Our top pick is the Dura-Trel Traditional Picnic Table, which comes in two sizes you can choose from to fit your needs—6 and 8 feet long—and is crafted from UV-protected vinyl, which requires very little maintenance. Here are the best picnic tables for every backyard budget. What do buyers say? 80+ Walmart reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above. With a classic design that can seat up to six people, The Dura-Trel Traditional Picnic Table is our top pick. We love that it’s made from a durable vinyl that requires little maintenance, making it easier to maintain than a traditional wood option. The table has a white finish and comes in two different lengths—6 or 8 feet—and it features a slatted top with attached benches.  This picnic table is crafted from UV-protected PVC vinyl, and it won’t develop mold or mildew, even if it’s left out year-round. It doesn’t require any sanding or staining, either, and when it needs to be cleaned, you can simply take a garden hose to it. Plus, the brand even backs the product with a 20-year limited warranty! The one downside of this product is that assembly can be quite cumbersome. The brand says it will likely take two to three hours with two people, and you’re definitely going to need power tools if you want the task to get done quickly. However, considering that the table is reasonably priced, we think a few hours of labor is worth the trade-off for a well-made piece of furniture that will last for years. Price at time of publish: $336

This three-piece set is crafted from high-density polyethylene with steel legs and supports, and with both benches, you can seat up to four people. The table can be slightly bulky to move around, but everything can be set up (and broken down) quickly and easily. Just don’t leave this set outside in inclement weather, as the metal legs are prone to rusting if they get wet. Price at time of publish: $154 The edges of the table and benches are all rounded so you don’t have to worry about bumping into sharp corners, and it even has mounting tabs that allow you to anchor it into the ground for added stability. The materials will resist fading and mold, even if it’s left outside in inclement weather, and it is backed by the brand’s seven-year limited warranty. You will need to put this picnic table together upon arrival, and while it is quite pricey, it’s a well-built option that provides ample seating for your next backyard party.  Price at time of publish: $1,293 Because of its three-sided design, you don’t have to worry about this table tipping over if someone sits on the edge, and its 23-inch height is small enough for most toddlers and young children. When it gets dirty, the table can be cleaned with a damp cloth, but the brand says you should avoid leaving it in the sun for extended periods of time, which can cause the finish to fade. Price at time of publish: $399 It might not be the most aesthetically pleasing piece of furniture ever, but this picnic table still has a lot to offer. There’s an umbrella hole in the center of the tabletop, and the material is splinter-free and stain-resistant. The benches have a high weight capacity of 800 pounds each, but the one downside is that dirt and debris can be trapped in the grooves on the tabletop, making it trickier to clean. Price at time of publish: $265 The legs of this picnic table are made from pressure-treated lumber that will provide protection against rot, mold, and bugs, while the non-treated top is safe for food. If you plan to leave this picnic table outside all year-round, you’ll want to put some type of protective layer on the top to prevent moisture from soaking in. While it’s a great value for a solid wood picnic table, some buyers do report issues with the quality of the wood, noting that it arrives split or warped. Price at time of publish: $169 This contemporary picnic table will make an attractive addition to any outdoor living space, and its durable powder-coated finish is easy to clean. The material is rust-resistant, so it can be left outdoors without worry, and while it is pricey, we think the table’s large capacity and sleek appearance make it worth the splurge. Price at time of publish: $1,900 Because there are a lot of pieces, this picnic table can take quite a while to put together, and it’s easier to assemble with multiple people. It has a built-in umbrella hole that accommodates 1.5-inch poles, allowing you to shade the table on hot summer days, and while the cedar finish is technically weather-resistant, you may need to add an additional coat of waterproofing or sealer to ensure its longevity. Price at time of publish: $880 What sets this wooden picnic set apart from the rest is the attractive chevron pattern on the benches. Instead of straight slats, the tops of the benches are covered in an eye-catching V-shaped design, adding a touch of style to any space. Just keep in mind that the table will need to be oiled every few months to maintain its original condition. Price at time of publish: $789 “Opt for a style with freestanding benches if you need to save space or want a more flexible seating arrangement,” he recommends. “You can often tuck the benches away when not in use, or move to accommodate extra seating like a high chair.” Other style choices you may want to consider include the shape of the picnic table—rectangular and round are the two most popular choices—as well as if it has a hole to accommodate a patio umbrella.

Size

You’ll also want to consider the size of your picnic table—both in terms of its actual dimensions, as well as how many people it can seat. It’s important to measure the area where you plan to put the table to ensure it will fit properly with enough clearance for people to sit down and stand up.

Material

There are a variety of materials commonly used to make picnic tables, each of which has its own benefits and drawbacks. “For any table that’s going to be out in the open, I recommend investing in sturdy and durable material,” says Lenhart. “You want a table that will last you years vs. just a few seasons.”

Wood: Picnic tables are traditionally made from wood, and there are many solid wood options available today. Wood is both attractive and durable, but it tends to be heavier than other materials and needs to be properly cared for, especially if you plan to leave it outside year-round. A wooden picnic table will need regular weatherproofing, otherwise it may begin to rot. Johnathan Brewer, The Spruce’s Home Improvement Review board member notes, “Some picnic tables such as those made of wood will require maintenance. Purchasing a cover for the table will help protect it from the elements.” Plastic/Resin/Composite: Many inexpensive picnic tables are made from some type of plastic or resin, and there are several benefits to this material. It’s typically lightweight and extremely easy to clean, and it isn’t as susceptible to mold and rot as wood. However, most plastic picnic tables are supported by a metal frame, which can rust if left out in the elements.  Metal: “Treated metal, like powder-coated steel, is a good option for year-round exposure to extreme weather,” says Lenhart. However, metal benches aren’t the most comfortable and can get hot when it’s sitting in direct sunlight.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was written by Camryn Rabideau, a freelance writer and product tester for The Spruce. While researching picnic tables, she spoke with Kevin Lenhart, Design Director at Yardzen, for insights on choosing the best option for your backyard. As she compared different products, she looked at factors like the material, size, style, and special features.