Maintenance Tips for Keeping Your Wooden Picnic Tables in Top Shape

Routine maintenance is key to keeping your picnic table functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing. With some simple upkeep tasks performed on a regular schedule, you can extend the life of your table significantly.

This article will overview the critical maintenance areas and suggest timelines to preserve your investment. We'll cover cleaning, sealing/staining, hardware inspections and repairs, leveling, placement, and storage. By staying on top of these maintenance tips, your wooden picnic table will stay stable, splinter-free, and ready for your next barbecue or outdoor gathering.

Why is Routine Maintenance Important for Wood Picnic Tables?

A routine maintenance schedule is key to ensuring your picnic tables are in their best condition and making them last longer.

Regular maintenance for picnic tables includes:

• Cleaning: Wash off dirt, debris, and any buildup from food or beverages
• Inspecting for damage: Check for cracks, splinters, loosening, weathering, etc.
• Tightening hardware: Ensure all bolts on bolted frames are properly tightened
• Re-coating or repainting: Apply new protective sealers, stains, or paint when needed

By sticking to a regular maintenance schedule, you can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems and ensure your tables remain safe and comfortable for use.

Weather Conditions and Sun Exposure

Most commercial picnic tables are built to withstand the elements, but prolonged exposure can still cause damage. To help protect wooden tables, storing them in a covered area or using a waterproof cover during periods of excessive rain or humidity is recommended. For metal tables, covering them during cold weather will help prevent contraction that can lead to damage.

Tables made from durable, weather-resistant materials will have enhanced longevity in outdoor elements. But all picnic tables benefit from periodic maintenance and protection from harsh weather extremes when not in use.

Sun exposure can also impact outdoor picnic tables over time. Wooden tables can fade and crack from constant UV rays. Metallic components may heat up from direct sunlight. Using shade elements like umbrellas or sails helps protect tables. Choosing UV-resistant materials also minimizes sun damage. Periodic maintenance like sealing, covering when not in use, and cleaning also helps.

General Tips for Keeping Your Picnic Tables in Good Condition

Keeping your picnic tables, whether they are heavy-duty picnic tables, concrete, or wooden picnic tables, in top condition requires some maintenance. For metal and plastic tables, regular cleaning using a soft brush or a microfiber cloth, as well as mild soap and water, can go a long way. It's also recommended to regularly inspect your tables for any signs of wear and repair them immediately using the appropriate methods and materials, such as wood fillers for wooden tables.

Deep Clean At Least Twice Yearly

One of the most important maintenance tasks is deep cleaning your picnic table at least twice per year. More frequent light cleanings are also recommended.

Tips for deep cleaning:

• Use a mild detergent and a stiff scrub brush to thoroughly clean all surfaces
• Target crevices and corners where grime accumulates
• Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the wood
• Rinse well with a garden hose or pressure washer on low low-setting
• Allow the table to completely dry before sealing or storing
• Check for and remove debris inside openings and leg bottoms
• Wear gloves and safety glasses for protection during cleaning

Performing a deep clean twice yearly and routine light cleaning will keep your picnic table looking its best.

Apply New Sealer and Stain Every 1-2 Years

Sealing and staining your wooden picnic table protects the wood from UV rays, water damage, mildew staining, and other environmental factors. This keeps the wood splinter-free and looking its best.

To properly seal and stain your picnic table:

• Surface Preparation: Lightly sand the wood to remove any splinters, rough spots, old finish, etc.
• Cleaning: Thoroughly clean all surfaces with a wood cleaner and rinse
• Drying: Allow the wood to completely dry before applying products
• Product Selection: Use high-quality sealers and stains specifically formulated for outdoor wood
• Application: Apply according to the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results
• UV Protection: Consider products containing UV inhibitors for added protection

Proper sealing and staining every 1-2 years will maintain the beauty and integrity of your wooden picnic table for years to come.

Inspect Hardware Frequently and Make Timely Repairs

The hardware like bolts, screws, and brackets on your picnic table undergoes constant stress from environmental factors and frequent use. Over time, this can cause loosening, corrosion, or breakage if the hardware is not routinely inspected and maintained. Making minor repairs quickly and having replacement hardware on hand for prompt fixes is crucial for preserving structural integrity and preventing safety hazards before they turn into major issues. Safety considerations for metal picnic tables are especially key.

Here are some tips for inspection and timely repairs:

• Hardware Inspection: Pay attention to tabletop, bench, and leg connections.
• Spare Parts: Keep spare hardware on hand for prompt repairs or know the source from which to get them.
• Wood Inspection: Check wooden parts for splintering, cracks, or wobbling.
• DIY vs Professional: Minor fixes can often be DIY; major may need professional.

Ensure the Table Stays Level

It's important that picnic tables sit level for stability and safety. Over time, settling soil or uneven ground can make tables wobble unsteadily. Keeping your picnic table level is important for extending its lifespan because consistent rocking and wobbling from an unleveled position can slowly damage the structure over time.

A few simple steps can prevent wobbling issues:

• Check for Levelness: Use a spirit level tool to check table is level on all sides.
• Adjust Metal Table Feet: Utilize adjustable feet on metal tables to properly level.
• Relocate Wooden Tables: Move wooden tables without adjustable feet to flatter ground as needed.
• Use Shims if Needed: Insert shims beneath legs to temporarily stabilize wobble.
• Keep Area Clear of Debris: Routinely clear debris around and under the table that can unlevel.

Optimal Placement and Storage

You can enhance park visits with aesthetically placed furniture. When placing your picnic table, choose a flat, level spot that won't gather water. Position it attractively with nice views or landscaping, but avoid perpetually shaded areas. For wooden tables, provide some shade with an umbrella to prevent sun damage, but don't keep them in constantly damp or muddy spots.

When not in use for extended periods, store the table covered or in a shed or garage. Keep it lifted on blocks off the ground to prevent moisture damage if desired. Taking steps to optimize placement and storage will ensure the longevity of your picnic table.

Find the Perfect Commercial Picnic Tables at Picnic Furniture

For over 20 years, Picnic Furniture has been the leading provider of commercial outdoor furniture built to withstand heavy use. We offer an unrivaled selection of picnic tables constructed from durable materials like thermoplastic, aluminum, high-density polyethylene, wood, and concrete. Our tables are designed for superior weather resistance, low maintenance, and long-lasting quality. Read our comprehensive picnic table guide for more information.

Discover the ideal picnic table for your needs and budget. For Picnic Furniture tables that need updating, we sell various individual accessories to make repairing your picnic table a breeze.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should you seal a wooden picnic table?

Seal picnic tables every 1-2 years using high-quality outdoor wood sealers. Properly prepare and apply as per the manufacturer's directions. More frequent sealing may be needed in harsh climates.

What is the best way to clean a wooden picnic table?

Use a mild detergent and stiff scrub brush for periodic deep cleaning. Avoid harsh chemicals. Rinse thoroughly and let dry completely before sealing or staining. Disinfect with an outdoor furniture cleaner periodically.

How do you fix a wobbly picnic table?

Check for uneven ground causing wobble. Shim legs to stabilize on uneven surfaces. Inspect hardware, and tighten/replace loose or deteriorated hardware. Replace split or cracked wood. Consider relocating the table to more level ground.