Ensuring Safety with Metal Picnic Tables: What to Look For

When choosing metal commercial picnic tables for public spaces like parks, schools, and campgrounds, safety should be a top priority. With proper selection and maintenance, durable metal picnic tables can provide a safe, long-lasting, and accessible outdoor gathering place for years to come.

As one of the leading providers of commercial-grade metal picnic tables since 2003, Picnic Furniture offers premium powder-coated steel and aluminum designs built to maximize protection and peace of mind. Read on to explore key factors that will help ensure your metal picnic tables offer the ideal blend of safety and longevity for your business or public facility.

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Selecting the Right Metal Picnic Table Design for Safety

The design and construction of your metal picnic tables will significantly impact safety for years to come. Carefully consider these key elements during your selection process:

Rounded Edges and Corners

Commercial square picnic tables built with sharp corners and edges can easily cause lacerations, scrape injuries, and bruising if visitors accidentally bump into them. This is an especially important consideration for kid's picnic tables. Look for square picnic tables with smoothly rounded corners and edges to minimize the risk of injury. Rounded edges that are bent into a curved radius help remove sharp angles that can catch on clothing or skin. Round and oval picnic tables are also safe choices.

Seeking out a sanded smooth powder or vinyl-coated expanded metal further reduces abrasion and laceration hazards. The smooth, even surface is also less prone to vandalism like scratching or carved initials, which can quickly make edges jagged and dangerous.

Sturdy Construction

The sturdiness of your metal picnic tables’ construction will determine how well they hold up to intensive public use without buckling or becoming a safety hazard. Select heavy-duty picnic tables made from thick 14-16 gauge steel or heavy-duty cast aluminum that will resist denting, bending, and breaking under pressure and weight.

Optimal heavy-duty picnic table construction includes:

• Thick tabletops to avoid buckling or collapsing when sat on.
• Steel cross braces under the tabletop for reinforcement.
• Durable welded joints where legs meet braces to provide seamless heavy-duty steel construction.
• Bolt-through design where legs pass through holes in the tabletop and are secured with nuts and bolts underneath.

Avoid selecting thin, lightweight metal and flimsy construction prone to easy damage that could cause injuries. The heavier and thicker the materials used, the better the metal picnic tables will hold up to public use without becoming wobbly, unstable, or dangerous.

ADA Accessibility

For public spaces, ensuring you select ADA-compliant picnic table designs is crucial for safely accommodating visitors with disabilities. ADA guidelines require many businesses and venues to provide a certain percentage of available wheelchair-accessible seating.

Ideal ADA-compliant metal picnic table features include:

• Extended tabletops that add at least 19 inches of clearance space for wheelchairs.
• Openings between the tabletop and attached benches for wheelchair footrests.
• Wheelchair-accessible seating at the ends of attached benches.
• Compliant legroom and knee clearances under the table.
• ADA-approved frame construction and table heights.

Following ADA picnic table dimensions and guidelines allows safe, comfortable, and equitable outdoor experiences for all.

Attached Benches vs. Detached Benches

Picnic tables with attached benches offer superior stability and reduced safety hazards. When benches are permanently attached, there is zero risk of them tipping over if visitors attempt to move them. Detached benches provide more flexibility in arranging seating but also introduce potential tip-over dangers.

For maximum safety, opt for metal picnic tables and bench sets with factory-attached benches. If you prefer the versatility of detached benches, choose heavyweight designs, and be sure to securely bolt them to the ground to avoid hazardous instability. Periodically check for loose bolts requiring repair.

Umbrella Holes

Look for metal picnic tables featuring built-in umbrella holes if you want to provide shade. This allows you to securely anchor umbrellas directly into the table frame, preventing them from blowing over in gusty wind and causing potential injury. Free-standing umbrellas are a toppling hazard.

Seeking out umbrella holes aligned through both the tabletop and underlying cross braces can further stabilize attached umbrellas. Position the hole in the center if using a single umbrella, or allow for off-center umbrella placement to increase usable shade coverage. Just be sure the umbrella post fits snugly and does not have room to shift or lean.

Proper Spacing and Placement

In addition to the right design, proper spacing and placement helps maximize metal picnic table safety. Be sure to:

• Leave ample space around each picnic table to allow easy access and avoid congestion.
• Bolt table feet to the ground or secure picnic tables with anchors to prevent shifting, sinking, or tipping over time.
• Position on a level surface free of divots, holes, or uneven ground that could cause tripping hazards.
• Keep placement well away from areas prone to flooding, standing water, or poor drainage that could undermine stability.

Taking time to select the optimal metal picnic table design establishes a strong and lasting foundation of safety for years of public use.

CTA: To learn more about different picnic table features and options, dive into the ultimate picnic table guide.

Maximize Safety with Durable Powder Coating

Powder-coated metal is among the safest picnic table options. The powder coating process covers metal picnic tables in a polymer resin powder, which is then bonded and cured with heat to create a protective finish. Advantages of powder-coated metal include:

• Extremely durable, chip- and peel-resistant surface.
• Prevents corrosion, rust, and damage from the sun and moisture.
• Withstands heavy foot traffic without showing wear.
• Easy to sanitize and keep clean.
• Graffiti wipes away without staining.
• Provides a protective barrier from sharp/jagged edges.
• Wide range of color options that can prevent heat absorption.
• Textured coatings add slip resistance.

Compare this to wood and plastic which can crack, splinter, and deteriorate over time and create hazards. Powder-coated metal is puncture-proof and built to last through decades of use while maintaining a smooth, safe finish.

Prioritizing Ongoing Inspection and Maintenance

Proper maintenance keeps metal picnic tables safe over years of service. Establish inspection checklists and maintenance protocols that include:

• Monthly inspection for sharp edges, protruding hardware, cracks, or instability.
• Immediate repair of hazardous defects like uneven table tops.
• Yearly deep cleaning, including disinfecting tables and benches.
• Tightening all hardware twice yearly to ensure stability.
• Patching any damaged powder coating.
• Checking for drainage issues, flooding, or evidence of rust/corrosion.
• Removing graffiti immediately to deter repeat vandalism.
• Storing picnic tables indoors during extreme weather if possible.

By making safety inspections and maintenance a regular habit, you can maximize the lifetime durability of metal tables while minimizing hazards. Consider enlisting a qualified professional service for deep cleanings and repairs.

CTA: Learn more picnic table maintenance tips.

Create a Welcoming Space with Thoughtful Design Touches

Subtle design details make metal picnic tables more welcoming while improving safety:

• Incorporate accent colors: Bright powder-coated metal deters graffiti and vandalism better than drab, industrial designs. Vibrant colors also help create an inviting setting.
• Add umbrellas: Umbrellas integrated into the picnic table provide shade and protect visitors from UV rays.
• Include signage: Welcoming signs or permanent rules and guidelines discourage misbehavior while setting expectations.
• Anchor with poured-in-place surfacing: Permanently installed picnic tables prevent tipping hazards and accessibility issues caused by shifting or sinking.
• Allow plenty of space: Well-spaced picnic tables prevent overcrowding, create a flow of traffic, and allow room for safe movement.
• Include waste receptacles: Providing adequate trash and recycling bins nearby helps keep the area clean and free of tripping hazards.
• Add adjacent pathways: Integrate accessible paths to safely direct foot traffic flow.
• Provide adequate lighting: Lighting allows safe use after dark while discouraging negative activities.
• Select conveniently located tables: Pick spots near restrooms and parking that are easily monitored.
• Check for tree hazards: Avoid placing picnic tables under dead or damaged limbs.

By thoughtfully designing your picnic area with safety in mind, you can create an inviting and secure space for all to enjoy.

Choosing the Perfect Metal Picnic Tables for Safety & Functionality

With so many options, selecting the ideal metal picnic table may feel overwhelming. Assess your needs, usage, and goals. Here are some suggestions for different environments:

• Public parks: Look for designs made from puncture-proof, rust-resistant materials. Include ADA tables and secure installation.
• Schools: Choose lightweight metal table models that can be easily moved for events and rearranged annually. Durability to withstand student use is a must.
• Campgrounds: Seek out metal picnic tables with umbrella holes conveniently located near restroom facilities. Anchor them for stability.
• Restaurants: Match the style of current patio furniture and finishes. Seek out fire-resistant, easy-to-sanitize powder-coated tables.
• Pool areas: Pick corrosion-resistant commercial metal tables with drainage holes, such as thermoplastic tables, and anchor them securely. Avoid wood tables, which can grow mold, warp, and rot from exposure to water.

With the right selection, your picnic tables will provide safe enjoyment for decades. Invest in safety with quality commercial-grade metal picnic tables built to deliver secure outdoor experiences.

Ensure Safety with Picnic Furniture Metal Picnic Tables

For over 20 years, Picnic Furniture has provided commercial sites with safe, heavy-duty metal picnic tables designed to withstand intensive public use. Our powder-coated steel and aluminum picnic tables are made using quality materials to ensure durability, stability, and longevity. Choose from round or rectangular picnic tables, ADA-accessible designs, styles with or without umbrella holes, and attached or detached benches. Rounded edges, sturdy construction, durable finishes, and UV-resistant materials provide maximum protection. Shop now for quality picnic tables you and your guests can rely on.

Our hassle-free ordering, quick shipping, and competitive pricing make it easy to invest in safety. Contact our team today if you need help selecting the perfect metal picnic tables for your property.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the safest materials for commercial picnic tables?

Powder-coated metal and aluminum are two of the safest commercial picnic table materials thanks to their durability, stability, and puncture-proof, splinter-free construction. Thermoplastic and recycled plastic are also safe, low-maintenance alternatives.

How do I anchor metal picnic tables for safety?

Permanently installed metal picnic tables prevent tip-over hazards. Use poured-in-place surfacing, mounting kits, or table anchors. Anchors attach to the underside of the legs to keep tables secured in place. Just ensure it does not create tripping hazards.

What are the most stable picnic table designs?

Attached bench picnic tables provide the most stability and prevent detachable benches from becoming safety hazards if they are moved. Heavier table tops and thicker metal legs also add stability. ADA-accessible picnic tables with extended tops offer built-in stability from their wheelchair-accessible extended frames.