Metal Picnic Tables
At some time, all folding picnic tables must be stored. Store in a dry place away from heat sources and never over stack tables; if hanging, use two 100-pound hooks. Abrasive materials will scratch tabletops and metal frames. Scratches on metal frames can be removed using fine sandpaper. Aluminum wears well and resists rusting, warping, bending and cracking. Steel picnic tables are coated with a thermoplastic coating, so as with aluminum picnic tables, rust is rarely an issue.
Plastic and Vinyl Picnic Tables
Polyethylene (a thermoplastic composed of polymers of ethylene) picnic tables resist stains and clean up with soap and water. Vinyl and Recycled plastic picnic tables are resistant to stains and many have UV protection to protect colors. These products are maintenance-free materials.
Wood Picnic Tables
The beauty of wood picnic tables is uncompromised; wood picnic tables improve with age, but require light maintenance. Clean up spills; they attract dirt and airborne pollen that leave behind a film. Water repellents will protect wood, but some have a high percentage of oil, causing particles to stick to the wood. Linseed and other natural oils promote mildew fungi, which lead to decay. Varnish on screw fittings will cause problems when screws need to be tightened. The best way to clean wood picnic tables is by using mild soap and water and a soft scrub brush. Waterproof furniture covers will protect wood from damage.
Recipe for Wood Beauty
Teak is an expensive wood, but worth the investment. It is naturally waterproof and resistant to decay. Teak can be stained and sealed or left in its natural state to grow more beautiful as it ages. Picnic tables made of kiln-dried yellow pine can be left to age without preservatives, but pine is a softer wood that does not have a natural resistance to decay.
Untreated, Northern White Cedar and Western Red Cedar weather to a soft silver gray. These porous woods can discolor, but a solution of one gallon of water with one ounce of detergent and ¾-cup of household bleach will remove stains. Cedar can be refinished at any time to give it a new appearance. Stain with UV inhibitors can be used on cedar at any time, but painting aged wood is not recommended.
