Compare Picnic Tables - Classic vs Heavy Duty vs Premium Hardwood

Auscraft Picnic Table Range, Model Comparison

Auscraft manufactures three hardwood picnic table models, each suited to different settings and requirements. All are built to order from Australian timber and comply with AS 5604 durability standards. Whether you need a residential backyard table or a commercial-grade installation for a council park or beer garden, this guide covers every specification side by side.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Classic Picnic Table Heavy Duty Picnic Table Premium Hardwood Picnic Table
Timber Spotted Gum Ironbark Spotted Gum or Merbau
AS 5604 Class Class 1 Class 1 Class 1 / Class 2
Janka Hardness 11 kN 14 kN 11 kN / 8.6 kN
Weight Capacity 600 kg 800+ kg 600 kg
Best For Residential, schools, parks Commercial, councils, high-traffic Residential premium, hospitality
Lifespan (above-ground) 30–40 years 40+ years 30–40 years

Ready to choose? Request a quote or see full picnic table sizes and dimensions.

Classic Picnic Table, Best for Everyday Outdoor Use

The Classic Picnic Table is Auscraft's most versatile model. Built from Spotted Gum (Janka 11 kN, AS 5604 Class 1), it handles Australian outdoor conditions across every season without requiring surface treatment to maintain its structural integrity.

  • Standard A-frame design, available 4-seater to 8-seater
  • Ideal for backyards, school grounds, council parks and café outdoor areas
  • Accessible configuration available, wheelchair-accessible end panel removes without compromising structural integrity
  • Spotted Gum weathers to a silver-grey patina if left untreated, or maintains its warm honey tone with annual oiling

Best choice for: residential buyers, primary schools, community halls, suburban council parks, café fit-outs on a clear budget.

Heavy Duty Picnic Table, Built for Commercial and High-Traffic Settings

The Heavy Duty Picnic Table uses Ironbark, the densest commercially available Australian hardwood at Janka 14 kN, paired with heavier-gauge hardware throughout. The result is an 800+ kg weight capacity and a structure that handles the kind of daily loading that destroys standard furniture within a few seasons.

  • Ironbark, AS 5604 Class 1, exceptional resistance to checking, splitting and insect attack
  • Designed for beer gardens, sporting clubs, RSLs and high-footfall council installations
  • Tenon-and-bolt joinery, no reliance on surface glue or thin fasteners under load
  • Commercial buyers: compliant with most council outdoor furniture procurement specifications

Best choice for: pub beer gardens, bowls clubs, RSLs, high-use council parks, waterfront promenades, school canteen areas with heavy daily traffic.

Commercial project? Get a tailored quote, volume pricing available for orders of 5 or more tables.

Premium Hardwood Picnic Table, For Aesthetic-Led Projects

The Premium Hardwood Picnic Table offers a choice of Spotted Gum or Merbau. Merbau brings a warm reddish-brown tone and natural oil content that resists surface checking, a popular choice for resorts, wineries and boutique hospitality venues where the table is as much a design feature as a functional piece.

  • Spotted Gum (Class 1, Janka 11 kN) or Merbau (Class 2, Janka 8.6 kN)
  • Polished finish option available on request
  • Available in non-standard dimensions, custom widths, lengths and heights to specification
  • Suited to resort pools, winery cellar doors, executive outdoor areas and boutique hospitality

Best choice for: resorts, wineries, boutique cafés, residential entertainer decks, hospitality venues where timber aesthetics matter as much as durability.

Planning an event or need flexibility between venues? See our portable vs permanent comparison guide for folding and moveable table options.

Before choosing a model, review our full picnic table cost guide, covering price ranges by timber species, size, and delivery across Australia.

Which Table Is Right for You?

Use this quick guide to narrow down your choice:

  • Budget residential: Classic Picnic Table, reliable, low-maintenance, long-lasting
  • Council or commercial: Heavy Duty Picnic Table, rated for the loading, built for the conditions
  • Aesthetic or premium project: Premium Hardwood Picnic Table, custom dimensions, species choice, polished option
  • Schools and childcare: Kid Size Picnic Table alongside Classic for adult supervision areas
  • Unsure? Share your use case and we'll recommend the right model

Request a quote, or explore picnic table dimensions and size guide before you decide.

From Our Blog

Related guides: