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Choosing a children's picnic table: height, shape, safety

The Wood Guide · Choosing & buying

Buying guide · children's picnic tables

Choosing a children's picnic table

A table where a pre-schooler's feet touch the ground is a table they will actually stay seated at. So seat height is the first choice — the rest follows naturally.

  • Seat height 28–30 cm
  • Straight, round or square
  • Home, nursery and school
child-sized
Summary

A children's table is not a small adult table

At an ordinary picnic table a pre-schooler's legs dangle in the air and the tabletop is at chin height. At a child-sized table they sit firmly, with their feet on the ground.

Our children's picnic tables have a seat height of about 28 to 30 cm. That is the size for toddlers and pre-schoolers. At around six, children gradually grow out of them; a little older, and they sit comfortably at an ordinary picnic table — with a cushion if needed.

Beyond that, you choose the shape (straight, round or square), the number of children, and whether you want treated or natural wood.

Why child-sized works better

Children who sit firmly stay seated: when drawing, at snack time, during a game. And a low, wide table does not tip over when three children climb onto one side at once.

Seat height
± 28–30 cm
Age
toddlers and pre-schoolers, up to ± 6 years
Straight 140 cm
6 children · 140 × 90 cm
Round
120 × 120 cm · rounded corners
Square
125 × 125 cm
Smallest
Björn · 90 cm

To be fair: in your child's eyes a children's table only lasts a few years — they grow out of it. At a school or nursery it's different: there, a new group sits at the same table every year.

Choice 1

Age and seat height

Age Table Why
Toddlers Björn 90 cm, or a round or square pre-school table Small, light to move, needs little space
Pre-schoolers Round 120 cm, square 125 cm or straight 140 cm Seat height ± 28–30 cm, feet on the ground
From ± 6 years An ordinary picnic table They have outgrown child size
Tip for families with children of different ages

Put a children's table next to an ordinary picnic table instead of one big table. The youngest then have their own place at their own height, and the older children simply join the adults.

Choice 2

Straight, round or square

Straight — 140 cm

The classic shape, for six children: three per bench. Tabletop 140 × 90 cm, table height 50 cm, seat height 28 cm. Fits along a hedge or on a narrow patio.

Round — Jimmy 120 cm

No corners to bump into, and everyone can see everyone. Seat height 30 cm, 28 mm boards, rounded edges. Ideal for a pre-school group around one table.

Square — 125 cm

Compact and seats children all the way round: the table for a small group doing crafts or eating together. For the youngest and for nurseries.

The smallest — Björn 90 cm

For a couple of toddlers, or as their own corner next to the big table. Light enough to move around the garden yourself.

Choice 3

Treated or natural

Treated (pressure-treated)

Spruce that has been pressure-treated against wood rot and fungi, just like our ordinary picnic tables. It can stay outdoors all year, with no required maintenance. More about the process: what is pressure-treated wood.

Natural (untreated)

For those who prefer untreated wood for a children's table. That's possible, but expect more care: put it under a canopy, or oil it regularly, because untreated spruce weathers faster outdoors. How to oil: caring for wooden garden furniture.

Safety

What to look out for

  1. Feel the edges after assemblyRun your hand over the places where children sit and grab. Where it feels rough, sand it lightly.
  2. Retighten the boltsA month after delivery and then every spring. A table that starts to wobble doesn't need a new part, just a spanner.
  3. Level, firm groundA children's table on a slope or in a sandpit sinks on one side. A few tiles under the legs help.
  4. Lengthwise cracks are normalWood moves with the weather. A fine crack along the length of a board does not weaken the table; a splinter you sand away. When it is something: cracking and warping.
For groups

Schools, nurseries and playgrounds

In sixes

For classes and playgrounds the children's tables also come as a 6-pack. That way a whole class is seated at once.

Heavy use

In a playground, children climb on benches and sit on tables. Choose treated wood there, so no annual maintenance is needed.

Delivery

For larger quantities we deliver with our own transport. Let us know the number, the age group and any required delivery date via contact.

Quick answer

Frequently asked questions about children's picnic tables

What age is a children's picnic table for?

Our children's picnic tables have a seat height of about 28 to 30 cm. That suits toddlers and pre-schoolers up to about six years old. Older children sit comfortably at an ordinary picnic table.

How many children fit at a children's picnic table?

Six children sit at the straight 140 cm children's picnic table. The smaller 90 cm Björn is for a couple of toddlers; the round and square pre-school models are meant for a small group around one table.

Is a pressure-treated children's picnic table safe?

Pressure-treated wood is used for play equipment and garden furniture. If you prefer untreated wood, choose a natural version; it does need more maintenance to last outdoors.

Can a children's picnic table stay outside?

The treated versions can, all year round. A natural table is better placed under a canopy or oiled regularly, so the wood doesn't weather too quickly.

More in The Wood Guide

A place of their own at the table

Child-sized, sturdy, and ready for years of afternoon snacks.

Children's picnic tables Buying a picnic table To The Wood Guide

For a school or nursery? Let us know which age group, and we'll help you choose.

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