With outdoor furniture you have a wide breadth of variety from which to choose. Among the many styles, materials and types of furniture available you can easily craft your ideal patio setup. But when it comes to dining sets, what exactly are the differences and similarities between a patio table set and a picnic table set and which is best for your home?
Location
Where you plan on putting your table might play a big part in whether to buy a patio table or picnic table set. Traditionally speaking, patio tables are designed to stay on solid surfaces, like wood, stone and concrete patios and decks. A picnic table, on the other hand is classically seen in parks and other grassy areas. However, they can more easily be transplanted to a patio than a patio table put in the backyard.
Material
This is one area where a picnic table set is similar to a patio table set. Because they are both exposed to the elements, including sun and moisture exposure, outdoor tables need to be weatherproof to some degree. Many patio tables and picnic tables are crafted out of durable woods, including cypress, cedar, teak and shorea.
At the same time, both patio and picnic tables are often also constructed from resin, iron and aluminum. There are even some heavy duty patio tables and many a public picnic table set forged out of concrete and stone.
Base
The bottom of these tables is another way in which they differ and this plays a large part in why
patio tables don't do well on the grass. Patio tables have bases that resemble those of any indoor table; the usual shapes are some variation on four straight legs at each corner. There can also be an extra thick central column attached to a weighted base, as is often the case with round tables.
The base of a picnic table set is almost always a sturdy A-frame on either end supported down the length by one or a few extra beams. This base for one allows picnic tables to occupy uneven or bumpy ground, but at the same time having a reinforced base is necessary to accommodate the longer table shape.
Seating
The type of seats that go with either type of table might also be an influencing factor on your decision of which to buy. Patio table chairs are oftentimes modeled after regular wooden chairs with armrests and backrests. There are of course variations on this model, as well as other types of seats like barstools and bucket seats, but in general patio tables chairs are the more comfortable and supportive type of seating.
Picnic table set seating usually consists of two benches that run the length of the table along either side. These benches can either be directly attached to the table or freestanding. The problem with attached benches is that they can be more difficult to get in and out of. Also, with communal style bench seating you don't have to luxury of your own seat or a back or armrests.
Author Resource:-
Todd Arend is a freelance writing professional whose expertise covers a variety of areas, including patio and backyard furniture, landscaping and design. He regularly writes about Picnic Table Set and Picnic Table Cover Set.
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