Commercial Picnic Table Buying Guide Australia: 8 Questions Before You Order

Buying picnic tables for a commercial site in Australia is different from buying for a home. You're committing to furniture that will serve hundreds or thousands of users, face liability scrutiny, require maintenance budgeting, and potentially need procurement documentation. This guide covers the 8 questions every commercial buyer should answer before placing an order.

1. What Timber Species Is Right for Your Site?

Species selection is the most consequential decision in a commercial picnic table order. It determines durability, appearance, maintenance requirements and price.

• Ironbark: Durability Class 1, maximum density (14 kN Janka). Best for coastal, high-traffic, fully exposed sites. Dark grain, architectural aesthetic.
• Spotted Gum: Durability Class 1, premium honey-to-chocolate tones. Best for parks, hospitality, schools and premium commercial settings.
• Merbau: Durability Class 1, naturally oily. Best for tropical climates (QLD, NT, tropical WA) and moisture-heavy environments.

All three species last 25–40 years in above-ground applications with annual oiling. Treated pine is not recommended for permanent commercial installations, see our hardwood vs treated pine comparison.

2. How Many Accessible Tables Do You Need?

For any site with public access obligations, DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) requirements mean a proportion of outdoor seating must be accessible to wheelchair users. Our accessible picnic tables feature end-entry wheelchair clearance and adjusted heights consistent with AS 1428.1.

General guidelines for accessible table ratios:

• Public parks and reserves: 1 accessible table per 5–8 standard tables
• Schools (NDIS obligations): 1 in 4–5 tables accessible
• Aged care: mix of accessible and standard per occupational therapist recommendation
• Venues and hospitality: minimum 1 accessible table per accessible outdoor seating area

3. What Size Tables Does Your Site Need?

Standard configurations for commercial sites:

• 1.8m / 6-seater: standard for most parks, schools, courts, hospitality areas
• 2.4m / 8-seater: communal areas, event lawns, large outdoor dining zones
• Custom length: Auscraft builds to order; specify length at quoting stage if your site requires non-standard sizing

Most commercial sites use a mix of 6-seater and 8-seater tables. Narrow sites (between paths or under pergolas) may require custom widths. Site layout photos at quoting stage help us advise on configuration.

4. What Custom Options Do You Need?

Because Auscraft builds to order, most commercial customisations are available at quoting stage:

• Timber stain: natural raw, clear oil, white wash, charcoal, dark walnut, custom match
• Leg colour: timber match or painted (white, black, charcoal, RAL custom)
• Umbrella hole: 50mm standard; specify diameter if different required
• Table length: custom lengths available (specify in mm)
• Accessible configuration: end-entry seat removal, adjusted heights
• Logo or branding: engraving or plate attachment available on request

5. What Is Your Lead Time?

Ready to order? Request a free quote from our West Gosford NSW workshop, we respond within one business day.

Plan orders against installation deadlines. Key timelines:

Order Size	Standard Lead Time	Peak Season (Oct–Jan)
1–4 tables	2–3 weeks	3–4 weeks
5–14 tables	3–5 weeks	4–7 weeks
15–30 tables	5–7 weeks	7–10 weeks
30+ tables	7–12 weeks	10–14 weeks

For time-critical projects (park openings, school term starts, event deadlines), order as early as possible and confirm lead time feasibility at quoting stage.

6. Do You Need Procurement Documentation?

Commercial buyers, councils, government agencies, schools, large venues and corporations, typically require formal documentation. Auscraft provides:

• Formal written quote on company letterhead
• Itemised product specifications (dimensions, materials, species, treatment, weight)
• ABN and business registration documentation
• UNSPSC product code: 56101700 (Outdoor furniture)
• Structural warranty documentation
• Tax invoice on order confirmation

For government and institutional buyers, we can work with procurement portals and purchase order systems. See our specifications page for full technical data.

7. How Will the Tables Be Delivered?

All freight to your delivery address is included in the quote. For commercial orders:

• Freight is calculated per cubic metre by destination
• Tail-lift delivery available for sites without loading dock access
• Multi-site delivery (chain operators, school districts, council multi-park) available, priced per delivery point
• Regional and remote delivery available (NT, WA interior, FNQ), included in quote

8. What's Your Maintenance Plan?

Ready to order? Request a free quote from our West Gosford NSW workshop, we respond within one business day.

Hardwood picnic tables require minimal but consistent maintenance:

• Annual oiling (penetrating hardwood oil, ~30 min per table), Feast Watson, Intergrain or equivalent
• Bolt tightness check every 3–5 years (~10 min per table)
• Surface inspection annually, check for any surface checking or cracking

For councils and facility managers maintaining large numbers of tables, scheduling annual oiling across all sites in autumn (March–May) is the most practical approach before summer heat and UV exposure.

See also: Commercial Bulk Orders | Wholesale Pricing | Technical Specifications | Accessible Tables

Still comparing suppliers before you order? See our guide to choosing a commercial picnic table supplier, covering the questions to ask about timber grade, warranty terms and manufacturing before you commit.

Frequently Asked Questions, Commercial Buyers

What should I specify when requesting a commercial picnic table quote?

For a commercial picnic table quote, include: quantity and mix of models (standard, heavy duty, accessible), timber species preference if known (Ironbark, Spotted Gum, or Merbau), delivery site address (for freight calculation), any custom requirements (stain colour, umbrella holes, custom dimensions), required delivery date or lead time constraint, and whether you need formal procurement documentation. The more detail you provide, the faster and more accurate the quote we can produce.

Can I order a mix of accessible and standard picnic tables in one commercial order?

Yes. Most commercial orders include a mix of accessible and standard tables. Pricing is quoted per model. There is no requirement for a single model across an order. Accessible tables typically cost more than standard tables due to the modified configuration. Specify the proportion of accessible tables required when requesting your quote and we will include accurate pricing for each model in your order.

Do commercial picnic table orders qualify for volume discounts?

Commercial pricing applies from 5 tables, with volume pricing from 15 tables and wholesale/contract pricing for orders of 30 or more. Exact pricing depends on species, model mix and delivery address. Auscraft provides itemised formal quotes, contact us with your quantity and requirements for accurate commercial pricing. There is no minimum order and no formal wholesale program; all commercial orders are quoted and priced individually.