A picnic table is typically made out of either wood or plastic. Wood picnic tables can range from medium- to heavy-duty depending on the type of wood and thickness. Cedar, pine, or fir are a few common types of woods used for outdoor picnic tables.
Wood picnic tables are often the preferred choice due to the classic look they provide and they are often the least expensive. Plastic picnic tables are becoming increasingly popular as they are very easy to clean, waterproof, and have minimal maintenance.
Polyethylene plastic is the most common type used for picnic tables. This offers superior weather-resistance and overall durability, as well as a pleasing finish that is available in different colors.
How long do wooden picnic tables last?
The longevity of wooden picnic tables largely depends on the quality and type of wood used, as well as how well the table is cared for and maintained. Generally speaking, high-quality wooden picnic tables made of solid woods like redwood or cedar can last between 10 and 15 years when properly cared for.
To extend their life span and protect them from adverse weather, wooden picnic tables should be stored in a shed or carport in the off-season and covered, painted, or stained annually to help prevent cracking and splitting.
Additionally, it is important to clean them with mild soap and water after each use and to make sure screws, bolts, and nuts stay tight, as loose components can cause the table to sag or break. With proper care and maintenance, wooden picnic tables can last for many years and be enjoyed for many family gatherings and outdoor events.
Do I have to use pressure treated wood for picnic table?
No, you do not have to use pressure treated wood for a picnic table. However, pressure treated wood is a good option for outdoor furniture and offers several benefits. Pressure treated wood is chemically treated to improve its durability and resistance to rot and decay.
This means that it is more resistant to weather damage and insect damage, compared to untreated wood. Pressure treated wood will also last longer than untreated wood, providing you with a longer lasting picnic table.
Additionally, pressure treated wood is meant to be left untreated after installation, making it easier to maintain. For these reasons, pressure treated wood is a good option for outdoor picnic tables.
That being said, depending on your budget, other wood types, like cedar and redwood, may be better options as they are naturally more resistant to weather, rot and insect damage.
What is the wood to use for outdoor furniture?
When considering wood for outdoor furniture, it’s important to choose a type of wood that will be able to withstand the elements. Different kinds of wood have different levels of durability and weather-resistance, so it is important to take this into consideration when making a selection.
Some of the most popular kinds of wood for outdoor furniture include teak, eucalyptus, cedar, redwood, and oak.
Teak is a dense, oily tropical hardwood that is naturally resistant to rotting, warping and cracking, allowing it to last for many years in outdoor conditions. Eucalyptus is also a hardwood, but it is less dense than teak, making it a bit less expensive and not quite as durable.
Cedar, redwood, and oak are all excellent choices for outdoor furniture, as they are all naturally rot-resistant and can also withstand the outdoors for many years. These woods also tend to look better in their natural state, without needing to be treated with a sealant.
Cedar is lightweight, so it can be easy to move around, while redwood and oak offer a more classic, timeless look.
It is important to note that while the woods mentioned here will stand the test of time, regular cleaning and maintenance are still important to ensure the longevity of your outdoor furniture. If properly taken care of, the right type of wood can provide years of beauty and usability outdoors.
How toxic is pressure treated wood?
Pressure-treated wood is a type of wood treated with chemicals to protect it from damage caused by severe weather, insects and fungus. The chemicals used to treat pressure-treated wood are usually a mix of water, preservatives, and fungicides.
This type of wood is often used to create decks, porches, and other outdoor structures because of its ability to withstand moisture and other elements.
However, exposure to pressure-treated wood can cause health risks due to the chemicals used to treat it. These chemicals can be absorbed through the skin, breathed in, and ingested. Some of these chemicals can be toxic when ingested.
Inhaling sawdust from pressure-treated wood, which contains the chemicals, can cause a person to become sick.
People exposed to pressure-treated wood should avoid contact and wear a dust mask or protective clothing. Children and pregnant women should also be warned that direct contact should be avoided as exposure to pressure-treated wood may have serious long-term effects.
Overall, pressure-treated wood is toxic if ingested and inhaled. As a result, taking precautions to protect yourself and your family is important if you work with or are around pressure-treated wood.
What should I use to seal my picnic table?
If you want to seal your picnic table, you should use an acrylic latex caulk. This will help protect your wood from water damage and rotting, while still allowing the wood to breathe. To apply, use an acrylic caulking gun to apply the caulk in a continuous bead along the edges of your picnic table.
Make sure to fill gaps and any uneven areas, then use a putty knife to press the caulk in place. Allow the caulk to dry for 24 hours, then seal the caulk with a water-based exterior sealer or paint. This will help to protect your picnic table from moisture, while highlighting the natural beauty of the wood.
Can you leave a picnic table outside?
Yes, you can leave a picnic table outside. Depending on the type and material of the table, it may last for many years with minimal effort. If you want something that will last a long time and withstand the elements, metal or treated wood picnic tables are a great choice.
Metal picnic tables are very durable and weather resistant. Treated wood picnic tables are perhaps the most popular choice; they are relatively low maintenance and look more natural in a backyard. To preserve the wood and prevent rotting, it’s important to use a wood sealant and make sure the table is not overly exposed to the elements, especially rain and direct sunlight.
Additionally, you may want to consider covering the table with a tarp during prolonged periods of rain. Lastly, it’s important to periodically check for deterioration and replace any damaged parts.
Is it better to stain or paint a picnic table?
Whether you should stain or paint a picnic table really depends on how you intend to use the table and the look you would like it to have. Generally, staining is preferable since stain will not crack or peel over time.
In addition, stain helps protect against and deter bugs, mildew, and fading. On the other hand, painting can provide a glossy and colorful look to the table and tends to last longer and retain its fresh, vibrant look in harsher climates.
When determining which to use, it is important to consider the maintenance involved. Stain requires less frequent recoats than painting, but it needs to be re-applied every 2-3 years to maintain the look, whereas painting typically needs to be re-applied every 3-5 years depending on the climate and amount of sun exposure.
In general, it is best to weigh the pros and cons of staining and painting to determine which one is best suited for your picnic table.
Can I spray paint my picnic table?
Yes, you can spray paint your picnic table, but there are a few things to consider before you do. To start, make sure that the wood is sanded and free of any debris. You should also ensure that you are using the proper type of spray paint for the job, as some paints will not be suitable for outdoor use.
Additionally, it is important to make sure that you use enough paint for even coverage, and that you maintain consistent coats for a better finish. Lastly, you should make sure that you let the spray paint dry completely before touching or using the picnic table.
Following these steps will help ensure that you end up with a good-looking picnic table that can withstand the elements.
Is oil based paint more durable than water based?
Oil based paint is generally more durable than water based paint because it is more resistant to scratches, chips, and peeling. The oil-based paint also provides a thicker coating, which means it can withstand heavier wear and tear.
Additionally, oil-based paint has a longer lifetime before needing to be re-coated, and it can last up to 15 years if it is properly applied and maintained. Since oil-based paint is more resistant to mildew, water, and stains, it is often used in areas that need extra protection such as bathrooms and kitchens.
Additionally, oil-based paint is less vulnerable to fading and discoloration, so it is often used to create intricate and long-lasting decorative finishes. Oil-based paint does have its drawbacks, though, since it is difficult to clean up, has a strong smell and takes longer to dry compared to water based paints.
What is the water repellent for wood?
The most common water repellent for wood surfaces is a sealant. A variety of wood sealants exist, including polyurethanes, polyacrylates, silicones, and waxes. The best choice for any given situation depends on the condition of the wood, the type of wood, and desired durability.
Polyurethanes are the standard most widely used and arguably the strongest water repellent for wood. Generally, they are made up of polymers and long-chain hydrocarbons and come in both oil-based and water-based forms.
Oil-based polyurethanes are made of polymers that are able to resist mildew and water, while water-based polyurethanes are easy to clean and contain fewer VOCs.
Polyacrylates, also known as acrylics or acrylic latex, are fairly strong sealants that provide a good balance between flexibility and moisture repellency. Generally, they offer a good resistance to ultraviolet rays, harsh weather conditions, and abrasion.
However, acrylic sealants do not penetrate the wood like polyurethanes and do not provide complete water repellency.
Silicones are a type of water repellent for wood that is often used for its flexibility and elasticity. Silicones are able to form a strong bond with wood, making them well suited for use in outdoor structures such as decks and siding.
However, silicones can also be expensive and more difficult to apply than other types of sealants.
Finally, waxes are generally considered a poor choice as a water repellent for wood. They can break down fairly quickly when exposed to water and they must be reapplied frequently in order to retain their protective properties.
Additionally, some waxes contain synthetic polymers that can leave a residue on the wood’s surface.
Ultimately, the most appropriate water repellent for wood surfaces depends on the condition of the wood and its exposure to water. Polyurethanes are the standard and generally most effective choice, but acrylics and silicones are also good options.
Waxes should generally be avoided.
Can I use Thompson’s water Seal on outdoor furniture?
Yes, you can use Thompson’s Water Seal on outdoor furniture. It is designed to protect your furniture from moisture damage, so it’s great for wooden furniture, wicker furniture, stone furniture and more.
Thompson’s Water Seal offers an array of formulas for different surfaces and works to block out UV light damage. Applying a coat of waterproof sealant to outdoor furniture will help to protect it from rain and snow, and it can also help keep outdoor furniture in better condition for longer periods of time.
Make sure to follow the specific directions on the product you choose since different types of outdoor furniture require different types of sealers.
