The Picnic Table: From 17th-Century Potluck to Backyard Centerpiece

The word “picnic” derives from the 1692 French pique-nique—“to pick at trifles.” Originally a potluck where everyone brought a dish, it evolved through Victorian England’s Picnic Society into the outdoor feast we know today. The picnic table followed, adapting to every setting.

Styles for Every Occasion

• Classic wood: Cedar, oak, pine—rustic charm, natural warmth.
• Elegant hardwoods: Cherry, teak—for refined outdoor dining.
• Industrial-grade: Aluminum, thermoplastic, vinyl, polywood—virtually indestructible, for parks, campuses, hospitals.

Shapes: rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal, square, round, oval. Benches attached or freestanding.

Beyond the Burger

Modern backyards host weddings, catered dinners, and formal parties. The picnic table has risen to the occasion—becoming a versatile platform for every scale of outdoor gathering.

Whether it’s a spontaneous porch lunch on paper plates or a generational heirloom under a gazebo, the picnic table remains the heart of alfresco living.