Which portable beach tables are best?
There are so many things to pack for a day at the beach! With all the sunscreen, towels, chairs and snacks, the last thing you want is to carry around a bulky table that weighs a ton and is hard to assemble in the sand. You want something sleek, compact and easy to use. There are a few things to consider.
Is there a difference between a beach table and a camping table?
Some beach or camping tables might be better suited to specific environments based on their features, but you can use plenty of them interchangeably.
Beach table maintenance
Take note of what materials your table is made of; it will impact how you wipe it down. With metal parts, it is crucial to dry them off before storing them away to prevent rusting. Common materials used for these tables include aluminum, steel, wood and polyester.
Picking a beach table that’s right for you
It’s essential to consider the table’s transportation method alongside its size and storage. Do you want a carrying bag that you can throw over your shoulder? Or would you prefer something that folds up with a handle? Will you be able to carry the table to where it needs to be?
Most portable tables don’t come with seating or umbrellas. If your table is low to the ground and can be reached from a beach towel, or if you think you’re going to be doing a lot of standing and won’t need seating, then it isn’t a problem. However, if you want some comfortable accessories to add to your beachy picnic spread, you might want to think about a beach umbrella, folding benches and coolers.
Types of portable beach tables
Personal beach tables
ONIVA Picnic Time Brand Portable Folding Sports Chair
What you need to know: This two-in-one polyester chair has an aluminum frame and a built-in 11-inch table for enjoying your time at the seaside.
What you’ll love: A small personal table folds in and out on the chair, which means carrying fewer items around. It also includes a shoulder strap for when you’re on the go and an organizational pouch on one of the chair arms for storing beverages, magazines and more.
What you should consider: The tabletop is relatively small and does not detach from the unit.
AMMSUN 17-inch Beach Umbrella Table Tray
What you need to know: This portable tray attachment is perfect for storing drinks and a few snacks but not much else.
What you’ll love: This is an affordable alternative if you want to keep a few items out of the sand. It’s easy to transport and attaches directly to your beach umbrella.
What you should consider: It is only usable if you intend to have a beach umbrella and offers much less space than traditional tables.
Medium beach tables
Outry Lightweight Folding Table with Cup Holder
What you need to know: This foldable nylon fabric tabletop is made with an aluminum alloy frame.
What you’ll love: The fabric pulls taut to keep from sagging and spilling food. It is lightweight, with four built-in cupholders and a carrying bag.
What you should consider: The way the legs position means you can’t store much beneath the table, and you won’t be able to spread your legs out beneath it.
Picnic at Ascot Canvas Travel Folding Table
What you need to know: This compact, round polyester canvas table won’t take up too much space.
What you’ll love: The top features four built-in mesh cup holders, and there’s a lower canvas shelf for additional storage. It’s easy to travel with and very lightweight.
What you should consider: Figuring out how to open and close it correctly can take some getting used to.
ALPS Mountaineering Eclipse Table
What you need to know: This heavy-duty folding table (27 inches by 27 inches by 26 inches) has a polyester canvas surface and plenty of extra space for odds and ends.
What you’ll love: It’s two-tiered, with four cup holders on the lower tier to keep your beverages out of the sun and a compact, multi-compartment organizational pocket on the side to store lotion, swimming goggles, and more. It’s a very sturdy unit that holds up well over time and comes with a convenient carrying bag.
What you should consider: If you damage or misuse any of the four buckle straps, the table surface won’t remain flat.
COSTWAY Wood Roll Up Portable Table
What you need to know: This lightweight and water-resistant hardwood roll-up table includes its own carrying bag.
What you’ll love: It’s low to the ground, so you can reach it from your beach towel. Its classic wooden build makes it look good just about anywhere.
What you should consider: There are more than a few parts required for assembly.
Larger beach tables for groups
What you need to know: This sleek, medium-density fiberboard table (23 inches by 23 inches by 23 inches) has a folding metal frame, two storage baskets and a carry bag.
What you’ll love: Its roomy storage bags can store many beach essentials. The entire unit is pretty lightweight, considering it comes with storage.
What you should consider: It takes quite a bit of effort to pack up and transport it, which might not be ideal for very windy days.
Camp Field Camping Table with Adjustable Legs
What you need to know: This sturdy, foldable table has plenty of storage space.
What you’ll love: It has a good amount of surface space and two closable canvas storage compartments to keep everything you need conveniently tucked away. The height is also adjustable.
What you should consider: It is not designed to withstand a lot of time in the rain.
What you need to know: This folding high-density plastic table (71 inches by 29 inches by 29 inches) has steel tubing and a carrying handle for transporting.
What you’ll love: This one is durable and has lots of surface space. It’s easy to set up, and the locking feature keeps legs sturdily in place.
What you should consider: Because it is so big, it can be heavier to carry than other folding tables.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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