If you want to get technical about it, a classic picnic table looks the way it does—with splayed legs and cross braces—because the original was designed to support the weight of attached benches.
We like the look but prefer to have the freedom to pull up benches or chairs as needed. In the case of a real picnic, we might sit on the grass (and put the food up on the table to thwart the ants).
Here are 10 of our favorite picnic style tables:
Above: A Blok Outdoor Dining Table is $3,195 from Teak Warehouse.
Above: From Skagarek, a teak Ballare Dining Table comes with two extension leaves and can expand from 77 inches to 117 inches; $3,999 from Curran.
Above: From Belgian designer Piet Hein Eek, a picnic style Strip Table has a galvanized steel base and a teak tabletop. Available in three sizes, a 71-inch-long table is $4,599 from The Future Perfect.
Above: Available in three sizes, a Traditional Cedar Picnic Table is available lengths of 46 inches (Shown), 58 inches, and 70 inches. All three sizes are available at Amazon, at prices ranging from $999 to $1,339.
Above: A Jardine Dining Table made of FSC-certified hardwood is available in two sizes, 66 inches and 77 inches (the larger size is expandable). Prices range from $699 to $999 depending on size at West Elm.
Above: A 74-inch-long Benchwright Extending Dining Table is made of solid acacia wood and has adjustable levelers to keep it steady on uneven ground; on sale for $1,499 from Pottery Barn.
Above: Made from recycled planks sourced from old fishing boats and construction sites, a Teak Cross Dining Table measures 86.5 inches long and is $1,499 AU from The Furniture Shack.
Above: A 79-inch-long Rustic X Leg Teak Dining Table is $1,495 (the table also is available in a 94-inch-length for $1,695) from Teak Warehouse.
Above: Made of eucalyptus from Vietnam, a Croft Collection Islay 6-Seater Dining Table is £499 from John Lewis.
Above: A cross-legged design with thick planks, a teak X Leg Outdoor Dining Table is available in two sizes; a 78 3/4-inch length is available for $2,995 from Design Warehouse.
For more of our favorite outdoor dining tables, see:
- The Gardenista 100: Teak Dining Tables.
- 10 Easy Pieces: Round Wood Outdoor Dining Tables.
- The Perfect Picnic Table.
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