Picnic Table Bench Plans

This step by step diy article is about picnic table bench plans. Building a picnic table and bench is easy, especially if the right plans are used. From our experience, we recommend you to check the alternatives with great attention, before selecting the plans, as there are many designs and plans to choose from. Gather all the materials and tools required for the project, before starting the job.

There are several aspects that you should take into account when building a table and picnic benches. First of all, you need to use quality materials, otherwise you won’t be able to enjoy the furniture on the long term. From our experience, we recommend you to choose weather-resistant lumber, such as pine, cedar or redwood. Always pre-drill the lumber before driving the galvanized screws and add glue to enhance the bond of the components. See all my Premium Plans HERE.

Projects made from these plans

DIY Picnic Table with Benches

DIY X Picnic Table

Log Picnic Table

  

Cut & Shopping Lists

• A – 6 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 72″ long SLATS
• B – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 42 1/2″ long LEGS
• C – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 34 1/2″ long SUPPORTS
• D – 2 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 26 3/4″ long BRACES
• E – 6 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 72″ long SLATS
• F – 8 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 20″ long LEGS
• G – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 11″ long SUPPORTS
• H – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 17 1/2″ long BRACES

• wood glue
• wood filler
• wood stain
• 1 1/4″ screws
• 2 1/2″ screws

Tools

 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square

 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

 Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

 One day

Related

• Picnic table plans free
• Outdoor Furniture Plans

Building Picnic Table Bench

Building-a-x-picnic-table

Building a picnic table and benches is not a complex woodworking project, but there are a few things you should pay attention to. Always take accurate measurements and plumb the components, if you want to get a professional result. In addition, the seat and the counter-top should be horizontal.

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Picnic Table Bench Plans

Building-the-x-shaped-legs

The first step of the project is to build the legs of the table. As you can see in the plans, you need to build the x-shaped legs from 2×4 lumber. Cut the ends of the legs at 45º using a circular saw. In addition, you need to cut out 3/4″ deep notches in the legs, as to overlap easily.

Make several parallel cuts inside the marked area and clean the recess with a chisel. Smooth the surface with medium-grit sandpaper.

Installing-the-tabletop

Lock the legs together with a 2×4 support. As you can see in the image, you need to cut the ends of the supports at angle and to smooth the cut edges. Attach the supports to the top of the X-shaped legs and lock them into place with 2 1/2″ galvanized screws.

Plumb the sides of the table, before attaching the top slats. Cut the 2×6 slats at the right size and lock them to the supports with 2 1/2″ wood screws.

Fitting the table braces

In addition, it is essential to countersink the head of the screws, if you want to get a professional result. Drill pilot holes trough the lumber, to prevent the wood from splitting.

Top Tip: On the other hand, you need to reinforce the frame of the table by installing the braces. Cut the braces at 45º and fit them into place with galvanized screws. Make sure the sides of the table are plumb.

Picnic Bench Plans

Building-the-bench-legs

Continue the woodworking project and build the two benches. As you can see in the image, you need to cut the ends of the slats at 24º. In addition, you need to cut 3/4″ notches inside the legs, otherwise they won’t overlap properly.

Clean the recess with a chisel and smooth the surface with medium-grit sandpaper. Add waterproof glue and lock the X-shaped legs together with a 2 1/2″ galvanized screws.

Fitting the supports

In order to support the seat slats, we recommend you to attach 2×4 lumber to the exterior of the X-shaped lumber. Cut the ends of the supports at angle and attach them to the legs.

Drill pilot holes trough the supports to prevent the wood from splitting. If you want to get a professional result, we recommend you to add waterproof glue to the joint. In this manner, you will create strong bonds between the components.

Building the bench slats

Attach the 2×4 slats to the supports, after plumbing the sides with a spirit level. If you want to get a professional result, we  recommend you to drill pilot hole trough the slats, before inserting the galvanized screws.

Top Tip: The slats should overhang the frame for about 5″. In addition, we recommend you to place the slats equally spaced, leaving between them about 1/4″.

Fitting the braces

One of the last steps of the project is to reinforce the frame with 2×4 braces. Cut the ends of the braces at 45º, if you want to get a professional result. Fit the braces into place, drill pilot holes and lock them to the components with galvanized screws.

It is essential to plumb the sides of the table and to check if the slats are horizontal, before attaching the wooden braces. If you follow these guidelines, you will get a professional result.

Picnic table bench plans

Last but not least, you should take care of the finishing touches. Therefore, fill the holes with wood putty and let the compound to dry out for several hours. Smooth the surface with medium-grit sandpaper along the wood grain.

Top Tip: Apply several coats of stain or paint to enhance the look of the outdoor storage box and to protect the components from decay. Check out the rest of the project, to how how to build the deck stair rails.

This project was about picnic table bench plans. If you want to see more outdoor plans, we recommend you to check out the rest of the projects. Don’t forget to share our projects with your friends, by using the social media widgets.

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