Building a Picnic Table Roof

This step by step diy woodworking project is about building a picnic roof table plans. This article features detailed instructions for building gable roof for the 12 foot picnic table. If you want to create a nice shade over the picnic table and to keep the rain away, take a look over this project. Take a look over the rest of our woodworking plans, if you want to get more building inspiration.

When buying the lumber, you should select the planks with great care, making sure they are straight and without any visible flaws (cracks, knots, twists, decay). Investing in cedar or other weather resistant lumber is a good idea, as it will pay off on the long run. Use a spirit level to plumb and align the components, before inserting the galvanized screws, otherwise the project won’t have a symmetrical look. If you have all the materials and tools required for the project, you could get the job done in about a day.

Projects made from these plans

Building a Picnic Table Roof

Building a 12 foot picnic table

Cut & Shopping Lists

E – 4 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 84″ long, 2 pieces – 69″ long POSTS
F – 2 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 17 3/4″ long, 3 pieces – 178″ long, 4 pieces – 19 3/4″ long TOP RIDGE
G – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 178″ long, 2 pieces – 69″ long FRAME
H – 8 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 43 5/8″ long, 6 pieces – 43 1/2″ long RAFTERS
I – 4 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 41 5/8″x89″ longg ROOF
J – 150 sq ft of tar paper, 150 sq ft of asphalt shingles ROOFING
K – 2 pieces of 1×3 lumber – 178″ long TRIMS

6 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 8′
1 piece if 4×4 lumber – 16′
2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 16′
8 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8′
2 pieces of 1×3 lumber – 16′
4 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 4’x8′
150 sq ft of tar paper, 150 sq ft of asphalt shingles
50 pieces of 3 1/2″ screws
25 pieces of 5″ screws
50 pieces of 2 1/2″ screws
24 pieces of 3 1/2″ bolts
wood glue, stain/paint

Tools

Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level

Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

One day

PART 1: 12 Foot Picnic table With Roof Plans
PART 2: Building a Picnic Table Roof

Picnic table roof plans

Fitting the posts

The next step of the project is to attach the 4×4 posts to the picnic table. You can adjust the size of the posts to suit your needs. Use a spirit level to plumb the posts before locking them to the frame of the picnic table. Drill pilot holes through the legs of the picnic table and insert 3 1/2″ bolts into the posts.

If you live in a windy area, then you should consider locking the posts to the ground, by pouring footings and using post anchors. Pour 2-3′ deep concrete footings, after reading the local building codes.

Fitting the top beams

Next, you need to attach 4×4 beams to the top of the posts. Make sure the corners are square and and check if the overhangs are equal. Drill pilot holes through the beams and insert 5″ screws into the posts. Use at least 2 screws for each joint.

Roof frame

Build the frame for the roof from 2×4 lumber. Cut the components at the right dimensions and secure them to the beams using 2 1/2″ screws. Make sure the corners are square and align the edges with attention. Add glue to the joints for a professional result.

Fitting the top ridge

Build the top ridge and the supports from 4×4 lumber. Cut the components from 4×4 lumber at the proper dimensions. Fit the supports to the beams, making sure they are plumb. Use corner brackets to lock the supports into place tightly. Next, attach the top ridge to the supports. Check if the corners are square, drill pilot holes and insert 5″ screws to lock the top ridge into place.

Fitting the roof braces

Build braces for the roof ridge from 4×4 lumber. Cut both ends of the braces at 45 degrees. Fit the braces to the roof frame and lock them into place with 3 1/2″ screws.

Building the rafters

Build the end rafters from 2×4 lumber. You will need 8 pieces of these. Mark the cut lines on the 2×4 slats and make the notches with a saw.

Building the middle rafters

Build the intermediary rafters from 2×4 as well. You need to make notches to both ends of the slats. Build 6 pieces of these.

Fitting the rafters

Fit the rafters into place, making sure you space them as shown in the plans. Drill pilot holes and insert 3 1/2″ screws to lock the rafters into place tightly.

Rafters

The roof structure seen from bellow.

Fitting the roofing sheets

Attach the 3/4″ plywood panels to the roof structure, as shown in the plans. Drill pilot holes and insert 1 1/4″ screws to lock the panels into place.

Fitting the side trims

Fit 1×3 trims to both sides of the roof. Use 2″ brad nails to secure the trims to the frame and to rafters.

Fitting the roofing

Cover the roof of the roof with tar paper, making sure the strips overlap at least 2″. Secure the tar paper to the plywood sheets with roofing staples. In addition, cut a 12″ piece for the top ridge. Fit the side drip edges over the roofing felt, while the bottom drip edges should be fit under. Next, install the shingles, starting with the bottom section.

Building a picnic table with roof

Next, all you are left to do is take care of the finishing touches. Therefore, double-check if all the joints are rigid and if the corners are right angled. Fill the dents and the holes with putty and after it hardens, smooth everything with sandpaper.

12 foot picnic table with roof plans

Top Tip: Apply a few coats of paint or stain to the components, to enhance the look of the project. Check out PART 1 of the project so you learn how to build the 12 foot picnic table.

This woodworking project was about 12 foot picnic table with roof plans free. If you want to see more outdoor plans, check out the rest of our step by step projects and follow the instructions to obtain a professional result.

Building a Picnic Table Roof

Projects made from these plans

Building a Picnic Table Roof

Picnic table roof plans

- EXPLORE MORE IDEAS FOR -

You may also like

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply