The park’s design is complete, you’ve implemented the project and the space is open for people to use. Now you need to maintain the picnic tables to keep them functional for people to use.
Material, climate and construction all play a part in how much maintenance your tables will need. High-quality picnic tables are built for durability and can last for years, but they do need a little assistance.
Picnic tables face some common causes of wear and tear in addition to normal day-to-day activities. Luckily, being aware of these issues typically lets you prevent or minimize their impact. Here are some scenarios and suggestions for your park picnic table maintenance.
Many picnic tables are portable, giving you the option to store them during harsh weather or when they’re not in use. However, you need to take care during relocation to prevent damage from the moving process:
The environment around the table can have much impact as people do and picnic tables can sustain damage without anyone touching or interacting with them. Here are some things to be aware of when deciding where to place your picnic tables:
Commercial outdoor picnic tables face frequent use and lengthy exposure to outdoor climates. They also need to be able to hold a range of weights and be versatile for a broad range of audiences. Let’s look at some tips for outdoor picnic table maintenance.
You can take steps in the beginning that will help lower maintenance requirements in the long run:
Picnic tables get dirty over time, whether from rain splatter, food messes, dirt or general grime build-up. Regularly cleaning your outdoor tables helps extend their life span and enhance their appeal.
Whatever your picnic table’s material, the following steps are a good starting point:
Each type of material has its own inspection and maintenance needs. Here is a guide for maintaining the most common types of outdoor picnic table material:
You can move and store many picnic tables during the harsher seasons. An onsite dry shed or storage unit facilities are good storage options.
Ensure you can move them back out immediately by following these tips before storing them:
Storing picnic tables in good condition will help prevent damage during storage and let you replace the tables as soon as the weather allows it.
If you can’t store your picnic tables during winter, you can cover them instead. Covering will block rain and snow and protect the tables from accumulating leaves or debris.
You can place a waterproof cover or tarp over the table and use ties to secure it. Be sure that it’s secure from all angles, so the wind doesn’t lift it up. Check the tarp for any damage between seasons and ensure it’s dry and in good condition before storing it. A durable, high-quality tarp can last many seasons with proper care.
Here are some frequently asked questions about outdoor picnic table maintenance. If you have any questions or concerns, check with your supplier, who will be able to assist.
Several different types of plastic serve various purposes in picnic tables. Here are some common ones you might hear about:
Plastic finishes and materials are a good choice for outdoor picnic tables as they resist most issues. You can maintain them with frequent cleaning and a little wax. Check with your supplier on which cleaning products and waxes to use to keep the recycled plastic clean and shiny.
While there’s little you can do to keep birds from doing their business on your picnic tables, you can protect them from other pests like termites and other burrowing bugs.
Burrowing insects and termites can only live in your picnic table if they can get into it. Keeping your table covered in protective layers such as powder coats, varnish, stains or sealants prevents them from making themselves at home.
Do regular visual inspections and sand and reseal if you spot any damage. Use a layer of repellant sealers such as linseed oil for extra protection on wooden surfaces.
Some materials, such as metal and recycled plastics, will be easier to clean spray paint off than others. First, use soap, water and a soft brush to clean the graffiti off the outdoor picnic table, working in gentle circular motions.
Dry your picnic table before tackling the more challenging parts. Soak a clean cloth in rubbing alcohol or acetone and rub the areas. Leave a thin layer on to penetrate and disintegrate the spray paint for a few minutes. Then, use a clean rag or cloth to rub off as much spray paint as possible.
You can use stronger solvents like paint thinners if the graffiti is really stubborn. However, bear in mind that strong liquids might damage your picnic table’s protective coatings. Be sure to follow up with a visual inspection and repair any damaged areas.
You can consult your picnic table supplier or an expert at a hardware store for a list of products you can use.
Your outdoor picnic table maintenance checklist will change from season to season depending on the weather and use. Here are some other ideas to ensure your tables stay fresh, clean and usable:
Outdoor picnic tables come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes. You’ll need to find a supplier with tables that match your design and American Disability Act (ADA) compliant options for seating for everyone.
You’ll have several important factors to consider when picking the right outdoor picnic table for your space, including the following:
Ask your picnic table supplier about the dimensions of their picnic tables and which will suit your design intentions best. Different shapes offer different options for seating and aesthetics. For example, circular tables suggest intimacy and conversation and circular and square designs both provide appealing visual symmetry.
Available space will also factor into your decision. Rounder shapes like oval or circular tables are often better for smaller spaces, while rectangular and square tables tend to suit larger areas better.
It’s also crucial to consider if you need other accessories for the space. For example, you may want to add umbrellas if the area has no shade. You’ll want to add waste bins nearby if you plan on people eating in the space. You can also consider adding children’s picnic areas if there’s a playground nearby.
Wabash Valley Furnishings has over 30 years of experience creating outdoor space solutions. We have a wide range of products in different shapes, colors, finishes and materials to fit your requirements.
If you need inspiration, check out our online project gallery or go to our outdoor picnic products page. Visit our Resources page to download CAD drawings and brochures and find the specifications for the tables that catch your interest.
If you have any questions on wholesale picnic tables. We will give the professional answers to your questions.