This step by step woodworking project is about wooden picnic table plans. Building a wooden picnic table is a great project, if you like to spend your weekends in the garden and to take dinner with your friends. Before starting the construction project, we recommend you to choose the design and the materials that suit your needs and tastes. Redwood, cedar or pine are great choices, as they are both durable and have a nice natural finish.
This project features a simple picnic table with a central pillar that supports the whole structure. Set the 4×4 or 6×6 post into concrete at least 24″, if you want to get the job done in a professional manner. Work with attention and with great care, making sure you follow the instructions described in this article and use professional tools. Don’t forget to check out the related projects, as to find out more about octagon or traditional picnic tables. See all my Premium Plans HERE.
Projects made from these plans
Cut & Shopping Lists
- A – 1 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 52” long POST
- B – 1 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 52″ long, 2 pieces – 30 1/4″, 2 pieces – 14″ long SUPPORT
- C – 4 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 72″, 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 11″ long BENCHES
- D – 4 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 72″, 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 23 1/2″ long TABLETOP
Tools
Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square
Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander, Post-hole digger
Time
One weekend
Related
Building a wooden picnic table
Building a wooden picnic table
Top Tip: Building a wooden picnic table can be done in several ways. In this project we show you a unique design that will add value to any garden. Work with attention and with great care, making sure you adjust the size and design with the style of your yard.
Wooden picnic table plans
Building the post
The first step of the woodworking project is to build the posts out of 4×4 lumber. As you can see in the image, you need to cut a small notch inside the posts, as in the plans. Drill a starting hole inside the marked rectangle and cut it out by using a jigsaw.
It is essential to take accurate measurements and to smooth the inside of the notch, if you want to get a professional result. Don’t forge that you should set the posts into concrete for at least 24″.
Attaching the bench support
Continue the project by setting the support inside the wooden post. As you can see in the image, you need to cut a piece of 2×4 lumber at 52″ and fit it inside the wooden post.
Dig a 24″ deep holes in the ground, fit the post into place and pour concrete. Level the surface with a trowel and let the concrete to dry out. After a few days, you should continue the woodworking project.
Attaching the supports
The next step of the woodworking project is to attach the supports to the top of the wooden post. As you can notice in the image, you need to build the supports from 2×4 lumber and attach them to the posts.
Drill pilot holes through the supports and through the post, before inserting the 7″ carriage bolts. Add waterproof glue if you want to create a rigid structure. Add braces to the bench support, as in the image.
Attaching the benches
After building the structure of the picnic bench, we recommend you to attach the 2×6 lumber slats, as in the diagrams. Attach the slats to bench frame and lock them into place with galvanized screws.
Top Tip: Drill pilot holes trough the slats, countersink the head of the screws and insert 2 1/2″ galvanized screws into the supports. Leave about 1/2″ between the slats, by placing a plywood piece between them.
Attaching the tabletop
One of the last steps of the woodworking project is to attach the slats to the tabletop. As you can notice in the image, we recommend you place the slats to the supports and to lock them into place with 2 1/2″ screws.
Leave about 1/2″ between the slats, if you want to get a professional result. Place a piece of wood between the slats, if you want to get even gaps. Use a sander to smooth the surface and a router to round the exposed edges.
Wooden picnic table 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 picnic table table.
This woodworking project was about wooden 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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1 comment
I find this Picnic table to be unsafe to sit on due to the lack of support for all 4 seating positions. Why is there only support in the middle between the 2 seats?