Picnic Table with Open Access: Comfort & Convenience in Douglas Wood
Imagine this: a sunny afternoon in the garden. The coffee is ready, the cake is on the table, and you step outside carrying a full tray. The only obstacle between you and that relaxing moment is often the garden table itself. With traditional picnic tables, getting in can sometimes feel like an acrobatic exercise. You have to lift your leg high, step over a beam and keep your balance at the same time. For children this can be fun, but for many adults, seniors or people with limited mobility, it is a source of frustration. That is precisely why a picnic table with open access is such a valuable addition to your garden or terrace.
At Bank en Tafel 2 in 1, we understand that comfort starts with accessibility. A picnic table should invite you to sit down, without any hassle. Whether you choose our unique 2 in 1 models or our robust fixed tables, we make sure you can take a seat with ease. In this text, we take you into the world of user-friendly garden furniture. We explain why Douglas wood is the best choice, what to look out for when purchasing, and how we do things differently from standard DIY and garden centres.
What makes a picnic table with open access so special?
The term really speaks for itself. A picnic table with open access is designed to remove the barrier between the user and the seating area. With classic A-frame models, there is often an obstructive cross beam at ankle or knee height that holds the construction together. This provides strength, but it also blocks access. Anyone wearing a skirt, with stiff joints, or simply carrying items in their hands will experience this as impractical.
The solution lies in smart design. With our models, we critically examine the balance between stability and ease of access. The ultimate example of a picnic table with easy access is our distinctive 2 in 1 model. This piece of furniture completely eliminates the access barrier. Because you approach the furniture in bench mode, just like a regular garden bench, there is nothing to step over. You simply sit down and then fold the tabletop upwards to create a table. It really doesn’t get any easier. Even with our fixed models, the positioning of the legs and the finishing of the wood ensure that access remains as open as possible, without compromising the robust quality we stand for.
Who benefits from easy access?
When you hear “easy access”, you might immediately think of seniors. And indeed, they are an important group. Older people want to be able to sit safely and independently in the garden without worrying about tripping over a high beam. But the benefits of a picnic table with open access extend far beyond this group alone.
Think, for example, of the hospitality industry. Do you have a terrace? Guests do not enjoy squeezing themselves over a bench in tight clothing. A table where people can sit down smoothly increases comfort and, as a result, customer satisfaction. For families with young children, it is also safer; there are fewer obstacles to trip over while playing around the table. In addition, the sheer convenience is pleasant for everyone. Quickly sitting down with a laptop, a plate of food or a cup of tea is simply more enjoyable when the table does not present unnecessary barriers.
The strength of Douglas wood: durability and character
Good access is worth little if the table starts to rot after two years. That is why we firmly believe in Douglas wood. This is not just any type of wood; it is one of the hardest European softwood species. Douglas naturally contains a high level of resin, which protects the wood against fungi and wood rot. As a result, an untreated Douglas picnic table can easily last 10 to 15 years. That is significantly longer than spruce wood, which often shows signs of weakness after just a few years.
As Douglas wood dries, it becomes harder. Initially, it has a warm, pinkish glow. Over time, under the influence of sun and rain, the wood will develop a beautiful silvery-grey patina. This natural process does not affect the quality; the strength remains intact. Would you prefer to retain the original colour? Then you can treat the table with a special oil or stain, but for the lifespan of Douglas wood this is not strictly necessary. This makes it a low-maintenance choice for people who would rather enjoy their garden than spend time on maintenance.
Our distinguishing feature: no screw holes in the tabletop
If you search online for a picnic table, you will often see tables where the screws are driven straight through the planks of the tabletop. This may seem like a minor detail, but it is actually a weak point in the design. Rainwater remains in these screw holes, penetrates deep into the wood and eventually causes rot. Exactly where you place your plates.
We do things differently in our own workshop. Our tables, including every picnic table with open access, are assembled without visible screw holes on the top of the tabletop. We screw from underneath. This has two major advantages. First, it looks much cleaner and more luxurious; you see beautiful wood, not metal. Second – and even more importantly – water cannot enter the construction through the tabletop. This significantly extends the lifespan of your table. It is a piece of traditional craftsmanship that you will rarely find in the mass production of large garden centres.
What should you look out for when purchasing?
Are you planning to buy a picnic table with open access? Then pay close attention to a number of technical specifications. Many suppliers offer very low prices, but cut corners on the thickness of the wood. A tabletop that is only 2 cm thick will warp after just one season. Our Douglas planks are robust and thick (often around 4.5 cm or even thicker for the heavy-duty models), ensuring a stable surface and a solid feel.
Also pay attention to the finishing. Are the corners sharp or neatly rounded? Sharp corners can hurt children’s legs or damage clothing. In our workshop, we sand and mill the edges so you won’t hurt yourself. And, as mentioned earlier: check the fixings. Do you see screw heads in the tabletop? Then be aware of the risk of wood rot. With our tables, you don’t have to worry about that.
Assembly: we do the work for you
One major frustration when ordering garden furniture online is receiving a construction kit. A lorry arrives and leaves a pallet of loose planks and a bag of screws on your driveway. You are then expected to figure it out yourself using an unclear instruction manual. Often, during assembly, you discover that the holes have not been properly pre-drilled or that the construction turns out to be unstable.
At Bank en Tafel 2 in 1, we believe in taking the hassle out of the process. That is why we deliver our picnic tables fully assembled. Whether it is a fixed picnic table with open access or a foldable model, the furniture is ready for use as soon as we deliver it to you. Our craftsmen assemble the table in the workshop and check it thoroughly for stability and strength. All you need to do is decide where it should be placed. That is what we call service. It also guarantees that the construction, which is crucial for safety and longevity, has been professionally assembled.
Is a picnic table with open access sturdy enough?
This is a frequently asked question. People sometimes worry that removing a cross beam (or choosing a foldable model) compromises stability. With cheaper models, this can indeed be an issue. If the wood is too thin or the joints are weak, the table will wobble.
However, thanks to the use of solid Douglas wood and a well-thought-out construction, our tables are extremely stable. The weight of the wood itself already provides a strong foundation. Our tables will not simply blow away during an autumn storm. The joints are expertly made in our workshop, ensuring that the table stands firm even without obstructive cross beams (or in the unfolded position of the 2 in 1 model). You can comfortably eat, drink or work at the table with four to six adults without any concern.
Applications: from back garden to company canteen
Our tables find their way to a wide variety of locations. Private customers often choose the 2 in 1 models to furnish their balcony or terrace flexibly. Schools and childcare centres appreciate our special children’s models and the robust quality that can withstand heavy use. For them, safety (no splinters, no sharp edges) is essential.
Businesses also regularly choose our tables. A picnic table with easy access is ideal for a company canteen or outdoor break area. Employees can quickly sit outside during their break without any hassle. For hospitality businesses, open access offers the advantage of making the terrace accessible to a broader audience, including elderly people and those with disabilities. Because we produce everything in-house, we are also happy to think along with you regarding specific wishes, larger quantities or custom dimensions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why does a Douglas wood picnic table last so long?
Douglas wood naturally contains a high amount of resin, which causes the wood to ‘harden’ as it ages. This makes it highly resistant to moisture and fungi, even without chemical treatment. It is one of the most durable European softwood species.
What is the delivery time for such a picnic table?
Because we manage production ourselves, we can work efficiently. The delivery time is approximately two weeks, but this may depend on the size of your order. We always communicate this clearly and in a customer-focused manner. In many cases, we can respond quickly. Feel free to contact us for the current planning.
What should I look out for when choosing a picnic table with open access?
Pay attention to the access space (is there an obstructive beam?), the thickness of the wood (at least 4 cm for stability), and the assembly method (do you receive a construction kit or a ready-to-use piece of furniture). Also check for screw holes in the tabletop; ideally, you want to avoid these.
Choose quality and convenience with Bank en Tafel 2 in 1
A picnic table is more than just a stack of planks; it is a place where memories are made. It is where you enjoy breakfast with your family in the summer, where you share drinks with friends until the sun goes down, and where children sit and colour their drawings. It would be a shame if that experience were spoiled by a wobbly construction or an awkward entry.
At Bank en Tafel 2 in 1, we combine the charm of traditional craftsmanship with smart solutions for modern comfort. Whether you are drawn to the versatility of the 2 in 1 bench or the robust appearance of our fixed Douglas tables, you are always choosing quality. No mass production, but an honest product from our own workshop, carefully assembled and delivered to your home. Curious which model best suits your garden? Or do you have specific questions about dimensions? View our full range online or contact us by phone on +31 6 15356527 or by email at info@bankentafel2in1.nl. We are happy to help you find the perfect picnic table that you can enjoy for many years to come.
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