ULTIMATE PICNIC TABLE BUYING GUIDE
Metal, Wood, Plastic & Recycled Options
Table Types & Purposes
Picnic tables serve as essential outdoor furniture for dining, socializing, and relaxing in various settings. This comprehensive guide explores 7 distinct types of picnic tables, their ideal applications, maintenance requirements, and pricing considerations to help you make an informed purchase decision.
1. Metal (Expanded)
Best For: Public parks, campuses, outdoor cafés
Why to Use: Vandal- & fire-resistant, low-maintenance
Description: Metal (Expanded) picnic tables are engineered for high-traffic outdoor environments where durability, safety, and ease of maintenance are critical. Commonly found in public parks, school campuses, and outdoor café settings, these tables are made from heavy-duty expanded steel, offering exceptional resistance to vandalism, fire, and weather damage.
Key Features:
- Vandal- and fire-resistant design
- Heavy-duty steel construction for lasting durability
- Rust-resistant thermoplastic or powder-coated finish
- Expanded metal mesh allows drainage and airflow
2. Aluminum
Best For: Schools, coastal/marine environments
Why to Use: Rust-proof, sturdy, corrosion-resistant
Description: Aluminum picnic tables are a smart choice for schools and coastal areas, offering a perfect balance of strength and portability. Built to resist rust and corrosion, they perform exceptionally well in marine environments and humid climates. Their lightweight design makes them easy to move, while the maintenance-free surface ensures long-lasting use with minimal upkeep.
Key Features:
- Rust-Free Aluminum Construction – perfect for humid and coastal climates
- Lightweight Design – easy to relocate or store when needed
- Corrosion-Resistant Surface – withstands salt air and moisture
- Maintenance-Free – no painting, sealing, or refinishing required
3. Wood (Pressure-Treated)
Best For: Campgrounds, rustic settings
Why to Use: Classic look, comfortable, natural feel
Description: Pressure-treated wood picnic tables offer rustic charm and durability, making them ideal for campgrounds, trails, and parks. Treated to resist rot, insects, and weathering, they combine natural appeal with long-lasting performance.
Key Features:
- Natural Wood Look – blends beautifully into rustic or wooded environments
- Pressure-Treated Lumber – resists rot, decay, mold, and insect damage
- Strong & Sturdy – built to handle heavy use in outdoor areas
- Weather-Resistant – stands up to rain, sun, and seasonal changes
4. Wood + Steel Frame
Best For: Shelters, heavy-use areas
Why to Use: Extra durability from steel support
Description: Wood and steel frame picnic tables blend the natural appeal of wood with the strength of steel. Ideal for high-traffic areas like shelters and pavilions, they offer long-lasting durability and a classic, welcoming look.
Key Features:
- Durable Steel Frame – provides superior support in high-use areas
- Natural Wood Tops & Seats – offer a traditional, welcoming aesthetic
- Powder-Coated Steel – resists rust, corrosion, and weather damage
- Heavy-Duty Construction – ideal for public parks, shelters, and event spaces
5. Recycled Plastic
Best For: Commercial break areas, resorts
Why to Use: UV/humidity resistant, low upkeep.
Description: Recycled plastic picnic tables offer an eco-friendly, low-maintenance option for break areas, resorts, and outdoor lounges. Made from durable, weather-resistant materials, they resist cracking, rotting, and splintering—ideal for modern, sustainable spaces.
Key Features:
- Eco-Friendly Material – made from recycled plastic lumber
- Weather & UV Resistant – won't fade, crack, or warp over time
- Low Maintenance – no painting, staining, or sealing required
- Splinter-Free & Smooth Surface – safe and comfortable for all users
6. Plastic Folding
Best For: Events, seasonal use
Why to Use: Portable, easy to store
Description: Plastic folding tables are lightweight, sturdy, and easy to transport—ideal for events and temporary setups. Their durable top resists spills and stains, making them great for indoor and outdoor use.
Key Features:
- Foldable & Portable – easy to carry, set up, and store
- Lightweight Design – great for quick event transitions
- Weather & Stain Resistant – holds up during outdoor use
- Durable Plastic Top – resists scratches, dents, and spills
7. Composite
Best For: High-traffic commercial spaces
Why to Use: Rot-resistant, long-lasting, mimics wood.
Description: Composite picnic tables combine recycled wood fibers and plastic for a natural wood look with superior durability. Ideal for high-traffic areas like malls, food courts, and campuses, they resist fading, splintering, and wear with minimal maintenance.
Key Features:
- Wood-Plastic Composite Material – combines the beauty of wood with the durability of plastic
- Heavy-Duty Build – handles frequent use in commercial or public settings
- Low Maintenance – no painting, sealing, or sanding needed
- Weather & Moisture Resistant – performs in all outdoor conditions
- Smooth, Safe Surface – comfortable and splinter-free
💲 Pricing Summary:
Uline Modals
| Model | Type | Size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| H-10002 | Metal – 6′ Rectangle Expanded (Model H-10002) | 6′ | $1,050 |
| H-10003 | Metal – 8′ Rectangle Expanded (H-10003) | 8′ | $1,095 |
| H-10001 | Metal – 46″ Round Expanded (H-10001) | 46″ | $1,075 |
| H3745 | Aluminum – 6′ A-Frame (H-3745) | 6′ | $1,375 |
| H2999 | Wood – Economy 6′ A-Frame (H-2999) | 6′ | $219 |
| H5163 | Wood – Economy 8′ A-Frame (H-5163) | 8′ | $369 |
| H6102 | Wood – Deluxe 6′ A-Frame (H-6102) | 6′ | $379 |
| H4405 | Wood + Steel Frame 6′ (H-4405) | 6′ | $595 |
| H6578 | Wood + Steel Frame Stained 6′ (H-6578) | 6′ | $635 |
Global Industrial
| Vendor & Model | Type | Size | ADA? | 1 Unit Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GIobal Industrial 6′ Expanded Metal (green) | Steel mesh | 6′ × bench | No | $899 |
| GIobal Industrial 8′ ADA Expanded Metal (black) | Steel mesh ADA | 8′ | ✅ | $899 |
| GIobal Industrial 6′ Perforated Metal (black) | Steel perforated | 6′ | No | $849 (promo) |
| GIobal Industrial 46″ Round Metal (black) | Steel mesh | 46″ dia | No | $1,049 |
| GIobal Industrial 46″ Round Metal (blue/red) | Steel mesh | 46″ dia | No | $949 |
| GIobal Industrial 6′ Blow-Molded Plastic (white) | HDPE plastic | 6′ | No | $299.95 |
| GIobal Industrial Urban 6′ Plastic (tan) | Recycled plastic | 6′ | No | $1,399 |
| GIobal Industrial 6′ Recycled Plastic (green) | Recycled plastic | 6′ | No | $1,299 |
| GIobal Industrial 6′ Recycled Plastic w/ steel frame | Recycled plastic+steel | 6′ | No | $1,275 |
| Global Industrial 8′ Frog Furnishings (cedar) | Recycled plastic | 8′ | No | $849 |
| GIobal Industrial 6′ Folding & Stackable (taupe) | Foldable plastic | 6′ | No | $379.95 |
💲 Other Vendors
| Model & Material | Size | ADA? | Use-Case | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ultra Site 6′ Expanded Perforated Steel | 72″ × 68.9″ | ✅ | Heavy-duty, ADA-accessible public use | $1,239.00 |
| Ultra Site 6′ Expanded Steel (other color) | Same | ✅ | Same as above, alternate color | $1,369.00 |
| BFM Seating Seaside 59″ Aluminum | 59″ × 27.5″ | – | Rust-proof, coastal or school settings | $1,149.00 |
| Iceberg IndestrucTable TOO 30″ × 72″ Plastic | 30″ × 72″ | – | Lightweight, easy-clean commercial space | $569.00 |
| Lancaster 48″ Square White (plastic) | 48″ square | – | Budget-friendly, indoor/outdoor café use | $199.99 |
| Park 72″ Recycled Polywood | 72″ | – | High-end, weather-resistant plastic | – |
| Lifetime 6′ Folding (plastic) | 6′ foldable | – | Portable for events or multipurpose areas | – |
| NPS National BMPT Folding Table | W-frame plastic | – | Sturdy, portable for community use | – |
| Wabash Valley SG115D 96″ Steel Diamond | 96″ × 30″ | ✅ | Commercial heavy-duty, ADA-compliant | – |
| Sequoia Faux-Wood 71.6″ Composite | 71.6″ × 34.5″ | – | Premium faux-wood aesthetic, no maintenance | $1,759.00 |
🧾 Full Price & Specs Matrix
| Vendor / Model | Type | Size / Bench | ADA? | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uline H-2999 (Economy Wood) | Wood PT | 6' | No | $219 |
| Uline H-5163 (Econ Wood) | Wood PT | 8' | No | $369 |
| Uline H-6102 (Deluxe Wood) | Wood PT pre-sanded | 6' | No | $379 |
| Uline H-4405 (Wood + Steel Frame) | Wood + Steel | 6' | No | $595 |
| Uline H-6578 (Wood + Steel Stained) | Wood + Steel | 6' | No | $635 |
| Uline H-5745 (Aluminum A-Frame) | Aluminum | 6' | No | $1,375 |
| Uline H-10002 (Metal Expanded) | Steel mesh | 6' × benches | No | $1,050 |
| Uline H-10005 (Metal Expanded) | Steel mesh | 8' × benches | No | $1,095 |
| Uline H-10001 (Metal Round) | Steel mesh | 46" round | No | $1,075 |
📊 Feature Comparison Matrix
| Feature | Uline Metal | Uline Aluminum | Uline Wood Economy | Uline Wood Deluxe | Uline Wood + Steel | GI Metal | GI Plastic | GI Recycled Plastic | GI Fold Plastic | Webst. Fold Plastic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Durability | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★ | ★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★ |
| Maintenance | Very low | Very low | Moderate | Moderate | Low | Very low | Very low | Very low | Very low | Very low |
| Portability | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | ✅ | ✅ |
| ADA Dental Options | Yes (rect.) | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Anti- | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★ | ★★ |
| Price Range | $1,050–1,095 | $1,375 | $219 | $379 | $595–635 | $849+ | $299–1,399 | --- | $379.95 | $299.99 |
✅ Recommendations
- Public parks / vandal-prone spaces: Metal models from Uline or GI – durable, low-maintenance, ADA options available.
- Coastal or harsh climates: Choose aluminum for corrosion resistance.
- Rustic aesthetic on tight budget: Economy wood at $219 from Uline works well; consider deluxe finish for minor additional cost ($379)
- Heavy-use areas like campsites: Use Wood + Steel hybrid at $595–635.
- Event spaces or seasonal setups: Folding plastic options (GI or Webstaurant) for portability and easy storage
- Long-term commercial sites: Compare Uline wood+steel or GI recycled plastic; though pricier, they offer minimal upkeep