Recycled Plastic Picnic Tables: Celebrate in Style
Those of us who appreciate nature and also spending time in the great outdoors know that some of the best times can happen around a picnic table. But we also know about the dangers and risks facing nature—including pollution—and the importance of recycling.
For that reason, we certainly don’t want our picnic tables to contribute to the 380 million tons of plastic waste created each year. Fortunately, you can have a stylish, durable picnic table made completely out of recycled plastic.
What are Recycled Plastic Picnic Tables?
Most of us have enjoyed a meal or snack outside on a picnic table, but you may not have pondered the table’s source material. Recycled plastic picnic tables are created from plastic materials previously used for other purposes; some good samaritans decided to be helpful and recycle items to give them a new life.
Only a few types of plastics can be recycled. While industry leaders are constantly finding new ways to repurpose recycled materials, one that is gaining steam is using post-consumer plastics for outdoor furniture. In addition to being environmentally friendly, picnic tables made from recycled plastic are durable and relatively easy to maintain.
Our Picks
All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the author and DGHQ editors. However, Do Good HQ may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.
1. Wildridge 72-in Recycled Plastic Rectangle Picnic Table
| Materials | Recycled all-weather polyethylene (plastic) |
| Dimensions | 59.5” x 72” x 30” |
| Price at Publishing | $1,370.00 |
Lowe’s, a trusted hardware and also home improvement retailer, has an impressive picnic table made from recycled polyethylene. Each bench is six feet, leaving plenty of room for friends and family during a get-together.
Highlights
Although it’s made from poly lumber, the table boasts a natural wood-like appearance for a nice outdoor aesthetic. Maintenance is super easy as well as simple, as the material is largely impervious to the elements. The product is made in the U.S. by Wildridge, a leader in outdoor poly furniture.
Things to Consider
Lowe’s provides a 20-year limited warranty for residential use of this picnic table. The commercial warranty is five years. You can finance it by paying just over $85 per month for 18 months if you need to spread out payments. Partial assembly is required.
2. ULINE Recycled Plastic Steel Frame Picnic Table
| Certifications | Not listed |
| Materials | UV-protected recycled plastic planks, galvanized steel frame |
| Dimensions | $1,225.00 |
| Price at Publishing | 72” x 60” x 29” |
Do you want a classic recycled plastic picnic table that looks like it’s real wood? This might just be the table you’re looking for. Hot-dipped galvanized steel makes up the sturdy frame, while the benches and tabletop consist of recycled plastic.
Highlights
The table’s plastic surfaces are UV-protected, meaning the color will not noticeably fade for many years. As with many plastic picnic tables, it won’t crack or splinter no matter what Mother Nature throws at it. Also, the total weight capacity is 2,400 pounds.
Things to Consider
You will have to partially assemble this Uline product. All hardware comes included; as long as you have a 9/16” socket and wrench, you won’t have trouble putting this together.
3. POLYWOOD® Park Picnic Table in Slate Grey
| Certifications | Not listed |
| Materials | POLYWOOD lumber (proprietary blend of recycled plastics) |
| Dimensions | 70” x 65” x 29.25” |
| Price at Publishing | $1,659.00 |
POLYWOOD is a brand with a total commitment to sustainable outdoor furniture. Also, this slate grey recycled park picnic table is a gorgeous example of this American company’s product line.
Highlights
It comes with a pre-drilled hole for umbrella installation so you can have some shade during the dog days of summer. It’s also portable, so two people can easily move it across the backyard if a game of touch football breaks out.
Things to Consider
Because this recycled plastic picnic table is portable, its weight capacity is less than that of some other similar products. Nevertheless, the material withstands the elements and also will not rot, crack, or peel. The company offers a 20-year residential warranty and also a three-year commercial warranty.
4. TreeTop Products Traditional Recycled Plastic Picnic Tables
| Materials | Recycled plastic, stainless steel |
| Dimensions | 6 ft. or 8 ft. length benches available |
| Price at Publishing | Starts at $1338.85 |
This recycled picnic table from TreeTop Products is an elegant-looking piece of furniture with minimal stainless steel hardware—the frame, benches, and also tabletop consist of post-consumer plastic. Consumers have six colors to choose from, including the oh-so-appropriate evergreen.
Highlights
With the option to purchase eight-foot benches, you can squeeze in an extra person or two. You won’t have to worry about rotting, cracking, or splintering. Also, buyers get a 50-year guarantee against breakage.
Things to Consider
Shipping the eight-foot benches can present a logistical challenge, as they arrive on oversized pallets. This might require extra communication with the seller and also delivery company.
5. Belson Outdoors Recycled Plastic Hexagon Picnic Table
| Materials | 100% recycled plastic |
| Dimensions | 40” x ”46-3/6” table top |
| Price at Publishing | $1,251.00 |
This recycled plastic hexagon picnic table from Belson provides a unique layout that ensures that nobody feels left out of the table discussions and no one misses out on the prime spot during card games. Also, it comes with a pre-drilled, two-inch umbrella hole. Buyers have three frame color options and seven seat/tabletop color options.
Highlights
There might be only one thing annoying about rectangular picnic tables, and that is the requirement to step over the bench in order to sit down. This table’s frame bisects each frame so that users can just slide onto the bench for easy access. Also, the recycled plastic material is weather-resistant and requires little maintenance.
Things to Consider
Belson’s website does not list a warranty or guarantee for this product. Also, the company does offer a universal access hexagonal table that can easily accommodate a wheelchair user.
How to Choose a Recycled Plastic Picnic Table
Before purchasing your sustainable outdoor furniture, it’s worth determining the important factors. After all, many recycled plastic picnic tables are not on the cheaper end of the spectrum. Do you want a table that:
- Blends into nature or stands out with an interesting color?
- Is it easily portable?
- Seats as many people as possible within your available space?
- Comes with a warranty or guarantee from the seller?
No matter what table you choose, we feel that you simply can’t go wrong with sustainable ones responsibly made from recycled plastic.
Featured image via Wildridge at Lowe’s
