So you’re in the market for some new outdoor furniture, and are considering buying a picnic bench instead of the more predictable path of picnic tables. Is there a difference? And if so, is it better or worse than just getting the more conventional outdoor picnic table?
Picnic Bench Pluses
There are a number of advantages to buying a picnic bench rather than going for picnic tables and chairs.
No Setup
Obviously, picnic benches are usually left in the one place, year round. This allows you to forget about any type of setup and/or put away required for the furniture. If you’re after hassle free furniture, a bench wins.
Light Weight
If you do need to move the set for some reason, they are usually (unless fixed to one spot) easy to transport around. So not only can you take them with you when moving, you can also slide them over when cutting the grass.
Easy to Clean
A picnic table bench with affixed benches is very easy to clean, regardless of the mess. There are no complications – just one wipe and you’re done.
Avoid Using Wood
Although most picnic tables and benches are made from wood, this is not the ideal material to use. When left in the sun, wooden patio picnic tables will crack, warp, and swell, losing it’s pleasing appearance quickly, and soon after will probably fall apart. Commercial picnic tables are often welded together with steel (for stability and long life), and have wooden panels screwed to the top. Another option is cement, although, This is the heaviest, and bulkiest option. Usually cheap picnic tables are constructed entirely out of treated pine (or something like it), but if you want any sustained use out of it, ensure it’s protected from the elements.
Outdoor Picnic Tables and Chairs
Your other option is to use a table, and add either folding chairs, or if at home, more stable chairs. If you are setting up in a park, you have probably used a fold n store picnic table and tucked some folding chairs around. If you’re still in the comfort of your own backyard, you’ll likely go for a square or round picnic table.
Flexibility
The real advantage of using separate garden furniture is that you can mix and match chairs, and add more if you really want to squeeze around. Often, using a round picnic table will allow you to fit up to five or six people, and if it’s sturdy enough, you can even have a larger piece of wood cut into a circle to seat up to ten comfortably (though storage may be an issue). If you find you have the common problem of too many children, an alternative might be to buy a little tikes picnic table.
Comfort and Appearance
Of course, on top of being far more dynamic and easily changed, you can add cushions for those with bad backs, or who don’t like to sit on hard surfaces. This not only improves comfort, but appearance also, giving it the edge.
Conclusion
Depending on your needs, each has a role, but for most purposes, a picnic bench is a low cost and low effort alternative.
If you want to buy complementary grill accessories, you might consider looking at the Outdoor Megastore for outdoor kitchen accessories, such as a gas, electric or charcoal grill . If you need parts, check out these Charbroil Grill Parts tips.
Originally posted 2010-07-13 19:52:22. Republished by Old Post Promoter
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