A picnic table is such a common summer sight, it's funny to think that at one time, they didn't exist. There isn't a clear timeline of when the first picnic table came into being, but most believe the tables, popular for casual outdoor dining, started being seen in public places in the early 1800s.
Though today's picnic tables come in a host of shapes, sizes, colors, and materials, the original picnic table was made from wood, usually cedar, pine, or a hardwood. More modern tables are made from plastic (recycled or otherwise), metal, PVC, aluminum, steel, or plastic-coated metal. Most picnic tables are simple: they consist of a plain tabletop made of slats or a solid piece surrounded by two or more benches surrounding the main table. Everything is attached by beams, trusses, or screws.
Picnics play an important role in American life, and having a solid, structurally sound picnic table is a key element of a successful summer outing. Because the tables are generally found outside, a stable base is important not just for sitting, but also for keeping your burger on the table. Attaching the base or legs of the table to the ground is always a good idea. |  |
