Tips for Buying Commercial Picnic Tables
Buying an outdoor picnic table doesn’t have to be a difficult task – but knowing what you’re getting can lead to long-term peace of mind and pride in ownership, as well as a better value for a product that will look great for decades instead of just years. This article can help you look at the different angles and nuances that separate premium outdoor commercial picnic tables from standard market offerings that may not be up to the task.
How size and shape can affect a purchase for outdoor picnic tables
Commercial outdoor spaces have a lot of considerations that must be included in the initial planning, and ongoing maintenance of the area. This is especially true for areas that have a high traffic flow or large seasonal traffic. Sizing and placement, as well as style and design of the picnic table are all important inclusions in this discussion.
We offer commercial picnic table options that include multiple shapes and sizes to accommodate any market need. You can find seating with backs or without, and in a variety of colors and with different tabletop styles. Below is a simple reference for available options (visit our shop to see pictures):
Round Tabletop Picnic Tables
- 4′ tabletop diameter and 79-inch overall footprint
Square Tabletop Picnic Tables
- 4′ square tabletop and 76-inch overall footprint
4’x5′ Accessible Picnic Tables
- 4’x 5′ tabletop with bench seating on 3 sides. Overall footprint not including space needed for wheelchair on one 4′ side is 76″ x 74″
Rectangle and Rectangle Accessible Tabletop Picnic Tables
- 30″ wide tabletop and 68-inch overall width
Oval Tabletop Picnic Tables
- 36″ (center) x 72″ oval tabletop with 72″ x 72″ overall footprint
All of these come in standard colors with 12 to choose from and all are made from premium welded steel coated in polyvinyl at ⅛” thick which protects against rust and UV exposure, mildew and offers many more benefits
Considerations for ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance and overall patron convenience in the outdoor furniture market
The above sizing considerations should also factor in the ADA compliance that is necessary by regulation in commercial spaces open to the public. But it’s not just about complying with regulations. The design of a space that can accommodate disabled patrons, can also contribute very favorably to overall customer experience and aid in minimizing congestion and regulating traffic flow throughout peak times.
This is also true for families with kids in strollers, small maintenance vehicles and other considerations for the long-term viability of a plan and a space. Considering footprints is one thing – but planning for larger traffic spikes and ancillary accessory vehicles like motorized scooters, strollers and even golf carts in some cases can be the difference between saving money and improving the overall happiness of guests while minimizing labor by employees during high traffic flows.
You can find more information about ADA considerations on this website. It can offer some help in understanding the planning for such spaces.
For the purposes of this article we won’t go into the nuances of the law, but rather the practicality of leaving adequate room between stationary outdoor furniture and other considerations.
It’s a good idea to secure outdoor furniture with surface mounted hardware to deter movement. While Premier Polysteel products are made to enhance balance and minimize the chance of tipping, clean and clear pathways between high traffic commercial areas is important. If you have the space, you may consider future-proofing the space by adding even more generous dimensions between structures.
From an engineering and design perspective, Premier Polysteel offers Outdoor Picnic Tables that comply with ADA needs and are built to ensure patrons with varying needs are well-met. The entry and exit points of our commercial picnic tables offer generous room to maneuver, and the spacing of seating surfaces ensures that all users can be part of the conversation around our tabletops.
The variety of design options from Premier Polysteel lets you decide which support system and accessibility options make sense for your installation. Weight limits are generally not a concern, as our tables are designed to avoid tipping. You won’t have sagging or deformation from too much weight being applied to the tabletops or the seating surfaces thanks to the strong steel tubing used in the structure of our products.
Styles of tables and the nuances that can come with picking sizes for commercial outdoor spaces
There are plenty of options for mounting and installing tables. We have a variety of installation styles and types of tales to meet commercial needs. The following is a good basic reference for our available options.
You can view all of our outdoor picnic tables here.
Free-standing Picnic tables
- The 8′ rectangle accessible picnic table has an 8′ long tabletop and 6′ long seats which leaves ample space for a wheelchair on each end of the table.
- The 4’x5′ accessible picnic table has one space for a wheelchair on the 4′ side and bench seating on the other three sides.
- Options for Premier Polysteel freestanding tables are numerous. Because these tables come in so many sizes and configurations, some tables may not be considered ADA ‘accessible tables’. Our online catalog clearly lists each table’s sizing and information about accessible options.
Multi-Pedestal Surface mount and Direct bury (inground)
- This style also has a walk-through design and a slightly smaller footprint than the free-standing style. The overall footprint width or the rectangle table is 63″ (compared to 68″ for the free-standing).
- The overall footprint for the inground 4’x5′ accessible table is 74″ x 75″ (this does not include the space needed for a wheelchair).
- All other features are the same as the free-standing.
Kids Outdoor Picnic Tables
- Kids picnic tables are made with the same high-quality standards as our adult versions. They include the same safety precautions as our full sized tables.
Additionally, there are no open pipe ends to allow access to bees and other insects, a low-to-ground no-tip design, rounded corners, and a walk-through design.
Size and options for Kid’s tables:
4′, 6′, 8′ rectangle (52″ footprint width), and 3′ square (68″ square footprint)
With the above information, you should be able to determine which style fits your needs with your site planner, architect or organizational management. If you need help understanding how each product might affect your site plan, we have some of the most knowledgeable support representatives in the market and we love talking with our customers. We invite you to call now and speak with a representative.
Materials and comparative longevity, durability and capabilities of market options in the outdoor commercial picnic table market
Weather and other considerations
Plastisol is a fantastic finish material that completely covers the USA fabricated, heavy steel frames to seal out moisture and avoid rust. The polyvinyl outer coating is UV resistant, mold and mildew resistant and is impervious to water. The openings on the tabletops and seating surfaces make rain or snow moisture a problem of the past. Quick drying and proper drainage works wonders for a comfortable experience using our tables.
Heat isn’t an issue with our tables either. The coating on our picnic tables keeps the temperature in check as there is no heat retention or amplification of temperature to the touch. This is also true of colder conditions. You won’t get burned or frostbitten by touching the smooth insulative coating on our tables.
Even more impressive is that our tables are built to last for decades in harsh outdoor conditions and we have testimonials and installations around the United States that speak to the durable, comfortable products we produce.
Umbrellas
We offer commercial grade Sunbrella fabric canopy umbrellas that fit into commercial umbrella holes. Our tables are generally made to accommodate commercial umbrellas and you can see the designs by viewing each product in our shop.
Location and Weather Protection
A weather resistant table is a must have for certain installations, but regardless of your location or environmental worries, you can rest assured you are getting the best picnic table available for weather resistance and long-term durability. We’ve built our reputation on it.
A 20 year best-in-class warranty is also a huge benefit – our products often last well beyond 20 years, but your peace of mind can be elevated with our strong warranty backed by our company, in business in the plastisol coated steel segment since 1974 and producing outdoor furniture since 1998.
Premier Polysteel offers world class products in the Outdoor Furniture market
Galvanized steel tables can rust eventually and they retain heat which can be extremely uncomfortable. Stainless steel tables also hold heat in. Aluminum tables cannot handle the same weight capacities as steel tables, and can deform and sag over time. Thermo-plastic coated metal tables don’t have the durability our tables are famous for. Concrete tables can stain and absorb liquids; they can also be nearly impossible to move. Wood tables require additional maintenance and recycled plastic tables are not as durable as other options and don’t have the solid look or feel of more robust tables.
We feel confident that poly vinyl coated steel picnic tables are the best-in-class products in the commercial outdoor picnic table market. We feel confident that when you see what we offer, that you too, will be impressed by the durability, craftsmanship and good looks of our products. It’s about which products make the most sense for your installation. Our support team can help you understand the benefits of our products easily with a call or email.
