I already have a plastic version of this same type of table, so I knew what this was all about.Probably the most important thing to understand about this table (and similar tables made of plastic or aluminum) is that they are not as sturdy as solid wood picnic tables you find at campsites and picnic areas. Let's be fair. Solid wood picnic tables are great and almost indestructible. But they also don't fold up and they are really heavy.I really like this table (and my plastic one), but there are some things to consider about using it. I am 6ft tall and about 185lbs. The seat it a little small for me, but I sit comfortably enough. Anyone over 6'2" is going to have more trouble with it. The seats are listed as able to support 220lbs. Products usually put this max weight figures low to give you some wiggle room to go over. With this table, I wouldn't push that upper limit, nor the table top limit of 110lbs.I find it especially important to set these up on as level of a surface as you can, using extra care on grass. You also need to make sure that when you flip it over after unfolding it that you make sure the chair legs are in the proper position. Usually you have to slide them out a little as the weight of the seats when you flip it over causes the whole thing to flex inwards such that the legs from the seats on opposite sides of the table get too close to each other. I would say never sit in it until you have checked that it is set up on level ground and you've checked the chair legs. Once set up right, it's good to go.Be careful getting in and out, especially if you're tall. The table is not very heavy, which is good for being portable, but that also makes it easier to tip over. Especially when you are getting out of the seats, your legs can hit the table top, and if no one else is seated, there isn't much weight to keep the table in place.As far as the sturdiness of the table, try to keep the weight evenly distributed. For example, don't try putting a 5 gallon water bucket, or a fully stocked cooler on one side. That much weight, with no one sitting it the seats, will make it very top heavy and easier to tip over. The table supports are also towards the center, so too much weight on the outer edges will cause it to flex and lean. Similarly, don't lean your elbows on the table too much. Didn't mom tell you that is bad manners, anyways?Just like not putting a stocked cooler on top of the table, I also would not recommend putting a camp stove or grill on the table. The wood might be able to handle the heat better than plastic (although I have seen my fair shair of scorched campsite picnic tables, too). But, I would be too worried about the table getting knocked over with the stove on.More about this wooden table itself. The wood is solid, not plywood. It's obviously a cheaper wood, not oak, cedar or teak. It has a smooth finish coating. most of the edges are rounded. A couple of corners are a little pointy, but a quick hit with sandpaper will smooth that out. I didn't look closely enough at the photos, but the top and the seats are slats and spaced about 1/8" apart. The plastic version of this table has a solid table top surface (the seats were a simulated woven pattern which completely failed and I "fixed up" by replacing with thin plywood).I like these tables a lot. I just think it's important to keep in mind what it is and what it is not. Would it be good for you and your college buddies to take out for a booze fest in the woods? Not really. Is it good for a decent place to sit when car camping with the family? Sure, just follow my advice above. My kids love using this table.
