Few things say summer like picnic tables and picnics.
Picnic tables are a slice of American summer nostalgia. Plates of grilled hot dogs, hamburgers, (or veggie burgers, if you’re vegetarian), with all the toppings, potato salad, ice tea and watermelon.
There’s just something about a picnic table that invites a hangout.
Perhaps it’s the memories… perhaps it’s how the backless bench seat invites one to lean into the book…. conversation… game… or meal. Whatever the reason, picnic tables are an invitation to immerse in fun with family and friends.
Picnic tables are inviting hangouts, for good times and good food with family and friends.
Picnic Table Kits
If you’re good with tools and a saw and have a few hours, you can probably make your own in a day. There are handy picnic table plans, and video tutorials readily available online.
There are also ready-to-make picnic table kits you can buy, and all you need to add is the cut lumber. So if you have a table saw and some lumber, add in a picnic table kit and you’ll have a sturdy picnic table put together in no time.
Caution: Wood tables typically warp if left to the elements.
We built one using a steel picnic table frame purchased from our local home store. The frame is fine and sturdy, however the wood boards in it certainly have warped.
Even with lumber that’s treated and stained, if left to the elements, the sun especially, will warp the boards over time. If you’re looking for longevity, you might decide to invest in a polyethylene table.
Polyethylene tables cost more but also last longer, don’t tend to warp and are easier to clean.
DIY Picnic Table Kits
If you’re inclined to build your own picnic table with a kit, here are a few shortcuts you may want to take. Many home stores will shop your order for you and have it ready for you to pick up, so ask yours if they offer any of these services.
Timesaving Tip
- SHOP FOR YOU: Fax your materials list to your local home store, (unless you have good lumber on hand)
- PRICE IT FOR YOU: Ask them to price it out for you before you commit to be sure it fits your budget.
- Or even better, if they’re selling the picnic table kits, chances are they’ll be glad to create the materials list for you/
- PRICE IT FOR YOU: Ask them to price it out for you before you commit to be sure it fits your budget.
- If you decide it’s a good price and worth the dollars it will save you to make it yourself,
- you can ask them to pull the order for you, so it’s ready and waiting when you go to pick it up.
Best Selling Adult Picnic Tables and Kits
The picnic table kit in the photo above is available for free shipping via Amazon Prime, lumber is not included.
No Truck? No Problem!
If you don’t have a pickup truck, the idea of going to your local Home Depot or Lowe’s to pick up a picnic table, is not so simple. Sure, they typically offer delivery services, however that also adds to your cost.
Home Depot charges between $59-$79 for delivery, last we checked. The good news is that it’s the same fee no matter how much you’ve ordered. So if you need a few other big items, that’s the time to get them all at the same time if you can.
Free Delivery to Your Door, Saves Time, Money… and Your Back!
There’s another option we’re using increasingly, these days. Amazon Prime. We’ve gotten our prime membership fee back many times over in the free shipping fees for fast delivery that’s a part of the Amazon Prime program.
Just make sure that the items you’re ordering say on the product listing, “Amazon Prime”. They make it easy by placing the Prime logo where it’s easy to see. However, be sure to price compare with other online and offline sources.
Be sure to price compare the item on Amazon with local options. Just because something is from Amazon or Ebay doesn’t guarantee it’s the best price.
Here’s the thing: even if you have a pickup truck, as we do, you’ll still need to load it to your store cart, then into your truck at the store. Once home you’ll need to offload it again.
If you’re strong and healthy and/or have some help at home, that’s not a problem. But if not, you can save a lot of time and backache by having the delivery truck drivers drop off your order in the best spot for you.
So if you’re interested in possibly ordering a picnic table through Amazon, we’re listing the top selling outdoor tables that have the best reviews and also offer free shipping through Amazon Prime.
The Disadvantage of Online Orders
The biggest disadvantage to online orders—especially of large items—is returns. If there’s any issue that requires a return, such as missing or broken pieces it’s a pain to repackage and return.
Reduce the Hassle of Online Returns
- Open the packaging carefully in case you need to return it
- Save the packaging until you’re sure you’re going to keep the item, and/or it’s past the warranty date for returns
THEN, if you need to return it: - Just repackage it and in the Amazon return window, select the UPS pick-up option and they can pick it up at your door.
OR… - You can take the item to UPS or Kohl’s, (the current free returns locations for Amazon as of this writing in July, 2019.
Top 5 Best Selling Picnic Tables on Amazon with Free Shipping as of June, 22, 2022
Note that these best selling picnic tables, (well any best selling item on Amazon) tends to change positions over time, like race cars on a race track. So just take this as a general guide for the top selling picnic tables organized from first ranked to fifth position.
1. Giantex Picnic Table Bench Set, All Weather, Metal Base With Wood-Like Texture
2. Flip Top BenchTable, Bench, Patio Table, by 2x4basics
We love that this is so versatile and if you get two kits, they can be set side-by-side or back-to-back to make a complete picnic table. Just remember that the price is for the FRAME and does not include the lumber.
3. Lifetime Polyethylene Wood Grain Picnic Table and Benches
