Five Picnic Tables Refresh a Countryside Hostel’s Outdoor Space
Hostel outdoor seating needs to work for guests and the team looking after it. At this countryside retreat, replacing timber picnic tables offered an opportunity to reduce routine decorative upkeep while retaining an informal, welcoming place to sit outside.
The scheme combined five recycled plastic picnic tables in three designs: three A-frame tables, one walkthrough table and one round backless table. The mix reflected the hostel’s individual character rather than relying on a single furniture style throughout.
Project Background: Timber Furniture in an Exposed Setting
The hostel’s outdoor area was exposed to changing weather, and caring for the existing timber tables had become inconvenient for staff. The management team wanted replacements that were easier to look after while still suiting the countryside setting.
One of the hostel managers described the problem:
“Our space is really exposed to the elements. In the winter or when it rains, we have to store our timber furniture under shelter or plastic sheets to protect them, which was becoming an inconvenience to our staff”.
The brief also included flexibility. Staff wanted to be able to rearrange the seating to accommodate guests, and the replacement furniture needed to feel appropriate beside the existing stonework and patio.
Project Specification
Furniture selected for the countryside hostel:
| Product type | Recycled plastic picnic tables |
|---|---|
| Total quantity | Five tables |
| A-frame design | Three tables |
| Walkthrough design | One table |
| Round backless design | One table |
| Application | Commercial hostel outdoor seating |
| Setting | Countryside patio |
Hostel Outdoor Seating Image Gallery
Explore the gallery to see the mix of table designs within the hostel’s outdoor space. The setting shows how picnic-style seating can provide an informal place for visitors to gather, eat and relax.
The Proposal: A Mix of Picnic Table Designs
Three A-Frame Tables
The purchaser selected three recycled plastic A-frame picnic tables. Their familiar picnic-table format supported the brief for a relaxed outdoor setting that retained the character of the previous furniture.
One Walkthrough Table
A walkthrough picnic table added another option to the layout. Including a different table design helped introduce the variety the purchaser wanted.
For another venue, compare the exact dimensions and entry arrangement with guests’ needs. A walkthrough product name should not be treated as confirmation of wheelchair accessibility or suitability for every user.
One Round Backless Table
A round backless picnic table completed the selection. Its different shape added to the eclectic furniture arrangement and gave the space another visual element.
When combining shapes, allow sufficient room between tables for circulation, cleaning and the intended seating positions.
Guest Experience and Everyday Cleaning
The purpose of the replacement was not simply to change the furniture material. The hostel wanted to preserve a space where visitors could spend time together while making day-to-day care more manageable for staff.
The manager described the finished setting and its practical benefits:
“It’s a great space for our visitors to sit out, enjoy a beer, and relax in the countryside,” she said. “And crucially, it’s less of a task for my staff to clean them if any food or drink is spilled”.
This feedback describes the manager’s experience of the project. For another venue, follow the selected furniture’s care instructions, attend to spills promptly and include checks on fixings and stability in the maintenance routine.
Planning Outdoor Seating for a Hostel
This project offers useful starting points for a patio or garden seating refresh:
- Identify the maintenance problem. Consider whether the main burden is decorative treatment, cleaning, storage or frequent rearrangement.
- Compare different formats. Look at table shapes and seating arrangements alongside the space available.
- Check movement requirements. Confirm actual product weights and handling instructions rather than assuming recycled plastic furniture is lightweight.
- Allow room around the tables. Plan routes for guests, staff and cleaning equipment.
- Assess the setting. Check the supporting surface and any positioning or restraint requirements for an exposed location.
Reducing decorative upkeep does not make furniture maintenance-free or eliminate the need for safe handling. The appropriate arrangement depends on the exact products and how the venue intends to use them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many picnic tables were selected?
The hostel selected five: three A-frame tables, one walkthrough table and one round backless table.
Why did the hostel replace its timber tables?
Staff found the care and weather-related storage arrangements inconvenient. The brief called for furniture that was easier to look after.
Why were several designs used?
The purchaser wanted variety that reflected the hostel’s eclectic, individual character.
Was the furniture chosen for commercial use?
Yes. The supplied project specification identifies the application as commercial hostel seating.
Is recycled plastic furniture automatically easy to move?
No. Check the weight and handling guidance for the specific table before planning frequent rearrangement.
Does the furniture still need cleaning?
Yes. Appropriate cleaning and inspection remain necessary, even where decorative upkeep is reduced.
Explore Picnic Tables for Your Outdoor Area
This countryside project shows how a varied furniture selection can support an informal guest space. Visit our outdoor furniture resources, explore the recycled plastic picnic table guide or contact the team for current product information.
