This step by step woodworking project is about octagon picnic table plans. Building an octagonal table with benches is a nice project for your garden which doesn’t require a large investment. An octagonal table is ideal if you have a large family or many friends that come by every weekend. You can build the table at a small cost, but you need to follow the instructions and use proper tools.
There are several things that you should take into account when building a picnic table. There are several designs that you could choose from, so make sure you take a look on the rest of our woodworking projects. Invest in the most quality lumber you could afford, such as pine, redwood or cedar, as these materials are durable and have a nice appearance. Pre-drill the lumber before inserting the screws, to prevent the wood from splitting. See all my Premium Plans HERE.
Projects made from these plans
Cut & Shopping Lists
- A – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 33” long POSTS
- B – 1 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 62″ long, 2 pieces – 30 1/4″, 2 pieces – 30″ FRAME
- C – 2×4 or 2×6 lumber TABLETOP
- D – 1 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 95″ long, 2 pieces – 46 3/4″, 2 pieces – 46 1/2″ SUPPORTS
- E – 2×4 or 2×6 lumber SEAT
Tools
Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square
Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander, Post-hole digger
Time
One weekend
Related
Building an octagon picnic table
Building an octagon picnic table
Top Tip: Building an octagon picnic table might look a complex project, but we can assure you it doesn’t require a significant investment nor complex woodworking skills. Pay attention to the instructions and invest in quality materials.
Octagon picnic table plans
Building the frame of the table
The first step of the project is to build the frame of the table. As you can see in the image, we recommend you to use 2×4 lumber and to cut the components as in the image, by using a circular saw with a sharp blade.
Make sure the corners are right-angled, before drilling pilot holes and inserting the galvanized screws. Drill pocket holes using a jig and insert 2 1/2″ screws, if you want to obtain rigid joints.
Building the tabletop frame
Continue the woodworking project by attaching the rest of the wooden components, as in the free plans. As you can notice in the image, you need to cut one end of the components, as to fit into place easily.
In addition, we recommend you to cut the opposite ends of the components at about 30º, if you want to get a professional result. Work on a level surface and add waterproof glue, if you want enhance the bond of the joints.
Attaching the tabletop slats
The next step of the outdoor project is to attach the slats to the frame of the table. As you can see in the plans, we recommend you to use 1×4 or 1×6 slats to the plans. Use a good saw to make the angle cuts and align them before drilling pilot holes and inserting the galvanized screws.
Place a small piece of wood (1/2″) between the slats, in order to get consistent gaps. Countersink the head of the screws, in order to get a nice appearance.
Attaching the legs
Afterwards, you have to attach the 2×4 legs to the frame. First of all, you need to turn the tabletop upside down, on a perfectly level surface. Cut the ends of the legs at 30º and lock them to the frame with 2 1/2″ screws and waterproof glue.
Top Tip: Make sure you align the legs before drilling holes and inserting the galvanized screws. Ask a fiend to hold the components into place while you drill the holes and insert the screws.
Fitting the bench supports
The next step of the project is to attach the support of the benches. Use a spirit level to make sure the supports are perfectly horizontal. Drill pilot holes trough the components and insert 3 1/2″ carriage bolts.
Work with attention and with good judgement, if you want to get the job done in a professional manner. Use quality lumber, otherwise the frame might not support the weight.
Attaching the supports
Continue the project in the same manner described above, as you just have to install the rest of the supports. Cut the components at the right size and lock them together with screws, after plumbing them .
Attaching the bench slats
One of the last steps of the project is to build the benches of the octagon table. As you can see in the plans, we recommend you to cut the slats at right size and angle (at 67.6º).
Use quality lumber, such as 2×4 cedar, pine or redwood. Drill pilot holes at both ends of the slats and insert the screws into the frame of the benches. Align everything properly, if you want to get a professional result.
Octagon picnic bench plans
Last but not least, you have to take care of the finishing touches. Therefore, fill the holes and the cracks with wood filler and let it dry out for several hours, before sanding the surface with 120-grit sandpaper.
Top Tip: Protect the wooden components from rot by applying several coats of paint. Choose colors that match the design of the rest of your property, as to enhance the look of the octagon table.
This woodworking project was about octagon picnic table plans. If you want to see more outdoor plans, we recommend you to check out the rest of our step by step projects.
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