How Much Does It Cost to Build a Picnic Table?
When planning for a picnic table, one of the first questions you’re likely to ask is: How much does it cost? The answer depends on whether you choose to buy a ready-made table or build your own. While commercial picnic tables offer convenience, they often come with a hefty price tag. On the other hand, building your own table with a picnic table frame kit can save you hundreds of dollars without compromising on quality or durability.
The Cost of Commercial Picnic Tables
Commercial picnic tables, whether made of metal or wood, are often priced at a premium. Here’s why:
Metal Picnic Tables:
Metal picnic tables, especially those designed for parks or heavy-duty use, can easily cost upwards of $1,000 to $2,000 or more. These prices reflect the durability and weather resistance of materials like powder-coated steel or aluminum. However, the shipping costs for such bulky items can be astronomical, adding hundreds of dollars to the final bill.Wood Picnic Tables:
Wooden picnic tables are generally less expensive than metal ones, but they can still cost several hundred dollars—anywhere from $300 to $1,000, depending on the size, wood type, and quality. Like metal tables, shipping costs for fully assembled wooden tables can significantly increase the overall expense.
The Affordable Alternative: Picnic Table Frame Kits
For those who want a sturdy, cost-effective solution, a picnic table frame kit is the way to go. These kits provide the metal frame and hardware for the table, leaving you to source the wooden planks locally for the tabletop and benches.
Take, for example, the Standard Duty Picnic Table Frame from Outdoorsiness. Priced affordably, this bolted steel frame kit is perfect for building a durable and functional table. For even greater strength, the Heavy-Duty Picnic Table Frame offers a welded galvanized steel option that rivals the durability of commercial-grade tables.
Advantages of a Picnic Table Frame Kit
Sturdy and Economical:
Picnic table frame kits are designed for long-term durability, making them an excellent investment. The galvanized steel frames, like the Heavy-Duty Picnic Table Frame, are resistant to rust and corrosion, ensuring they stand up to the toughest outdoor conditions without the hefty price tag of pre-assembled commercial tables.Commercial-Grade Durability:
These frame kits aren’t just for residential use—they’re tough enough for commercial applications. In fact, the National Park Service and many city and state parks use picnic table frame kits because of their proven strength and ability to withstand constant use in rugged environments.Significant Cost Savings:
With a frame kit, you pay only for the frame and hardware. You can purchase the wood for the table locally, which saves on shipping costs and allows you to choose the quality and type of wood that fits your budget and aesthetic.Customization Options:
Building your own table allows for greater customization. You can select the length (typically 6 or 8 feet), wood type, and finish to match your specific needs and style preferences. Both the Standard Duty Frame and Heavy-Duty Frame accommodate these customizations easily.Lower Shipping Costs:
Shipping a frame kit is much cheaper than shipping a fully assembled picnic table or even a large table kit with wood included. This can save you hundreds of dollars, especially if you live far from a manufacturing facility.Easy Assembly:
These kits are designed for straightforward assembly, even for those with minimal DIY experience. With pre-welded components and included hardware, all you need are basic tools to build your table.
Why Choose Frame Kits for Public Spaces?
The use of picnic table frame kits by national parks, city parks, and state parks underscores their reliability and cost-effectiveness. These frames are built to endure constant exposure to the elements and high levels of use while maintaining their rugged yet aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Whether you choose the versatile Standard Duty Frame or the ultra-durable Heavy-Duty Frame, you’re investing in a solution that blends strength, functionality, and affordability.
Building your own picnic table with a frame kit is not only cost-effective but also allows for a personalized touch that meets your unique needs.
