Accessible Picnic Tables Australia | Wheelchair Friendly
Auscraft builds wheelchair accessible picnic tables to order from our West Gosford, NSW workshop. Our accessible tables use an open-end configuration that allows wheelchair users to pull directly up to the table end, providing comfortable seating alongside standard bench users without requiring a separate table. All accessible tables are built from Class 1 Australian hardwood and delivered across Australia.
What Makes a Picnic Table Accessible?
A standard A-frame picnic table has fixed bench seats along both sides and at both ends, which makes it impossible for wheelchair users to sit at the table surface. An accessible picnic table addresses this by removing one or both end bench sections, creating an open end where a wheelchair can approach the table directly.
Key features of Auscraft accessible picnic tables:
- Open-end design — one or both ends open to accommodate wheelchairs and mobility devices
- Standard table height — 720mm, consistent with AS 1428.1 guidelines for accessible furniture
- Clear knee clearance — minimum 700mm clear height under the table top, minimum 800mm clear width at each open end
- Surface reach range — table width of 750-800mm keeps the table surface within the 600mm reach range from a wheelchair
- No protruding legs — frame design does not obstruct wheelchair approach or footrests
Australian Standards and Compliance
Accessible outdoor furniture in Australia is guided by AS 1428.1 — Design for Access and Mobility and the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA). For public installations — parks, council facilities, schools, hospitals and commercial venues open to the public — accessible seating is not optional. It is a legal requirement in most contexts.
Auscraft's accessible picnic table configurations are designed to meet AS 1428.1 requirements for:
- Minimum knee clearance height (700mm)
- Minimum clear width at approach (900mm between all obstacles)
- Table surface height range (720-865mm)
- Forward reach distance (table width within 600mm of seated wheelchair user)
For council tender submissions or school compliance documentation, contact us and we can provide dimensional drawings confirming AS 1428.1 compliance for your specific configuration.
Timber Species
Accessible picnic tables are available in all Auscraft hardwood species. For public and council installations, we recommend Spotted Gum or Ironbark for their Class 1 outdoor durability rating and resistance to high-traffic wear.
| Species | Durability | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|
| Spotted Gum | Class 1 (25+ yr) | Parks, coastal council areas, high-traffic public spaces |
| Ironbark | Class 1 (25+ yr) | Schools, hospitals, heavy-use institutional settings |
| Merbau | Class 1 (25+ yr) | Cafes, hospitality, sheltered outdoor areas |
| QLD Red Gum | Class 1 (25+ yr) | Feature installations, corporate outdoor spaces |
Available Configurations
| Configuration | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Single open end | One end open, 3 bench sections remain | Most park and commercial applications — one wheelchair position per table |
| Double open end | Both ends open, 2 bench sections remain | Schools, hospitals, venues requiring two wheelchair positions per table |
| Open end with backrest | Open end plus backrest on remaining benches | Aged care, hospitals, venues serving older or mobility-impaired guests |
| Custom | Specified to project requirements | Council tenders, large institutional orders |
Common Applications
Parks and councils
Most Australian local councils now require that a proportion of picnic tables in public parks be accessible. Auscraft regularly supplies accessible picnic tables for council installations, and can confirm AS 1428.1 compliance for project documentation. See our parks and councils page.
Schools and childcare
Schools with students using wheelchairs or other mobility devices require accessible outdoor seating. Accessible tables at standard height allow students with and without mobility aids to sit together at the same table. See our school and childcare tables page.
Hospitals and aged care
Outdoor areas in healthcare settings require fully accessible furniture. Auscraft can supply accessible tables with backrest benches for aged care and hospital outdoor dining and rest areas. Contact us to discuss clinical-environment requirements.
Hospitality venues
Under the DDA, hospitality venues open to the public must not discriminate against guests with disabilities. Including at least one accessible picnic table in an outdoor beer garden or cafe courtyard is a practical and legally important step. See our beer garden tables page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do accessible picnic tables cost more than standard tables?
Accessible configurations require modified framing at the open end, which adds a small amount to the build time and cost. The difference is modest compared to the standard table price. Contact us for a specific quote including your accessible configuration requirements.
Can you provide a compliance certificate?
We can provide dimensional drawings showing the clear floor space, knee clearance and reach distances for your specific table configuration, suitable for council or compliance documentation. We do not provide third-party certification, but the drawings clearly reference the relevant AS 1428.1 dimensions.
How many accessible tables should I include in my order?
There is no single mandated ratio under Australian standards for outdoor furniture, but common practice for parks and public venues is one accessible table per four standard tables, or at minimum one per outdoor seating area. Your council or accessibility consultant may have specific requirements for your project.
Is the surface level and stable for wheelchair approach?
Table stability depends on the surface it is installed on. Auscraft tables can be supplied with surface-mount fittings for installation on concrete pads, which provides the stable, level approach surface required for wheelchair access. Contact us for installation options.
Can I order a mix of standard and accessible tables?
Yes. Bulk orders can include any combination of standard, accessible and backrest-equipped tables. We build each table to the same specification within the order for consistent appearance across the installation. See our bulk orders page.
Request a Quote
To get a quote for accessible picnic tables, contact Auscraft with the following:
- Number of accessible tables and configuration (single or double open end)
- Table size (length)
- Timber species preference
- Whether compliance drawings are required
- Delivery location (postcode)
Contact Auscraft for an accessible picnic table quote
View the full Auscraft picnic table range or compare our Heavy Duty Commercial Table and Premium Hardwood Table — both available in accessible configurations on request.
