The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Wooden Picnic Table for Your Garden
There’s just something about eating outside that puts everyone in a good mood. Whether it’s an afternoon picnic with family, a birthday barbecue, or simply sipping tea in the sun, a wooden picnic table becomes the heart of any garden get-together. It’s where stories are told and memories are made, year after year. But let’s be honest, if you’ve ever wobbled on a rickety bench or lost a game of musical chairs to a splintery seat, you’ll know—choosing the right picnic table matters.
This guide brings together our favourite wooden picnic tables for UK gardens. We’ll help you spot the features that make gathering outdoors a pleasure, so your table doesn’t just last, but becomes the centrepiece of your garden for every reason and every season.
4 Reasons to Choose a Wooden Picnic Table
Wooden picnic tables have been a British garden staple for decades. There’s a good reason for that—they’re practical, attractive, and built to handle real life (and weather). Here’s why a wooden picnic table is worth considering for your outdoor space:
1. Built to Last with Timber Strength
Solid timber picnic benches don’t just look reassuringly sturdy; they actually are. Pressure-treated wood and chunky construction shrug off the elements and family use, year in, year out. Many options today use sustainably sourced redwood or treated timber, so you’ll be getting both peace of mind and a clear conscience.
2. A Natural Part of Your Garden
Unlike plastic or metal, wooden picnic tables simply belong outdoors. That soft grain, the way new tables blend into the landscape over time—they’re right at home on your patio or lawn. Whether you keep the timber bare or add a lick of wood stain, they complement any garden style, from cottage to contemporary.
3. Environmentally Friendly Choices
Responsible sourcing is a big part of modern picnic table manufacture. Many of the tables you’ll see in this guide are made using FSC-certified or sustainably managed timber, reducing your home’s carbon footprint while looking after your garden space.
4. A Shape for Every Garden
Wooden picnic tables now come in a range of shapes—rectangular, round, or even square—meaning there’s a design to fit any outdoor nook or large lawn. Round picnic tables are fantastic for sociable dining, while rectangular designs often squeeze into smaller spaces or right up against a garden fence.
Key Features to Consider When Buying a Wooden Picnic Table
Before you decide, let’s run through the details that really make a difference.
Size and Capacity
First up: who will be sitting at your table? Measure your available patio or lawn space, and consider whether your garden is hosting family meals, children’s parties, or the whole street for summer gatherings. Smaller tables seat four with ease and can tuck into corners; larger sets are great for bigger groups or when you want a more expansive picnic bench.
Design and Aesthetics
The style of your picnic table matters. Do you love the classic park-style bench, chunky with simple lines? Or does your garden suit something contemporary and streamlined? Some sets feature separate benches, others have integrated seating, and round or square tables offer a different take on communal dining. Wood finish is another factor—go bare for a rustic look or choose a finish for a more tailored fit.
Durability and Maintenance
Outdoor furniture should thrive outdoors. Look for pressure-treated, tanalised, or otherwise weather-resistant timber. Screw and bolt construction is a sign of quality, as is a design that feels sturdy when you shake it (don’t be shy in a showroom). Maintenance is usually minimal—just a wipe down and a yearly wood treatment.
Showcasing Our Top Wooden Picnic Tables Perfect For All Sized Garden Spaces
Now, let’s introduce some of our top picks, all tried and tested for the unpredictable realities of UK gardens.
Contemporary Chunky Wooden Picnic Style Table and Bench Set – Seats 4
If your idea of garden gatherings means close-knit family dinners and easy entertaining, this contemporary set has your name on it. Crafted from sustainably sourced Swedish redwood and finished using sturdy screws and bolts, it offers stability you can count on. The integrated benches keep everyone together, making it great for games, crafts, or simply relaxing over lunch.
Valley Deluxe Chunky Wooden Picnic Table 150cm Length
For those who love that park bench feeling, this classic rectangular table is a brilliant choice. It’s handmade from high quality timber, so you know it will take whatever the summer throws at it—rain, wind, or bustling kids in wellies. We hear from customers who use it for everything from birthday teas to painting projects, and it never wobbles or rocks.
Westwood Chunky Wooden Round Picnic Table
Sometimes, round tables really do bring people together. This round picnic table is built from pressure-treated timber for lasting durability, and the shape means everyone can chat and reach the picnic food—no one’s left sitting on the end.
Butchers Chunky Wooden Garden Picnic Table & Benches
If a handmade touch matters to you, this table and bench set stands out. Each table is put together by hand using solid, fully braced timber. The result is a welcoming space that genuinely feels like part of your garden—a point echoed again and again by families who use it for everything from quick breakfasts to full-on Sunday roasts outside.
Westwood Chunky Wooden Square Picnic Table
This square picnic table brings people together conveniently, making group dining or game nights a real joy. Like the rest, it’s made from UK pressure-treated wood and built to last. Helpful for gardens where space is a premium, customers have praised how it fits beautifully into different corners and patio layouts.
How to Care for Your Wooden Picnic Table
Honestly, wooden picnic tables are hardy, but a bit of care goes a long way. Here’s what we recommend:
- Wipe Down Frequently: Brush off leaves and wipe spills, especially after meals or a sudden rain.
- Annual Treatment: A coat of wood preservative once a year keeps water out and colour in, protecting your bench from rot and fading.
- Check for Splinters and Bolts: Give the table a look every few months. Sand down any splinters and tighten up bolts if needed.
- Store or Cover in Winter: If possible, use a cover or move your table somewhere sheltered during those wet winter months to really extend its life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wooden Picnic Tables
What wood is best for picnic tables?
Most garden picnic tables are made from pressure-treated timber—like Scandinavian redwood or FSC-approved pine—which is naturally tough and weather-resistant.
How do I assemble a wooden picnic table?
Most tables arrive with pre-drilled holes, screws, and full instructions. Two people can put together even a chunky set in under an hour with a basic cordless drill and a bit of patience.
Are wooden picnic tables weather-resistant?
Pressure-treated and tanalised timber picnic benches are designed for British weather. Still, giving your table a treatment each spring really pays off when it comes to longevity.
Find the Perfect Wooden Picnic Table for Your Garden
The right wooden picnic table not only adds seating, it becomes the stage for your family’s best memories—everyone gathered, sharing food and laughter under the open sky. From classic rectangular and square designs to more sociable round tables, there’s a style ready and waiting for your garden and your story.
If you’re ready for garden dinners, relaxed lunches, or just a better place for a mug of tea, explore our full range of high quality wooden picnic tables on our site. Not sure which would suit your space or style? Our friendly team is just a message away.
