Set the Table for Outdoor Fun with the Top 5 Foldable Picnic Tables
Picnic tables hold a special place in many summertime memories. The familiar rectangular slab tabletop and attached benches can be found in backyards and parks across the country. They seem to call out – come, sit awhile and enjoy a meal outdoors with family and friends!
Of course, standard picnic tables have some drawbacks. They tend to be bulky, heavy, and stay in one place whether you’re using them or not. That’s where foldable picnic tables provide the perfect solution!
Foldable picnic table designs allow you to reap all the benefits of outdoor picnicking, with the convenience of compact storage when not in use. They fold up neatly when it’s time to stow them away. And most foldable picnic tables set up again quickly and easily when fun outdoor dining calls.
If you’re looking for a foldable picnic table to enhance your patio, deck, or campsite, you’ll find there are excellent options to match your needs. In this blog, we’ll cover:
- The top 5 foldable picnic table picks and their pros and cons
- Key factors to consider when choosing a folding picnic table
- Frequently asked questions about foldable picnic table designs
Let’s get started with a look at 5 of the best and most popular foldable picnic tables on the market today.
Top 5 Foldable Picnic Tables
Foldable picnic tables come in a range of materials, sizes, features and price points. Here are 5 excellent options that make perfect, portable picnic tables for most needs:
1. Kijaro Dual Lock Folding Picnic Table
- Dimensions: 72” x 30” table, 14” wide bench seats
- Weight: 26 lbs
- Materials: powder coated steel frame, molded polyethene tabletop and bench seats
- Seating: up to 4 people
Key features:
- No-tools-required locking system for quick and easy set up
- Two attached bench seats fold completely under table
- Convenient carrying handle when folded
Pros:
- Lightweight and highly portable
- Locks securely in place for safety
- Decent weight capacity of 400 lbs
Cons:
- Not as sturdy or durable as wood or metal
- Only attached benches limit seating flexibility
This table folds down to a mere 3” wide for storage. It’s a great portable and budget-friendly choice.
2. Lifetime Heavy Duty Folding Picnic Table
- Dimensions: 96” x 30” table, 14” wide bench seats
- Weight: 57 lbs
- Materials: powder coated steel frame, UV-protected high density polyethylene tabletop and benches
- Seating: up to 8 people
Key features:
- Powder coated steel frame has high rust resistance
- Folds in half lengthwise with detachable benches
- Supports up to 500 lbs weight capacity
Pros:
- Sturdy and durable for frequent use
- Detachable benches allow flexible seating
- 10-year limited warranty
Cons:
- Heavy and bulky when moving or storing
- Takes some time to fully set up
The sturdy steel frame and detachable benches make this a great backyard table for frequent use.
3. Flash Furniture 31.5″x72″ Round Metal Picnic Table
- Dimensions: 72” diameter round table,attached curved benches
- Weight: 55 lbs
- Materials: powder coated steel frame, plastic coated polyester tabletop and benches
- Seating: up to 4 people
Key features:
- Umbrella hole in center to add shade
- Coated surfaces for water, rust and UV resistance
- Folds in half with attached benches
Pros:
- Decorative and stylish look
- Good 500 lb weight capacity
- Easy to wipe clean
Cons:
- Center pole may obstruct leg room
- Light plastic coating prone to scratching
- Curved benches less roomy
This attractive round foldable table is a great patio accent piece.
4. ALPHA CAMP Heavy Duty Folding Picnic Table
- Dimensions: 27” H x 30” W x 72” L
- Weight: 44 lbs
- Materials: kiln dried fir wood tabletop, powder coated steel frame and benches
- Seating: up to 8 people
Key features:
- Decorative wood tabletop with water and stain resistant coating
- Powder coated steel adds durability and weather resistance
- Folds in half with detachable benches
Pros:
- Stylish natural wood top for decor
- Very sturdy and supports 600 lbs
- Easy to assemble
Cons:
- Heavy to transport
- Wood needs refinishing over time
This table combines decorative wood with sturdy steel for stylish durability.
5. Coleman Portable Camping Folding Table
- Dimensions: 27.6” H x 30.3” W x 72” L
- Weight: 21.9 lbs
- Materials: aluminum frame, polypropylene tabletop and benches
- Seating: up to 4 people
Key features:
- Aluminum frame is super lightweight
- Detachable bench seats for flexible arrangement
- Carry handles make transport easy
Pros:
- Extremely easy to carry and set up
- Affordable price point
- 1-year limited warranty
Cons:
- Less durable for frequent use
- Only supports 150 lbs
- Plain look
This budget-friendly pick is perfect for camping and tailgating on the go.
This lineup covers a range of excellent options to suit different needs, aesthetics, durability and budgets. Keep reading to learn what to look for in picking your ideal foldable picnic table for you.
How to Choose the Best Foldable Picnic Table
Foldable picnic tables come in a variety of materials, sizes, features and designs. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting the perfect fit for your needs:
Primary Use
How and where do you plan to use your foldable picnic table? Options meant for occasional backyard use or camping and tailgating need to fold compactly for storage and portability, but don’t require heavy-duty construction. Models made for frequent home use should be more sturdy and durable.
Weight and Size
If you’ll be moving your picnic table frequently, smaller dimensions and lighter materials like aluminum or plastic make transport easier. Make sure to check the folded size for compact storage. Larger wood and steel tables are bulkier but best for permanent backyard placement.
Durability
Frequent users should choose solid wood or coated steel frames for maximum sturdiness and longevity. Occasional users can likely opt for lighter weight plastic or aluminum. Also look for weather protection like UV, rust and mildew resistant coatings.
Seating Capacity
Standard picnic tables seat 4-6 people, but larger models can accommodate up to 8 or 10. Decide if you need table seating only or integrated benches. Attached benches offer stability while detachable seats allow you to arrange seating as needed.
Ease of Set Up
Most folding picnic tables open and fold fairly intuitively, but some require inserting legs and flipping latches. In general, fold-in-half tables are simplest for quick set up. If speed matters, avoid tables with detachable braces or benches.
Extra Features
Consider useful add-ons like an umbrella hole to insert shade, wheels for mobility, attached cooler compartment, or a carrying case. But more features can add bulk and weight.
Weather Resistance
Since these tables are used outdoors, weather resistance is key. Metal and wood stand up to sun, rain and humidity best. Look for UV-protection and coatings that repel water and prevent rust or mildew.
Aesthetics
If your foldable picnic table will be a permanent backyard fixture, choose a style and look you find visually appealing. Composite wood-look tops offer decor with durability.
Budget
What you spend should be determined by how often you plan to use your picnic table. Infrequent users can find solid budget-friendly options under $100 in plastic and aluminum. Frequent backyard dining may warrant spending $200 to $500+ for greater durability.
Brand Reputation
Stick with established outdoor furniture brands with proven reputations for quality construction and materials. They’ll also have better warranties should something go wrong.
Reviews
Don’t just rely on product specs and photos. Read customer reviews and ratings to get a better sense of real-world pros and cons before you buy. This can reveal drawbacks not obvious from the description.
Taking these factors into account will help you select your ideal folding picnic table that ticks all of your key needs for safety, durability, seating, convenience and style.
Foldable Picnic Table FAQs
If you’re still evaluating options, here are answers to some frequently asked questions about foldable picnic tables:
What are the standard dimensions of foldable picnic tables?
Most measure approximately 96” long x 30” wide for the table surface, which seats 4-6 people comfortably. Attached bench seats are often around 14” wide. When folded, dimensions can range from just 5” wide for highly compact models, to 16” or more for bulkier wooden and steel frame tables.
How much weight can foldable picnic tables hold?
It depends on materials used, but lighter plastic and aluminum frames often max out around 225-300 lbs capacity. Heavier wood or steel frame picnic tables can hold up to 500 lbs or even 600 lbs for the sturdiest models. Check specs.
How difficult is assembly and disassembly?
Most fold intuitively and lock into open position with no tools required – just extend the legs or flip the latches. Tables with detachable benches or braces tend to take a bit more time and effort to fully assemble and break down. But overall, set up is straightforward.
Should I get an umbrella hole?
An umbrella hole can be useful for adding shade on sunny days. Just make sure to use a sturdy market style umbrella that won’t easily blow over. Some tables require drilling holes if they don’t come pre-made.
What is the best material: plastic, wood or metal?
Each has pros and cons. Plastic is inexpensive but can become brittle and crack over time. Natural wood is lovely but requires refinishing to prevent water damage. Powder coated steel is very durable but prone to rust without a protective coating. Composite wood is best for combining beauty and durability.
How can I prevent weather damage?
Look for UV-protectant coatings and finishes which resist sun damage. Always clean spills quickly before stains have time to set. Cover the table with a tarp when stowed to prevent water collecting or snow build up. Store folded table indoors whenever possible.
Should I get a folding bench or attached bench?
Attached benches provide more stability, especially for rambunctious kids! But folding separate benches allow you to arrange seating on each side or just one side as needed for flexibility. A combination works well for the best of both.
How compact do most tables fold for storage?
Basic folding hinges can collapse a table down to around 5” wide for storing in confined spaces like RVs or closets. Bulkier wooden and metal frame tables usually fold to a minimum of 12” to 16” wide. The detachable benches also affect total storage footprint.
Are wheels useful on folding tables?
Wheels provide easier mobility to roll a heavy table from storage to set up spot and back. However, they also reduce stability, with more chance of collapse if weight shifts while moving. Consider your needs and space before deciding on wheels.
Are there foldable tables with attached cooler compartments?
A few models on the market offer integrated coolers, but these tend to be smaller capacity and availability is limited. Often you’re better off using a separate portable cooler and securing it to your foldable picnic table.
With the information above to guide your buying decision, you can confidently choose the ideal foldable picnic table to create lasting memories this summer and beyond!
The Perfect Table for Outdoor Fun Awaits
A foldable picnic table offers wonderful versatility for dining and playing outside when the weather beckons. Compact for storage, yet quick and easy to set up whenever you need it, a folding picnic table is one outdoor living staple that makes summer entertaining a breeze.
From backyard barbecues to camping trips and tailgates, keep this guide in mind when picking the perfect picnic table. Take into account your planned usage, desired durability, must-have features, seating needs, and budget to select the ideal foldable picnic table for your situation.
With so many outstanding brands and models on the market offering great quality, construction, portability and style, you’re sure to find just the right fit. Then get ready to enjoy many carefree hours basking in the sunshine and making memories around your trusty new foldable picnic table!
