When you’re shopping for a new metal picnic table, you’ll often see two top choices: expanded metal picnic tables and punched metal picnic tables. Here’s a quick, easy guide to help you pick the right one for your space:
What Is Expanded Metal?
- Mesh-Like Construction: Expanded metal starts as a solid steel sheet that’s slit and stretched into a continuous diamond- or hexagon-shaped mesh.
- Exceptional Drainage: Rainwater, snow, and spills pass right through the open grid, preventing puddles and reducing maintenance.
- Built-In Traction: Its textured surface offers natural slip resistance—perfect for pool decks, playgrounds, and other wet-environment settings.
- Heavy-Duty Strength: Because it’s one continuous piece of steel, expanded metal resists warping and supports heavy loads, making it a true heavy duty picnic table option.
Who Should Choose Expanded Metal?
- Municipal Parks & Schools: High-traffic areas where safety and easy cleanup are priorities.
- Commercial Venues & Sports Complexes: Outdoor stadiums and recreational centers benefit from its rugged design.
- Residential Backyards with Kids & Pets: The anti-slip surface is ideal for active families who want both safety and longevity.
What Is Punched Metal?
- Perforated Precision: Punched metal (also called perforated metal) uses CNC machinery to cut uniform holes—round, square, or custom shapes—into a solid steel sheet.
- Smooth, Solid Feel: Between the holes, the remaining steel creates a mostly flat surface that’s comfortable to touch and easy on bare legs.
- Controlled Drainage: While not as open as expanded metal, punched patterns still allow water to drain, keeping surfaces dry.
- Design Flexibility: Hole sizes, shapes, and layouts can be fully customized for branding, ventilation needs, or decorative appeal.
Who Should Choose Punched Metal?
- Cafés & Restaurant Patios: Sleek, modern look that complements upscale décor.
- Office & Corporate Courtyards: Professional appearance with low maintenance.
- Home Rooftops & Balconies: Minimizes small-item drop-through while still preventing water buildup.
Side-By-Side Comparison
| Feature | Expanded Metal | Punched Metal |
|---|---|---|
| Open Area | Very high (30–70% open) | Moderate (10–40% open) |
| Drainage | Excellent—water falls through quickly | Good—slower, but still effective |
| Slip Resistance | High—textured surface for extra grip | Moderate—depends on hole density |
| Load Capacity | Exceptional rigidity and heavy load support | Strong support, slightly less rigid |
| Maintenance | Minimal—hose off debris | Minimal—wipe or hose off surface |
| Comfort | Textured feel under hands and legs | Smoother feel, more comfortable for lounging |
| Style & Feel | Industrial, rugged | Sleek, contemporary |
| Customization | Limited to mesh pattern | Highly customizable patterns and hole designs |
| Ideal Applications | Parks, pool decks, playgrounds | Courtyards, balconies, restaurant seating |
Matching the Table to Your Space
- Backyard Family Fun
- Expanded Metal: If you have kids or pets, the non-slip mesh of an expanded metal picnic tables offers peace of mind.
- Punched Metal: For a less industrial look, a punched metal picnic tables in a vibrant color can add style without sacrificing durability.
- Commercial & Municipal Settings
- Expanded Metal: Choose for heavy-traffic, wet-area resilience (e.g., splash pads, poolside).
- Punched Metal: Opt for a refined finish in café terraces or university quads—its custom perforations can even carry logos or patterns.
- Compact & Cozy Areas
- Small Picnic Table Models: Both metal types come in compact versions (e.g., 38″ or 46″ diameter), perfect for tight patios or balconies.
- Shapes: OUTTANS offers round picnic table, square picnic table, and rectangular picnic table options, so you can match form to function and space.
Why Choose OUTTANS Metal Tables?
OUTTANS specializes in commercial picnic tables and heavy duty picnic table designs that deliver:
- Durability: Powder-coated and thermoplastic finishes ensure rust-proof, weather-resistant performance.
- Safety: Rounded corners, non-slip patterns, and ADA-convertible designs mean inclusive seating for everyone.
- Style: From classic black picnic table finishes to bold color choices, OUTTANS has options to suit any aesthetic.
- Versatility: Select from expanded metal or punched metal surfaces in round, square, or rectangular layouts.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re furnishing a public park, a restaurant patio, or your own backyard oasis, understanding the differences between expanded metal picnic tables and punched metal picnic tables is key to making the right choice. Expanded metal excels in drainage and slip resistance for high-traffic, wet areas, while punched metal offers a smoother feel and customizable patterns perfect for design-driven spaces. Whichever you choose, a metal picnic table from OUTTANS guarantees strength, low maintenance, and enduring style—making every outdoor gathering a lasting success.
