Whether you have a yard, deck, patio or balcony, the right picnic table is an essential element of any outdoor family gathering.

Being a key piece of outdoor furniture, picnic tables suffer significant wear and tear from constant use and exposure to the elements.

For these reasons, it is important to find a quality product which can last for more than just a couple seasons.

To save you time and effort, we’ve researched the top picnic tables available to meet the needs of just about everyone.

Best Picnic Tables

	Outdoor Living Today Western Red Cedar Picnic Table	Coated Outdoor Furniture Round Picnic Table	Lifetime Folding Picnic Table
Material:	Western Red Cedar	Polyethylene thermoplastic coated steel	Polyethylene, powder coated steel
Dimensions:	63.75″ W x 66″ D x 30.75″ H	46” L x 46” W x 30” H	77” L x 32” W x 29” H
Weight:	113 Pounds	269 Pounds	77 Pounds
Folding:	No	No	Yes
Assembly:	Yes	Yes	Yes

For more of my home & garden recommendations, have a look through these popular Outside Pursuits guide links: Outdoor Grills, BBQ Smokers, Patio Umbrellas.

Quick Answer: The 7 Best Rated Picnic Tables For 2021

1. Outdoor Living Today Western Red Cedar Picnic Table
2. Coated Outdoor Furniture Round Picnic Table
3. Lifetime Folding Picnic Table
4. Best Choice Products 3-Piece Folding Picnic Table
5. Giantex Portable Aluminum Folding Table
6. Little Tikes Fold ‘n Store Picnic Table
7. Best Choice Products Circular Wooden Picnic Table

Our reviews of the top rated picnic tables with our comparison table and buyers guide will help you choose the right one for you.

Picnic Table Reviews

#1 Outdoor Living Today Western Red Cedar Picnic Table

First on our list is the Outdoor Living Today Western Red Cedar Picnic Table. This 113-pound table comes in a beautiful Western Red Cedar and offers 6′ x 2.9′ of tabletop space.

The Outdoor Living Today Western Red Cedar Picnic Table is unique because of its eco-friendly design utilizing sustainable wood.

This picnic table is easy on both the environment and your schedule. Red cedar is exceptionally easy to clean and resistant to decay and insects so maintenance is a breeze!

Simply wipe down the table with warm water and soap for stain removal. With this model, you can enjoy the beauty and luxury of a genuine wooden tabletop.

Another bonus feature of this table is that it accepts a wide range of finishes. Make it whatever color you choose to suit your personal taste.

The Outdoor Living Today Western Red Cedar Picnic Table does not fold for compact storage and requires assembly with stainless steel hardware for optimum durability.

Due to its relatively large weight and lack of mobility, it fares best as a piece of stationary outdoor furniture for your backyard or patio.

You really can’t go wrong with this durable and attractive option.

#2 Coated Outdoor Furniture Round Picnic Table

For those in need of a heavy-duty stationary seating option, the Top Round Picnic Table from Coated Outdoor Furniture is an ideal choice.

This is a hefty round table made of 3/4” expanded metal, galvanized steel frames and high quality polyethylene thermoplastic coating. These materials fare well against any manner of weather conditions.

The thermoplastic coating absorbs heat and resists rust, chipping and denting. With a max weight capacity of 1600 pounds, this picnic table is as strong and resilient as it gets.

While more durable, this outdoor table is much less portable than the other options on our list. Its heavy weight of 269 pounds has potential to cause transportation difficulties.

Fortunately, it comes in separate pieces ready to assemble. With one-size nuts and bolts, construction and deconstruction are relatively simple if you must move the table.

A bonus feature to this picnic table is its diverse range of colors, shapes and sizes. From vibrant red to emerald green, Coated Outdoor Furniture has some great options to complement your setup.

Overall, this picnic table is designed for reliability and durability. It works best as a fixed piece of furniture but can be transported as well if necessary.

Best outdoor picnic table for those in need of a long-lasting and stationary option.

#3 Lifetime Folding Picnic Table

Next on our list is the Lifetime Folding Picnic Table. This is another heavy-duty picnic table, perfect for long-term outdoor use.

Like the last product we reviewed above, the Lifetime folding table is constructed with polyethylene and powder-coated steel, making for a stain and weather resistant model.

With 6 feet of table space, built-in UV inhibitors, folding capacity and a 1400 pound weight limit, this picnic table was built to withstand the wear and tear of family use outdoors.

Each bench can comfortably fit between 6 – 8 people at once, which is ideal for dinners or cookouts. The included umbrella hole and cap also provide the luxury of constant shade.

Further, this table’s relatively light weight of 77 pounds allows for easy transport, erection and deconstruction. When not in use, it folds flat for compact storage and can be stowed away neatly.

Available in a sleek, grey rectangular design, this picnic table is a great addition to your family’s backyard.

#4 Best Choice Products Portable Folding Picnic Table

Here we have the Best Choice Products’ Portable Picnic Table. This is a versatile option for spontaneous travelers and homebodies alike.

Constructed from smooth fir wood boards and a sturdy iron frame, each of its two benches can hold up to 500 pounds, a high number considering its light weight of 70 pounds.

Because of the foldable design, this picnic table requires no assembly! The folding feature allows for compact storage and ease in transit, making it ideal for camping enthusiasts.

While it is quite portable, this table may fare better in a covered patio or deck, because its soft fir wood lacks a strong seal.

To make it more weather resistant, consider coating it with waterproofing spray.

Additionally, be cautious of dings and dents – many lightweight picnic tables are built with soft wood, which is naturally easier to damage.

Maintenance is key here!

#5 Giantex Aluminum Folding Table

The Giantex Aluminum Folding Table is the best camping picnic table for families, reunions, hiking adventures or neighborhood barbecues – it goes where you go.

This is a compact and lightweight model which requires no assembly. With a sleek design composed of high quality collapsible aluminum plates, this picnic table is a traveler’s dream.

The Giantex weighs in at a mere 8 pounds, so its easy to fold up and toss it in a bag for your next spontaneous adventure! It can only support up to 66 pounds though, so pack light.

This picnic table can easily support small camping appliances like table top grills and coffee-makers. Maintenance is a breeze – simply wipe the surface down with a dishcloth and the stains disappear.

It is also a versatile option in its suitability for either indoor or outdoor use. However, this table sacrifices resilience for portability, so inclement weather may risk its longevity.

Overall, this is the best camping picnic table on the market today.

#6 Little Tikes Fold ‘n Store Picnic Table

If you’re looking a kid-friendly option, rest assured– the Little Tikes Fold ’n Store Picnic Table is a great way to go.

This model was designed for children, with a weight limit of 200 pounds and a height of 20.5 inches to make seating your little ones as simple as possible.

Stain-resistant plastic table tops, linked benches and a cute included umbrella make this a safe and entertaining picnic table for your children to grow up with.

Once assembled, this table can be folded up and stored anywhere. Thanks to its light weight of 36 pounds, it can even be hung on the wall using a hook.

Though it is plastic, the model is designed with a natural wood grain look and color. This helps it easily blend in with other outdoor furniture.

This picnic table is child-friendly, stain-resistant and portable – the perfect option for play-dates, family functions or birthday parties.

#7 Best Choice ProductsCircular Wooden Picnic Table

Finally, we bring you the Best Choice Products Circular Wooden Picnic Table. This is a well-rounded picnic set (literally!) which can suit a range of backyard environments.

The model is made of weather-resistant cedar wood with a blonde finish. Featuring 3 benches and an umbrella hole, it can seat up to 6 adults comfortably with a weight limit of 500 pounds.

Weighing 50 pounds itself, this picnic table is relatively easy to move around. However, as it does not fold up for compact storage, it is more suited to function as a fixed furniture piece.

This table is especially attractive due to the use of real cedar wood, which is one of the most impenetrable softwoods found in nature.

It maintains the tasteful feel of a traditional, outdoor picnic table, while still retaining a modern finish.

Some recommend finishing the table with extra coatings of linseed oil to improve its weather resilience. This is common practice for those who regularly keep and maintain softwood appliances.

It helps guard the vulnerable wood from extreme weather, which is great for those looking to leave their picnic table outside year-round.

Keep in mind that the table you choose must match the environment you live in, the lifestyle you lead, and the unique tastes you happen to have.

Picnic Table Comparison

How to Choose the Best Picnic Table – Buying Guide

As you can see, choosing the right picnic table involves many different factors.

Your table must be portable and attractive, yet able to withstand inclement weather, the dings and dents of travel, and heavy use (or abuse, if you have pets or small children)!

To help streamline your choices, we’ve put together a couple key features to evaluate during the selection process.

Once you’ve considered these features of picnic tables, you will be ready to choose the right one for you.

Material

The materials your picnic table is constructed with are arguably the most important factor to consider.

Whether you ultimately go for hardwood, softwood, or an alternative like plastic or steel, you must choose a material that can sustain the type of picnic table (portable, stationary, etc) you need.

Key determinants of the material you choose are durability, portability and maintenance. Consider all three before deciding on the make of your picnic table.

Durability vs. Portability

How well will your picnic table hold up in the great outdoors?

Do you plan to take it on camping adventures and hiking trails, or are you looking for a fixed piece of furniture to elevate your outdoor dining experience? This is a vital question.

Portability and durability typically have an inverse relationship, but with picnic tables you don’t necessarily have to sacrifice one for the other. Sometimes you can have the best of both worlds.

If you’re looking for the best portable picnic table, consider materials that are lightweight and resistant to water and rust. They must be easy to move yet still able to survive outdoors.

Aluminum, plastic and types of soft wood are top-tier options.

From our list, check out the Giantex Aluminum Folding Table, or the Little Tikes Fold ‘n Store.

If you’re looking for the best stationary outdoor picnic table, search for materials that are heavy-duty, weather resistant and impervious to stains. They need not be lightweight if they won’t be moving.

Metal with polyethylene thermoplastic coating, concrete, hard wood and heavy plastic are great choices.

From our recommendations, consider the Top Round Picnic Table from Coated Outdoor Furniture, the Lifetime Folding Picnic Table, or the Best Choice Circular Wooden Picnic Table.

Maintenance

How easy will your picnic table be to look after? Some materials require more upkeep than others. Do you have adequate time to commit?

If you opt for a wood table, be aware that maintenance is key. Each wooden option on our list (and wooden products on the market in general) are constructed with wood that is already treated.

Treated wood is imbued with various pesticides to protect against decay and termite attack. But treated wood is not entirely immune to mother nature – it must still be sealed.

Sealing wood helps protect it from the natural elements and gives it a clean, shiny topcoat. This is especially essential for stationary wooden picnic tables which will remain outdoors indefinitely.

Lacquer, shellac, polyurethane and varnish are the best and most popular wood sealants, but each has its own pros and cons.

Before sealing, it is also recommended to sand the surface of your wood with a high-grit sandpaper until it is smooth. This way, your sealant will apply evenly.

Design

While the material a picnic table is constructed with influences its design, an adaptable or versatile design can also offset drawbacks of a given material.

There are a few key design features to consider before picking the best picnic table.

Does it fold up for compact storage and seamless transportation? Is it too heavy to move around? Does it require assembly? Does it fit well with your existing furniture?

If portability is your priority, go for a fold-able, no assembly picnic table. These will save time in terms of setup and take-down, and save energy when hauling it around in transit.

As seen from our reviews above, portable picnic tables can come in all kinds of materials, including softwood, aluminum, plastic and metal.

If durability is your priority and you need a stationary piece, it is less important whether your table folds or requires assembly. Instead, consider design in terms of aesthetics and material longevity.

If you’re investing in a lifelong piece, it should be attractive to look at and strong enough to resist the wear and tear of love.

Dimensions

The shape, size and configuration of your picnic table must also reflect the experience you plan to create.

Consider how much space you have, how many people will be using the table, what kind of gatherings you will hold, and whether you need integrated seating or a more versatile setup.

Size & Shape

Picnic tables can take up a lot of room, so it is essential to measure the space you have. You’ll need enough to move the table inside, maneuver its seats, and move around the space comfortably.

Make sure the shape of the table integrates well with its environment. Traditional rectangular/square picnic tables tend to be most popular, but there are a plethora of other options.

Round and polygonal picnic tables have soared in popularity over the past years. While square tables are most space-friendly, different shapes can really transform the aesthetics of a room.

Seating & Weight Capacity

How many people will use the picnic table? Will they be small kids, or grown adults?

Check the weight capacity to ensure that it will support you and your loved ones. A collapsed picnic table can lead to serious injury.

Young children may need a slightly lower table for easy mounting, while grown adults will prefer a higher, longer table with ample room for food or activities.

Also consider whether you want integrated (attached) seating for your picnic table. Many foldable models come with seating attached, but it is also possible to purchase benches/chairs separately.

Buying seating separately presents an opportunity to play around with different styles and colors, allowing you to completely revamp the vibe of your picnic table.

Purchasing seating separately makes most sense if you are looking for a stationary picnic table.

What Will You Use It For?

Really, each section above boils down to one simple question: what will you use your picnic table for?

Traveling, home use, family get-togethers or child birthday parties? Regardless of how you plan to use your picnic table, make sure its material, design and dimensions align with your lifestyle.

FAQs About Picnic Tables

Q: What is the best material for picnic tables?

A: This all depends on how you intend to use your picnic table.

If you want to treat the table as a fixed piece of outdoor furniture, worry less about its weight and portability and focus instead on its durability and aesthetic value.

Consider heavy-duty materials like real wood, polyethylene lumber or powder-coated metal. These will hold up against any manner of weather conditions with minimal damage.

If using real wood, make sure it is properly sprayed and sealed.

Also consider what you want your table to look like – if you plan on leaving it as a permanent fixture in your yard, it should pair well with your existing outdoor furniture.

If you want a picnic table for camping trips and outdoor adventures, worry less about appearance and more about portability. You must also consider durability for outdoor use.

The best camping picnic tables are built with aluminum, because it is resilient to water and rust while still lightweight and portable. The drawback with aluminum is that it can be vulnerable to high winds.

Plastic picnic tables are another lightweight yet durable option for travelers.

Q: What wood lasts the longest outdoors?

A: Cedar is the longest-lasting wood. It typically takes around 20 years for cedar wood to split, rot or warp. White oak and teak are also popular options which are resistant to decay.

In terms of longevity, non-wood options are more popular still. Coated metal and polyethylene are the most weather-resistant materials of this type.

Q: What size is a typical picnic table?

A: Picnic tables can follow any dimensions, though there is a recognized standard. A standard table ranges between 28 – 34 inches high, 28 – 30 inches wide, and 6 – 8 feet long.

Q: Is pressure treated wood safe for picnic tables?

A: It depends!!

Pressure treating involves using water to force chemical preservatives deep into the wood, protecting it against decay and termite attack.

So, this question depends on the preservatives used to treat your wood. Some older brands of treated lumber can contain Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA), which is a toxic wood preservative. 

CCA contains compounds of chromium, copper, and arsenic in various proportions. Studies have shown that the arsenic in CCA has been linked to certain types of cancers.

If your wood has been treated with CCA, it can not be used around food (i.e. in picnic tables), as it could be ingested.

However, the Environmental Protection Agency has specified several newer wood preservatives with lower toxicity levels which are OK for residential use. These preservatives are:

• ACQ.
• Borates.
• Copper azole.
• Copper naphthenate.
• Copper-HDO (Bis-(Ncyclohexyldiazeniumdioxy-copper)).
• Polymeric betaine.

You can always email the EPA (pesticidequestions@epa.gov) with questions about the safety of your treated wood and for updated guidelines.

Tips For Choosing A Picnic Table

#1: Mobile vs. Stationary

It is essential to decide whether you will need a mobile picnic table or a stationary picnic table. As you have seen, portable tables and fixed tables generally adhere to different sets of standards.

For a mobile table, focus on lightweight material, foldable design and weather-resistant features.

For a stationary table, focus on durable material, aesthetic appeal and high weight capacity.

#2: Measure your space

This is a key element of purchasing any large piece of furniture, yet it is often overlooked. When buying products online, it is easy to be fooled by not-to-scale images and photographs.

Make sure you carefully account for all the space you need so you don’t get a nasty surprise when your package arrives in the mail!

#3: Maintenance is key!

Be aware of the materials used to construct your picnic table and the ensuing maintenance requirements.

Consider protecting stationary outdoor picnic tables with a tarp or other heavy covering during extreme weather conditions like snow, sleet or intense heat.

If you have purchased a wooden table, be sure to spray over it with a good wood sealant to protect it from water, light and rust.

If you maintain your table well, it can last for decades to come. Even old wooden tables can be saved with a bit of stain, sealant and love!

Summary

Now that you’ve considered materials, maintenance, design and dimensions, you’re on your way to finding a good picnic table.

Make sure that above all, the picnic table you choose is built for the lifestyle you lead.

Thanks for reading and happy shopping!

How We Researched

To come up with the top picnic tables, we researched a variety of sources for reviews such as Home Depot, Lowes, Target and Wayfair  along with our own personal experience.

We also consulted online magazines for product research and reviews to get as much unbiased information as we could. To help weed out fake reviews we used Fakespot.com to make sure we only looked at genuine reviews.

With so much quality gear available, we had to narrow it down based on what we felt were the best options were for the price. The staff authors have a wide and varied background in yard design and home repairs.

The authors have decades of experience and are eager to share their knowledge with readers.

To help narrow down the selection we used personal experiences along with recommendations from landscapers, bloggers and contractors.

After extensive research, we came up with our list to help you choose the right one for you.

Sources