5 Best Picnic Tables of 2024

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Written by: - Garden Design Expert

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The Best Picnic Tables

best garden picnic tables
  1. Best for family use - Wooden Marta 8 Seater Picnic Table

  2. Best round picnic table - BrackenStyle York Picnic Table

  3. Best for size choice - Victoria Compact Rounded Wooden Picnic Table

  4. Best for small groups - BrackenStyle Durham Picnic Table

  5. Best for children - Lifetime Children's Oval Picnic Table

Picnic Table Reviews

Editors Choice

1. Wooden Marta 8 Seater Picnic Table

Best for family use

best garden picnic table Wooden Marta 8 Seater Picnic Table
  • Traditional A-frame construction is classic, durable, and functional
  • Rounded edges for safety and to prevent catching yourself on corners
  • Pressure treated against rot and insects
  • Dip treated to prevent fungus, meaning it will wear better over time
  • Plain wood colouring so you can paint it to fit in with your style or garden colour scheme

  • Although it’s easy to assemble, it can be a little time consuming, often taking over an hour
  • Tabletop width is narrower than some other options, so best double check measurements before purchase
Material
Pine Wood
Dimensions
‎180.01x127.99x70cm
Assembly
Yes, flat packed
Weight
45kg
Overall Score 4.9
Design
5
Sturdiness
5
Ease of Assembly
4.5
Value for Money
5

The Wooden Marta 8 Seater Picnic Table is the best garden picnic table for family use. This is a traditional A-frame picnic table with the seats attached, like the ones you would see in pub gardens or public parks. This tried-and-tested shape is highly durable and built to last.

It’s suitable for eight people to sit comfortably, measuring approximately ‎180 x 128 x 70 cm. Therefore, it’s ideal for families and when friends come to visit. It also has a parasol hole in the centre so you can easily attach a parasol to protect you and your loved ones from the sun.

The table is constructed from FSC-certified pine wood. If you’re wondering what FSC means, it stands for ‘Forest Stewardship Council’. Basically, FSC-certified timber comes from a forest that is ethically managed, so you’ll know you’re doing your bit for the planet.

The pieces of timber are 32 mm thick, creating a sturdy base. Plus, the wood has rounded edges which is a nice touch because it helps to ensure children won’t catch themselves on any sharp corners.

The wood is pressure treated with Tanalith E, which is a water-based wood preservative which adds to the durability. Over time, the table will weather to a natural grey colour. Speaking of treatments, the wood has also been dip treated to prevent fungus and rotting. Bear in mind that this can leave the table with a slight green colour, which is normal and will disappear in time.

Since this table comes in plain wood, you can get creative and paint it in any colour you like to suit your style or to match your other garden furniture.

A final thing to mention is the assembly. This table comes flat packed and will require putting together. Assembly is fairly straight forward but can take around an hour or more. The table weighs 45 kg once assembled, so it’s best to assemble it in the area you want it to reside in. Otherwise, you may need someone on hand to help you move it.

This is a great picnic table overall, and an excellent choice for families. There are several little features that make it the best garden picnic table, from the fact that it’s already been pre-treated, to the way the corners are rounded off to make them safer.

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Runner Up

2. BrackenStyle York Picnic Table

Best round picnic table

best garden picnic table BrackenStyle York Picnic Table
  • Commercial standard ensures quality and durability
  • Arrives ready to be painted or stained, so you can customise it to suit your garden
  • Round shape is great for socialising and gathering with loved ones
  • Made from FSC-certified timber
  • Very strong construction to last over time

  • Takes approximately two hours to assemble and the instructions can be a little lacking
  • Can be a tight fit for eight people, may be better suited to six
Material
Scandinavian Pine
Dimensions
‎180x180x72cm
Assembly
Yes, flat packed
Weight
65kg
Overall Score 4.5
Design
4.5
Sturdiness
5
Ease of Assembly
4
Value for Money
4.5

If you prefer a round picnic table, the BrackenStyle York Picnic Table is a great option. The round design, complete with attached chairs, makes this table ideal for socialising and chatting with your friends. The shape also makes it very sturdy and stable, even when it’s in regular use.

This table is commercial standard, coming from a company that supplies tables for pub gardens. Therefore, you can trust that it is going to be high-quality and durable.

The table is made from FSC-certified Scandinavian pine, which means it comes from a forest that is well-managed and the wood is ethically sourced. All of the pieces of timber are 32 mm thick to aid durability and stability and the wood has been dip treated to protect it against fungus and rot.

The tabletop measures 110 cm in diameter, providing plenty of room for food and drinks. The whole table (including the chairs measures) 180 cm in diameter and is 72 cm tall. Although the company states this table can fit eight people, it’s a bit of a squeeze for this many – it’s probably best suited to seating six people so you have plenty of room.

The table comes in a plain wood finish, which means you can varnish or paint it to suit your preferences. It has a parasol hole measuring 4 cm in diameter which will suit most parasols.

The BrackenStyle York Picnic Table arrives flat packed and a downside to this product is that it can be tricky to put together. The instructions are relatively basic so it can help to have some existing DIY knowledge. In terms of timing, you’re looking at approximately two hours to put it gother. It’s relatively heavy, weighing 65kg once assembled.

Even with the assembly taken into consideration, this is one of the best garden picnic tables available if you want a round table. It’s certainly worth the effort – it looks stylish, is great for socialising, and is of commercial quality.

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Also Good
  • Can be bought in a range of sizes to suit between two and 10 people
  • Separate benches are ideal for larger users, disabled users, or for the use of high chairs
  • Benches slide under table when not in use, making it more compact
  • Black cover caps on bolts to enhance appearance and increase safety
  • Choice of two natural colours and can also be painted

  • Assembly can be more time consuming than necessary as holes often need to be widened with a drill
  • Comes in a ‘natural’ state so can be prone to knots, splits, and roughness, which may need to be sanded down
Material
Timber
Dimensions
120x70x73cm
Assembly
Yes, semi-assembled
Weight
Not listed
Overall Score 4.8
Design
4.5
Sturdiness
5
Ease of Assembly
4.5
Value for Money
5

The Victoria Compact Rounded Wooden Picnic Table is one of the best garden picnic tables on the market if you want an option with separate seats. It’s available in six different sizes and the 6 ft option seats approximately eight people.

The choice doesn’t stop there: you can choose either a light green or rustic brown finish. Both of these are natural wood colourings so you can stain or paint your table on arrival if you want to customise it further.

This picnic table is the only option on this page that has separate seats. This provides more flexibility and is a good option for larger users or those who prefer more room. It can also be useful for disabled users, people using wheelchairs, or for having highchairs at the table. Another bonus is that the benches can slide under the table when they’re not in use. This makes the picnic bench more compact than fixed-seat models which is useful for conserving garden space.

Made from heavy-duty, FSC-certified, pressure-treated timber this table has a lot going for it. It’s also been treated to prevent rot and fungus. Additionally, all of the bolts and other fixings are corrosion-resistant to add to the durability.

Unlike the other tables, this option has black covers over all the bolts. This makes the table look more aesthetically pleasing and means there are no metal heads sticking out. The corners of the wood have been rounded, which is another aspect that increases safety. There is also a parasol hole in the middle of the table so it’s perfect for summer picnics.

Assembly is relatively straightforward, but a 10 mm drill and socket set will make things easier. Not all of the pilot holes are drilled all the way through.

Assembly aside, this table is high-quality and durable. Thanks to its separate seats, it will be especially handy for a range of users who may not find it practical to have seats attached to the table. Also, the choice of sizes means you’re bound to find something that works for you if the 6 ft option is too large.

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4. BrackenStyle Durham Picnic Table

Best for small groups

best garden picnic table BrackenStyle Durham Picnic Table
  • Table size is ideal for small groups of four to six people
  • Spacious tabletop area provides lots of room for food and drinks
  • Can purchase a parasol to go with the table, with a choice of 12 colours
  • Brown colour will fit in with any garden colour scheme
  • Instructional video helps make assembly easier

  • Wood may need to be sanded and bolts tightened every now and then to maintain the table
  • Knots in the wood may warp slightly over time with changes in temperature, although this doesn’t affect the functionality of the table
Material
Douglas Fir timber
Dimensions
150x127x72cm
Assembly
Yes, flat packed
Weight
‎35kg
Overall Score 4.3
Design
4
Sturdiness
4.5
Ease of Assembly
4
Value for Money
4.5

When it comes to picnics for small groups, the BrackenStyle Durham Picnic Table is ideal. The table measures 150 x 127 x 72 cm and seats four to six people depending on how much space you want.

It’s made from Douglas Fir wood which has been sustainably sourced. The timbers are 35mm wide, making the table highly durable and stable. Like the other wooden tables on this list, it’s been dip treated to protect against rot and fungus. This table is made for regular, heavy-duty use, either commercially (in pubs etc.) or domestically (at home in the garden) ,so you can trust that it’s going to stand up to wear.

The table is delivered flat packed and is fairly easy to assemble in approximately 40 minutes. There is an instructional video which will help guide you – much clearer than the usual ambiguous diagrams. The table weighs 35 kg, so, although it’s not the heaviest featured here, it still helps to have a second pair of hands helping out.

The BrackenStyle Durham Picnic Table is a natural brown colour, which will fit in nicely with any garden colour scheme. You can choose to treat, stain, or paint it when it arrives to suit your needs. It’s best to keep the table covered during heavy rain and winter weather, as well as treat it to help protect it from the elements.

There’s a parasol hole in the middle of the table which is 4 cm in diameter. As an additional purchase, you can buy a parasol from the same company in a choice of 12 colours.

Overall, this is one of the best garden picnic tables for small groups. It can seat up to six people, has a durable construction, is easy to assemble, and will make a stylish addition to the garden.

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  • Small size and low height is perfect for children
  • Folds flat and is lightweight making it easy to store and transport
  • Surface is stain-resistant and easy to wipe clean, making your life easier
  • Comes in three colours, including two cheerful bright colours
  • No assembly required upon delivery which saves time and effort

  • Can be prone to wobbling a bit with excitable children moving around
Material
Polyethylene & steel
Dimensions
‎86x100x53cm
Assembly
None
Weight
‎11.25kg
Overall Score 4.5
Design
4.5
Sturdiness
3.5
Ease of Assembly
5
Value for Money
5

If you’re looking for the best garden picnic table for children, the Lifetime Children’s Oval Picnic Table is a great option to consider. It measures ‎86.36 x 100.33 x 53.59 cm, with the chairs only being 33cm tall, making it ideal for up to four kids.

The tabletop is an oval shape with quite a large surface area (86 x 63.5cm), providing plenty of space for your kids to have snacks, play games, or do crafts. You don’t even need to worry about a difficult clean up, because the surface is stain-resistant and can easily be wiped down – anything that makes tidying up after kids is a bonus, right?

The table is lightweight at ‎11.25 kg and it also folds flat. Therefore, it’s perfect to take camping or to the park. It’s easy for one person to put up and down, and can be stored flat when it isn’t in use so you don’t need to worry about having a permanent obstacle in the garden..

The frame is made from powder-coated stainless steel and the seat surface and tabletop are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) – a type of plastic. It’s UV protected to help prevent fading.

While this table is fairly sturdy, it can be prone to wobbling as children move around.

A big plus with this table is that it comes assembled so you don’t need to fiddle about trying to put it together. It’s ready to go right out of the box! It comes in three colours, including bright green and bright blue which are all very cheerful to look at.

This lightweight, folding plastic table is perfect for children. It’s easy to store and take on holiday. It’s also easy to clean, stain-resistant and a more appropriate height for small kids compared to full-size tables.

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Clive's Smart Buying Tips

The best garden picnic tables are made from thick, pressure-treated timber to ensure they can hold the weight of multiple people and last over time.

Check whether the timber is already treated against the elements, or whether you’ll need to coat it before assembly. Although wood generally needs treating annually, it can be nice not to have to do it straight away.

Of course, one of the most important things to consider is getting the right-sized picnic table for your needs. Picnic tables typically state how many people they can hold. As a rough guide, a table that measures 1.8m will fit around eight people, while a table that is around 1.5m will hold five or six people. If you want extra room, or the ability to host more people, it’s better to size up.

Picnic tables come in different styles and shapes, such as rectangular or round. If you’ve got a bit more space, you might enjoy having a round picnic table; however, they don’t fit into corners as well as squared-off models.

A lot of picnic tables will have attached seats which generally makes the table more sturdy. However, you might want to choose a picnic table with separate seats (such as benches) to help make the table more accessible.

I recommend looking for a picnic table that comes with a hole in the middle for a parasol. Although not mandatory, it can help protect you and your loved ones from the sun whilst sitting outside. Also, don’t forget that you can get picnic tables that either come unpainted, or in a choice of colours. If you prefer to customise your table yourself, get a plain one that you can jazz up.

After comparing a variety of picnic tables, my top choice is the Wooden Marta 8 Seater Picnic Table. This picnic table has a traditional A-frame shape and is constructed from thick, durable timber. It’s pressure treated and can seat up to eight people.

Compare Product Features

Use the dropdown to sort the table by the feature you want to see.

  • Wooden Marta 8 Seater Picnic Table
    best garden picnic table Wooden Marta 8 Seater Picnic Table
    • 4.9
    • Pine Wood
    • ‎180.01x127.99x70cm
    • Yes, flat packed
    • 45kg
  • BrackenStyle York Picnic Table
    best garden picnic table BrackenStyle York Picnic Table
    • 4.5
    • Scandinavian Pine
    • ‎180x180x72cm
    • Yes, flat packed
    • 65kg
  • Victoria Compact Rounded Wooden Picnic Table
    best garden picnic table Victoria Compact Rounded Wooden Picnic Table
    • 4.8
    • Timber
    • 120x70x73cm
    • Yes, semi-assembled
    • Not listed
  • BrackenStyle Durham Picnic Table
    best garden picnic table BrackenStyle Durham Picnic Table
    • 4.3
    • Douglas Fir timber
    • 150x127x72cm
    • Yes, flat packed
    • ‎35kg
  • Lifetime Children's Oval Picnic Table
    best garden picnic table Lifetime Children's Oval Picnic Table
    • 4.5
    • Polyethylene & steel
    • ‎86x100x53cm
    • None
    • ‎11.25kg

What To Look For in a Picnic Table

The best garden picnic tables are made from thick, pressure-treated timber to ensure they can hold the weight of multiple people and last over time.

Check whether the timber is already treated against the elements, or whether you’ll need to coat it before assembly. Although wood generally needs treating annually, it can be nice not to have to do it straight away.

Of course, one of the most important things to consider is getting the right-sized picnic table for your needs. Picnic tables typically state how many people they can hold. As a rough guide, a table that measures 1.8m will fit around eight people, while a table that is around 1.5m will hold five or six people. If you want extra room, or the ability to host more people, it’s better to size up.

Picnic tables come in different styles and shapes, such as rectangular or round. If you’ve got a bit more space, you might enjoy having a round picnic table; however, they don’t fit into corners as well as squared-off models.

A lot of picnic tables will have attached seats which generally makes the table more sturdy. However, you might want to choose a picnic table with separate seats (such as benches) to help make the table more accessible.

I recommend looking for a picnic table that comes with a hole in the middle for a parasol. Although not mandatory, it can help protect you and your loved ones from the sun whilst sitting outside. Also, don’t forget that you can get picnic tables that either come unpainted, or in a choice of colours. If you prefer to customise your table yourself, get a plain one that you can jazz up.

After comparing a variety of picnic tables, my top choice is the Wooden Marta 8 Seater Picnic Table. This picnic table has a traditional A-frame shape and is constructed from thick, durable timber. It’s pressure treated and can seat up to eight people.

How to Choose The Best Garden Picnic Table

Picnic tables come in all shapes and sizes – you’ll want to base the size and shape of your new table on the space you have available and what you want to use it for. On top of this, there’s construction material to consider.

Take a look at the following guide to choose the best garden picnic table.

Different Shapes

Garden picnic tables come in a range of styles and designs from the traditional rectangular table to round styles.

Round Picnic Tables

What are they good for? Round picnic tables are great if you want a more sociable environment, as everyone is looking inwards. It makes a nice atmosphere for social gatherings in the garden. Also, as you can see everyone at the table, round picnic tables can also be useful for keeping an eye on children whilst also having a sit down yourself! Round picnic tables look particularly eye catching on circular patio areas.

Any drawbacks? The main downside to having a round garden picnic table is having enough space for it. Circular picnic tables create more ‘dead space’ compared to rectangular tables. This is area that is “used up” by the table, although not actually used as functional sitting space. This can be impractical, and not very aesthetically pleasing, if a round picnic table is placed in a corner.

Rectangular Picnic Tables

What are they good for? Rectangular tables offer a pleasing sense of traditionalism to outdoor spaces. They fit well into corners, and other nooks in the garden. Plus, they can feel more congruent with squared-off patios as they mirror the straight lines and angles.

Any drawbacks? As mentioned above, the main downside to rectangular picnic tables is that you can’t easily talk to everyone at  the table. If the picnic table seats eight people and you’re on the end of one bench, it’s hard to socialise with the person on the other end of the same bench.

Picnic Table Size

How many people are you hoping to fit around your picnic table (and how much space do you have in the garden)?

There are a range of picnic tables on the market – capable of seating anywhere from two to ten people (and beyond!). You’ll notice that most listings state how many people the picnic table can hold.

The following information can be used as a rough guide:

  •  A table that is around 1.8 m long will fit approximately eight people
  •  A table that is around 1.5m will hold five or six people.
  • If you want extra room, it’s better to size up – sometimes manufacturers mention the absolute maximum capacity, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it will be comfortable to sit with that many people!

Construction Material

As you’ll see from my list of recommended tables, many of the best garden picnic tables are made from pressure treated timber. However, there are also occasions when they have metal frames.

Wooden Picnic Tables

Wooden picnic tables are extremely sturdy and will withstand years of being outside. The pieces of timber used should be over 3 cm thick to ensure stability.

Although most picnic tables are pressure treated before arrival, and may have been dip treated for protection against fungus and rot, wooden picnic benches will still need ongoing maintenance. You will need to treat them each year to protect the wood from the elements and help resist rot. Additionally, it’s a good idea to cover your picnic table with a waterproof cover over winter, or store it inside, to protect it from the worst of the rain and snow.

Look for smooth wood that has been well finished so you don’t catch clothes or get splinters from the wood. If your stained picnic table has some rough areas it is worth giving it a sand down and an extra coat of preservative or stain to get a really nice finish that will last. Consider doing these bits of maintenance before assembling your picnic table, as it can make the job a lot easier (even though in later years you’ll have to treat it when it’s altogether).

Metal Picnic Tables

Some garden picnic tables are made from metal and plastic. I wouldn’t recommend these for standard, everyday use. In fact, they’re usually aimed at children because they are easy to move around and clean. Another benefit of picnic tables with a metal frame is that they can be folded and collapsed down; however, they’re nowhere near as sturdy as wooden tables. If you want a semi-permanent table for your children, you could consider a metal picnic table.

Seat Type

When it comes to picnic benches, we mostly think of the seats being attached to the frame. This is certainly the most traditional style and it can help keep the table structurally strong. It’s also the best picnic bench style for commercial use as it means chairs don’t get moved around.

However, there are also picnic benches that come separate, detached benches. This is something that can be very beneficial in certain contexts and means the benches can be moved around as required. This style of bench is ideal if you need to use a high chair or wheelchair with your table. Another benefit of having a garden picnic table with separate benches is that they can generally be tucked under table, making the unit more compact when not in use. This can also make the table easier to cover or store in winter.

Parasol Compatibility

You should make sure the picnic table you choose has a parasol hole so you can protect yourself and your family from harmful sun. Alternatively, you can buy a cantilever parasol or put an awning or a pop up gazebo over the table during the sunny weather.

Picnic Table FAQs

Some wooden tables will be pressure treated, which means they require very little maintenance. If your wooden side table hasn’t been pressure treated, you’ll need to treat it yourself with a wood sealer either once or twice a year.

Caring for your picnic table is very easy.

I recommend using a power washer or hose to remove any dirt or grime from your table. Stubborn stains can be removed using a wood cleaner and brush.

Applying a finish to your table will help maintain its weather resistance. Rain, snow and moisture can all sink into the wood, leading to rot. A stain, paint or sealer will create a barrier between your table and the elements.

It’s important you remove any snow, ice or dirt as soon as you can to prevent moisture from getting trapped in the table.

I do recommend covering your garden picnic table in the winter months, as bird droppings, leaves and debris can easily stain or damage your table. It’s also important to keep your table dry when possible.

There’s a range of heavy duty covers on the market specifically designed for picnic tables. These come in varying shapes and sizes, and are usually made from fully waterproof and breathable fabric.

Weatherproofing your table can help it to last longer and stay in good condition. Even so, it’s always a good idea to cover a table, or store it away during heavy rain/winter.

You can weatherproof your table by painting it with a weather-proof sealant or water-repellent wood preservative. These are typically water-based and can be painted onto the table using a paint brush, so they’re easy to apply. You could also choose to spray your table with a waterproofing spray.

You could also use polyurethane, which is essentially a liquid plastic that coats the table to make it waterproof. You should apply this to your table after you’ve stained or painted it to give it an extra level of protection.

If you want to treat your picnic table when you first get it, it’s easier to treat it before assembly. Trying to apply a treatment after assembly is a little harder, so why not make it easy – at least for the first application!

Always choose an outdoor paint for your picnic table. You can even use a shed or fence paint, as long as it states it is also suitable for furniture. Some outdoor paints are only suitable for use on rough-sawn timber (not smooth-planed timber), so make sure the paint is suitable for the table you are painting.

You can use paint that is either water based or solvent based. Nowadays many people prefer using water-based paint as it is easier to work with (brushed can be cleaned with water), has less odour, and contains less VOCs. Make sure that the paint you use offers protection from rain and frost and is UV resistant.

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