When block parties, evening drinks on the patio, and family barbecues fill your calendar, you know summer is in full swing. So before things get crazy, now is the best time to prep your outdoor space so it can be put to good use in the coming months. Outdoor seating is a crucial element that makes or breaks a great outdoor entertaining space. Picnic tables are durable, practical and reasonable for any family that spends time outdoors. Consider a new picnic table to pull your backyard together this season. Before making a picnic table purchase, consider the following: Portability: How often do you plan to host outdoor dining? Would you prefer to have a table you can store during the winter? If you think your table will only get occasional use, consider purchasing a folding picnic table. We love the fun, colorful foldable picnic table found here. The lightweight steel legs and wood table top make for a practical, compact and extremely portable solution to outdoor dining. The table looks like a high-quality picnic table, but when you're finished, it gets folded up and placed in a storage closet until your next event! Choosing the Right Material: There are a few different materials used to make picnic tables. Depending on the amount of use, duration of exposure to the elements, and style preference, your needs will vary.

Metal: Steel or aluminum picnic tables require very little maintenance, and have an extremely long life. They are the most durable type of picnic table, and will stand up to extreme temperatures and intense sunlight. The table found here has ultra-durable steel legs and a faux wood tabletop made of plastic. We recommend a table similar to this if you're looking for a durable option with virtually no maintenance.

Wood: Picnic tables made of wood are the most classic option. There are endless options for wood tables: including cedar, pine, reclaimed wood and more. For a variety of options, check out Amazon's extensive offerings here . Reclaimed wood furniture is becoming increasingly popular for both indoor and outdoor decorating. For a stylish and affordable (and even custom) wood table, check out Urban Mining Company.

DIY option: If you're feeling handy, you can also build your own DIY picnic table. For tips and step-by-step instructions, check out Popular Mechanic's DIY " perfect picnic table" Or contact your local handyman to help assemble your perfect picnic table. Whichever picnic table you ultimately choose, you'll now feel comfortable hosting family and friends for any summer extravaganza! Mr. Handyman can maintain your home to save you money. One call really does take care of everything on your to-do list. All Mr. Handyman franchises are Fully Insured with General Liability and Workers Compensation. Some services are subject to state and local licensing and may not be available in all locations. Make sure to stay on top of all your household repairs, improvements and maintenance needs and request service in your area .