There is just something about picnic tables that often takes us back to memories of picnics or cook-outs with friends and family, for example. For so many, that simple wooden table brought about laughter, fun and many unforgettable moments. I cannot remember when my family purchased our first picnic table, but I do remember how excited my dad was when we did get it. He may have, actually, built the table himself or at least assembled it from a pre-packaged kit. Nonetheless, he was excited. I do know that I was a kid, and I remember our first picnic in the backyard. There was one ladybug crawling on the picnic table. It was just crawling and crawling, while I must have stared at it for what like forever. Interestingly, I was fascinated by this one ladybug and obviously enough that this ladybug remains a memory for me as part of my first picnic at our first picnic table though it may technically not be considered a picnic since it was in our backyard.

Lunch was extra special that day and must have been terrific. My mother had arranged bread and cold cut meats for sandwiches, as well as her famous homemade potato salad which still, to this day, makes my mouth water just thinking about it. Once everything was arranged on the picnic table, we dug right in. By the end of the meal, I had eaten so much that I do remember lying on the grass for seemingly hours to let the food digest. Similar to the ladybug earlier that day, I stared at the clouds for what seemed like hours yet I do not remember exactly what fascinated me so much or what I saw. But, it must have been interesting at the time because I stared up to the sky for hours.

I am no longer that kid, but now on my own and looking for my own picnic table to purchase. I have found, though, that looking at picnic tables from this end and trying to find one to buy is much more difficult than I anticipated. Any wooden picnic table may appear to be the same from a distance and have the same basic structure and make. However, you realize the difference once you sit down at one. If you get a bigger, more solid wooden picnic table you will be more satisfied with your purchase in the long run and, if it is reinforced with steel or concrete, the table will last much longer. Even a solid, steel enforced picnic table will not be enough without some protection to its surface, as exposure to certain elements can ruin even the best wooden picnic tables. Be sure to consider the tables comfort, durability and endurance against natural weather and environmental elements which could damage the wood.