Picnic tables make great outdoor seating for multitudes of people to enjoy. However, a picnic table's longevity is primarily made possible by the material used, the maintenance received, and the climate placed. What makes up the table will determine the best potential investment received over time. Throughout the years, manufacturers of picnic tables have realized the most effective materials used in outdoor settings for commercial and public seating. Below is a list of the best material used for making commercial picnic tables in the industry!
Pressure Treated Wood Picnic Tables: Traditional Appearance with Ongoing Maintenance
Pressure-treated wood is a great option when it comes to economical commercial seating. Wooden picnic tables keep costs low while presenting a natural, classic look. Often the best choice for natural parks, outdoor diners, or fairgrounds. Although pressure-treated wood tends to hold the least longevity compared to other industrial material types, it is the easiest to repair as the wooden planks can be locally purchased and don’t require a particular bolt-hole configuration to apply. For more information on maintaining a wooden picnic table, please visit our How to Get the Longest Life out of your Wooden Picnic Table blog!
Thermoplastic Steel Picnic Tables: Best for High-Traffic Public Spaces
Couple the strength of steel with the protective coating of industrial-grade plastic and get a picnic table built to last! Thermoplastic picnic tables are known for being the best quality for the cost. There are also many styles and colors of thermoplastic steel picnic tables available and often for quick shipping! Fast, reliable outdoor seating accommodations, perfect for universities, schools, local parks, and town centers. As long as the coating remains intact and maintained, thermoplastic-coated steel will last seven years or more! See our Thermoplastic Table Budget Guide for more details on how to find a thermoplastic-coated steel picnic table to fit your budget!
Aluminum Picnic Tables: Lightweight and Rust Resistant
Another strong metal material proven to be an effective, long-lasting surface for picnic tables is anodized aluminum. Although it is more expensive than steel, it is better suited to coastal climates, especially if the frame is hot-dipped-galvanized. Exposed steel is vulnerable to salt or water. If its barriers become compromised, the steel will eventually rust and need immediate intervention to prevent degrading. On the other hand, anodizing-treated aluminum does not rust and is corrosion-resistant. It will ultimately pit if left unmaintained, but this process takes a long time to set in and even longer to compromise the integrity of the material. Athletic centers, high schools, and beachside parks commonly use picnic tables with aluminum slat tops and seats.
Fiberglass Picnic Tables: Lightweight and Corrosion Resistant
Fiberglass is a smooth, nonporous material often used on boats and pools. Naturally, it is water-resistance, leaving no vulnerabilities for water or moisture to seep in. The tops and seats contain a wooden core, protected with molded fiberglass and finished with a rich gel coating. The gel coat leaves a smooth flat surface and is available in bright color options. Perfect for elementary school students to sit outside and complete class assignments. The vibrant colors also make a great addition to theme parks, ice cream parlors, and corporate business offices.
Recycled Plastic Picnic Tables: The Best Low-Maintenance Option
Recycled plastic lumber takes on the look and feel of wood but without shortfalls. Planks made from recycled plastic will not rot or split from over-exposure to the outdoor elements, nor will they need to be refinished or painted. It may come with an upfront expense, but the long-lasting nature of recycled plastic will make the investment worthwhile. The planks are low maintenance, never needing to be repainted or refinished. Recycled plastic picnic tables benefit the environment by repurposing plastic waste into heavy-duty commercial furniture!
Concrete Picnic Tables: Maximum Permanence and Security
Picnic tables made from concrete bring a new meaning to heavy-duty, with a hefty mass starting at 800 lbs. or more! Although the weight of concrete picnic tables makes them hard to place and assemble, they are impervious to theft and natural disasters, such as flash floods or hurricane storm surges. Concrete is the most recommended material for picnic tables established at coastal hotels, fast food restaurants, memorial parks, and beachside diners. Nothing beats the longevity of concrete!
Comparing Commercial Picnic Table Materials Side by Side
Choosing the right commercial picnic table material involves more than simply comparing appearance or initial cost. Property owners and facility managers should consider factors such as maintenance requirements, exposure to weather, expected traffic levels, vandal resistance, lifespan, and the overall aesthetic of the site. A picnic table installed at a busy municipal park may have very different requirements than one placed at a private HOA, waterfront restaurant, or corporate campus.
The comparison below highlights the strengths and limitations of the most common commercial picnic table materials used in parks, schools, recreation facilities, campgrounds, restaurants, and other public gathering spaces.
| Material | Maintenance | Durability | Weather Resistance | Best Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recycled Plastic | Very Low | Excellent | Excellent | Parks, HOAs, apartment communities |
| Thermoplastic Steel | Low | Excellent | Excellent | Municipal parks, schools, sports complexes |
| Aluminum | Low | Very Good | Excellent | Coastal properties, outdoor dining areas |
| Wood | High | Good | Moderate | Campgrounds, nature parks, rustic settings |
| Concrete | Very Low | Excellent | Excellent | Public parks, rest areas, permanent installations |
| Fiberglass | Low | Very Good | Excellent | Schools, waterfront facilities, corrosive environments |
For many commercial properties, recycled plastic and thermoplastic steel picnic tables provide the best balance of durability, maintenance requirements, and long-term value. However, the ideal material ultimately depends on the specific needs of the site, including climate conditions, expected usage levels, aesthetic preferences, and available maintenance resources.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this list of the best material used for a commercial picnic table! Are you interested in upgrading your outdoor seating to commercial picnic tables? Picnic Tables Supplier carries all these options, plus companion products such as benches, umbrellas, trash cans, and more! All our furniture are made from commercial-grade materials, so you don’t have to question the quantity. Contact the experts today if you have questions or want a written quote on commercial picnic tables!
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