The picnic table is one of the most practical pieces of garden furniture you can own. It seats more people per square metre than almost any other outdoor dining option, it handles casual use without complaint, and a good one will last the better part of a decade without much attention. Yet most people buy the wrong one — too small, too light, or without thinking about how a British garden actually gets used.
This guide covers everything you need to know before buying, with links to our full picnic table collection if you want to browse as you go.
Size: The Most Common Mistake
The most frequent mistake when buying a picnic table is buying too small. A 120cm table sounds generous until you sit four adults around it with food, drinks, and anything else that ends up on the surface. As a rule of thumb, aim for at least 150cm for four comfortable adults, and 180cm or above if you regularly host more than six.
The other dimension people overlook is width. A narrow table means elbows collide and plates compete for space. Look for a tabletop that is at least 70cm wide — ideally 80cm or more for a proper dining experience.
Our picnic table range includes options from compact two-seater bistro-style sets right through to generous eight-seater tables for larger gardens and regular entertaining.
Shape: Round vs Rectangular
Rectangular picnic tables are the classic choice and still the most practical for most gardens. They sit neatly against walls and fences, make efficient use of space, and feel natural for dining. If you are placing the table in a defined area of the garden — a patio, a deck, a dedicated dining space — rectangular is almost always the right call.
Round tables work better in social settings where the priority is conversation over dining. Everyone faces everyone else, no one gets the awkward end seat, and the table becomes a natural gathering point rather than a formal dining surface.
Our picnic table collection includes both rectangular and round options across multiple sizes, finishes, and configurations. The Meadow Round Picnic Table is our standout circular option — spacious, characterful, and suited to more considered garden settings.
Backrest vs No Backrest: Comfort Over Time
Traditional picnic tables have no backrests. This is fine for short periods — a quick lunch, a cup of tea — but uncomfortable for anything longer. If you plan to sit at the table for a full meal or an extended evening outdoors, benches with backrests make a significant difference.
The Alders and Victoria ranges from Arbor Garden Solutions both include backrest configurations that retain the classic picnic table aesthetic while adding meaningful comfort. If you know you will be using the table for extended periods, the backrest version is worth the investment.
Space-Saving Designs: When Storage Matters
If your garden is smaller or your picnic table needs to work harder for its space, a space-saving design — where the benches slide neatly under the table when not in use — reduces the footprint significantly. This is particularly useful on patios and decked areas where every square metre counts.
Several of our Victoria, Yews, and QUADRUM range tables feature this slide-under bench design. Browse them all in our picnic table collection.
Finish: Natural vs Rustic Brown
Most of our pressure-treated timber picnic tables are available in two finishes — a natural light green treatment and a rustic brown finish.
The natural finish is the standard pressure-treatment colour — timber treated against rot and weathering that will fade to a silvery-grey over time if left untreated, or can be oiled annually to maintain its tone. The rustic brown finish gives the timber a warmer, more traditional appearance from the outset and tends to blend more naturally into most garden settings with existing timber structures, fences, or decking.
Both finishes offer the same structural durability. Browse both options across the full picnic table range.
The Parasol Hole: A Detail Worth Checking
Most picnic tables in our range include a 41mm parasol hole in the centre of the tabletop — allowing you to add shade without a separate base. If shade is a priority, check the product listing to confirm the hole is included, and browse our garden accessories collection for compatible parasols and bases.
Ready to Browse?
View the full range in our garden picnic table collection — all supplied by Arbor Garden Solutions, a trusted UK outdoor furniture specialist, delivered direct to your door with free UK mainland delivery.