What do you think of when you think of summer? Outside activities, barbecues, lemonade? When you've got friends and family gathered for a good time, don't make them sit on the hard ground. Grass itches and contains pesky bugs. Picnic tables bring everyone together and grandma will thank you for not having to bend so far. But did you know there are many different types of picnic tables? It's not all rectangular wooden affairs these days.

Some benches take on different, more elaborate shapes. Hexagonal picnic tables, for one, maximize space better so you can fit more people around them. In matters of space, some benches also come with detached benches so they can be moved around as needed, instead of bolted to the table. There are even some tables that fold up, so they are perfect for tossing in the back of the car for an impromptu picnic, and fit much more easily in a garage or shed for storage. If the weather is looking questionable, a sheltered table is just the thing to keep everyone dry. Usually seen with wooden picnic tables, they consist of slanted roofs about the size of and connected to the main table. More commonly seen than roofs though, are umbrellas. These are normally made from a nylon cover and attach through a hole in the center of the table.

In addition to shapes, picnic tables also come in a breadth of materials. As mentioned, wood is the classic choice. Some popular more durable varieties of wood seen are cedar, teak, and pine. They tend to withstand rotting and cracking better than other types of wood, and are especially effective when paired with rust-resistant metal hardware. Concrete is a material common to public parks and areas because it is almost indestructible and very hard to move. For the home, more consumers prefer lighter materials so picnic tables can be move around at will. Aluminum is a light but durable metal, although other types of metal will work so long as they are coated to deter rust from building. PVC vinyl is another option, and many folks like the look of tempered glass tabletops. But the most eco-friendly and perhaps best choice overall is recycled plastic. Recycled plastic is made using a polyethylene that is both strong and long-lasting. It saves trash from piling up for millennia in landfills, and a lot of tables have cool, modern designs.

Kid picnic tables deserve a mention all their own. They are some of the cutest furniture available for children today. Made from lightweight plastic that has rounded edges to protect from nicks and bumps, these tot tables come in bright cheerful colors. They're the ultimate accessory for tiny tea parties and pint-sized picnics. There are also specially designed tables for kids. One type is meant to be a gaming table, whereon classic board games like checkers and backgammon are painted on the tabletop. Another kind are graffiti ?proof, so no amount of doodling with crayons or paint will permanently stain them.

Picnic tables, in whatever shape or size, bring people together. What's more important is that they bring people together in comfort. Whether you're at the beach, in the park, or just in your own backyard, get ready to fire up the grill and take out the red-checkered cloth. Summer's on its way and life's a picnic.