Picnic Table Dimensions (with Drawings)
Found in many public parks and backyards, picnic tables are outdoor tables that include benches. Their design has made them popular in cafeterias, break rooms, and community areas. Use this as a guide to choose the picnic table best suited for your space.
Picnic tables feature various designs and styles, but the standard height is 28 to 34 inches, with an average of 30 inches. The standard width is 28 to 30 inches, and the standard width is 6 or 8 feet. The rule of thumb is to allow 24 to 30 inches of perimeter length per person.
What’s the Average Size of a Picnic Table?
The average size picnic table for six adults is 6 feet long. This allows each adult to have 24 inches of personal space. Picnic tables for eight adults are typically 8 feet long.
From ground to tabletop, picnic tables range from 28 to 34 inches. Picnic table benches are usually 17 to 18 inches high. This allows 10 to 14 inches of space between the bench and tabletop, enough room for the average adult.
The width of a picnic table tabletop ranges from 27 to 30 inches. This width can comfortably fit six table settings with drinks, condiments, and food. The width of the picnic table from bench to bench is about 60 inches.
Things to Consider When Purchasing a Picnic Table
When purchasing a picnic table, you should consider the seats you will need as well the shape of the table.
Picnic Table Seats
When considering the picnic table you want, deciding how many seats you need is important. These are typically benches.
Picnic table benches usually have a height of 18 inches from the ground. This leaves about 11 inches of space from the bench to the table. Additionally, bench widths are 1 to 1.5 feet, and length matches the length of the table at 6 or 8 feet.
Picnic Table Shape
Picnic tables can be customized to fit your needs, but they are usually rectangular shaped. Square tables are also an option and can work for two to four people. Square tables will typically be 4 or 5 feet in width and length.
Styles of Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available in several shapes and sizes. Therefore, you can find one that can accommodate the number of people in your family.
Here are some of the table styles available if you want to add a picnic table to your yard.
A-Frame Picnic Table
An A-frame picnic table is what you associate with a standard-style picnic table. The A-frames usually have five to seven lengths of timber for the tabletop and two to three for the benches. The standard tabletop height is 30 inches, and the height of the seat top should be 16 to 18 inches.
Children’s Picnic Table
Children’s picnic tables are similar to A-frame tables but on a smaller scale. There are usually four lengths of timber for the top and two lengths for the seats.
While these tables can be wood, most are plastic. Plastic child’s picnic tables are durable and come in a variety of colors. Overall dimensions for a child’s picnic table are 33 inches long, 38 inches wide, and 22 inches high.
Round and Octagon Picnic Tables
Round and octagon picnic tables are a newer design that can usually seat eight people comfortably. These tabletops typically have 10 to 12 lengths of timber, and benches generally have three lengths of timber. Circular tables are usually 82 by 82 inches, the seats are 30 inches high, and the table is 44 inches tall.
Oval Picnic Table
Oval picnic tables are another newer-style picnic table that can seat up to 10 people comfortably. The oval picnic tables from Redwood are available with attached benches or unattached benches. The attached benches are built into the table, while unattached benches are free-standing.
The small oval picnic table has an overall length of 71 inches and a width of 46 inches at the widest point. The table has a height of 30 7/16 inches. The picnic table boards are 2 inches thick, and the legs are made from two-by-six inch lumber.
The large oval picnic table has an overall length of 88 inches and a width of 57 ½ inches at the widest point. The table’s height is 30 7/16 inches. The picnic table boards are the same size as the small table, 2 inches thick with two-by-six inch lumber.
Rectangular Picnic Table
If you have a larger family, a rectangular-shaped picnic table is a good choice. This allows more space than a square or round picnic table. A rectangular picnic table will give you more surface space and be more comfortable for large families.
Rectangular picnic tables usually have an overall width of 72 inches, a depth of 58.75 inches, and a height of 30.5 inches. Bench height is 17 inches, and these tables typically fit 4 to 6 people.
Umbrella Picnic Table
Picnic tables are great to have in your backyard as a way to entertain guests. An umbrella picnic table can be a convenient way to keep the sun out of your eyes and stay cool.
For picnic tables with a diameter of 30 to 36 inches, choose an umbrella that measures 6 to 8 feet. An umbrella that is 9 to 11 feet is beth for picnic tables with a diameter of 38 to 48 inches. For ones with a diameter of 54 to 60 inches, choose an umbrella that measures 11 feet or more.
When it comes to a base for your umbrella stand, multiple the width of your umbrella canopy by 10. For example, if you have a 7 ½ foot umbrella, you need a 75-pound umbrella stand. For 9 foot umbrellas, you need an umbrella stand base of at least 90 pounds.
In-Ground Picnic Table
There are several reasons that you may want an in-ground picnic table. Some people see them as a safer option, while other people prefer that they are more permanent. An in-ground picnic table is also beneficial if you live in climates where hurricanes or tornadoes are prevalent.
While in-ground picnic tables take some time to install, it is worth it for the reasons mentioned above. The center post has an overall height of 47 ½ inches, 18 inches installed underground.
Most in-ground picnic tables have an overall diameter of 84 inches and a length of 84 inches. The tabletop diameter is 46 inches. Each bench seat is 12 inches deep by 42 ½ inches long.
How to Choose a Picnic Table Bench
Bench Length
The first thing you should consider when choosing a bench for your picnic table is the length. This will determine how many people can sit at the table and how it fits with the table. Benches will range from 42 to 60 inches.
The bench can be the full width of your picnic table or slightly shorter so that you can tuck it underneath. Tables vary in length, so whether your table is pedestal style or has legs will determine the length of the bench.
For tables with legs at the corner, allow 2 inches of clearance between the edge of the bench and the legs. Allow 48 inches of clearance around the bench for sliding it in and out and walking around it.
A bench that is 42 to 52 inches long can comfortably fit two to three adults or three children. Furthermore, a bench that is 53 to 83 inches long can seat three adults. Finally, longer benches can accommodate four or more.
Bench Depth
There is no standard width for benches, but most vary between 14 to 17 inches deep. Narrow benches are about 12 inches deep, and benches with extra storage are about 23 inches deep.
You should be able to sit comfortably on the bench without it touching the back of your knees. Depths beyond 20 inches can be uncomfortable if they don’t have a back.
Bench Height
Standard bench height is between 18 to 20 inches, measured from the seat to the ground. The seat of the bench should be 12 inches lower than the tabletop. Consider if you have petite or tall members of your home, as this will determine the space you need.
Taller benches can leave people with their feet off the ground, and shorter benches can be uncomfortable for those taller. There should be a middle-ground so each person can comfortably situate their legs between the bench and tabletop.
Related Questions
What kind of wood is used for picnic tables?
Picnic tables usually feature softwoods like cedar, redwood, and Douglas fir. These woods are weather-resistant and typically available in most lumberyards. These woods are also lightweight and highly durable. Waterproofing your wooden picnic table will make it extra durable. First, rinse the table with water and let it dry overnight. Then apply an even coat of water-based sealant to the table with a paintbrush.Â
What’s the lifespan of a picnic table?
The lifespan of your picnic table will depend on what it is made of. Yearly maintenance of wooden picnic tables requires cleaning and scraping off any chipped paint. If your picnic table is made of treated wood, it should last about 20 years.If your wooden picnic table is not treated, it can last about 10 years but may need replacement slats. Picnic tables made of recycled plastic can last 15 years or more with an occasional cleaning.Â
Stacy Randall is a wife, mother, and freelance writer from NOLA that has always had a love for DIY projects, home organization, and making spaces beautiful. Together with her husband, she has been spending the last several years lovingly renovating her grandparent's former home, making it their own and learning a lot about life along the way.
More by Stacy Randall
![Standard Dining Room Table Dimensions [for 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 People]](https://cdn-fastly.upgradedhome.com/media/2023/07/31/9074335/standard-dining-room-table-dimensions-for-4-6-8-10-and-12-people.jpg?size=350x220)
