistive devices. Classic Displays can work with you to ensure you have access to the most viable picnic tables to suit your needs. 

 

Choosing the Right Materials 

Commercial picnic tables are designed to come in a variety of materials, and each one has its unique benefits. Here are some of the most common materials you can expect to see: 

 

Wood 

Particularly renowned for their timeless and classic aesthetic, wooden picnic tables are perfect if you want to blend them with natural surroundings. Not only this, but it's easily customizable with different stains and paints, meaning you can flawlessly match it with your park or recreational area. However, if you’re looking for a wood alternative and still want to match the aesthetic, you can consider choosing an option with recycled plastic slats that mirror the appearance of wood.  

 

Such as our Hexagonal Picnic Table

 

Modern hexagon-shaped picnic tables on a paved patio outside a commercial building

Metal 

Metal isn't just timeless due to its clean and sleek look; it's long-lasting, close to vandalism-resistant, and generally low maintenance. They're also well-known for being highly weather-resistant. They work great for urban parks or very high-traffic areas where durability is your priority. The only thing to consider is that they can sometimes get a little warm in direct sunlight.  

 

Check out our Urban Picnic Table

Modern black metal picnic table with four attached bench seats and a square tabletop

 

Plastic 

We mentioned earlier that plastic alternatives are great regardless of aesthetic, as they can mimic the texture and look of other materials, such as wood. Not only this, but they are also resistant to the weather, common wood-eating pests, and require minimal maintenance. Also, even if you have a green initiative in your community, you can opt for recycled plastic. These tables also withstand intense weather conditions, so they're highly reliable.  

 

Concrete 

Concrete remains a popular option for high-traffic areas. And while it remains a popular option, its usage depends highly on the area in weather and foot traffic. Also, design choice is a major factor when considering a concrete picnic table. Their major drawback is that they are very heavy and difficult to move, and don't pair well with natural settings. Even still, they can be a great option depending on your park or recreation needs.  

 

Choosing the Design 

Depending on what your needs are, there are several considerations you need to keep top of mind when choosing a commercial picnic table and commercial picnic table dimensions.  

 

What activities are going to take place? Are the tables going to be functional eating spaces only, or are they primarily resting points? Also, could they function as game spaces for chess or other activities? All these considerations are important.  

 

Also, consider how accessible outdoor picnic tables are. That’s why picnic table dimensions are so important; You must consider the diversity of people who may need to use it.  

 

Additional things to consider are how much foot traffic and activity your park or recreational area receives. If the space is very high-traffic, you’re going to want to opt for higher durability options. By taking these considerations in, you can narrow down the best material, style, and size to suit your space.  

 

Here are some additional items to consider: 

 

Outdoor picnic table with red wooden top and benches supported by black metal legs, set on a grassy area near a curb.

How Many Can the Picnic Table Reasonably Sit? 

Usually, the standard picnic table sits 6-8 people. However, for accessibility purposes, you may want larger/wider tables to ensure everyone can use the tables comfortably. Depending on whether your space is meant to host a lot of people or is meant for private events, picnic table dimensions will be important to consider. Make sure you’re considering ACA, AODA, and ADA compliance when choosing your picnic tables to provide options for individuals with physical limitations or disabilities.  

 

Looking at Shape and Configuration  

Hey, shape and configuration matter. This depends on the park or recreation space you’re trying to accommodate. You have to consider space, demographics, accessibility, functionality, and even style. Let’s go through some of the basics:  

 

  • Rectangular Picnic Tables: These are classic and commonly found in most parks, a popular choice for parents and kids who need a break to have a drink or snack. However, they work for anyone who needs a rest stop. 

  • Round Picnic Tables: These tables are designed specifically to invite conversation. Just like the Knights of the Round Table, who would discuss potential adventure strategies, a round table invites people of all ages to engage with one another. 

  • Hexagonal/Octagonal Picnic Tables: Perfect for those looking for a unique and modern look. These picnic tables spice up any space.  

 

Durability and Maintenance 

OK, we’ve certainly touched on durability during the length of this blog! However, it’s still important for us to explore further. Plainly put: Your commercial picnic tables need to withstand use and exposure to the elements for you to get a true return on investment (ROI). When it comes to choosing a table, you have to opt for tables and finishes that minimize the need for ongoing maintenance. Let’s explore further:  

 

  • Powder-coated metals resist rust and fading. 

  • UV-stabilized plastics maintain their colour and structure over time. 

  • Metal tables have a resistance to rust and fading.

 

Investing in regular maintenance, including cleaning, repainting, and adjusting hardware, will also help extend the life of your outdoor picnic tables.  

 

Balancing Cost and Value 

We get that every community has its own unique budget. But don’t worry, you can find picnic tables that still meet your needs. While it’s tempting to choose a less expensive option, you need to consider the long-term investment.  

 

Higher-quality outdoor picnic tables require less maintenance, have longer lifespans, and provide users with a more pleasant and accessible experience than cheaper alternatives. By investing in a picnic table that has more durable material, you can trust these timeless designs will be around to last and save you money in the long run.  

 

Combining Fashion with Function 

It’s not just about having accessible and functional site furniture; it’s also about having something that suits your park or recreational area’s aesthetic. It should complement your overall design. Here are some key items to consider:  

 

  • A natural-looking wood/recycled plastic table that will match a forested/outdoor area. 

  • Brightly coloured or recycled plastic tables work great in child-friendly settings. 

  • Sleek metal designs are perfect for modern or urban settings.  

 

Classic Displays Has What You Need! 

When it comes to choosing the ideal commercial picnic table for your parks or recreational areas, you can trust that we’ll match you with an option that balances style and durability. We’ll work directly with you to understand the requirements of your space, allowing you to choose from a variety of options to suit your needs.

 

Whether you have a bustling pop-up or a nature preserve, you can find the right picnic table to make your space welcoming and comfortable for your guests! 

 

Classic Displays was originally founded in 1977 as a small operation, originally focusing on making Christmas holiday displays for local businesses. 46 years later, we've become a multidivisional company that serves 350+ municipalities, 150+ BIA groups, and several commercial properties across Canada.  

 

Contact us today for more information on how we can help you! 

 

 

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