Choosing park furniture is an exciting way to contribute to your community, and picnic tables are a staple piece to include. But, it’s also common to feel overwhelmed as you discover that there is a wide range of options that are available. Since everyone from families eating picnics to students studying for school, picnic tables are used by everyone. Using these ideas will help you choose new picnic tables for your local park that everyone loves.
1- Select Thermoplastic Tables for Greater Durability
Thermoplastic is a material that is rust and scratch resistant, and you’ll find that choosing park furniture that has this protective covering lasts longer than traditional wood or unfinished metal. You’ll want to select a thermoplastic picnic table for areas with intense exposure to sunlight and moisture to ensure that the new park design lasts for as long as possible.
2- Use Wood for a Traditional Look
If you prefer a natural look, then you’ll have several options for a wooden picnic table. Untreated wood is the most environmentally friendly option, and you may prefer to use this type in parks with wooden playgrounds to match the aesthetics. Pressure-treatment and stained wood are also options that can offer greater durability. You can also opt for powder-coated metal legs to add a pop of color to the design.
3- Add Accessible Picnic Tables
Inclusive playgrounds allow everyone to get in on the fun. Accessible picnic tables provide bench-free spaces that make it possible for people with mobility devices to get closer to the table to enjoy their picnics. Parents with young children can also use these spaces to roll strollers up to for family picnics.
4- Decide Between Mounted vs. Portable Options
Sometimes, it’s nice to make it easier for people to enjoy local park furniture by allowing for picnic tables to be moved from one place to another. However, you may prefer the picnic tables to stay in place. If you want to avoid movement, then mounting the tables to a ground surface is ideal.
5- Put Children’s Picnic Tables in Toddler Areas
Local park designs tend to focus on children who visit the space to play and exercise. But people sometimes overlook the importance of child-friendly picnic tables. Consider adding a few smaller picnic tables to spaces that are designed for the youngest park visitors to give them a comfortable place to enjoy their snacks.
6- Explore Different Shapes to Add Interest
Traditionally, picnic tables are long, rectangular pieces of furniture that provide multiple people with a place to eat. But you can use square picnic tables to fill in smaller places or offer space for individual families to sit together. Round picnic tables are another option that you can use to soften the overall park design and foster communication around the eating area.
As you pick out picnic tables, keep in mind that they should also complement the other elements in the park design. Make sure to take benches, chairs, and bike racks into consideration to ensure that the colors and finishes work well together. By taking a cohesive approach to the furniture selection, you’ll ensure that the park is aesthetically pleasing and functional.
