Choosing the right picnic table is about more than just appearance. Your decision should take into account durability, maintenance, budget, climate, and how you plan to use the table. Two of the most popular materials for outdoor picnic tables are polyresin and cedar. Each offers unique advantages, and the best option depends on your priorities.

Polyresin Picnic Tables

Polyresin picnic tables have become increasingly popular because of their exceptional durability and virtually maintenance-free ownership. Manufactured from high-quality recycled plastics, polyresin is designed to withstand years of exposure to the elements without deteriorating.

Advantages of Polyresin

Minimal Maintenance

One of the biggest advantages of polyresin is how little maintenance it requires. Unlike wood, there is no need to sand, stain, seal, or paint the table. Most dirt, pollen, and bird droppings can be cleaned with mild soap and water.

Outstanding Weather Resistance

Polyresin performs extremely well in rain, snow, humidity, and intense sunlight. It can remain outdoors year-round without concerns about rot, insect damage, or moisture absorption.

Long Lifespan

Although polyresin tables typically cost more upfront, they often last decades with very little maintenance expense. For many homeowners, the longer lifespan offsets the higher initial investment.

Fade Resistant

High-quality polyresin contains UV inhibitors that help resist fading. The color is consistent throughout the material, so scratches are less noticeable than painted surfaces.

Considerations

Higher Initial Cost

The biggest drawback is price. Polyresin picnic tables generally cost significantly more than comparable cedar models.

Heavy Weight

Polyresin is substantially heavier than cedar. While this makes the table extremely stable during windy conditions, it also makes moving or rearranging the furniture more difficult.

Heat Issues

Polyresin is a very dense material, so darker colors absorb and retain more heat from the sun than lighter colors. As a result, dark-colored polyresin tables can become quite warm and stay hot longer after being exposed to direct sunlight.

If your table will be located in a sunny area and you plan to use it during the hottest parts of the day, we recommend choosing a lighter polyresin color, which will stay noticeably cooler. If minimizing heat buildup is a top priority, the cedar option may be better, as natural wood generally remains cooler to the touch than dark-colored polyresin in direct sunlight.

Cedar Picnic Tables

Cedar Picnic Tables

Cedar has been a favorite outdoor furniture material for generations. Its natural beauty, warm appearance, and traditional craftsmanship make it difficult to duplicate with synthetic materials.

Advantages of Cedar

Natural Beauty

No manufactured material truly matches the rich grain patterns and warmth of real cedar. Every table has its own unique character, making cedar an excellent choice for rustic landscapes, cabins, parks, and backyard gathering spaces.

Lower Purchase Price

Cedar picnic tables are generally more affordable than polyresin models, making them an attractive option for homeowners looking to maximize value.

Lighter Weight

Although cedar picnic tables are still substantial pieces of furniture, they are noticeably easier to move than comparable polyresin tables.

Naturally Resistant to Decay

Cedar naturally contains oils that help resist insects, moisture, and decay better than many other wood species. While it still benefits from maintenance, cedar is one of the most durable woods available for outdoor furniture.

Considerations

Regular Maintenance Required

To keep cedar looking its best, periodic maintenance is recommended. Applying a quality exterior wood sealer or stain every few years helps protect the wood from moisture, UV rays, and weathering.

Color Changes Over Time

Without maintenance, cedar naturally ages into an attractive silver-gray patina. Many homeowners enjoy this weathered appearance, while others prefer to maintain the original warm cedar color through regular staining.

Weather Exposure

While cedar handles outdoor conditions well, harsh winters and prolonged moisture can shorten its lifespan if the table is left untreated. Covering the table during severe weather or storing it, when possible, can extend its life.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Polyresin	Cedar
Maintenance	Virtually none	Regular staining or sealing recommended
Cleaning	Soap and water	Soap and water plus occasional maintenance
Weather Resistance	Excellent	Good with proper care
Fade Resistance	Excellent	Will naturally weather over time
Lifespan	Very long	Moderate to long with maintenance
Initial Cost	Higher	Lower
Weight	Very heavy	Easier to move
Appearance	Modern, consistent color	Natural wood grain and rustic charm
Winter Performance	Can remain outside year-round	Best protected during harsh winters

Which One Fits You?

Go with polyresin if you:

• Want furniture you can basically ignore once it's set up
• Plan to leave it outside all year
• Value long-term durability over a lower sticker price
• Won't be moving it around much

Go with cedar if you:

• Love the look and feel of real wood
• Want a lower upfront cost
• Don't mind a little periodic upkeep
• Want something easier to move around

Other Things to consider

Which table type is better for small children?

For most families with young children, a polyresin picnic table is often the best choice. Polyresin won't splinter, requires virtually no maintenance, and is easy to clean, giving you more time to enjoy your outdoor space instead of maintaining it.

If you prefer the natural beauty of a cedar picnic table, it's an excellent option as well. Just keep in mind that, like any natural wood product, cedar can occasionally develop splinters over time. The edges of the tabletop and benches are the areas most likely to experience wear, so inspecting them periodically and lightly sanding any rough spots will help keep the table safe and comfortable for everyone.

Which Picnic Table Is Best for Coastal or Snowy Climates?

If you live in a coastal or snowy climate, a polyresin picnic table is generally the better choice. These environments expose outdoor furniture to harsh conditions, including salt air, high humidity, frequent moisture, snow, ice, and repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Over time, these conditions can be tough on natural wood.

While cedar is naturally resistant to insects and decay, it still absorbs and releases moisture. As the wood repeatedly gets wet and then dries, it expands and contracts, which can eventually lead to warping, checking, cracking, and a shorter lifespan if the table isn't regularly maintained.

Polyresin, on the other hand, is not affected by moisture, salt air, snow, or freezing temperatures. It won't rot, warp, crack, or splinter, making it an excellent choice for year-round outdoor use. It can be left outside through the winter with little more than occasional cleaning, and it requires no staining, sealing, or painting.

If your home is near the ocean, in the mountains, or in an area that experiences long winters and heavy snowfall, a polyresin picnic table will typically provide the longest lifespan with the least amount of maintenance. While cedar offers the unmatched warmth and beauty of natural wood, it requires regular care to withstand the challenges of coastal and snowy climates.

Customers often ask.....

Is polyresin made from recycled plastic?

Yes, most polyresin picnic tables start out as recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE), the same plastic from things like milk jugs and detergent bottles. Manufacturers clean that material and blend it with UV inhibitors and color pigments to turn it into a durable outdoor material that won't rot, splinter, or ever need paint. Recycled content varies by manufacturer, so if sustainability matters to you, ask what percentage you're actually getting. A highly trusted US manufacturer of polyresin lumber is Tangent Materials.

Which picnic table is easier to clean?

Polyresin picnic tables are easier to clean than cedar. Soap, water, and a rag handle most dirt, pollen, spilled food, and bird droppings in a few minutes. Cedar cleans up fine too, but every few years it'll want a light sanding or refinishing to knock out stains and bring the color back. If low maintenance is what you're after, polyresin is the better bet.

Which material is better for snowy climates?

Polyresin picnic tables hold up better than cedar in snowy climates. They don't soak up moisture, so the freeze then thaw cycle that damages other materials just don't touch them. Cedar resists decay and bugs on its own merit, but months of snow and repeated freezing can dull its finish if you're not staying on top of sealing it. If your table lives outside all winter in a snowy climate, polyresin is the one you won't have to think about.

Will cedar picnic tables attract insects?

No. Cedar's natural oils repel many insects, which is why it's one of the most insect-resistant woods used for outdoor furniture. Nothing is completely bug proof. But cedar is far less appealing to termites and other wood eating pests than untreated pine or other softwoods. Keep it clean and sealed and you'll stretch that natural resistance even further.

Can polyresin picnic tables be left outside all year?

Yes. A well made polyresin picnic table is built to stay outside through every season without complaint. It shrugs off moisture, UV rays, bugs, and temperature swings. It won't rot, rust, or splinter no matter how long it sits out. Throwing a cover on it during a nasty storm just keeps it cleaner, but that's about upkeep, not weather resistance. The table itself is already built for year round exposure.

Are cedar picnic tables worth the extra maintenance?

Yes, for buyers who value real wood — a cedar picnic table gives you a warmth and character that no synthetic material can really replicate. It does need occasional cleaning and refinishing to keep its original color from graying out, but most people who choose cedar are knowingly choosing to care for their table over time. They want real wood grain and natural beauty. If that's you, cedar is money well spent.

Which picnic table offers the best long-term value?

It depends on what you mean by value: a polyresin picnic table usually costs more upfront but needs almost nothing from you afterward. We like to call it a "buy once/cry once" purchase. So the math tends to favor it over the years. Cedar tends to cost less at checkout and gives you that timeless natural look, but factor in occasional sealing or staining. If low upkeep matters most, polyresin wins. If you want real wood and don't mind occasional upkeep, cedar earns its keep just as well.

What is the difference between polyresin and plastic picnic tables?

The big difference between polyresin and plastic picnic tables is the material itself. Cheap plastic picnic tables are usually molded polypropylene or something similarly lightweight. They get brittle and fade fast which makes their lifespan considerably shorter. Polyresin picnic tables are made from high-density polyethylene, HDPE, a heavier and tougher material built specifically to live outdoors long term. A well made polyresin table resists cracking, fading, moisture, and UV damage in a way that standard plastic furniture is not manufacturered to do.

Do cedar and polyresin picnic tables have the same weight capacity?

Not necessarily. Weight capacity has more to do with how a table is built than what it's built from. A commercial grade polyresin table with a reinforced aluminum frame can carry a serious crowd, and a well-built cedar table is plenty strong and stable in its own right. Neither material wins that fight outright, so check the manufacturer's specs for the specific model before you assume.

Bottom Line

Both polyresin and cedar picnic tables provide years of outdoor enjoyment, but they appeal to different types of buyers. Polyresin excels in durability, low maintenance, and weather resistance, making it ideal for homeowners seeking a "set it and forget it" solution. Cedar, on the other hand, offers timeless natural beauty and a more affordable entry price, rewarding owners who are willing to invest a little time in maintenance.

Ultimately, the best picnic table is the one that fits your lifestyle. If convenience and longevity are your top priorities, polyresin is hard to beat. If you appreciate the warmth and craftsmanship of real wood, a cedar picnic table remains one of the most attractive choices available.

 

About the Author

Holly Eddins | Owner of Outdoor Furniture Plus

Holly Eddins has spent her career helping customers and businesses find quality products they can trust. Her journey in the home industry began as a home décor and accessories factory representative, where she developed a passion for understanding products, building relationships, and providing knowledgeable support.

In 2004, Holly founded her first online business bringing her years of industry experience into the emerging world of e-commerce. That experience reinforced something she still believes today: even when customers shop online, they want to know there are real people behind the business who care about helping them make the right decision.

In 2011, Holly and her family expanded into outdoor living by acquiring a group of websites focused on outdoor furniture, garden accessories, and related products. Over time, Outdoor Furniture Plus became the focus as her experience and passion naturally aligned with helping customers create comfortable, beautiful outdoor spaces.

Today, Holly leads the Outdoor Furniture Plus team while remaining personally involved in customer conversations, product research, website development, marketing, and the ongoing relationships with the manufacturers the company represents.

Her approach is simple: provide customers with the information they need to make confident decisions. From detailed product specifications and assembly resources to buying guides and firsthand product knowledge, Holly believes that a well-informed customer is a happy customer.

When she isn't helping customers create outdoor spaces across the country, Holly enjoys spending time outdoors and continuing to learn from the very products and brands that Outdoor Furniture Plus proudly represents.

Note:  Above image courtesy of the University of Tennessee at Knoxville when Eddins Marketing Group, LLC (Outdoor Furniture Plus' parent company) was awarded a Rocky Top Business award as the third fastest growing alumni led company in 2023.