If you want to get technical, the reason a classic picnic table looks the way it does—with splayed legs and cross braces— is because the original was designed to support the weight of attached benches. We like the splayed look but prefer to have the freedom to pull up benches or chairs as needed.
A Blok Outdoor Dining Table is $1,495 to $2,395, depending on size, at Teak Warehouse.
From Skagarek, a teak Ballare Dining Table comes with two extension leaves and can expand from 77 inches to 117 inches; $3,699 from Curran.
Available in two sizes, a Colonial Dining Table by Sika Design is $1,995 to $2,233 from Danish Design Store.
OK, we’ll bow to tradition.
A Jardine Expandable Dining Table made of FSC-certified hardwood is $1,199 at West Elm.
A George Outdoor Table made of recycled teak is 16,995 SEK from Artilleriet.
A 74-inch-long Benchwright Extending Dining Table is made of solid acacia wood and has adjustable levelers to keep it steady on uneven ground; on sale for $1,499 from Pottery Barn.
With a tabletop made of recycled plastic and an aluminum frame, a charcoal-colored Noosa Dining Table is $699.30 AU from the Furniture Shack.
Made of reclaimed teak, an Alfresco X-Leg Table is 79 inches long and is $1,795 from Teak Warehouse.
Made of eucalyptus from Vietnam, a Croft Collection Islay 6-Seater Dining Table is £519 from John Lewis.