What Type of Plastic Is Good for a Permanent Picnic Table Cover?

Why Plastic?

• Plastic contains organic compounds, including carbon, that in conjunction with other elements combines to form polymers or thermoplastics. With its high melting factor and ability to mold into various shapes and sizes, items made from plastic are sturdy, breathable and fairly resistant to punctures. Tablecloths made from paper, on the other hand, tear easily and won't stand up to rainy or windy conditions.

Oilcloth Tablecloth

• Made with vinyl and backed with cotton blends, oilcloth is waterproof and resists stains, making it a suitable choice for a permanent picnic table cover. This thick plastic covering cleans up easily with warm soapy water. The many colors and patterns make this cloth an easy choice for any picnic theme. Additionally, some vinyl tablecloths come with a self-adhesive backing that makes it easy to keep it in place on a picnic table. Oilcloth is not resistant to UV rays and will likely fade under prolonged sun exposure.

Plastic Tarps

• While they may not come in fashionable colors, clear plastic tarps pulled tightly across the surface of a table provide a smooth surface that protects the table from rain or sun damage. Plastic tarps typically have grommets on each corner, making them easy to secure to a picnic table with rope or heavy string. Rust resistant grommets keep the outdoor table cover in good shape while exposed to the elements.

Securing the Plastic

• You have a few alternatives to secure the plastic covering to the picnic table. Self-adhesive vinyl cloths are easy to attach to the tabletop and rim as you simply peel the backing off the plastic and press the sheet to the table. Table clamps offer another alternative to secure the cover. These lightweight metal clamps have one straight edge to secure the cloth to the top of the table without taking up much space. You can string thin rope or thick string through grommets on a tarp and tie it around the table legs to secure a tarp in place.