We are looking to purchase picnic tables for our school playground. Is there a type of wood or playground guidelines that are supposed to be followed for the schools?

That's up to your school and district-- they might use a particular company for their equipment-- and you might have to order them with a purchase order through the school like we do.... I would look into vinyl covered tables as they last longer---, wood needs to be retreated every few years, so that might not be the best things to get-- there are several companies that make the vinyl tables to order from and most have discounts and free freight as well. The other thing to check is the location you are putting the table, so you have to do anything special when putting the table in, cement, pad lock, etc... good luck!

I would also look into Recycled plastic products -- environmentally friendly and very low maintenance, and never splinters.

We use American Recycled Plastic -- www.itsrecycled.com -- but there are many vendors around the country.