Benches that convert to picnic tables

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kirsten...@gmail.com

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Aug 25, 2021, 6:18:28 PM8/25/21
to School Garden Support Organization Network
Hello!  I have a number of schools where they have long, narrow space for seating for students. I wanted to get them seating that could also convert into a work space. 

I was wondering if anyone had experience with the benches that convert into a picnic table (or half of one).  Cuz we're talking schools and kids and spaces that are open to the public, I would like to invest in solid, quality benches/half a picnic table that can last. Do you have any experience or insight into what I should look for?  

Here are some that I found online.



This is one I have seen before and is metal and plastic/resin -- https://www.amazon.com/Lifetime-60054-Convertible-Bench-Construction/dp/B00556W6UQ

thanks in Advance for your help!  
Kirsten in Minnesota

Shea Scribner

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Aug 25, 2021, 6:34:26 PM8/25/21
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Hi Kirsten!

We purchased and assembled these with treated wood for use in a school garden: Amazon.com : 2x4basics 90110ONLMI 90110 Flip Top BenchTable, Bench, Patio Table, Sand : Picnic Tables : Patio, Lawn & Garden

It’s cheaper initially because you just get the plastic components and then find your own lumber. They’ve been great! Easy to construct and simple to transform & move around the garden. Happy to answer any other questions you may have!

 

Shea Scribner

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Phone: 425-419-6068

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Pam LaCourse

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Aug 25, 2021, 7:12:09 PM8/25/21
to kirsten...@gmail.com, School Garden Support Organization Network

Hi Kirsten,
I have these benches and after 12 years they look like this: see pictures
Pros
They are light and interchangeable
They are durable
They clean fairly easily
Fits 6-8 elementary sized students when paired as shown
Cons
The surface degrades over time such that it turns powdery. We refurbish using steel wool which has the unwanted issue of plastic micro particles.
Pencils and similarly shaped objects get caught on the table surface between the slats, sometimes falling through to the ground. We have solved this issue with a table sized cutting board.
White tables highlight soiling. Be prepared to clean often- a chore our students love!

Good luck,
Pam
20210825_184622.jpg
1629932027052_0_20190918_124950.jpg

School Sprouts

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Aug 25, 2021, 10:59:27 PM8/25/21
to kirsten...@gmail.com, School Garden Support Organization Network
We’ve used the same ones that Shea shared in many gardens. I like them because they can be benches with backs or table tops to work on. Also if one or more of the boards start to rot or crack you can just replace a couple 2x4s instead of replacing the whole bench. You can make them any length you need but they do best at no more than a 6-7’ length. Any longer and they start to sag in the middle.  
Good luck! 
Hope 

Likely sent from a farm or garden. May contain soil, compost or seeds. 

On Aug 25, 2021, at 6:18 PM, kirsten...@gmail.com <kirsten...@gmail.com> wrote:

Hello!  I have a number of schools where they have long, narrow space for seating for students. I wanted to get them seating that could also convert into a work space. 
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